Dozens pack first Butler zoning hearing for proposed solar farm at former Ashland Metals site
Hearing continued to March 13 for further testimony
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - The former site of Ashland Metals on Germanville Road in Butler Township, seen on Jan. 30, 2024.
FOUNTAIN SPRINGS – At least three dozen people crammed the Butler Township Municipal Building Wednesday for nearly three hours of testimony and questioning for a proposed solar farm off Germanville Road.
U.S. Light Energy of Latham, NY, proposed the solar farm on the former site of Ashland Metals, which is now owned by the Wytovich family. That site was operated as a battery recycling facility decades ago and was heavily contaminated with lead.
In the 1990s, DEP undertook a $2 Million project to demolish the site, remove any hazardous materials aboveground, and cover the site with clay and vegetation, creating a cap. DEP still monitors the site for potential groundwater contamination. Contrary to erroneous reports, nothing remains on the site.
U.S. Light Energy appeared before the Butler Township Zoning Hearing Board requesting permission to construct the farm, pursuant to the township’s zoning ordinance, and for a variance for the 200-foot setback requirement.
George Kotzias, director of project development at U.S. Light Energy, was the only witness that testified at the hearing.
He said that the proposed solar farm would produce 1.5 megawatts of energy for the local area. The location, he said, is prime for the farm because of its proximity to sub-transmission power lines.
The site would consist of 8-10 foot high solar panels on nine acres of the 12 acre property. Kotzias said that the project is part of the net metering program, which, he said, provides a tax credit for up to three megawatts.
The company has a 20 year lease with the Wytovich family, with extension options. A copy of the lease was provided to the zoning board with the payment amounts redacted.
Regarding the need for a setback variance, Kotzias said that the 200 foot requirement would reduce the projects size and output by 70%, making it financially untenable.
The property would also generate an estimated $10,320 a year in property tax revenue for local municipalities, versus $200 today.
He called the solar use “low impact,” compared to other possible uses in an Industrial zone, where the property is located.
However, the presence of lead contamination classifies the site as a Brownfield site, “a site that has environmental issues,” Kotzias said. That classification heavily restricts uses on the property.
He said they contacted DEP early in the planning process and met with them on site.
Kotzias said he is aware of restrictions on the deed.
“They prohibit a lot of potential uses,” he said.
He said that DEP is supportive of the use as a solar farm, but that U.S. Light Energy would be responsible for maintaining the stormwater management system on site.
“This is one of, if not, the only use they would be supportive of,” Kotzias said, recalling the site meeting with DEP. He read aloud a letter from a DEP supervisor echoing that sentiment.
He said that the installation would not break the clay cap, noting that a concrete pad would be installed atop the pad and the panels would be placed on that. Fencing would be the only thing driven into the cap and care would be taken in doing so.
Regarding impact to neighbors, Kotzias cited an industry-backed study that claims solar farms cause little to no impact to property values.
He did say the farm — specifically the inverters — would generate noise. Each inverter would generate 73 decibels of noise at one meter away. There would be 30 to 40 inverters on site.
According to a chart from the National Hearing Conservation Association, normal conversation at three to five feet is 60-70 decibels, while a telephone dial tone is 80 decibels.
Kotzias said the sound would fall off to 60 decibels at 12 feet and that, 90 feet away and considering sound buffers, it should not be audible at all.
Regarding traffic, he said one or two pickup trucks would visit the site a month and that the panel operations are monitored remotely.
He also said that they are willing to install screening around the property and train firefighters on how to respond to a potential incident at the facility.
Construction would take about nine months, if approved, since extra precautions would be needed. The panels, he said, have a lifespan of about 25 to 30 years and they would fund a bond for the cost of decommissioning, should the company go out of business.
Kotzias fielded questions and concerns from neighbors for much of the hearing, some expressing health concerns and others decrying the proposed facility as an eyesore placed right in their backyard.
The hearing was continued for further testimony from U.S. Light Energy’s engineer. That will reconvene on March 13 at 6:30pm at the Butler Township Municipal Building in Fountain Springs.
The Shenandoah Sentinel was the ONLY local news source at this meeting, and has been the ONLY local news source covering YOUR local zoning hearings. If you find value in our reporting and in knowing what YOUR local elected leaders are doing, PLEASE consider contributing to our efforts via Patreon or Buy Me A Coffee.
About Author
