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PSC approves Muddy Creek Solar project with environmental and community conditions
Summary
The Public Service Commission granted a CPCN for Muddy Creek Solar — a proposed 321.7 MW AC solar plant with 300 MW BESS and a 345 kV tie — subject to standard and project‑specific mitigation measures and commitments, including joint development agreements and a long‑term charitable pledge to local school districts.
The Public Service Commission voted on May 14 to approve a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the Muddy Creek Solar project, a proposed 321.7‑megawatt alternating‑current solar generating facility paired with a 300‑megawatt battery energy storage system and a 345 kV generation tie line.
Chair Strand described the proposal as a relatively straightforward merchant‑scale project with measurable environmental benefits and community commitments. “To me, this is the embodiment of putting your money where your mouth is,” Strand said, citing the developer’s joint agreements with town and county officials and a charitable pledge agreement that will deliver $75,000 per year for 20 years to two local school districts.
Project details: Muddy Creek’s primary and alternate facility areas cover roughly 3,782 acres with underground collector circuits for on‑site cabling. The developer committed to third‑party testing of equipment, a project‑specific emergency response plan for the battery system, vegetative screening where appropriate, a decommissioning plan, and coordination with local fire and rescue responders.
Environmental review and mitigation: Commission staff and the Department of Natural Resources evaluated wetland, waterway, archaeological, and visual impacts in an environmental assessment. Commissioners found that, with project‑specific mitigation and the applicant’s commitments, the project would not cause undue adverse environmental impacts under applicable statutory criteria. The order includes both standard CPCN conditions and project‑specific measures addressing archaeology, post‑construction seed mix consultation with DNR, wetland protections, winter stabilization practices and monitoring, and decommissioning assurances.
Local engagement and benefits: The developer executed joint development agreements with the Town of Springbrook and Dunn County and has undertaken significant outreach to stakeholders. The charitable pledge — combined with the community agreements — was repeatedly cited by commissioners as a factor in assessing local impacts and benefits.
Next steps: The certificate is conditioned on the commission’s listed standard and project‑specific requirements; construction and decommissioning work will proceed under those conditions and with required filings and monitoring.
