DEER PARK AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION GROUP

CSEG Update

Carroll County Commissioners Remove Community Solar from Code

From The Carroll County Observer

https://carrollcountyobserver.com/2023/07/14/carroll-county-commissioners-remove-community-solar-from-code/

Yesterday in Open Session, the Carroll County Board of Commissioners (BCC) conducted a public hearing and upon its conclusion, voted to remove subsection §158.153(E) Solar Energy Generating Systems – Community solar energy generating systems (CSEGS), in agricultural district- from the Carroll County Code. The Commissioners voted today but the action will take effect 10 days after the vote, or July 23, 2023.

On March 9, 2023, the BCC adopted a six-month moratorium on the processing, review, permitting, and construction of community solar energy generating systems in the agricultural district to allow for further discussion regarding an appropriate approach to community solar in Carroll County. A six-member solar workgroup was established in March that included stakeholders tasked with studying the existing requirements in §158.153(E) and returning to the BCC with proposed recommendations for code changes. The group considered issues and concerns raised by the BCC and the community.

On May 18th, staff presented the work group findings to the BCC for consideration. In review of the presentation and report, the BCC voted to forward a recommendation to the Planning & Zoning Commission to remove §158.153(E) from the County Code, thereby prohibiting any type of commercial solar development in agriculturally zoned land. On June 20th, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted favorably for the recommended text amendment. The July 13th public hearing and subsequent vote completed the process of the text amendment.

Commercial solar development is allowed on select other zoning districts in the county such as industrial, commercial, and employment campus.

“This is not a decision against solar energy nor is it a decision against farmers and ag landowners using solar to offset their operational costs,” said Board of Commissioner Vice President Kenny Kiler. “Carroll County recognizes and is supportive of solar as a renewable energy source and encourages its development, including on agricultural properties, where farms are successfully using solar on residences and outbuildings.”

Is a Solar Farm the Right Choice for Our Backyard?

Written by one of our Community Members

See the Article in the Baltimore Sun / Carroll County Times

Imagine looking out onto what once was a picturesque landscape of rolling farmland, only to be faced with hundreds of metal panels instead. That is the stark reality of what’s happening in our own backyard and will likely be for many other Carroll County residents.

In May 2021, while we were still rebounding from lockdown and adapting to our new COVID lives, Carroll County Commissioners adopted a text amendment allowing commercial solar farms on “remaining portions” of agricultural zoned property.

Fast-forward to October 2022, when our neighbors proposed a “community” solar farm to be constructed along Deer Park Road. Specifically, the portion of their property which borders our back yard and is in our direct sight. Fifteen acres of beautiful, natural farmland that also serves as a wildlife refuge and was a deciding factor in buying our property and building our home – potentially gone.

No matter your views on solar, who wants to live by a commercial operation surrounded by a chain link fence on what was promised to be “agricultural” land? In my opinion there are better locations for this operation (commercial building roof tops, parking garages, etc.).

This and other Carroll County solar farms are the “guinea pigs” for these projects. No one yet knows the effects on the ecosystem or on the health of surrounding residents. The ambiguity doesn’t end there. The Code calls for “Year-Round Screening” from the solar operation, but there is no specific definition of what type of plantings and density are required to screen the view.

This solar project forever changing our quality of life is enough to impassion me to write this article. But there are other concerns as well. What is the impact to adjacent Liberty Reservoir which serves as a major supply of Baltimore City drinking water and is home to protected Bald Eagles, deer, and other wildlife. This property is a sanctuary and nesting area for these species, which will have to find refuge elsewhere.

Besides the potential harm to its surrounding ecosystem, we have our own health to consider. What is the impact of the run-off onto our property? Into the wells supplying our drinking water? How will this affect our property value? Are there unknown health risks of living close to solar panels? How will we be affected during months of construction noise and traffic disturbances?