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Staff flags possible unauthorized timber harvest near solar project; DEEP inspected
Summary
Willington staff reported complaints that a timber harvest and clearing occurred at or adjacent to a solar project site before required notices; the state inspected and staff sent letters to property owners while the town pursues follow‑up.
Town staff told the Willington Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency that complaints were received after significant tree removal was observed at a location associated with a solar siting (the '41 LOI' parcel) and at an adjacent property. According to staff, some equipment and vehicle tracking onto public roads prompted resident complaints and a site inspection request.
Staff said they reached out to the solar project's contacts, who initially denied responsibility and supplied the forester's contact; the forester claimed the harvest was "under 25,000 board ft" and therefore exempted from certain permitting thresholds. Staff said the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) conducted an inspection and indicated the removal may exceed thresholds and warranted further review. "We received some complaints from people in the area… we sent a notice to make them aware," staff said, describing coordination with DEEP and the siting council.
Commissioners discussed that some clearing removed a large portion of trees and that the town's land‑use authorities will continue to investigate whether notifications or permits were required. Staff confirmed they issued letters to the property owner and that additional follow‑up would be conducted; the commission noted that property boundary disputes and logging activity may involve conservation commission and other town authorities.
The town's next steps are to continue coordination with DEEP, confirm the scope of harvested material and whether state or local permits were required, and pursue any enforcement or remediation as warranted.
