County commissioners to intervene in solar project

Auglaize County commissioners have officially signed a resolution agreeing to intervene in the Birch Solar Project.

Commissioner Doug Spencer explained they took action to get a seat at the table in the siting process for drainage, road access and decommissioning concerns.

Commissioners recently met with Auglaize Allen Coalition for Reasonable Energy officials, who were also considering filing as interveners.

Michael Wildermuth, with Auglaize and Allen Coalition for Responsible Energy, said their group is still exploring whether they have standing to intervene. He said some members have standing. He called commissioners concerns legitimate but not great concerns.

“Once the project is approved, the company is required by law not to exacerbate the existing drainage conditions,” Wildermuth said.

He said commissioners might work with the company to reach a stipulation in the siting process.

Wildermuth also wrote a letter to commissioners after their meeting.

“I am informed that the new requirements put in place by Sub. SB 52 as regards the five-year review of the decommissioning bond will apply to the Birch Solar project. In addition, I am told that, as a result of the five year review, the decommissioning bond can increase but that it cannot decrease. I am certain that this information is of interest to you,” Wildermuth wrote.

He also addressed concerns about the large amount of interest in solar development in Auglaize County acknowledging large scale change as disorienting.

“The electricity produced by an acre of solar panels moves an electric vehicle significantly farther than the ethanol from an acre of corn moves

a gasoline powered vehicle. Some estimates state more than 70 times farther! So, although nontraditional, solar farms represent a much more efficient use of land,” Wildermuth said. “I am told that nearly 40 percent of Ohio’s corn crop is destined for ethanol production; certainly an enormous misallocation of resources. Furthermore, reducing crop acreage will lower the supply of commodity crops and a smaller supply will likely lead to higher prices, benefiting those farmers still producing crops on their land. Finally, payments from solar developers to farmers will greatly help to stabilize farm incomes, smoothing the boom and bust experience that farmers and rural economies have dealt with historically.”

Birch Solar Project officials have formally announced a third public information meeting Aug. 19 at the University of Northwestern Ohio in Lima, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A pre-recorded powerpoint presentation will also be available and company representatives will be on hand to answer questions. Information will also be available in an open house style format with pasteboards.