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Planning board to place draft solar decommissioning bond policy on April 15 agenda
Summary
A planning board member presented a short draft decommissioning bond policy for solar projects based on state guidance (including recommending bonds at 125% of decommissioning cost and accepting cash or irrevocable standby letters of credit). The board agreed to add the policy to the April 15 agenda for further review.
A planning board member presented a short draft decommissioning bond policy for solar projects and asked the board to place it on the April 15 meeting agenda. The draft follows state guidance that suggests a decommissioning bond equal to 125% of estimated removal costs and permits cash or an irrevocable standby letter of credit as acceptable security.
The presenter said the policy was intentionally brief and based on state model language so the town can avoid being "bullied" by aggressive applicants or attorneys and to make expectations clear. Board members discussed how a short policy may deter speculative filings that try to lock in site-plan or subdivision status before local rules are finalized. The presenter noted the decommissioning policy complements proposed bylaw revisions and that staff will circulate the draft before the next meeting.
In other business the board noted the master-plan RFP has been awarded to VHB and that a site-plan extension for Charlton Development LLC (Scurbbridge Road) was approved to July 14, 2027. The board instructed staff to place the decommissioning policy on the April 15 agenda for review and potential action.
