Solar project is a hot topic during county meetings

Part One: Marshall County Commissioners

The Solar Project was addressed during both the county commissioners and county council meeting recently. The Solar Project is also on the agenda for the Marshall county Plan commission meeting later this month.

Deborah Vandemark and Paul Levett, both residents of culver, approached the commissioners during the public input portion of the commissioners meeting last week.

Vandemark requested that the commissioners consider placing a moratorium on the Solar Farm Project to hear public input on updating the Solar Farm Ordinance in addition to establishing a battery Project Ordinance to establish a Solar Development Policy.

commissioner Stan Klotz indicated that a presence before the Plan commission would be appropriate. He indicated that he has done some additional research and has also met with a representative from Tenaska regarding the battery Project. Klotz said that he was informed that the battery Project is not contingent upon the establishment of a Solar Farm Project but is a separate project with independent interest. He indicated that the commonality between the projects is an interest in the burr Oak Substation.

Klotz referred to House bill 1173 which details Utility Scale battery Energy Systems (BESS). according to iga.in.gov, House bill 1173 was authored by Representative Jim Pressel and co-authored by Representative Edmond Soliday, and Representative Robert Morris. The bill was sponsored by Senator Eric Koch, Senator chris Garten, Senator Mike bohacek, and Senator Jean Leising. The summary states:

Utility scale battery energy storage systems.

Provides that

a person may not: (1) construct a new utility scale battery energy storage system (BESS); or (2) expand the capacity of an existing BESS by more than 10% of the system's original capacity; without the prior approval of the department of homeland security (department). Sets forth information that must be included in an application to the department for approval of the construction or expansion of a BESS. Provides that: (1) a BESS for which installation is subject to department approval; and (2) an installation added to an existing BESS in an expansion for which department approval is required; must comply with the National Fire Protection Association's standard concerning stationary energy storage systems (NFPA 855). Provides that the total capacity of the batteries contained within a single enclosure in: (1) a BESS for which installation is subject to department approval; and (2) an installation added to an existing BESS in an expansion for which department approval is required; may not exceed 10 megawatt hours unless authorized under rules adopted by the fire prevention and building safety commission (commission). Provides that if a BESS installed after June 30, 2023, is located less than 1/2 mile from the nearest 100 year flood plain, all of the system's equipment must be located at least two feet above the 100 year frequency flood elevation. Requires the operator of a BESS to: (1) provide a copy of the operator's emergency response plan for the BESS; and (2) offer training to enable effective response to a fire or contaminant discharge at the BESS; to the fire department responsible for providing fire protection services in the area in which the BESS is located. Authorizes the commission to adopt rules to specify standards for the installation and operation of a BESS.

Provides that the commission's rules: (1) must be consistent with NFPA 855; and (2) must include standards for: (A) chemical spill prevention and control; and (B) appropriate setbacks from surface water resources. Requires the department to issue to the interim study committee on energy, utilities, and telecommunication, not later than November 1, 2023, a report regarding the progress of the commission in adopting rules addressing the installation and operation of a BESS.

Klotz said he was not willing to support such projects as yet and was not confident Marshall County was prepared for such projects at the present time and cited the need for additional and reliable information for leadership, property owners and the public.

Klotz asked the Commissioners to consider how they would like to vote on a two year moratorium to be presented at the next meeting which will be held on Monday, June 19 at 9:30 a.m. at the Marshall County Building Room 203.

During Public Input, Tim Mccarthy of Culver spoke in favor of the Solar Project stating that it is the right of the property owner to determine best use of their property. He referred to the previous moratorium and the committee that had been formed to discuss how best to move forward which had already been voted upon by the Commissioners as reflected in the current ordinance.

Details on Solar Energy Systems as currently permitted in Marshall County are contained and detailed in Ordinance No. 2020-14 An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 2007-10 Commonly Known As “The Marshall County Zoning Ordinance”.

Solar Project is hot topic during County Meetings Part Two: Council will print in tomorrow’s Pilot News.