The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

County Board Votes On Special Use Permit For Solar Farms

by Jeff Tee, Oquawka

The Henderson County Board held a special meeting on Friday, December 27th to discuss special conditions and vote on a special use permit for a solar farm just south of the Village of Oquawka.

I was unable to attend this meeting but it is my understanding that the motion to approve the permit’ as long as special conditions were met, passed by a vote of 8 ayes votes and 0 nay votes. Three board members were absent.

The special conditions which must be met before the permit will be granted with a brief description as I understand them are as follows:

  1. Commencement of Special Use: Construction must begin before December 31st, 2025 and be completed within 24 months after commencement of construction.
  2. Term: The permit is valid for 40 years from the date of the project being connected to the electrical grid.
  3. Compliance: Construction and operation shall comply with federal, state, and local regulations.
  4. Construction and Maintenance Hours: Fall/Winter hours are 7am to 7pm and Spring/Summer hours are 7am to 8pm
  5. Evaluation of Noxious Weeds/Weeds Management Plan: Company must use contractors local to Henderson County to control weeds. Failure to do so will result in termination of the special use permit.
  6. Vegetative Screening: Company shall use vegetative screening to block the view from all residences and public rights of way.
  7. Stockpiling of Topsoil: Company shall stockpile any topsoil that is removed so that it may be reused in the event of decommissioning.
  8. Drainage Tile Survey: Prior to receipt of building permit, company shall perform a drainage tile survey.
  9. Road Agreements: Company shall enter in to road usage agreements with the County Board and Township road districts.
  10. School Buses and Vehicular Traffic: Avoid conflicts with school buses, farm equipment, and traffic.
  11. Decommissioning and Security: Must have a decommissioning agreement with the county prior to issuance of the permit. Also, must have financial assurances to cover decommissioning. Financial assurances must be 100% of the estimated cost of decommissioning agreed to by the county. Financial assurance must increase by 3% per year to cover inflation.
  12. Liability Insurance: Company must maintain liability insurance and identify participating landowners in the project.
  13. Assignment: Company must act in a timely manner adhering to special conditions.
  14. Fire Protection Districts and Emergency Response: Company shall cooperate with all local fire districts and provide reasonable funding as necessary for training or for new equipment to prepare the districts to respond to fire and other emergencies concerning the project.
  15. Reimbursement for County Expenses: Company will promptly reimburse County for any expenses incurred by this project.
  16. Validity of Conditions: Company shall waive all claims concerning lawfulness, authority, or reasonableness of any conditions set forth by the County.
  17. Defense Against Claims: Company must reimburse any legal fees acquired by the County.
  18. Financial Ability to Complete Project: Company must provide proof to the county that they have the funds to complete the project before a permit will be issued.
  19. Compliance with IDNR Recommendations: Owner and operator will comply with all Illinois Department of Natural Resources recommendations and suggestions.
  20. Noise Study: Prior to the issuance of a permit, the company must provide the County a study by a third-party company demonstrating compliance with the Illinois Pollution Control Board standards.
  21. Glare Study: Company will provide a glare study for the project.
  22. Battery Storage Prohibition: The placement of battery energy storage is prohibited.
  23. Grading of Site: A dust mitigation plan must be issued and followed during construction.
  24. Registration with the secretary of State: Syncarpha Capitol, LLC and Spinello Solar 1, LLC and any successors must register with the Secretary of State and maintain an active status.
  25. Cure Period: Any alleged breach or violation of the conditions shall be subject to the company curring or commencing to cure.
  26. Proof of Compliance: Company shall provide any proof of compliance requested by the County.
  27. Proof of Parcel Ownership: Company will provide proof of sole ownership of the parcel location prior to the issuance of a permit.

It is my personal opinion the company will comply with all listed conditions and the project will move forward as soon as the ground thaws, if not sooner.

by Jeff Tee,
Oquawka
River Rat News
“Just the facts, Ma’am”