County postpones OPALCO Bailer Hill solar microgrid hearing again
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
FOLLOWING IS A STATEMENT BY SAN JUAN COUNTY GOVERNMENT
San Juan County’s Department of Community Development (DCD) is postponing the public hearing examiner meeting (previously scheduled for Dec. 18) for OPALCO’s Bailer Hill micro-grid and battery installation project while waiting for additional information. The future hearing examiner meeting date is to be determined (TBD).
Project Review
DCD staff have been working with OPALCO to review their application for a conditional use permit (CUP) since early 2024.
CUPs are a regulated process governed by the County Code and are subject to public comments and quasi-judicial review by a Hearing Examiner (a person contracted by the County to make land use decisions and hear appeals). DCD reviews the application and prepares a report for the County Hearing Examiner who convenes a public hearing and makes the final decision on the project application based on the County Code.
Over the last year, the County has requested a variety of information from OPALCO in order to ensure compliance with County Code. Based on further review, the County requested additional information to demonstrate compliance.
The project review is on hold until OPALCO provides additional information about the site and potential impacts.
“We should be clear – the County is supportive of renewable energy efforts and is grateful to OPALCO’s team for its continued communication through the review process,” said Kyle Dodd, interim Deputy Director for DCD. “It’s the County responsibility to review the materials, ask difficult questions, and provide the most complete project record to the hearing examiner to make an informed decision. We just don’t have all the answers yet.”
For information about OPALCO’s proposed project, visit their website at: https://www.opalco.com/quick-fact-bailer-hill-microgrid/2024/01/
For information about the County’s involvement in the project’s CUP review process, visit the County’s website.
