Gloucester County Board debates solar facility proposal and liability concerns

The Gloucester County Board of Supervisors meeting on April 15, 2025, focused on the potential development of solar facilities on county land, particularly a closed landfill. The discussion highlighted concerns about the implications of such projects, including environmental liabilities and the county's existing solar capacity.

One of the main topics was the proposal to lease a portion of the closed landfill for solar energy production. Board members expressed mixed feelings about the project, with some advocating for further exploration while others raised concerns about the limited acreage and potential environmental issues. The county currently has a cap of 882 acres for solar development, with only 101 acres already utilized. The proposed project would occupy between 20 and 50 acres of this cap.

Concerns were also voiced regarding the financial and legal responsibilities associated with leasing the landfill. Board member Wilmer suggested that any lease agreement should include provisions to shift liability for environmental issues to the company leasing the land. This would help protect the county from future liabilities related to the closed landfill.

The board acknowledged that while there have been few requests for solar facilities since the 2% cap was implemented, there is a growing interest in individual solar projects among residents. The discussion emphasized the need for careful consideration of the proposal, with the board agreeing that any decision would require further review and input from staff.

In conclusion, the board is still in the early stages of evaluating the solar facility proposal, with plans to revisit the topic in future meetings. The outcome will depend on balancing the potential benefits of solar energy against the environmental and financial responsibilities that come with such developments.