| Joanne Cole |
New Gloucester’s solar energy ordinance got its first road test at the Planning Board’s July 5 meeting, as the board began considering a proposal from Novel Energy Solutions, LLC, for a 65,866 s.f. community solar garden off Lewiston Road near the Auburn line (Map 10 Lot 48-C). The 975-kw project would occupy about 10 acres of a 60-acre parcel in the Residential C zoning district, with 2,742 panels extending to a height of 35’ at full tilt.
Introducing Novel Solar to the board, representative Brittney Krebsbach said the company is based in Minnesota but has expanded to several states, including Maine. Projects approved or under construction are in Auburn, Caribou, Fort Fairfield, Trenton and Presque Isle. The 1-megawatt array planned for New Gloucester is the company’s flagship project size, she said.
As proposed, the panels will be dual-axis tracking arrays that follow the sun east-to-west over the course of the day to maximize energy capture. They will be mounted on 12-s.f. concrete foundations, rather than on poles in the ground, and surrounded by 7’ wire mesh fencing on wooden posts. Novel Solar is discussing with Maine Inland Fisheries & Wildlife the appropriate height for wildlife to pass below the fencing, Krebsbach said.
The parcel is currently clear of trees and undeveloped, and no wetlands or special environmental features will be affected, according to Kresbach. The Royal River crosses the parcel but is outside the array site. In response to a question from member Don Libby, she assured the board that the panels don’t contain hazardous materials and are “incredibly strong” and able to take a 1″ steel ball at 50 mph. Snow, wind and hail won’t present much of a challenge.
Access will be via an entrance on Lewiston Road. The precise route of the access road is yet to be finalized, as discussions are ongoing with abutter Ryan Tripp whose property it would cross. Tripp was just appointed to the Planning Board in June, and he promptly recused himself from discussion of Novel Solar’s application and followed along from the back of the Meetinghouse.
Board members raised particular questions about the decommissioning plan and visual impacts, both key elements of the town’s solar energy ordinance, adopted in 2020. For arrays exceeding 10,000 s.f. of airspace, the ordinance calls for complete and comprehensive removal and restoration, should be project be abandoned or reach the end of its lifespan, and requires financial guarantees.
Novel Energy had submitted a decommissioning plan, but it lacked costs of disposal, member Steve Libby noted. Krebsbach replied that 95 percent of the materials would be recycled, limiting disposal costs and leaving transportation the main expense. The board was less sure. They voted to get a second opinion, invoking their right under the ordinance to obtain expert peer review at the applicant’s expense. Town Planner Natalie Thomsen will find an appropriate consultant to review the decommissioning plan and associated costs.
As for the visual impact of the array, the ordinance gives the board the option of requesting a visual impact assessment if “the size, location, surrounding uses, or other characteristics of the use or site” warrant. The assessment includes descriptions of what will be publicly visible from where, impacts on scenic resources, and any proposed mitigation measures, such as buffering and screening.
Mindful that neighbors and the broader community are likely most interested in how the array will look, the board voted unanimously to require a visual impact assessment. Erik Hargreaves wondered whether the array would be visible at all, as “it’s so far off the road.” The visual impact assessment will answer that question and others. The board decided not to hold a public hearing until the assessment has been received.
Between the visual study and peer review of the decommissioning plan, Planner Thomsen thought August was the earliest the board would return to Novel Energy’s application. By then perhaps several other open items—the access road, signoffs on stormwater and erosion control plans by Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation, elevation drawings, vehicle turnaround details, and emergency access for fire safety equipment, among others—will also be resolved. Once the application is deemed complete by the board, they will likely schedule a public hearing and possibly a site walk.
Highview Drive subdivision. In other business, the board tabled a request to amend an approved subdivision plan at Highview Drive, off Bennett Road, intended to correct unspecified boundary survey issues (Map 2 Lot 45). The request was made by a surveyor who contacted Planner Natalie Thomsen but provided few details as to the need for and nature of the corrections. The board was underwhelmed. They’ll revisit the item if and when someone with standing—and an explanation—surfaces.
The meeting began with brief introductions all around, as new member Ryan Tripp and returning member Erik Hargreaves were appointed in June to three-year terms. Then followed elections for chair and vice chair for the coming year. Past Chair Don Libby stepped aside and Doug McAtee was elected Chair and Erik Hargreaves re-elected Vice Chair.
To view video of the Planning Board’s July 5 meeting, click here. For the meeting agenda, Novel Energy’s application, staff memos and related documents, click here.
