During a recent government meeting, residents of Fluvanna County expressed their views on proposed solar energy developments, emphasizing the need for environmental protections and community input.

Jennifer Price, a local resident and freshwater ecologist, highlighted the county's natural beauty and the eagerness of developers to establish solar plants. However, she urged the board to maintain a 500-foot setback from ponds and streams to protect local ecosystems. Price supported the planning commission's recommendation for a recycling plan for solar panels, confirming that it is included in the ordinance.

Price advocated for reasonable buffer zones, suggesting a 100-foot buffer for small streams and 200 feet for larger ones, aligning with standards set by the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Foundation. She argued that farming practices, which often involve soil disturbance and fertilizer application near streams, pose greater risks to water quality than solar panel installations, which only disturb the soil during setup.

Additionally, Price questioned the practicality of the proposed property boundary buffers for solar farms, suggesting that a GIS analysis could clarify the feasibility of such developments given the existing streams and property lines. Her comments reflect a broader concern among residents about balancing renewable energy initiatives with environmental conservation and land use practices.