The Clinton County Commission unanimously approved the concept of the Hardy Hills Solar Project in and around Kilmore Wednesday night. However, several steps remain to see this project all the way to its conclusion.
“We are not the final say,” said Area Plan Commission President Dan Sheets. “The County Commissioners will have the final vote and this is still not over. If they (the Commissioners) either reject the plan or they approve it, the next step, if it’s approved, we will actually see a development plan. Then we can get down in the weeds and see exactly what they are proposing.”
Renewable energy has been a hot topic in Clinton County over the past several years. The Commissioners upheld a moratorium on wind farms last year and that ban remains on any wind farms coming to the county.
Invenergy out of Chicago is the company proposing the solar farm. Invenergy is requesting 1.777 acres of land to be rezoned to the Solar Overaly Zoning District with underlying zoning classifications remaining. The affected land in located mostly in Union Township with a small part of Owen Township included.
Invenergy Project Manager Katya Samoteskul made a presentation addressing some concerns of the standing-room only crowd in the Skanta Theater on the second floor of the Frankfort Community Public Library.
Samoteskul said the property they want rezoned is primarily agricultural with some commercial and residential. She added some of the project area will also be near the Clinton County Landfill.
“Our largest concentration of projects is in Illinois with 14,” said Samoteskul. “There will be four people on site working from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. We hope to begin construction in 2022 or 2023 and be in operation by 2024.”
However, the presentation was met with resistance by people who are worried about their property values, quality of life, damage to roads during construction, drainage, the environment, loss of agriculture land, light pollution or glare and the sheer size of the project.
One of the people voicing concern about the project was former Clinton County Commissioner Bert Weaver.
“I don’t believe an adequate amount of time was given to the people to first of all research and be aware of this project,” said Weaver. “I myself didn’t find out about this project until a week ago.”
Weaver also gave an example when he was a County Commissioner.
“It took us nine months to notify all the people regarding ConAgra,” said Weaver.
Dave Little, who along with his wife are founders of the Little Lakes Subdivision, which will be adjacent to this project, questioned the company’s integrity and true motives for the project.
“I know we didn’t make a lot of people happy with the ultimate decision,” said Sheets. “I understand that. But, I would much prefer to have those solar panels behind me than a housing project.”
Samoteskul said they would only using 1,300 acres for the solar panels which will be surrounded by deer fencing without barbed wire. They will also be prairie grass and pollinators to help enrich he soul and encouraging natural wildlife.
Another big item of contention is where will the power go?
“Nobody can control where the power goes on the grid,” said Samoteskul. “This would be part of the Midwest grid. This area would get what is needed. But, there is a very high likelihood that the majority of it will go elsewhere.”
Sheets added that we need to cut our dependency on coal as soon as we can.
“Right now, most of our energy is developed by coal,” said Sheets. “We know most folks don’t like that. I understand there’s a huge industry behind it. But, we do need these alternatives. I think solar is a good start. I’ve always liked solar and I have been waiting for the technology to get there. We’re seeing some major advancements. I think it would be good for the county.”