Letter to the editor: Unity should protect community when considering solar farm

Unity Township residents are concerned about a proposal to build a solar farm on 34 acres along Charles Houck Road north of Route 982. The Unity Township supervisors have the responsibility to protect the community with meaningful zoning ordinances pertaining to commercial solar facilities. As more solar projects come, so does the risk of changing the character of our rural communities forever.

Key permitting items should demand periodic groundwater testing, toxicity leach testing of the panels for heavy metals and stringent decommissioning requirements that cover the cost of removal in 25 years. Chain link fencing around the entire perimeter should be required to prevent access to the hazardous high voltage panel wiring by children and wildlife.

A property value guarantee should also be required for neighbors within a mile of the site. A local net economic impact analysis with opportunity cost should be required to determine the economic impact of the loss of farmland turned into industrial solar.

Zoning rules that are limited to special use permits and groundwater management alone are not sufficient protections. Residents need to assemble and hold the supervisors accountable before construction begins.

James Falcsik

Irwin