ERVING — One of three possible solar projects cleared a hurdle this week when the Conservation Commission determined the proposed site to be clear of wetlands.
Meanwhile, site visits for two projects planned for Mountain Road were scheduled, and discussion was continued to an Aug. 6 meeting.
Commission Chairman David Brule and members Carol Gregory and Beth Bazler voted in agreement with a determination of no wetlands on the residential property of Ronald and Bernadette Whitney on East Main Street, where a ground-mounted solar array is to be installed by Bright Panel Solar.
“We spoke, we went to the Whitneys’ house on East Main and said, ‘This is a no-brainer. No problem,’” Brule said. “I suggest we check off the area, saying this area is not an area subject to protection.”
Two other proposed solar projects would face each other on Mountain Road. What is called the Wait Solar Project would be a five-megawatt capacity ground-mounted solar array of approximately 19 acres, according to OYA Solar. The property has a wooded section that would be cleared if the project is approved.
Commission members were concerned about a parcel of possible wetlands not marked in the plans, and wanted to check a portion of the parcel that had some levels of water on a previous visit.
“We were in there with the consultant and their consultant, and there was no indication of any wetlands there, yet, we’re standing in muck,” Brule said.
The commission requested the area be flagged to indicate where the wetlands were. Bazler proposed having a third-party consultant help determine where the wetlands are on the parcel.
The other Mountain Road project, called the Savage Solar Project, would be a five-megawatt, ground-mounted solar array on roughly 15 acres. The board determined it wants the Savage Solar Project to be flagged as well.
The commission scheduled a tentative date for the two site visits.
Four solar projects have been proposed this year. Brule said an application for a French King solar facility will be addressed at the Aug. 6 meeting. The solar facility, which was going to be 55 acres, is proposed to be on a groundwater protection overlay district, according to Brule.