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MUNCY CREEK TOWNSHIP -- Solar farms, with their shiny panels that generate energy from the sun, are popping up all over Lycoming County.
Another project is proposed for the 2400 block of Lime Bluff Road, on John Fry's leasable land.
On Friday, supervisors listened as area residents and officials with Dynamic Energy contributed to an informational hearing regarding the proposal.
According to the plan presented and testimony, the solar farm would consist of 3- by 6-foot panels that will operate on a tracker moving east to west, following the sun's path during the day, and not operating during the evening hours, so there would be no noise extraneous noise.
The applicant needs to meet conditions for such use in the agriculture and conservation district and residential district after earlier being denied by the codes enforcement officer.
"We want to be good neighbors," said Derek Sheehan, a company spokesman.
Steve Groy said there was an extensive sub-surface drainage system on the property.
He then cautioned the company officials that if they planned to do test drilling and hit a line there would be wetlands springing up that they did not anticipate. The applicant would be held liable for any subsurface issues.
However, other concerns were expressed about the amount of rain runoff being near a stream leading to Muncy Creek. Neighbor Jeff Berger said water gets onto the road and floods Chippewa Road and the nearby farm fields.
Residents were assured any onsite construction work -- which would take two to three months -- will not park along the road. The plan also includes a 300 foot access road with compacted gravel and arborvitae to block the fence.
Dynamic Energy officials, to a question by Muncy Township resident Tom Schaech, promised to hold training sessions with local firefighters.
The property will be seeded with low-growth grass. Assurance was given that any panels that are damaged or need to be replaced would be disposed of properly.
A noise and glare study were done with analysis shared with the supervisors.
The panels are coated in an anti-reflective material to cut down on glare. The site will have a 7-foot high fence with a 6-inch gap beneath to allow smaller animals to venture in and out but not large enough for deer or larger animals.
The facility would not have overhead lighting or advertising signage, and transmission lines will be buried in conduit.
Solar panels are being proposed throughout the county, including in the adjacent Muncy Township.
The hearing will recommence at 6 p.m. Feb. 19. Supervisors then hold their regular scheduled meeting at 7 p.m.