SunRaise, LLC, developer of large-scale solar arrays, was again before the Mattapoisett Planning Board on November 2 to discuss hiring a peer-review consultant. Before getting into those specifics, the board members continued to ask questions about the scope of the project itself.
Board member Karen Field asked what happens to the property after the solar array is decommissioned in 20 years. SunRaise’s Joe Harrison said that the land where the arrays were installed would become a meadow environment and that it could be redeveloped for housing or agricultural use.
Field then questioned if the project would impact the Mattapoisett River Valley Watershed and if the solar panels would contaminate the soil with heavy metals.
Harrison said that SunRaise had received a written decision of the Mattapoisett River Valley Water District, in which the commission found the plans to be acceptable. On the point of whether or not the solar panels would contaminate surrounding soils with metals, Harrison said that would not happen. However, Field said she had read such could be the case and said she would find those materials.
Member Nathan Ketchell said that the whole area planned for the 7.5-megawatt array was part of the River Valley system and asked if zoning factored into the permitting process. Ketchell requested that the Building Department weigh-in on that point. He also asked Harrison for details on roadway feasibility for large vehicle turning and if the large-scale battery units could be moved farther north on the site.
The board returned to the matter at hand, a peer-review consultant.
Chairman Tom Tucker said the board needed to discuss with the Conservation Commission the scope of what they will need third-party oversight to handle. Tucker asked if Harrison had thought about an off-site staging area so that equipment and materials could be brought to the construction zone in smaller vehicles, given the rural nature of Randall Lane. Harrison said he would look into doing that.
Harrison stated that the most significant part of the project would be the logging phase and that it would take about two weeks to complete. Small trucks could not be used for logging purposes, he indicated.
Tucker also asked if there could be someone overseeing traffic in and out of the job site, “keeping an eye on things.” Harrison said that there would be a foreman on the job site and that SunRaise would repair any unforeseen damage done to the dirt lane or rock wall features. Ketchell suggested both pre- and post-construction site walks to evaluate damages.
Planning Board Administrator Mary Crain said she would advertise for peer review consultants. The hearing was continued until November 16.
In other business, the board members discussed the next steps for meeting with volunteers interested in drafting an updated Master Plan. Fifteen residents have asked to participate, Crain said. A remote meeting date of November 18 at 7:00 pm will be posted.
The board also discussed language in the draft of a new solar bylaw and determined that Crain and Robbins will continue to work together. Tucker said he wanted a public hearing on the new bylaw “sooner rather than later.”
Before adjourning, Tucker asked if anyone on the board would be willing to represent the Planning Board on the Community Preservation Committee, filling a seat that has long been empty. Field said she would do so.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for Monday, November 16 at 7:00 pm.
Mattapoisett Planning Board
By Marilou Newell