The Decatur County Board of Zoning Appeals met on September 4, 2024.
The meeting is a continuation from the August meeting with BZA Petition 2024-2 Francisco Galeano of RWE Clean Energy/ Greensburg Solar LLC.
The board started by stating that they had 12 individuals signed up to speak at the August meeting that had not had their opportunity and they wanted to allow those individuals the opportunity to be heard.
In support of the project included individuals who spoke about successes of Solar Projects in other counties such as White County and how the investment helped save The Indiana Beach Amusement Park. It was discussed about the importance of crafting a well thought out Economic Development Agreement. A representative representing skilled trades. He stated that the skill trades support projects such as Solar Projects because it means jobs that are close to home and allows those workers to be able to be with family instead of being away from home for jobs. He spoke about the fact that all construction jobs are temporary and not long term and that is a myth that had been stated previously. He spoke about when looking for workers they will start looking at local talent.
Michael Dora, local farmer, stated about the risk of reducing property rights.He added “When done properly we can work together to strengthen our agricultural heritage.” He added that “We should all be open to diversifying”
Local farm owner David Corya stood to speak about his strong support for the project. He spoke about personal property rights and how those are something that everyone has a right to. He asked the BZA to act legally and responsibly and to follow the law and not act upon feelings and emotions. He ended his time by stating that Solar is a generational opportunity.
Jennifer McNealy spoke in support of the project and spoke about her interpretation of the Comprehensive Plan and the Ordinance. She asked the BZA to look at Article 20 and not other items. She ended her time by stating that she has been asked several times if she would live next to a solar project and she said that she would happily live next to a project compared to what she currently has to deal with near her.
A local business owner stood and spoke to the BZA stating that he owns a solar installation company, he spoke about the need for electrical diversity. He stated that a myth that has been stated has been that chemicals could leak into the ground. He asked if a tractor hydraulic line breaks so the farmers call the EPA to come in and clean it up, he said no they till it in and move on. He mentioned that the Comprehensive Plan is out of date and has not been updated. He did take time to visit a solar project in Ohio and all he spoke to were happy with the partnership and opportunity. He ended his time speaking by stating that the anchors that had been shown at the last meeting were not the type of anchor being used in the RWE project.
Those standing to speak in opposition to the project included topics such as Decatur County already having well laid out guidelines in the Comprehensive Plan and the Solar Ordinance that states that Decatur County is not interested in Industrial Solar. It was mentioned that data supporting solar farms is minimal and does not support the need to move forward with these large projects. A statement by one fifth generation farmer was that “Solar is inefficient.”
Nick, Representative of Indiana Farm Bureau stated that each year they conduct a survey about topics of concern. This year the survey returned that a majority of its members oppose solar projects. Also the survey showed that property owners support property rights. Of the concerns Solar came in first, and property rights ranked third.
RWE was given the opportunity for a rebuttal. During that rebuttal they reviewed the 7 requirements that must be met to be approved and how they have met and/or exceeded those. He shared a letter from Greensburg Fire Department stating that they are working with RWE to ensure that they are taking advantage of any training that is needed and working with RWE’s Fire Safety Expert. Francisco spoke about the timeline of the project, and he tried to clear any myths that he felt were important. He spoke about the rules and guidelines that they must follow even if the BZA board approves the petition. He continued to discuss the additional proposed conditions to be approved. He provided a picture of a solar project located in Texas and provided a timeline of Solar use. Expert Rich Kirkland stood to speak to support land values not being reduced due to projects. Jim Stewart stood to state that he is excited for the project and the investment impact that the project will have on Decatur County.
The board did have further questions that included road use agreements, decommissioning, who is responsible for any damage to the surrounding property owners land, and recycling vs. landfill to get rid of the panels at the end of the project.
RWE currently has approximately 30 Solar Project’s that are currently being constructed. RWE emphasized that they plan to own the project throughout its life.
A motion was made by Paul Stone and seconded by Janey Livingston to vote on this petition to include the additional conditions that have been stated. The board voted unanimously to deny the petition. The board thanked RWE.
The second petition of the meeting was BZA Petition 2024-7 WAGA Energy (Maura Dougherty) for 600 Land Inc. requested and was approved for a “Special Exception” for construction of a facility to convert landfill gas into pipeline-quality Renewable Natural Gas. The request falls under Decatur County Ordinance Article 12. The property is currently owned by 600 Land Inc and is located at 2872 E CR 200 S, Greensburg in Washington Township.
The project will be in operation by the end of next year. They have signed a 20-year lease agreement with Decatur Hills Landfill. The project will have a vegetative buffer around it. The board voted unanimously to approve this petition.
