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REMBERT, S.C. — Residents in Sumter County will soon have another chance to weigh in on a proposed solar farm that could cover more than 1,700 acres.
The White Palmetto Solar Project is being proposed by TOCE SC Solar One LLC and would be built near Borden Road and Black River Road, about 12 miles northwest of the City of Sumter near the Lee County line.
According to the developer, the project would produce clean energy while generating about $765,000 in tax revenue each year.
The proposal has faced strong opposition from some residents.
In May of last year, the Sumter City-County Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously denied the company’s request for a special exception after community members raised concerns about the project.
The developer has since appealed that decision to the state, which will now review the case.
A new public hearing will give residents the opportunity to share their concerns directly with the South Carolina Public Service Commission.
Some residents say they believe local governments should prioritize protecting communities when considering projects like this.
“So I believe that the, you know, what we expect, the citizens of the county, is for our local government whether it’s city or county council to make decisions that first and foremost protect us, and I believe that that will be something that will be, you know, in jeopardy it would if this, if this goes through, it will allow anyone to come in with any industrial type facility,” said Sumter resident Traci Rogers.
Others say they are encouraging more residents to learn about the proposal and get involved in the process.
“We’re making sure that the community is aware, getting the community involved, not only in this area of Rembert, but the Bordon area, where this is expected, but to make the whole town aware because it could be coming to their back door next,” said resident Serena Cook.
State leaders say they are aware of the concerns raised by residents and are monitoring the situation as the state review process moves forward.
“What I am going to do, and this is my promise to everyone is to stay out of it and just watch and learn this process the best I can so that on the other side of it we can craft legislation to make sure that sufficient legislation protections are in place across the state and then look out for them and build up on them if they so choose,” said Sen. Jeff Zell.
A public hearing will be held Wednesday, March 18 at 6 p.m. at Patriot Hall in Sumter. Another in-person hearing is scheduled for March 25 in Columbia, along with virtual options for residents who want to provide comments.
After the hearings conclude, the Public Service Commission is expected to issue a final decision by June 1.
