The Hillsdale City Council got an update on efforts to assess the impact that a proposed solar farm in Fayette Township will have on residents of the city.
At a meeting earlier this month, the council asked city staff, along with officials from the Board of Public Utilities, to look into potential effects from the 1,350-acre project that would stretch between Jonesville and Hillsdale. The project is in its early stages of approval by Fayette Township officials.
Like many in the Township, some in the city are concerned about impacts on the water and overall environment.
In a memo included in the packet for Tuesday’s council meeting, City Manager & BPU Director David Mackie explained that because the proposed solar farm is outside of Hillsdale’s city limits, the BPU cannot force the project’s developers to conduct environmental studies or take steps to protect groundwater.
Mackie said impact studies would require specialized knowledge and data that the city does not have.
He said projects outside the city’s jurisdiction are best reviewed through the existing state and township processes.
Fayette Township officials have said they’re working to create an ordinance governing local renewable energy projects, in an effort to protect the community.