By Kathy Dickinson
With energy costs continuing to rise, and with the growing realization that we need to move away from our dependence on fossil fuels, many communities are evaluating alternative clean energy sources such as wind and solar. In fact, Becket already had a sizable solar array installed a few years ago and tied directly into the power grid near Jacobs Ladder Road.
Three applications to develop new solar farms with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) here in Becket were submitted to the Becket Conservation Commission (BCC) in June of this year. Initial information was shared with residents on July 8th when the BCC scheduled an open forum and voted to approve hiring a certified wetland consultant to assess environmental impacts for each of the three designated sites at the expense of the respective applicants. It was also determined that the applications would be reviewed by the BCC separately and sequentially.
At that initial meeting, there was a good deal of concern regarding safety and environmental impact expressed on the part of attendees about the proposed developments. While duly noted, the BCC Chair, Dave Johnson, stated that any further action on these applications would have to wait until the final wetland assessment reports were received. Only then would the BCC move forward and within the defined process they are mandated to follow.
The first of what is anticipated to be a series of public meetings has been scheduled for September 29 at 6pm. The plan for this initial meeting is for Chair Johnson and BCC Agent Mary Summers to share an outline of the application process and to provide basic information including terminology, a summary of the applications, and anticipated timeline. After formal presentations by Emily Stockman (the wetland consultant), the applicants, and the BCC, time will be allocated for questions and initial public comments deemed to be within the jurisdiction of the BCC. Attendees who wish to engage are encouraged to be respectful, responsible in their comments, and to stick to the science and substance of discussion without undue repetition. No props (e.g. t-shirts, posters, etc.) will be allowed in the room during these sessions.
Johnson stipulated that no decision will be made at this early-stage meeting and that the BCC may elect to conduct site visits with Stockman and/or other natural habitat specialists.
The three Notices of Intent are listed on the town website [Boards and Committees/Conservation Commission], and drawings are on file in the Assessor’s Office for viewing during business hours. Meetings will be recorded by a newly installed sound system. Any pertinent updates will be posted chronologically via the BCC section of the town website as these meetings proceed.
