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by Alexis Cooper
DARLINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — Darlington County leaders have voted to amend the county’s ordinance regulating solar energy systems and wind farm facilities as a proposed 417-acre solar farm draws opposition from nearby Hartsville residents.
Residents in the Deer Run and Clyde Road areas have spoken out against Palladium Energy’s proposed Stripe Solar project, raising concerns about its potential impact on their rural community, including the landscape, wildlife and property values.
“County, you have been chosen for such a time as this. Will you protect our families, our homes, our neighborhood? Or will you protect the profits of an outside developer?” one Hartsville resident asked.
Another resident questioned whether the potential tax revenue from the project would outweigh its impact on the surrounding neighborhood.
“We must look beyond the immediate tax revenue and ask the ultimate question. Is it really worth it to the county to place an industrial site in the middle of an established neighborhood instead of perhaps a more appropriate location,” the resident said.
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The ordinance amendment increases setback requirements and changes screening standards for solar energy developments. It also establishes financial requirements intended to help cover the cost of removing facilities at the end of their useful lives.
Under the amendment:
The setback and screening provisions are intended to establish greater separation and visual barriers between solar facilities and surrounding properties.
While nearby residents hope the revised requirements will provide additional protections, some landowners involved in the proposed solar project argue that changing the rules could jeopardize investments and commitments made under the previous ordinance.
One proposed solar site lessor said the project has been in development for more than two years.
“As a landowner, we have certain rights to do with our property what is lawfully allowed. This ordinance change is threatening that ability,” the landowner said, adding that changing the requirements could jeopardize the project.
Another landowner also questioned whether it would be fair to apply the new requirements to projects already in development.
“Switching the rules mid game is hardly fair to those already in the process,” the landowner said.
The landowner argued that the county should maintain the previous rules for projects initiated under those requirements and apply the new ordinance to future developments.
Questions remain about how the amendments will affect solar and wind projects already in the planning or negotiation stages.
ABC 15 reached out to Darlington County leaders for clarification on how the changes could apply to those projects. A response was pending at the time of publication.
Meanwhile, residents in the Deer Run and Clyde Road areas say they hope the revised requirements will offer greater protection for their neighborhood.
Last month, county leaders also rejected a proposed nine-month moratorium on new solar and wind energy projects.
ABC 15 will continue to follow developments involving solar energy and wind projects in Darlington County.
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