BERNARDSTON — There is a public hearing in Bernardston tonight to discuss proposed local regulation of large-scale solar farms.
The hearing will consider new zoning rules that would say where solar arrays could be placed within town limits, and the restrictions and qualifications that must be met during and after construction.
It will take place at 7 p.m. at 38 Church St. and a vote on the proposal will take place during the annual town meeting on April 27.
According to the proposal, there are many requirements that must be met, particularly regarding maintaining the rural aspect of the community.
All solar panels must be out of view of “local, state, or federally designated historic district or scenic byway,” unless it is screened by plants or trees in the area. Additionally, the solar panels cannot be placed on hilltops or ridgelines, as well as any hillsides that can be seen from public areas.
According to the proposal, if a company places any solar panels, they must also plant vegetation native to the area that will help to block the solar panels from view, and this must be done prior to construction’s end. Also, all lighting fixtures erected for any solar panels must be angled as to prevent “lighting pollution.”
The rules would pertain to proposals larger than an acre but forbid any larger than five acres.
Additional requirements of the proposal concern the size of an installation, the maintenance and removal of the installation, and the interaction with the town’s electricity grid. Full proposal plans can be accessed at the town clerk’s office, or online at:
www.townofbernardston.org