Letter: Here comes more West Main Road solar sprawl

Posted 7/20/21

To the editor:

Nimali power is seeking master plan approval for the development of a large-scale solar project at 2340 West Main Road in Portsmouth. This is on land owned by the Patriot Petroleum …

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Letter: Here comes more West Main Road solar sprawl

Posted

To the editor:

Nimali power is seeking master plan approval for the development of a large-scale solar project at 2340 West Main Road in Portsmouth. This is on land owned by the Patriot Petroleum gas station/carwash/convenience store (2340 West Main Realty LLC).

The area planned for this 1.3-megawatt solar complex is now primarily covered in mature forest growth. If approved, this forest will be removed in order to accommodate thousands of solar panels. Sadly, this will result in an important loss of wildlife habitat along with soil and water retention.

Compounding the problem is the close proximity to the Lawton Valley reservoir. Believe it or not, almost half of this solar complex would be built in a watershed protection district. Water from this reservoir supplies parts of Portsmouth, Middletown, and Newport.

There has been much talk about protecting the watersheds on Aquidneck Island. Concerns about water quality now and in the future are obviously important. It’s quite shocking that a project like this is even being proposed for this site.

Another concern is the visual impact this will have on the surrounding area. Because of the topography, this large solar complex cannot be adequately screened from public view. This area will be converted from a green natural setting to an industrial looking site for all to see. This would be the third large-scale solar field to crop up along West Main Road.

Ever wonder why large-scale solar projects are cropping up so fast in Portsmouth? It’s because we presently have a flawed solar-siting ordinance. Companies like Nimali power are submitting plans like this before the rules change. For the time being it’s basically up to the citizens of Portsmouth to contest each individual proposal if deemed inappropriate.

There are appropriate locations for solar energy production. Brownfields, old industrial sites, landfills, just to name a few. Placement next to residential neighborhoods and close to drinking water supplies is not one of them.

At its July 14th meeting, the planning board asked Nimali’s attorney and engineer for more information on the project. If the company presses forward with their master plan application, it could be on the agenda for the Aug. 11th planning board meeting.

If this application or any other solar projects are put on the board’s agenda I’ll be at the meeting. I hope to see you there. We need to make our voices heard.

For more information about Portsmouth’s solar ordinance, go to ecori.org and search “Portsmouth Solar.” You can find a site map at Portsmouthri.com and a planning board agenda for June 9, 2021.

Richard Munch

775 Union St.

Portsmouth

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