Boulder County is setting a dangerous precedent by permitting industrial projects on agricultural lands and close to residential areas.
Help us in opposing these projects and protecting our rural areas.
A recent proposal by Pivot Solar Energy Facility (Docket SU-24-0002) places the construction of a high-density industrial solar facility on agricultural lands of national importance in close proximity to residential homes. Once these scenic vistas are gone, they are likely gone forever. We are the stewards of these places.
How you can help
We are asking you and members of your household to write letters to the Boulder County Commissioners letting them know how this development will negatively impact you. This issue is tentatively scheduled to go before the Boulder County Commissioners on Thursday, October 10 at 9 a.m.
Reasons to care about this issue
Industrial solar facility in close proximity to nearby rural residential homes
The closest residential neighborhood is approximately 250 ft from this site. This sets a precedence for industrial sites to be close by and disruptive (both with noise and visually) to Boulder county residents. Other countys, such as Weld County, require a limit of 500 ft.
Protecting Boulder County agricultural land
The parcel onto which this proposed project is to be installed is designated “Agricultural Land of National Importance” per Boulder County Comprehensive Plan Map. With this condition, this proposed project is inconsistent with and in violation of the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan.
Preservation of Scenic Vistas (Article 4-601.A.2 of the Boulder County Land Use Code)
Preservation and protection of the natural environment that characterizes the Boulder Valley is a core community value that has defined Boulder since the end of 19th century. (Boulder County Comprehensive Plan, p. 54)
Lack of planning and clarity for screening, vegetation and site oversight (Article 4-601.A.9 of the Boulder County Land Use Code)
Current plans for screening the solar panel system lack specific height requirements and may face challenges due to the insufficient water supply from the adjacent farming ditch, identified as the primary water source for the planned vegetation.
A potential 41-year contract with Pivot lacks a defined plan for monitoring and accountability throughout the project's lifespan.
The absence of clear mechanisms for promptly addressing potential system issues, especially given the project's proximity to numerous homes, constitutes significant grounds for denying approval. The risk of adverse impacts on residents due to unresolved problems is unacceptable.
Risks to wildlife and destruction of critical wildlife habitat
In the initial proposal, solar panels were sited in riparian corridors. While, the Planning Commissioners advised removing solar panels from these areas, the proposed fencing and landscaping will remain, and concerns persist related to proximity of development to these highly valued habitats.
(Boulder County Comprehensive Plan,3.06 Wetland & Riparian Protection)