Randolph County commissioners disapprove Riverstart Solar Park 2 location after lengthy public hearing

The Randolph County Board of Commissioners voted to disapprove the proposed Riverstart Solar Park 2 site following a lengthy public hearing that drew dozens of residents on both sides of the issue.

EDP Renewables representatives introduced the Riverstart Solar Park 2 project as a roughly 100–125 megawatt commercial solar installation in Union Township and said they expect construction to begin in spring 2027 with operations by November 2028. Brad Dilger, EDP project manager (S31), told the board the company has an executed interconnection agreement, plans to use 500-foot setbacks and vegetative buffers, and points to prior local investments, saying, “Renewable energy has brought approximately $20,000,000 to local government, including $4,300,000 from earlier phases of Riverstart.” Tom Loturko (S32) added that the interconnection capacity in the area is nearly full, saying, “this is the last project that we can do in this area.”

Residents who spoke during the three-minute public-comment period raised consistent concerns about the project's local impacts. Andy and Nicole Collins (S21), who live inside the proposed footprint, asked the county to require drainage and tile surveys, a property-value guarantee for nonparticipating neighbors and a periodically reviewed decommissioning bond. Nicole Collins said living “surrounded by industrial energy infrastructure” would be a long-term change to their livelihood and local landscape. Several speakers described flooding and tile damage they attributed to prior energy construction; farming families appealed to the board to protect tillable acres and the prospects of younger generations.

Opponents framed multiple themes: loss of productive farmland, long-term inability to restore topsoil and drainage, visual and community-character impacts, and health concerns related to electromagnetic fields (EMF). Nita Lester (S22) recounted family history on a farm dating to 1837 and said the proposal threatened multigenerational ties to the land. Public-health concerns were raised by Joy Bollin (S39), a nurse practitioner, who said longitudinal studies on EMF exposure are limited and urged caution when projects are near schools and families.

EDP’s presentation addressed many of those themes. Dilger said prior Riverstart phases delivered local construction spending and created a Union Township assistance fund and an annual endowment. The company emphasized road-use agreements and commitments to repair drainage and offer decommissioning security. Dilger said panels would be domestically sourced and recycled through partners, calling the project a source of “quiet, clean energy” and local revenue.

Commissioners heard repeated requests for zoning changes, acreage caps and at least a pause on approving new large-scale projects in Union Township. Several residents urged the board to consider a moratorium or a formal rezoning process so large commercial solar parks would not be treated as agricultural use. Jonathan Edwards (S33) asked the board to “put a pause” on new permits and establish limits; other speakers urged the commissioners to follow the county’s comprehensive plan language on no net loss of prime agricultural land.

After the hearing closed and counsel summarized statutory timing, the commissioners debated whether to decide that day or reconvene within five days (the ordinance requires the board to notify the area plan director of its decision within five days of the hearing). Chair (S2) stated his decision to disapprove the location; Commissioners Tom (S14) and Missy (S6) voiced agreement. A motion to disapprove the site location as presented was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.

The decision recorded by the commissioners was limited to the appropriateness of the proposed site under the county ordinance; counsel noted that a commissioner’s site disapproval does not, by itself, change zoning language or stop other applicants countywide. Commissioners said their vote reflected concern about concentration of energy projects in Union Township, parcel zoning classifications (including AG-limited areas), and cumulative local impacts.

Next steps: under the ordinance the commissioners will provide written notice of their determination to the director of the area plan commission within five days. The county did not take separate action on agreements (road use, drainage, decommissioning) during the session; EDP representatives said they will continue to engage on design and mitigation if future approvals are pursued.