WEST AMWELL: Renewable energy measure introduced

By Linda Seida, Staff Writer
   WEST AMWELL — The Township Committee has introduced an ordinance to regulate renewable energy facilities in West Amwell.
   There are no renewable energy facilities in the township. However, there is a controversial proposal for a solar energy facility under consideration by the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
   The three-man committee voted unanimously to introduce the ordinance during a special meeting Jan. 10. The public hearing on the ordinance will be held during the next regular committee meeting Jan. 26.
   The ordinance’s public hearing and a possible vote by the Township Committee will come the day after the Zoning Board’s public hearing on the solar energy facility resumes.
   Despite the timing, the regulations still could end up governing the facility that has been proposed by Green Power of West Amwell LLC.
   If the ordinance passes, its regulations would pertain to any renewable energy facility that has received final approval by a governing body, either the Planning Board or the Zoning Board.
   Green Power has not yet achieved final approval.
   It is unlikely that Green Power can obtain the approval before the ordinance passes. The public hearing alone has been dragging on for several months.
   The proposed ordinance also would ensure an applicant has a “decommissioning plan” in place. The plan would document the removal of panels and equipment if the facility fails to remain active for 18 months. The applicant also would be required to follow a similar plan if construction, once begun, is not completed within 18 months of receiving final approval.
   The ordinance also outlines environmental protections and buffers.
   Green Power is seeking relief from numerous variances as it plans to install 8,456 panels on about 10 acres.
   Neighbors and other concerned citizens say they are against the installation because Green Power wants to construct a commercial enterprise on land that is zoned rural residential. Some residents have hired an attorney to represent them.
   The township’s zoning officer denied Green Power’s request for a permit, leading the company to take its request for variances to the Zoning Board.