Dear Editor,
I, along with many community members, am opposed to destruction of timberland and farmland in Williamsburg County for the construction of utility scale solar “farms.”
What we know:
1. IRI Forest Investments LLC is IKEA Global. See newspaper article of 2019. Note the sentence on page two, “The land will be used for planting and maintaining trees, and will add to the company’s forest holding for use of wood.”
2. The deed notes large tracts of land identified as the Greeleyville Unit, Rhem Unit, and the Woods Bay Unit were sold to IRI Forest Investments, LLC.
3. Core samples have been taken of earth in the past two weeks on the tract beside me.
4. The same core sample machinery was on the old Black River Hunt Club tract across Hwy. 261 from me on the 3,774-acre tract (45-046-003 Williamsburg County).
5. 800 acres is being discussed as a utility scale solar “farm”-not a farm–a utility scale electric project.
6. The huge acreage to be considered borders many property owners in the Greeleyville area. Many others will be affected by supporting structures such as additional strength power lines, possible substations, etc.
These are a few of the topics discussed by the Sumter County Council last week:
1. A permit was DENIED to a solar investment company from out of state for a 600 acre solar facility.
2. Native habitat is being considered, as well as, threatened and endangered species identified by SCDNR and Clemson University.
3. The Solar Habitat Act is a good tool for information and siting suitability. Endangered plant and animal species are addressed.
4. Decommissioning is a big ticket item. It has to be addressed upfront in any agreements.
Surety bonds are discussed to be sure the cleanup in 5-50 years is not a tax burden for people of the county….us, our children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren….
5. National Electric Safety Board Codes are important in respect to fencing.
6. Landscape Buffers
7. Solar Glare issues.
8. Storm water run-off (for Williamsburg County the issue is the Black River and her watershed) and neighboring farmers…and any wetlands.
Action requested of the Williamsburg County Council:
I request a moratorium for time consideration for any new solar construction/development/permitting in Williamsburg County. Such a moratorium would allow for discussion and input on a solar development ordinance which would put in place guardrails for citizen input, environmental protections, decommissioning plans and appropriate siting.
Solar construction is defined as any “ground mounted photovoltaic solar facility with components and subsystems that generate electricity from sunlight, to be sold to a wholesale electricity market through a regional transmission organization and an interconnection with the local utility power grid. The area of the facility includes all the land inside the perimeter of the system, which extends to any fencing, land area required for setbacks, landscaping and signage.”
Note this does not include small accessory solar panel projects such as panels on homeowners’ homes. The intent of the moratorium is to address potential utility scale projects.
Closing:
We are at a crossroads. Our county is rich in natural resources. Our land, our Black River and her swamps, the plants, the animals, the people, the very air we breathe will one day be very scarce if we don’t protect it for future generations. Our way of life includes daily conversations about fishing, hunting, farming, rainfall, birds we saw, and being outside. We love our county and the closeness to nature that we feel and are fearful of outside entities who threaten to take this away all in the name of “tax credits” and start up grant monies. People in other states and countries will never see what they have destroyed in our community. Their greed will be the destruction of our way of life unless we stand up. Our ancestors are behind the protection of all of Earth’s resources. Future generations are trusting that we protect their environment.
Note 1: As of this date, March 28, 2024, there has been no response to my request to put in place such a moratorium.
Note 2: This Op Ed represents my speaking notes from the Williamsburg Council Meeting of December 19, 2023.
