Planning board narrows technical questions, schedules May 28 follow-up for 190 Ridge Road solar project

The Worthington Planning Board voted to continue its review of a proposed solar installation at 190 Ridge Road as members pressed the applicant and peer reviewers for more technical information on hydrology, groundwater monitoring, noise and visual screening.

The board said consultants are compiling a set of technical questions to send to peer reviewer Blue Wave, with staff aiming to transmit the list by mid‑May and to hold a follow‑up hearing on May 28. Board members repeatedly emphasized their legal authority focuses on health and safety impacts and on enforcing local zoning bylaws, not on choosing technologies.

Residents and board members raised several substantive gaps in the application. The board noted the initial filing did not mention an onsite battery and asked the applicant to clarify battery siting and related safety measures. Members and neighbors also asked for a hydrology and geotechnical review that addresses bedrock fracturing, a groundwater monitoring plan (before, during and after construction), a drinking‑water hazardous‑release plan, and a stormwater infiltration analysis.

An abutter who said she was barred from part of a site visit urged engineers to view the project from her property to assess visual impact. The resident also sought a sight‑line analysis and written commitments on screening and fencing.

Noise and vibration were singled out for more detailed review. "I was the one that raised the noise," said Annie, a planning board member. Board members and residents asked for an ambient baseline noise test at the site and a follow‑up test after energizing, plus clear enforceable conditions — for example, a defined period for remedial action or shutdown if noise limits are exceeded.

Consultants on the board’s list include Beacon Integrated Solutions (Beth Ringlet) and Blue Wave; the board said the consultants’ role is to frame technical questions and provide analyses that the board’s engineers will then evaluate. Board staff said the first set of questions would go to Blue Wave by May 14 and that the hearing may be brief if reviewers can return usable answers.

Town counsel and bylaw questions also surfaced during the meeting. Board members agreed to ask counsel about how to handle parcels that cross zoning districts (a bylaw issue referenced as section 3.3.F) and noted that site‑plan review has statutory timing limits; the applicant can consent to extensions, or the board can deny if critical information is missing.

The board did not take any final votes on the application at the meeting; members said they expect further consultant reports and a continuation of the hearing on May 28.