SANDRA M STANWAY
Brooks Bulletin
A hearing is expected to be scheduled by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) for Pace Canada’s Salt Flat solar farm within the City of Brooks.
“Given that there have been multiple statements of intent to participate by potential interveners it is likely to go to a hearing,” said Geoff Scotton, the AUC’s senior communications advisor.
“A standing ruling and notice of hearing should be forthcoming,” he said.
While a hearing date is being considered Pace Solar has been reaching out to potential interveners to resolve their concerns.
Scotton said unless every concern by every intervener is resolved and their statement of intent is withdrawn, “The hearing will go ahead.”
As of closing of the acceptance of the statements on Nov. 4 there were 97 submitted plus one that was marked as late.
The majority of the concerns are the farm’s location because it will be detrimental to the residents and the city. They claim that Pace has not put enough money into a trust fund to deal with the reclamation and that the installation of the farm is being constructed on land that is limited in the city which will hinder growth and development.
When the commission makes its decision residents would like them to consider project proximity to homes, schools, a reclamation trust fund and compensation to residents within a certain area for lowered property value as well as ongoing maintenance of the land.
The solar farm is proposed to be an agrivoltaic farm to allow for crops under and between panels. It has also been proposed to include a paved walking path.
In May, following a period of five months in which Pace did not communicate with the AUC, the commission withdrew Pace’s original application stating that it would be easier if the company reapplied.
Just after the application was pulled the city was asked to support the project.
Although the city stated that they were pleased with the company’s plan for setbacks from property lines, a double row of trees and berm with the setback from the residential development and the inclusion of a walking trail, they stated a letter of support would be considered once a new application was submitted to the AUC.
A new letter from the city has not been discussed at a committee meeting.
