Solar farm proposed for Lamar County

LAMAR COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) — Neighbors in Lamar County will quickly have an opportunity to study extra a couple of proposal that would convey a photo voltaic farm to the county.

Some neighbors have already expressed considerations concerning the challenge and the potential impression on the land, setting, and property values.

The Lamar County Planning Fee and Board of Supervisors should give the inexperienced mild to difficulty a allow for the conditional use of the property concerned.

Lightsource bp has partnered with a landowner to develop a farm on practically 1,700 hectares of property. If authorised, the location shall be referred to as the Minkar Photo voltaic Farm and shall be situated between Oak Grove and Purvis close to the neighborhood of Okahola.

Mission supervisor Andy Taylor estimates there are not any fewer than 250,000 panels.

“The objective is, as we construct our vitality infrastructure, that electrical energy will come down in price,” Taylor stated.

Taylor stated the corporate cannot management electrical energy prices, however stated the hope is that extra properties will result in decrease prices.

The challenge is a joint-venture between lightsource and BP. The group builds, operates, and maintains vitality initiatives world wide.

Taylor stated the $137 million challenge is privately funded and can convey tens of millions to the county over a number of years.

Lightsource bp additionally stated it plans to be a very good associate in the neighborhood by investing cash in close by charitable organizations and contributing to web zero carbon initiatives.

Lamar County Administrator Jody Waits informed WDAM that the property doesn’t must be rezoned.

“On this case, for a public utility, it is zoned correctly. It simply requires a conditional use,” Waits stated.

Waites stated a public listening to was set for Jan. 10 earlier than the Lamar County Planning Fee, however Taylor stated plans modified after suggestions from the neighborhood.

“In an effort to essentially get into the neighborhood and perceive the curiosity and considerations right here, we’re asking the county to postpone the presentation earlier than the planning fee and that approach for the following 30, 60, 90 days we get into the neighborhood. discuss to a few of these individuals, and deal with a few of these considerations,” Taylor stated.

A date for the neighborhood engagement session has not been set, Taylor stated.

Lightsource bp nonetheless has to current plans to the Lamar County Planning Fee.

“They must go earlier than the planning fee, so the planning fee can evaluate it to ensure there isn’t any unfavourable impression on the neighborhood, on the setting,” Waits stated.

After the planning fee hears from lightsource, members should determine whether or not to approve or deny the property for conditional use.

The Lamar County Board of Supervisors should make the ultimate determination after listening to from the planning fee.

Supervisors should additionally evaluate web site plans and numerous research associated to due diligence.

Waits emphasised the significance of listening to everybody.

“Everyone deserves a good shot on the course of, whether or not you are one million greenback firm otherwise you’re an individual constructing a 100,000 home. There’s due course of that everyone is entitled to,” stated Waits. .

The county is already conversant in photo voltaic farm operations. A separate firm owns the identical farm close to Sumrall.

Waits stated there have been no points since its completion.

“That is a giant funding from these firms and with it comes massive tax {dollars} that we are able to construct roads, and provides cash to varsities,” Waits continued. “Now we have zero push again from the present farm and we now have a number of housing developments round it, a few of that are multi-million greenback houses.”

Lamar County residents are already sharing considerations concerning the challenge on social media. An internet petition has over 100 signatures in only a few days.

WDAM reporter Will Polston spoke with two individuals who stay close to the location and oppose the challenge.

Mission leaders imagine the corporate can ease considerations in an upcoming public engagement session.

“We’re specializing in having issues like what’s referred to as a sport fence or an agriculture fence. It is a little bit extra aesthetically pleasing. We’re focusing loads on set backs, and buffers, and vegetative screening in order that we now have a little bit little bit of impression the neighborhood as a lot as we are able to,” Taylor stated.

Many research have been accomplished and lots of extra must be accomplished earlier than the challenge receives approval. Wait stated that environmental, engineering, and even archeological research ought to be accomplished.

Builders should additionally observe native, state, and federal tips to handle erosion, wildlife, and different points.

“Habitat and animals and wetlands and waters. These are all a part of the issues we describe and examine to ensure we go away the neighborhood with a constructive impression. Even after building” stated Kim Wells, Director of Improvement with lightsource bp.

Wells stated lightsource bp works to make sure that protected or endangered wildlife will not be threatened.

Whereas some residents share considerations about waves of electromagnetic radiation, Wells stated buffers and setbacks ought to mitigate any considerations.

“We do not know of any proof to recommend that EMF in massive quantities causes most cancers or is linked to adversarial well being results. EMF drops in a short time as soon as you progress away from the photo voltaic facility and the utilizing the suitable use of buffers and set backs, like these we offered in our utility to Lamar County. We imagine these considerations are greater than addressed and don’t pose a well being danger,” Wells stated.

The security of photo voltaic panels additionally scares close by residents.

Wells stated the corporate solely makes use of panels authorised by the US Environmental Safety Company.

“We solely use panels from suppliers that adjust to that tier 1 requirement so the panels are non-hazardous and thought of protected by the federal authorities,” Wells stated.

If the challenge is authorised, managers hope to see building start in 2024 or 2025 and estimate it should take about 18 months.

Taylor stated the Lamar County property was chosen after cautious consideration.

“Photo voltaic amenities require a couple of issues. Availability of land. prepared landowners, proximity to transmission traces and the potential of a buyer for somebody to return in and purchase the electrical energy,” stated Taylor.

Stick with WDAM for updates on a date for a public engagement session.

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