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Wayne County Planning Board approves 5.03-MW ground-mounted solar project in Walworth
Summary
The board approved a 5.03-MW-DC / 4.0-MW-AC ground-mounted solar project on leased agricultural land in Walworth. The applicant said the land is not currently farmed, there will be no battery storage, and sheep grazing is planned; the motion passed with one abstention.
The Wayne County Planning Board voted Feb. 25 to approve a 5.03-megawatt direct-current (5.03-MW-DC / 4.0-MW-AC) ground-mounted solar array on leased agricultural land at 5325 Walworth-Ontario Road.
Planner Eli Levine introduced the application as a final site plan for a ground-mounted solar project under a lease agreement. "The land is not currently being used for farming," Levine said. Board members asked about agricultural impacts and community reaction; Patricia Marini, the board member representing Walworth, said neighbors "have not expressed concern" and that "the project will bring sheep onto the land to remain in the agricultural district." Marini also stated there would be no battery storage for the project.
The board discussed potential soil impacts — Levine said the project would have minimal impact on mineral soil groups 1 through 4 — and the Industrial Development Agency's role; the IDA charges an additional fee that will be used for agricultural land preservation. Members also noted that six solar projects already exist in Walworth and that the applicant confirmed the grid can support an additional project.
Steve Guthrie moved to approve the final site plan; Rob Burns seconded. The motion passed (Ayes 11, Nays 0) with Patricia Marini recorded as abstaining. No conditions or variances were listed in the record.
The decision allows the project to proceed to any subsequent permitting steps with the county and relevant agencies.
