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CCRPC staff backs 146 kW solar array at 321 Bear Trap Road, urges mitigation for environmental constraints
Summary
The CCRPC Executive Committee reviewed a petition for a 146 kW solar array in Milton and said staff supports the site for net metering if identified environmental constraints — including rare species, agricultural/hydric soils and priority forest blocks — are avoided or mitigated.
The Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC) Executive Committee on Aug. 3 reviewed a full petition filed by WRS Investment Inc. to construct a 146 kilowatt solar array at 321 Bear Trap Road in Milton. Regina Mahony, Planning Program Manager, told the committee the project "meets the intent of the Energy Goal #17, of the 2018 ECOS Plan."
Mahony said the petition responds to concerns that appeared in the 45-day notice: one known state constraint (rare, threatened and endangered species) and two possible constraints (agricultural and hydric soils, and Vermont Conservation Design Highest Priority Forest Blocks). She said staff supports the site as a preferred location for net metering provided those constraints are avoided or mitigated and that the petition's full materials address the earlier flagged issues.
Committee members asked procedural questions about whether the CCRPC should note municipal approval in its letter. Mahony clarified that Section 248 projects that receive Public Utility Commission approval do not go through local approval in the same way Act 250 projects do; Charlie Baker, Executive Director, said staff will forward the draft letter by e-mail now and place the item on next month’s agenda for ratification.
Next steps: CCRPC staff will transmit the draft letter to committee members by e-mail and seek formal ratification at the committee’s next meeting; staff noted additional comments could follow as the review continues.
