Appaloosa Solar Project CUP application hearing engenders statements of support and opposition

POMEROY–A public hearing regarding QCells' conditional use permit (CUP) application for the Appaloosa Solar Project was held in the elevated seating area at Pomeroy Jr/Sr High School on June 24. The hearings examiner, Andrew Kottkamp of Kottkamp, Yedinak & Esworthy P.L.L.C., out of Wenatchee, heard testimony regarding the project's compliance or otherwise to the Garfield County comprehensive plan as well as evaluate what he called the "voluminous materials" provided in writing. Project details, study results, and written public comment were entered into the public record.

Spoken testimony included a summary of the project and statements of support and opposition. After evaluating study results, agency recommendations and civil restrictions the acreage that the Appaloosa Project will actively build upon has been decreased by approximately 40%. Brian Tran, speaking for QCells, stated that the proposed solar project will actively use 913 acres, rather than the approximately 1,700 first proposed. Tran also spoke about the studies that have been done on the proposed area, including archeological and ethnographical studies, and mule deer and raptor surveys. He also discussed the solidity of QCells financial position due to the backing of their parent company in South Korea, which is the seventh largest company there, as well as a Fortune 500 company. Tran acknowledged that there is not a decommission plan yet, but stated that as the applicant, QCells will be responsible for 100% of the cost.

Testimony in support of the project included Steven St. Clair, Puget Sound Energy's manager for resource development, who stated that PSE supports "a swift approval" of the CUP application due to the close siting of the projects that allows them to share important infrastructure. Also speaking in support of the project was Scott Holstrom, business manager for the Spokane chapter of LiUNA, the Laborers' international Union of North America, who stated that LiUNA would be happy to work with QCells on the project.

In opposition to the CUP application, Larry Scoggin addressed his concern about the survival of Lower Granite Dam, as well as the ground in the proposed area. "There is very fragile ground in that area," Scoggin stated. He spoke of the pasturing and farming that has been used to preserve the ground in past years, calling it "some of the best coyote trapping ground left in the county".

Mary Dye also spoke in opposition, pointing out that the Growth Management Act was intended to protect wildlands and agricultural lands from urban sprawl. Dye stated that the GMA should protect against energy sprawl as well. "I question that solar farms are agriculture use," Dye said, adding her fear that adding intermittent energy will destabilize the grid and cause brownouts and blackouts. Wendi Watson also stated her opposition, speaking of her concern about energy poverty and declaring the green deal lie "hogwash". Watson also stated that the comprehensive plan being used to evaluate the CUP application was created by the Garfield County planning commission, some of whose members directly benefit from the project. She stated "it is a conflict of interest at best. I will say corruption." Watson also said, "I ask you, in the interest of future generations, not to turn Garfield County into a green energy wasteland."

Hearing Examiner Kottkamp left the record open until July 3, mainly to allow an opportunity for the applicant to make rebuttal statements on written public comments received at the hearing. Kottkamp stated that he will render his decision by the end of July.