Commissioners ask health director to review Saint Clair County letter on solar‑field health concerns

Lapeer County commissioners discussed public concerns about utility‑scale solar fields after a citizen referenced a letter from Saint Clair County that raised potential health issues. Commissioners asked Health Department medical director Jim Henry to review the letter and report whether there is a legitimate public‑health basis for local action.

Commissioner remarks noted that the Saint Clair County document prompted discussion around sound, visual impacts and other claimed risks. Commissioner Kemp asked whether the health department had any background and whether further study was warranted. Henry said he had taken a preliminary look and that at least within the state public‑health community the Saint Clair County concerns had been largely discredited; he said the letter did not appear to rise to the level of a public‑health emergency.

Henry suggested some risks — for example, local property‑owner disputes over siting and nuisance issues — may be more appropriately addressed through local land‑use processes than through the health department. Commissioners emphasized support for local control and asked Henry to take a further preliminary look and report back.

Why it matters: The discussion frames how Lapeer County may respond to constituent concerns about large solar projects and clarifies the health department’s role versus local land‑use authority.

Ending: Henry agreed to review the Saint Clair County letter and advise the board if there is any health‑department basis for county action.