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CCRPC approves 45‑day notice for 4.999 MW South Burlington battery project and endorses Colchester solar petition review
Summary
The committee found the South Burlington 4.999 MW BESS and a 150 kW Colchester solar project in conformance with the 2018 Chittenden County ECOS Plan subject to permits and potential constraints; both review letters were approved unanimously for submission.
The Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission Joint Executive & Finance Committee reviewed two land-use filings Sept. 7 and unanimously approved letters advancing both reviews.
Taylor Newton, planning program manager, presented a 45-day Act 250 notice for a proposed 4.999 MW Battery Energy Storage System at Community Drive in South Burlington (South Burlington Tech Park BESS 1 LLC). CCRPC staff concluded the project is in conformance with the Planning Areas of the 2018 Chittenden County ECOS Plan and noted a determination of energy compliance by the Vermont Department of Public Service. Staff identified potential constraints including one known river-corridor constraint, possible agricultural and hydric soils, possible riparian-connectivity impacts and a known local water-protection buffer constraint. The committee voted to approve the 45-day notice letter as presented.
Newton also presented a Section 248 full petition from Aegis Renewable Energy for a 150 kW solar array at 0 Mercier Drive in Colchester (town-owned parcel). CCRPC found the proposal meets ECOS Plan suitability and constraints policies provided a wetlands permit is received from the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources; Newton said CCRPC will review subsequent submittals and noted project details may change between advance notice and final petition. Jacki Murphy asked how applicants typically respond to CCRPC comments; Newton said developers usually address concerns at the full-petition stage. The committee approved the Section 248 petition letter unanimously.
Both approvals were advisory submittals from CCRPC; staff emphasized CCRPC is reviewing and flagging constraints for permitting authorities and that final project approvals rest with other agencies.