Potential solar energy facility in Pueblo County draws criticism
More green energy could be on its way to Pueblo County as county commissioners are considering bringing in another solar energy facility to the area, however, not everyone is on board with the plan.
A renewable resource company called Invenergy hopes to bring thousands of panels to a property located just off Burnt Mill Road and Interstate 25 in the southern part of Pueblo County.
Invenergy, based out of Chicago, has more than 100 similar clean energy project across the country.
This particular project is called Stem Beach Solar Energy Facility. At Tuesday’s county commissioner’s hearing representatives from Invenergy asked the commissioners to approve their application for a permit to build the project.
“Pueblo county has been very strong on their opinions about moving to renewable energy for both the county and the city of Pueblo,” said Ben Turner one of the Invenergy reps present at Tuesday’s meeting.
It would be a new 100-megawatt solar facility, providing at least one hundred and fifty construction jobs, as well as two to five full time jobs once construction is finished.
Invenergy doesn’t stop there when it comes to benefiting Pueblo County, either.
“It’s going to provide property taxes to the county. This project will provide property taxes without increasing the tax base on any of the local constituents,” said Turner.
Not everyone is on board with a new solar panel facility though, including the potential neighbors of the facility.
At Tuesdays commissioner’s hearing, dozens of residents from the St. Charles River Estates, located just across Burnt Hill Road from the proposed facility site, were present. They feel that having so many solar panels nearby could pose a great threat to their homes.
“There are numerous concerns but the biggest concern is the fire danger,” said St. Charles River Estates resident Rocky Mangini. “The only thing separating this facility from us is a 60 foot right of way road. Burnt Mill Road.”
Residents say the closest first responders that could help if a fire breaks out is at least 30 to 40 minutes away, leaving their properties helpless if the panels should cause a grass fire.
Invenergy argues the risk of fire is low.
“These are grassy areas, they catch on fire for other reasons,” said Turner. “So fire is always going to be a concern but these historically have been low risk for fire concern.”
Many of the concerned neighbors say they aren’t opposed to clean energy or solar energy. They just hope this is a plan that is well thought out and safe.
“We need to have some forethought, and some common sense to make sure they don’t place these facilities where they will impact residential properties,” said Mangini.
Commissioners wouldn’t speak on the specifics of the matter with media because the discussions are still ongoing.
County Commissioner Sal Pace was not present at Tuesday’s meeting so the two remaining commissioners decided to start the hearing without him. No decisions were made without Pace, however, they do hope to continue this conversation in the coming weeks.
