Planning board sets hearing for Sherman Solar array; developer details decommissioning and materials

Daniel Yanosh, representing Sherman Solar/Solar Advocate Development, presented a revised site plan for a proposed solar installation at 4735 County Road 37 and said adjustments were made to setbacks and the access road to respond to concerns raised by parish members.

Yanosh told the board that "no herbicides are being used on this property" and that the transformers proposed "do not use petroleum so there is no risk of contamination were there to be a mechanical failure." He also said the panels are made of glass and metal rather than older chemical-intensive designs and that the project will include a decommissioning plan set for 30 years with a bond to underwrite decommissioning costs if needed. Yanosh added construction will likely wait until area utility substations are upgraded to accept added generation. Board members and Zoom participants asked about panel markings and disposal; Yanosh said materials specifications and disposal details are included in the submission and will be described in the decommissioning plan. Josh Doucet moved to set a public hearing on April 23, 2026; Brenda Harrington seconded and the motion carried unanimously.