MONTAGUE — The White River Township planning commission prepared a statement during Tuesday's special meeting, expressing "significant concern" with the special land use permit submitted by Lakeside Solar, a Geronimo Power subsidiary, for its planned solar energy facility.
Commission chair Lauren Wackernagel read the statement to begin the meeting. It addressed what the commission feels is Lakeside Solar’s “continued lack of timely engagement and good faith effort,” which is a “significant concern for our due diligence process.”
The commission conducted a review of the application, which “identified many instances of incomplete and incorrect information” which it said were required by White River Township ordinance and Public Act 233, under which the company is seeking the permit.
Wackernagel’s statement said, “the planning commission is charged with a huge decision that will change the character and structure of our entire township. It is important that we understand the full scope of this complex project so that we can make an informed decision.”
The commission invited presentations from several experts and consultants, who will also be presenting at the regular planning commission meeting scheduled for Dec. 16. These presenters were Civil Engineering Solutions owner and licensed engineer Leslie Zawada, forestry consultant Dave Francis, and horticulturist and educator Connie Cranser.
Zawada discussed the follow-up questions her and her CES colleagues prepared for Lakeside Solar, primarily pertaining to facility preparedness such as events of fire, stormwater, flooding, topsoil removal, and decommissioning the land following the end of the facility’s operations. Of the questions asked, Lakeside Solar responded to many with the opinion that answers were not required by PA233. At multiple points, Zawada shared her disagreement with that assessment.
Francis and Cranser - both Montague residents - provided reviews of the vegetation management plan included in Lakeside Solar’s application, agreeing that the plan lacked necessary biodiversity, was vague regarding how the plants would be delivered and grown, and provided outdated sources of information. Cranser said she did not find that the plan adhered to best vegetation management practices.
Nearly 30 White River Township residents attended the meeting, of which six gave feedback during public comment. Many addressed their issues with Lakeside Solar’s lack of answers, long-term plan for the land, and thanked the planning commission for being thorough and doing their due diligence.
One resident voiced disappointment over Lakeside Solar’s lack of communication, despite earlier claims at public hearings that they were committed to working with the community. Another said, “I think… we [in White River Township] have always been respectful, and we have not gotten that back. As far as I’m concerned, every question that the planning commission has should be answered.”
