Lee County Zoning Board continues hearing process for proposed 1,300-acre solar farm

DIXON – The Lee County Zoning Board began the final stage of the hearing process for the proposed 1,300-acre solar farm near Eldena.

The board had its sixth meeting on the project Wednesday, going through the first round of findings of facts based on testimony, evidence and public comment presented during the month.

Eldena Solar LLC, which is being developed by Minnesota-based Geronimo Energy LLC, is petitioning the county for a special-use permit that would allow for a 175-megawatt solar farm in South Dixon and Nachusa townships, near the corner of Eldena and Nachusa roads.

Board members approved around 30 different findings including that the project will be in compliance with local, state and federal electrical codes, lighting will be shielded and downcast so it won't spill onto adjacent properties, noise will be less than 50 decibels, and there won't be significant negative impact with glare especially on roads or structures.

They also agreed that site plans are in place that show existing soils and surface drainage, and there's a vegetation management plan that includes weed control as well as a landscaping plan to protect from soil erosion.

The site plan did not include a map of existing drainage tiles but the company has committed to locating and repairing any tiles that might be damaged during construction.

The board also found that an engineer has not certified that the foundation and design of the solar panels is within accepted professional standards, and that the company hasn't submitted the manufacturing specifics and installation methods for the panels, but board member Glen Hughes said those are required later in order to get a building permit.

They also agreed that a study from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources didn't find any endangered species or wetlands.

During the meetings, 11 community members neighboring the project footprint spoke out against the project with concerns with drainage as well as not having enough time to prepare adequate opposition testimony and the precedent it could set for other utility grade solar projects.

The company has worked with landowners to make some changes because of concerns, including having a 7-foot-tall woven wire fence with surrounding shrubs instead of a chain-link fence.

The $180 million project is estimated to generate around $15.5 million in property taxes across 20 years and generate energy to power about 30,000 homes per year.

The board will next meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday to continue findings of fact before making a recommendation to the Lee County Board.