DAMASCUS, PA — Damascus Township’s alternative energy ordinance has been amended to clarify the stormwater calculations needed for big solar array projects.

The ordinance will be amended to include the phrase “as defined by the state, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.” The board of supervisors approved the change at its June 17 meeting. The township solicitor will review the document, which will be available at the supervisors’ July meeting.

There have been questions about the scope of the stormwater regulation, such as: Does this include just solar panels, or the whole farm? Is this consistent with established practice?

The scope of the water run-off for a project the size of the LaBella/Honesdale Solar project—under the same ownership as the Tyler Hill Solar 1 array off Cochecton Turnpike—makes stormwater calculations appropriate, said Damascus zoning officer Ed Lagarenne.

“Stormwater calculations assume that streams and ponds are already filled with water,” said Lagarenne. “In a storm situation, each drop creates overflow.”

State regulations for this type of project include this kind of calculation, he said.

“Pervious vs non-pervious is always calculated by the engineer,” he added. 

Pervious surfaces allow water to seep into the soil, which filters out pollutants and replenishes the groundwater. In contrast, impervious surfaces are solid, causing water to run off.

“State law requires calculation for building projects so that there are no additions to groundwater,” Lagarenne said.

The ordinance will be amended after the township solicitor has a chance to review the proposed amendment.

LaBella’s application has been submitted to the Wayne County Planning Commission.