Commission debates noise limits and battery storage for solar farms in Abendy

The Washington County Planning Commission convened on February 24, 2025, to discuss various agenda items, primarily focusing on noise regulations related to solar farms and the management of battery storage units.

The meeting began with a presentation by Amy Venable, who highlighted concerns regarding noise levels from solar farm inverters. Venable proposed a noise limit of 40 decibels (dBA), which would be measured at property boundaries and set 3 dBA above the pre-construction background noise level. This suggestion aimed to address issues experienced in other counties where inverter noise has been problematic. The commission members expressed support for establishing a baseline noise level, ensuring that the new regulations would not unfairly target solar farms compared to other developments in the county.

Following the discussion on noise regulations, the commission turned its attention to battery storage units associated with solar projects. Venable emphasized the need for documentation regarding the type and quantity of battery storage, particularly if the units contained PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). She recommended that any project using PFAS-containing batteries submit a containment and decommissioning plan, along with certification from the manufacturer if PFAS-free batteries were used.

The commission acknowledged the absence of existing ordinances governing battery storage and agreed on the necessity of developing regulations to address potential environmental concerns. A proposal was made to add a new agenda item focused on battery storage documentation, which would require further research and development by staff.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of addressing both noise and battery storage issues in future planning efforts, with plans to revisit these topics in subsequent meetings. The commission's proactive approach aims to balance the growth of renewable energy projects with community health and safety considerations.