STARKE COUNTY, Ind. (WSBT) — It’s a solar showdown in Starke County, as some residents are calling for a pause to solar projects in the county, after they claim key documentation from previous solar farm projects appear to be missing.
Solar panels have been making their way to Starke County in recent years and sparking debate.
Some support renewable energy, while others oppose it for taking away farmland and being an eyesore. But now, there is a new aspect fueling the fire.
The discovery came as a group of residents were researching the new Hoosier solar project making its way to Starke County.
So, I had gone into kind of just get a better understanding of where we were and the permitting process for that project and that I asked for all of the other documents related to NextEra and Mammoth after receiving all of them what came to light was appears that we have a lot of missing information in those finds,” said Roberta Lee, concerned resident.
The group says the items that appear to be missing include certain documents, signatures, and unmarked check boxes.
They say one of the most concerning missing items was the Economic Development Agreement, because that ensures the solar companies pay the county.
“Without the EDA, which how we get paid in lieu of those tax abatements these companies could just choose not to not make payments to Starke County. Not saying that they would, but without that on file, how could we enforce something that doesn’t have all its I’s dotted and T’s crossed?” said Lee.
The Solar Farms are predicted to bring in a large tax revenue to the county, as more than 22,000 acres are being leased.
The concerned residents told WSBT 22 that the issue is not with solar power, it’s having everything done properly to keep the county safe.
Our ask is really just before we continue to move forward with more solar as a county we need to get all of our ducks in a row before we add more to it. We need to be able to protect everybody,” said Lee.
WSBT 22 reached out to county officials to get an explanation for the documents that appear to be missing The Starke County attorney provided a statement saying:
County officials were made aware of several concerns by a local citizen at the July 1st County Commissioner Meeting. The County takes a fastidious approach to projects of this size and magnitude, and the health, safety, and welfare of our residents are always of primary concern and importance. The County Commissioners and County Council have welcomed public comment over the last several months from concerned citizens regarding the existence of commercial solar energy systems in Starke County. Many of the inquiries made at the July 1st meeting had previously been asked and answered through various County departments, County officials, and our CSES partners. Regardless, the Commissioners disagree with any statement which would suggest that any prerequisite documentation required for the issuance of County-level permits had not been submitted. The process of approving and permitting these CSES projects spanned many months, and involved the assistance of various departments, licensed professionals, and county officials and employees. Starke County takes great pride in the effort it took to get these solar energy projects to the point of permitting and operation, and any suggestion that proper diligence was not made prior to any permit issuance is not accurate.
During last night’s County Commissioner’s meeting, Lee threatened legal action if nothing is done in 30 days.
She insists she’ll be at the next commissioner’s meeting to ask for a progress report and for a formal moratorium. That meeting is July 15th at 9:30 am Central Standard Time.
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