Utility-Scale Solar Being Considered in Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee Counties
What Is Going On?
Several companies have approached local landowners, seeking to lease their land for developing a solar energy plant. If you don’t know about this yet it is because the ground-lease terms include a non-disclosure that doesn’t allow participating landowners to talk about the project. There is no clear-cut plan, no formal agreement with the county governments, and almost no public disclosure.
What Are We Doing?
We are a group of residents and landowners in Pott and Waubunsee counties. Before large-scale development proceeds, we think it’s only right and responsible to carefully consider the long-term impact on the prosperity, livelihood, and economic future of the residents and the counties we call home.
What Can I Do?
Learn more! Become aware of what’s going on! Let your county commission know that you want clear answers and responsible plans in place before development proceeds. Follow the link below to sign our petition, and sign up for our mailing list.
Public Comment Opportunity - Sept 8, 2022, Wamego, 7pm
From: Stephan Metzger <smetzger@pottcounty.org>
Date: August 9, 2022 at 9:43:17 AM CDT
Subject: Pottawatomie County Solar Farm Public Hearing
I am e-mailing to let you know that a public hearing has been scheduled for September 8, 2022 at 7.00pm at St Bernard’s Church in Wamego. We are inviting all interested parties to attend the hearing.
A public hearing draft is available online at pottcounty.org/533/renewable-energy. Please note that the public hearing draft is still only a draft, and nothing has been determined regarding the adoption of solar farm regulations. Planning Commission may still recommend changes to the draft, adoption of the draft as is, or recommend that the County not permit commercial solar farms.
Feel free to make public comments ahead of the public hearing by using the County’s online public comment form. You do not need to sign up ahead of time to speak at the public hearing. However, in the interest of time, the Chair may limit individual speaking times to 3-5 minutes. Please plan accordingly.
If you have any question please feel free to reach out to our office at zoning@pottcounty.org please put the subject line “Solar Farm Question”.
Thank you!
Stephan A Metzger
County Planner
smetzger@pottcounty.org | 785.457.3551
PO Box 284 | Westmoreland, KS 66549
Other Citizens' Utility-Scale Solar Concern Topics
Problems with Utility-Scale Solar Power Facilities
This section contains discussion around the “problems” with renewable energy technologies. What happens when Utility-Scale Solar ends up hurting humans, wildlife and the planet as a whole? Understanding the many complexities of Utility-Scale Solar is critical before decisions are made.
County and City Government Impacts
This section contains concerns over tax abatements for Industrial Utility-Scale Solar Developments, unreliable dispatchable electricity (energy insecurity), increased electrical rates, county staffing and administration challenges, negative impact on long-term economic growth of counties.
Property Valuation Impacts on Surrounding Properties
This section contains comments on Utility-Scale Solar and what has been observed and studied with regards to negative impacts to surrounding property values. Content was curated from Appraisal experts, property value research studies (not many out there since large scale industrial solar power facilities near human populations/homes, within less than 1 mile, is a new concern).
Stormwater and Erosion Control
Increased stormwater runoff from utility scale solar facilities during
both the construction phase and ongoing operations is a serious issue. During construction the land is scraped of vegetation and bare ground is exposed to rain and wind. Stormwater runoff will result in costly erosion, flooding and sediment buildup causing harm to connecting tributaries, eco-systems and landowners.
Videos
This section contains a collection of videos, spanning all topics. If you don't like to read articles these videos are helpful in explaining many of the concerns outlined above. Additionally you will find comments from both Douglas and Johnson County, KS Concerned Citizens and past County Planning Commission Public Meetings.
