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Board approves large Snowflake-area solar and battery project with conditions after mixed public comment
Summary
Supervisors approved a special-use permit for a large solar and battery-storage project northwest of Snowflake, subject to staff conditions including bonding and decommissioning requirements; the decision follows testimony from ranchers and conservation advocates and assurances about outreach and mitigation.
The Navajo County Board of Supervisors voted to approve a special-use permit for a large solar generation and battery energy storage project northwest of Snowflake after hearing staff analysis, a presentation by an applicant attorney and mixed public comment.
Planning staff described a proposal covering roughly 9,213 acres that would include solar arrays, a 34.5 kV collection system, an on-site substation and a battery energy storage system with potential for up to 1,000 megawatts for up to four hours. Staff recommended approval with 14 conditions addressing cultural and environmental studies, community outreach, bonding and decommissioning obligations.
Thomas Galvin, representing the developer Stuels Stellar Renewables, and the landowner expressed readiness to work through conditions and outside-agency permitting, including utility interconnection and any required Corporation Commission steps. "We comply with the comprehensive plan and the zoning codes," Galvin told supervisors, noting prior unanimous approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Public commenters were divided. Supporters framed the project as private investment in clean energy and as an economic opportunity; opponents, including local ranchers and conservation advocates, warned of impacts to grazing, wildlife corridors, water sources and open space. One rancher said five sections of family ranch land would be affected and raised concerns about elk habitat and soil erosion.
Board members asked staff about public outreach points and mitigation measures at later permitting stages and discussed how solar differs from wind in land use and continuing grazing compatibility. Planning staff and the applicant confirmed the process requires additional external reviews, a utility procurement match and further public hearings at agencies such as the Arizona Corporation Commission.
After deliberation the board voted to approve the special-use permit as presented with staff-recommended conditions; supervisors emphasized bonding and decommissioning commitments and directed staff to ensure the record addresses impacts and mitigation.
What happens next: Applicant will proceed with interagency reviews, utility procurement steps and any certificate-of-environmental-compatibility process; the county will track compliance with conditions and require financial assurances for decommissioning and site restoration.
