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Residents urge county to study wildlife impacts of nearby solar projects; geologist points to environmental site assessments
Summary
During public comment a Claremont resident described increased coyote and bear activity near her property and asked whether the county has surveyed wildlife displacement from nearby solar projects; a geologist visiting from Virginia Beach said environmental site assessments typically evaluate wildlife habitat before projects proceed.
Resident Elle O'Connor (Claremont) told the commission that since a nearby solar project was constructed she has seen more coyotes and bears on her property and asked whether the county has done — or will do — any survey of wildlife displacement tied to solar installations. "Has the board done a survey or will do a survey on the displacement of wildlife from the proposed areas of the solar panel projects?" she asked, describing increased predator presence and raising concern for family safety and pets.
Tara Pascarosa, a geologist visiting from Virginia Beach, responded during public comment that environmental site assessments generally review wildlife habitat, flora and fauna as part of project permitting. "Before solar panels are actually put on the property, there's an environmental site assessment that takes into consideration the wildlife and any habitat and flora and fauna," Pascarosa said, advising that those assessments are standard practice and a likely place to look for mitigation and baseline data.
