A solar farm near Jefferson.
A solar farm near Jefferson.
WATERTOWN — A potential new solar development near the STH 26 Bypass interchange is raising safety concerns among some city officials.
The Concord-Highland Solar Energy Systems project is an approximately 25-acre, 5MW solar array proposed by Seattle-based solar company OneEnergy Renewables. According to OneEnergy proposal documents, the site would provide enough electricity to power around 1,400 average Wisconsin households.
In a Sept. 9 letter to the Jefferson County Board, Watertown Mayor Robert Stocks outlined a series of concerns regarding the development.
One the main concerns was a conflict the solar project would create with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use provisions, adopted in 2019.
“A solar farm is not compatible with the planned mixed-use designation,” wrote Stocks. “It is not contemplated or permitted under the City’s adopted comprehensive plan and would significantly constrain future economic development that the plan identifies as vital for the greater community.”
A final concern was the potential hazard for air traffic to and from the Watertown Municipal Airport. Airport Commission member Eric Wegner referenced the possibility for the Concord-Highland Solar development panels affecting visibility for aviators.
“There are some potential concerns from an aviation and a pilot standpoint,” said Wegner. “We would potentially get some glare, because that is right in the final flight path for Runway 05.”
Wegner explained that he wasn’t sure of any electrostatic or communication issues a solar farm could cause, but said it was a possibility.
“A solar farm located near an aircraft landing zone can create significant safety concerns for pilots, passengers, and people on the ground,” wrote Stocks. “Solar panels can produce glare or reflected light that may temporarily impair a pilot’s vision during critical phases of takeoff and landing.
“I have a son that’s a pilot, and the idea of having glare when you have those little planes trying to make a landing…I’m just concerned about the placement. It’s right straight south of the flight path for both landing and taking off.”
The letter stated that Jefferson County could only issue a conditional use permit for the solar development if the developer met, or agreed to meet, all the requirements specific to the ordinance.
“The city’s position is that OneEnergy cannot satisfy the requirements and conditions of the Jefferson County Solar Energy Systems Ordinance or Wis. Stat. § 59.69(5e), and denial of the conditional use permit would be appropriate,” wrote Stocks.
Mayor Stocks will voice these concerns at a Jefferson County Planning and Zoning Public Hearing on Sept. 17 at 7 p.m.
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