Todd County commissioners deny Eagle Bend 10 MW solar conditional‑use permit

Todd County commissioners voted 4–1 on June 2 to deny a conditional‑use permit for a proposed 10‑megawatt Eagle Bend solar farm after debate about farmland protection, decommissioning guarantees and whether a variance was the correct route for solar on agricultural land.

Planning staff introduced the application as a CUP for a 10 MW facility on Parcel 280001100 in Weicom Township and noted the planning commission had recommended denial. During discussion commissioners and the planning liaison questioned whether the project aligned with the county comprehensive plan and the AF‑1 agricultural district. Commissioners also debated bond and decommissioning options and whether cash sureties should be required rather than non‑cash instruments.

The proponent, Tina Munson of US Solar, told the board the company had prepared a Q&A packet and was prepared to answer construction and operations questions. "We have proven on the record time and time again that this project's a good project and that approving it is the right decision," Munson said during public comment. Opponents raised farmland and environmental concerns: a resident cautioned that panel breakage could introduce hazardous material and questioned the long‑term lifecycle and community benefits of utility‑scale panels.

After extended discussion the board adopted a motion to deny the CUP based on the planning commission findings. The clerk recorded a roll‑call result of 4 in favor and 1 opposed; the motion carried. The denial preserves the planning commission’s findings and leaves potential remedies — including ordinance revision or litigation over the variance — available to applicants.