JAY — A proposed large-scale solar development that Walden Renewables introduced to town officials six months ago returned to the spotlight Aug. 10 as residents called for a moratorium. They questioned how hundreds of acres of solar panels could affect nearby homes, wildlife and the town’s landscape.

Walden first presented the potential 150-megawatt project to the Select Board in February, when company officials said a facility of that capacity could require roughly 900 to 1,000 acres and that additional land beyond property associated with the former Androscoggin Mill would likely be needed.

On Aug. 10, Dale Knapp, head of development for Walden Renewables, said the company has now optioned about 2,500 acres while it determines where the project could actually be built.

“We have optioned approximately 2,500 acres of land and we’re surveying it,” Knapp said.

He stressed that the figure is not the proposed project footprint. Walden is surveying the larger area for wetlands, streams, vernal pools and other regulated natural resources.

Knapp said the company is still targeting about 150 megawatts and expects the project itself could occupy about 800 to 900 acres in separate sections.

“It’s going to be big, but it’s not going to be like oppressively big,” Knapp said. He said Walden will conduct visual analysis and consider existing tree cover as it develops the layout.

SETTING THE RULES

The update came during a lengthy discussion initiated by Clint Brooks, a longtime Jay resident who lives on Belmont Drive.

Brooks said his concerns initially arose after he and several neighbors received notice in March regarding a separate, smaller solar development proposed by Perennial Jay Solar LLC near Cessna Lane. His research later led him to the larger Walden project involving nearby property.

Brooks told the board he is not opposed to renewable energy but wants Jay to establish rules governing where large solar projects can be located.

“Let’s establish a moratorium,” Brooks said.

Residents raised questions about setbacks, property values, forest clearing and wildlife. Brooks focused particularly on the possibility of solar panels being placed close to homes along Belmont Drive.

Other residents and participating landowners defended the project, saying leases could provide income from wooded property that has carried taxes for decades while generating relatively little financial return.

Knapp said the development would also generate taxable property and that Walden would be responsible for costs associated with converting land enrolled in tree growth taxation.

Walden is still conducting survey and design work, Knapp said, and the company expects to return to the Select Board later this year with a preliminary layout.

“We want to make sure the process is transparent,” Knapp said.

Town Manager Shiloh LaFreniere confirmed Tuesday that Jay has no ordinance or other local regulation specifically governing commercial or utility-scale solar development.

The Select Board took no action Monday on Brooks’ request for a moratorium or on developing a solar ordinance.

LaFreniere said she has contacted Brooks to ask about his anticipated next steps and timeline but had not received a response as of Aug. 11.

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