It is because of our love for the Valley and its future that the Alliance has spent the last few years doing a lot of research and engaging in much thoughtful discussion about solar of all shapes and sizes. We know that solar is part of the transition to renewable energy, and, done right, it can be compatible with and even complement our agricultural region. We have also learned that not all solar projects are done right with proper siting or care for the land, water, and communities that surround them.
Through that extensive education, Alliance board member Bobby Whitescarver, a retired soil scientist and farmer, and I, a recovering county supervisor, are happy to point to two solar projects, that the Alliance is supporting because they represent solar done right.
Elm Spring, Augusta County
In our eyes, this project rocks! Elm Spring is a family farm located on Goose Creek Road in the Fishersville area. The 323-acres of farmland affected are zoned agriculture but the tract is located in an Urban Service Area with an allowable future land use of medium density residential (about 180 houses). It is the family’s desire to keep this land in agriculture for future generations. In order to provide a steady income stream that keeps the farm viable and the land open, they hope to put 25 acres of solar panels on a 50-acre parcel.
We’re also excited that the solar developer, Consolidated Edison Development, has agreed to a pilot project that will allow sheep to graze under the panels. The rest of the farm outside the 50-acre solar parcel, will continue to be grazed in cattle as it is now. To learn more about this project click here.
Because of Augusta County’s solar ordinance, the proposal also includes provisions for vegetative buffering for the project lifetime and decommissioning at the end of the lease agreement.
We will be at the board of zoning appeals meeting (BZA) on June 1 to speak in support of this project and we hope you will join us. If you are unable to attend the meeting, you can contact the BZA members here.
Flying Rock, Staunton City
This project is on 96 acres in the city of Staunton in the area of the Bells Lane Agricultural-Forestal District. The request is to use approximately half of the tract for two solar projects—a 15.75 megawatt utility-scale facility and a 5 megawatt community solar facility that will serve low-income households in the area. Although the area is currently grazed by livestock, the underlying zoning is light industrial.
Staunton’s planning staff has worked hard to make this a model utility scale solar project in the following ways: the erosion and sediment control and storm water designs are well above the minimum standards, there’s a commitment to project certification under the standards of Virginia’s pollinator plant program, there will be no grading of land under panels, and there’s a strong decommissioning plan. Learn more about the project here.
Solar Projects to Support
Elm Spring, Augusta County
Attend the Meeting
Board of Zoning Appeals
Thursday, June 1 at 1:30pm*
Augusta County Government Center
(directions)
Send Comments
• Via email to Sandra K. Bunch, BZA Secretary: sbunch@co.augusta.va.us
• Via mail or phone
*Note that this item is “H” on the agenda so there will be seven public hearings before this one (see agenda).
Flying Rock, Staunton
Attend the Meeting
City Council
Thursday, June 22 at 7pm
NO PUBLIC COMMENT*
Rita S. Wilson Council Chambers
(directions)
Send Comments
• Via email to all members: CityCouncil@ci.staunton.va.us
• Individual Council Member Contact
*The oral public comment opportunity for this permit has closed, but you can still send written comments!
On May 25, Staunton City Council heard several hours of impassioned comments for and against the Flying Rock project before closing the public hearing. Because of the wealth of information that they heard, council decided to delay a vote on the project for a month, meaning it comes up again at the June 22 meeting. At this point, the public will not have the ability to make further comments at the special use permit consideration, but members of the public can contact city council between now and June 22.
We hope Staunton and Augusta residents will take a moment to chime in on these projects, which we believe showcase the potential for wise solar as part of the future for the farms and communities of the Shenandoah Valley.