A solar farm Big Lake Township, just south of Highway 10.
A solar farm Big Lake Township, just south of Highway 10.
BIG LAKE TOWNSHIP — The Minnesota Municipal Power Agency’s solar farm ambitions appear to have flown too close to the sun, as the Sherburne County Board denied its proposal following strong public opposition — leaving the utility with land it cannot use as planned.
The board denied MMPA’s request for a 40-year interim use permit and a Comprehensive Land Use Map amendment for a 3.5-megawatt, 30-acre solar project in Big Lake Township, approximately a quarter mile from the Elk River city limits.
The decision leaves MMPA — a wholesale power supplier to Elk River Municipal Utilities — with property it purchased for more than three times its appraised value, more than $600,000, for a project it had hoped to begin this spring or summer.
Neither Big Lake nor Big Lake Township would have received power from the proposed facility.
More than 60 residents packed the boardroom, raising concerns about compatibility with surrounding residential uses, wetlands and nearby property values.
Commissioners raised similar concerns March 24, including access to a neighboring property and wetland impacts.
At the April 7 meeting, county staff said access had been confirmed and the project met state wetland requirements following a 2025 review, receiving a “no loss” determination.
Staff said studies showed potential property value impacts ranging from 0% to -4%.
During the public hearing, Big Lake Township resident Mike Wirz presented a petition signed by 108 residents opposing the project, arguing it was incompatible with residential zoning and would harm neighboring properties.
Big Lake resident Bret Collier raised environmental concerns, claiming solar panels could leave behind debris and hazardous materials that would make the land unusable for future farming.
“There is no benefit to allowing a solar (farm) to be built on this land except for the people who build it, who will ultimately walk away and leave us with a mess,” Collier said.
Other residents echoed concerns about wetlands and long-term land use.
In its application, MMPA described the site as an “ideal location,” citing eight wetlands, a private ditch and a high water table — factors it said limit use for farming or development.
Tim Kelly, attorney for the applicant, said studies reviewed by county staff did not support significant property value impacts and emphasized the project’s compliance with state wetland rules.
“So, there is no factual basis for a concern about an impact to wetlands to (support) denying this project,” Kelly said.
Elk River City Council member J. Brian Calva voiced support for residents who opposed the project. Elk River Municipal Utilities Vice Chair Mary Stewart spoke in favor.
Commissioners cited nearby homes and potential property value impacts as key concerns.
“I think that is a legal basis for us to vote to deny this issue,” Commissioner Gregg Felber said.
Commissioner Andrew Hulse said future Elk River growth could reach the area.
Commissioner Gary Gray questioned MMPA’s decision to purchase the land before securing approvals, noting he had not seen a developer do so since he began overseeing solar permitting in 2015.
“I would expect more from a public utility to do their due diligence to find out what it is zoned,” Gray said.
County Administrator Bruce Messelt cautioned the board against citing that reasoning, noting state law allows land purchases prior to zoning approvals.
The board ultimately denied the request, citing concerns about wetlands, wildlife and neighboring properties.
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