Marshall County Plan Director Ty Adley presented a few amendments to the solar ordinance during the most recent Marshall County Commissioners meeting.
Adley reminded the commissioners that earlier this year they approved a solar ordinance, but placed a moratorium on solar farm developments more than 10 acres. He said a solar task force was formed to further put together amendments to the ordinance.
“One thing was added was a 150-foot setback from the center line of adjacent right-of-ways, essentially pushing the proposal or the opportunity for panels to be against the roads further back to 150 feet. In terms of lot coverage, the site shall be planted and maintained to be free of all invasive species as listed by the Indiana Invasive Species Council.”
The ordinance will follow wording from the Michiana Council of Governments.
Additionally, Adley said changes were made concerning setbacks and buffering.
A security fence must be maintained, plus wording is included that deals with the preservation of topsoil, minimization of deforestation, energy storage solutions, and a wildlife mitigation study. The preferred locations would place solar farms in Brownfields, industrial-zoned property, or marginal agricultural soils. Under the decommissioning process, if the facility has not generated power for six months, than it should undergo the decommissioning plans with a semi-annual generational report.
Equipment should be 95 percent recyclable.
Adley commented that the Planning Commission members approved the amendments with a unanimous recommendation to the commissioners.
During a public hearing on the amendments, resident Deb VanDeMark said she likes the changes, but she is still concerned about a corporation that is looking to construct a solar farm on farm land near her home.
The commissioners were concerned about the placement of solar farms on marginal agricultural soils as stated in the amendment, but want more time to review more information before making a decision. Commissioner Michael Burroughs said he would like to see the solar farms on Brownfields or on easements owned by a power company. Commissioner Stan Klotz commented that he is leaning toward a ban on large solar farms because he believes the technology is not available or the ability to recycle them.
However, they did approve the amendments to the ordinance on first reading with a unanimous vote, but will be looking to make some suggestions for changes. They will next discuss this at their second meeting in October.
