DAMASCUS, PA — On June 15, a public hearing was held regarding a proposal for a solar array project, the Cochecton Turnpike Project, in Damascus Township. Three days later, the Damascus Township Board of Supervisors denied the project’s application on account of insufficient information. 

While climate change continues to have a massive impact on the surrounding environment, solar energy has appeared to be a viable solution, by reducing greenhouse gas emissions while improving air quality. 

But though the benefits of solar energy are clear, the process by which solar projects must be implemented is rigorous. Companies must jump through a number of hoops and ensure the environment and structure will be cohesive. 

The proposal 

Tyler Hill Solar 1, LLC proposed a new addition of solar energy to the Damascus Township in Wayne County. The renewable energy company sought to locate the solar array on an existing meadow directly off the Cochecton Turnpike. This 21.6-acre property would be home to a 5 megawatt AC fixed-tilt solar panel system.

What exactly is a 5 MW AC fixed tilt?

Solar energy is measured in megawatts, and solar array capacity is sized in megawatts. A megawatt holds the ability to power nearly 200 homes. The Cochecton Turnpike Project, at 5 MW, could potentially produce enough energy to power 1,000 homes. The AC portion refers to the alternating current being produced.

Fixed-tilt solar panels have become increasingly popular throughout the Delaware River valley. Towns have begun placing these panels in locations such as closed landfills, parking lots or vacant properties. This type of panel sits between a 20- to 30-degree angle that enables the system to absorb the optimal amount of sunlight. 

Tyler Hill Solar did not plan on causing massive disturbance to the existing landscape. A narrative presented stated the alterations would include a permanent gravel driveway off Canfield Road, a temporary gravel driveway off the Cochecton Turnpike for construction purposes, the installation of solar-panel racking foundations, and an eight-foot-high security fence around the perimeter of the solar field.

The missing pieces

According to Damascus Township Zoning and Code Enforcement Officer Ed Lagarenne, the Cochecton Turnpike Project was missing seven of the 25 information points required by the township’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. There were partial details presented regarding the street information and measurements of a variety of subjects, such as parks and public grounds. This will essentially affect the way that the plans are drawn up and executed on the property. 

Within the preliminary plan, there were no notes of estimated locations of storm or sanitary sewers, public water mains, gas lines or electric power and transmission lines. The project was also missing a final determination of which areas on the property need excavation. 

A letter from each utility company that services the property—noting that the company is aware of the construction site—was not provided. 

Additionally, there was no letter from the Wayne County Conservation District indicating that an erosion and sediment plan was approved. The plan serves as a guide for the construction company to control anticipated erosion and control sediment from leaving the property. Another missing component was a stormwater management plan. In case of a storm, which would cause severe runoff, this plan would control the water to avoid disturbance to the site. 

Due to these missing factors, there were no approved applications for highway occupancy from the Damascus Township and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. 

For a full description of the Preliminary Plan Requirements for Major Subdivisions, visit www.riverreporter.com/news. 

What’s next?

Lagarenne said that the main concern about the project lies with handling the storm water correctly. “Solar panels, depending on how they’re laid out, can be considered impermeable surface. Just as rooftops and roads… that’s all impermeable surfaces. Water runs off of it and it doesn’t soak in,” Lagarenne said. 

As a consequence of these missing elements, the Cochecton Turnpike Project was turned down. The company can, according to Lagarenne, reapply with all of the necessary plans and approvals.

Edited to clarify the measurement of solar energy and the sizing of arrays.