TOWN OF RUTLAND
PLANNING BOARD
Public Hearing Minutes 8/22/17
Wachusett Solar LLC Site Plan approval
Present: Norman Anderson, chairman; Dick Williams; Marilyn Sidoti; Jeff Bagg, Town Planner
Guests: Julian Vortruba, James and Linda Taylor (residents at 67 Wachusett St), Alan Clapp and Stephen O’Connell
Public Hearing – Wachusett Solar LLC for Site Plan approval to construct a ground mounted solar array at 67 Wachusett Street
Hearing opened at 7:04pm.
Norm read the public hearing notice. Alan Clapp from Nexamp introduced Stephen O’Connell the project manager from Andrews Engineering and Jim and Linda Taylor the landowners. The project is a 2.6 MW solar array at 67 Wachusett Street on 93 acres. The plans of the solar project were reviewed. There are forested wetlands to the east, west, and to the north. There is more than average spacing in the arrays due to shading caused by the hills. Some deforestation was required causing an increase in storm water runoff. There are shallow detention basins (level spreaders) to care for the runoff. Visibility of the project from abutting properties is little to none.
The Conservation Commission has approved the project. Dick questioned the pitch. Stephen assured him the pitch is sufficient for water to flow through the pipe and to remove the sediment. (1.5%)
There was discussion about the comments from Quinn Engineering from 8/18/17. Alan Clapp’s research shows the average amount for decommissioning surety is $10,000 per MW. Quinn suggested a much higher amount of $52,045 per MW.
Norm would like specifics listed on the Natural Buffer as far as number of feet in each direction.
Jeff requested that the applicant bring in revised plans showing the proposed change to the drainage swale and the location of the farm road. The applicant agreed. Jeff made mention that there would be a condition of approval that the owner/operator would remove the solar arrays within 150 days if the arrays are no longer in use.
Norm suggested in lieu of chain link fence that they use a fence with pressure treated posts for aesthetics. Discussion ensued.
Dick made the motion to recess the public hearing until 9/12/17 at 7:30pm. Marilyn 2nd, all in favor.
Meeting recessed at 7:51pm
Respectfully submitted,
Laurie Becker, Secretary
Minutes approved on 9/12/17
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