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Town monitors Onion River solar utility after weed compliance and noise study concerns
Summary
Town officials reported slow progress by Alliant Energy toward noxious‑weed compliance at Onion River Solar parcels and reviewed a post‑construction noise study; Alliant said exceedances reflected ambient noise and Supervisor Lammers proposed a monitoring committee.
Town officials updated the board on issues at the Onion River Solar Utility, where the Town Weed Commissioner issued a notice to Alliant Energy over persistent noxious weeds. Michael Kuffel, the Town Weed Commissioner, has been working with Alliant Energy but reported slow progress toward compliance.
The Town also received a post‑construction noise study for the solar utility. Chair Huenink reviewed the study and relayed that it concluded measured noise was within allowed thresholds, but some readings were queried by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission as higher than expected. Alliant Energy representatives told the Town the apparent exceedances reflected ambient noise rather than noise generated by the utility.
Supervisor Stanley Lammers asked the board to consider forming a committee to ensure the developer complies with the Joint Development Agreement governing the Onion River Solar Utility. The board did not form a committee at the meeting but indicated the issue will be monitored and correspondence will be shared with board members.
Why it matters: The utility sits on parcels within the town and potentially affects nearby property conditions (weeds, noise) and compliance with local ordinances and the joint development agreement. Monitoring or enforcement actions could affect remediation timelines and require coordination with state regulators.
