(FABIUS TOWNSHIP) - A proposed solar and battery storage project in St. Joseph County is moving forward.
According to WWMT, on Tuesday the Fabius Township Planning Commission reviewed a special land use application, which would allow the construction of a large commercial solar array and battery energy storage system. It would be on agricultural land designed as a solar overlay district within Fabius Township.
The application, which is hundreds of pages long, was submitted by Three Lakes Solar, LLC. They are a subsidiary of EDP Renewables. It includes plans for a roughly 178-megawatt solar array which will be paired with a 122-megawatt battery energy storage system.
All of it would be built across privately owned parcels of land, according to the application.
A representative for Three Lakes Solar told commissioners the project application has been in the works for more than a year, including studies on noise, sightlines, emergency response, and safety.
The developer said all supporting reports were included in the application, which include noise limits of 45 decibels at property lines, fencing requirements, screening and vegetation plans, and a decommissioning agreement backed by financial assurance.
Some multi-generation farmers said solar lease income is one of the few tools helping them stay afloat during a difficult stretch for agriculture. Others voiced strong opposition, raising concerns about aesthetics, property values, environment, and economic impact.
After reviewing the application listening to public feedback, as well as hearing from the company that submitted the request, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend the application for final approval by the Township Board. The Planning Commission told the crowd that their hands were tied, citing state law constraints that limits local control over renewable energy projects.