BZA gives okay to Moss Creek Solar variance

The Moss Creek solar farm, a project of NextEra Energy Resources, is projected to include a $210 million investment and a potential for $20.5 million in local tax revenue – estimated over first 30 years of the project.

NextEra, headquartered in Juno Beach, FL, operates solar projects in 27 states, including four small and large-scale solar projects in Indiana.

According to the project’s website, features of the Moss Creek Solar Project will include photovoltaic (PV) solar arrays capable of generating up to 200 megawatts (MW) of clean, renewable energy. Subject to local and state approvals, the project is scheduled to begin operations as early as December 2023. According to the application, the project will include property from seven landowners. Project manager is Zachary Melda of Juno Beach.

Moss Creek is the second proposed solar project for Pulaski County. Last year, in two separate hearings, the BZA granted special exceptions to the county’s zoning ordinance for the larger, three-part Mammoth Solar Project, comprising over 8,000 acres in Jefferson, Monroe, Rich Grove, Beaver and Franklin Townships. (The Mammoth project also includes additional acreage in Starke County.)

However, last month in Pulaski Superior Court, Special Judge Kim Hall of Starke County ruled in favor of 10 petitioners (four couples and two individuals) who brought a lawsuit against the project. The judge noted the application filed by Mammoth with the county was incomplete and thus, the BZA was wrong to approve the variance. In response, project developers are expected to address the issues and appeal the decision. In the meantime, planning for the project continues. A groundbreaking for the Starke County portion of the project is set for next month.

Monday’s hearing discussion

Over 80 persons signed up to speak before the board, most of them in opposition to the solar project. Many pooled their individual three-minute time allotments to others to enable them to speak longer. In the end, over 30 people spoke to the board.

An attorney for local property owners opposed to the project outlined for the zoning board several instances where he claimed the Moss Creek application was incomplete, and therefore the BZA must deny it.

Others raised concerns about property value impacts, environmental impact of disposing of decommissioned panels in the years ahead, health issues regarding possible noise, fire safety, reflection and “leaching of hazardous materials from solar panels into soils and water.”

One speaker questioned if there will be caps on the number of acres the county will allow for solar projects. She noted the county turned down wind-power projects, and many assumed the same would be true for solar. “Should we change our assets for solar?” she asked.

Although noting the need for new energy sources, another speaker observed “solar panels are going to take away our color,” and asked if we need to devote 12,000 acres to solar farms.

A participating landowner in the project said he and his family put a lot of time and thought into the offer before signing on. “We decided this is a chance of a lifetime, not just for us, but also for the community.” He added he was blindsided by the opposition to solar and expressed frustration that a lot of it came from organizers outside the county.

One of the later speakers was Connie Neininger, a consultant who works with Hoosiers for Renewables. She is also a former economic development director in White and later Cass counties; and then with the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. She noted all types of energy have their challenges. Among her points she noted that with renewable projects she has worked with, she has met farmers who told her that for the first time in their careers they have not had to take out loans for next year’s crop. She also pointed out that 40 percent of the U.S. corn crop is refined into ethanol. With the transition to electric transportation she asked, “What will our farmers do with those corn acres that no longer have a market?” She recommended the county look at this opportunity as an economic development project – and diversity for farmers. “How can you deny them that?”

For more information

Late in 2019 Pulaski County updated its zoning ordinances to accommodate potential solar projects. That action, along with the electric transmission lines which cross the county have attracted the interest of solar power companies. It also raises the potential for much needed revenue for the county.

Much discussion on the solar projects centers around the impact on local agriculture. Here are some Pulaski County agriculture stats (2017 Agriculture Census USDA):