Concerned citizen Robert Wilson questioned Brantley County Commissioners on several topics dealing with a proposed solar farm along Hwy. 32 between Browntown and Hortense during the April 1 work session.
Wilson, who lives near the proposed site, said he had been in contact with the Brooks County chairman (Patrick Folsom) about zoning ordinances.
“He told me that ordinances had to be in place before your zone was changed,” said Wilson of his phone conversation with Folsom. “I thought last time y’all were talking about voting on the zoning ordinances. He said he told me that they had to be in place first, otherwise it’s grandfathered in.
“Some counties use the planning committee for the ordinances. I don’t know what we’re using for ordinances?”
County Manager Joey Cason told Wilson the county has had a Land Use Ordinance in place since 2016.
“The land use ordinance sets up all of the zoning districts for the county,” explained Cason. “We have an agricultural district. Our attorney has reviewed all of that. His recommendation was we would create a special exception in our agricultural district that we already have in place for solar.
“That would fall under agricultural if they so chose to approve the special exception, which commissioners have not done. If they choose to approve or disapprove, that would come after they’ve approved the special exception.”
Wilson followed by saying nobody has mentioned possible water contamination from the site.
“He (Brooks County chairman) said they had the solar farms put down wells where they could monitor the water quality,” Wilson said.
Commissioner Andy Riggins said the county has no zones permitted for solar.
“Our Land Use Ordinance has permitted uses for those lands,” said Riggins. There is no zone in our county permitted for solar. What I’m saying is there’s nothing to grandfather in for them because it’s not permitted. Our ordinance is against it because it’s not a permitted use.”
Wilson voiced concerns of water run off and if the county had received a plan addressing the matter.
Commissioner Randy Davison, with his index and thumb spread approximately two inches apart, said the county had a plan. Riggins said EPD (Environmental Protection Division) was involved.
Wilson said he also had noise concerns raised by transmission equipment for those living close to the possible site.
“I’ve read where there’s a big difference if you put up noise blocking walls around the inverters and the transmission where the noise comes from,” stated Wilson. “And I saw some videos of people complaining about the constant humming.
“I just Googled some ordinances that brought up Brooks County, Tiff County, Thomas County and Early County that you could draw from to come up with ordinances. There is also a model ordinance for solar farm in Georgia.”
Wilson asked commissioners who would be enforcing the ordinances for the county.
“We have a code enforcement officer,” responded Riggins. “He has the power. He’s been all over the county for different violations.”
“So, he’s with the Sheriff’s Department?” asked Wilson.
“He’s through them,” said Riggins. “He’s got the same qualifications as an officer. He can work with them.”
