VASSALBORO: KWD only beneficiary of solar power development

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro planning board members had on their July 11 agenda four shoreland permit applications and a discussion of keeping phosphorus out of water bodies. They had in the audience two representatives of ReVison Energy to talk about a solar project that was not on the agenda.

In a short meeting, they learned one application had been withdrawn and one did not need their action; approved one permit; postponed another and the phosphorus discussion; and said Vassalboro’s new solar ordinance does not apply to ReVision’s project.

ReVision representatives Alexander Roberts-Pierel and Annalise Kukor were asking about the Kennebec Water District’s proposed solar development.

Roberts-Pierel said the project had received an interconnection permit from Central Maine Power Company just before Vassalboro’s local moratorium took effect in November 2022. The moratorium ended after voters at the June 2023 town meeting added commercial solar regulations to the town’s site review ordinance.

Roberts-Pierel said power generated by the KWD project will go into the grid, but it will be entirely credited against KWD’s usage. KWD will be “the sole beneficiary,” and no power will be sold to other entities.

In that case, planning board chairman Virginia Brackett said, the solar regulations do not apply. By the definition of “commercial solar energy system” in the ordinance, they apply only when the “primary purpose” is to sell power off-site.

Because of the area to be covered by the proposed solar panels, KWD will need an ordinary site review permit for the development. Roberts-Pierel said he would report to KWD officials and prepare an appropriate application.

The shoreland permit approved was for Stephen Hahn to enlarge the deck on his camp, at 5 Baker Road, on Webber Pond. The new deck will be slightly smaller than he originally requested, in order to meet ordinance requirements.

The postponed application was from Peter Tomasz, to enlarge a building, at 62 Three Mile Pond Road. Tomasz was not at the July 11 meeting, and board members reviewing the application found they had several questions for him.

His application was therefore postponed to the board’s August meeting.

Codes officer Robert Geaghan said the Town of Vassalboro does not need a permit from the planning board for proposed developments at Eagle Park, on Outlet Stream; the codes officer is authorized to act.

Town Manager Aaron Miller added that the town needs a state Department of Environmental Protection permit by rule for adding fill. He and Paul Mitnik (former codes officer and current planning board member) will take care of it.

The next regular Vassalboro planning board meeting night is Tuesday, Aug. 1.