Community Engagement
We understand projects like Blackwater Solar bring a lot of attention from neighbors and community members. Clēnera strives to be attentive and responsive to questions and concerns raised. Below are a several design modifications we have made in response to the feedback we have received.
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Minimum Requirement/Initial Design
Requirements from Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
Concern Heard from Community
Minimum standards may still result in damage to water resources or result in flooding.
Clēnera Response
Adapt stormwater management standards for impervious surfaces
Increase rain/flood event modeling (10 yrs. >>> 25 yrs.)
Project constructed in phases and soil stabilization will be tested before advancing to next phase.
On-site SWM and ESC Manager
Secure performance bond to restore area to current condition after project lifespan.
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Minimum Requirement/Initial Design
No commitments/ requirements
Concern Heard from Community
Construction activity and project design will damage wetlands
Clēnera Response
50’ setbacks from delineated wetlands, including forested wetlands
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Minimum Requirement/Initial Design
30 miles of wildlife corridors
Concern Heard from Community
Wildlife will suffer and important habitat will be lost
Clēnera Response
40+ miles of wildlife corridors
Use wildlife-friendly fencing
Set aside 10% of project acreage to pollinator habitat
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Minimum Requirement/Initial Design
Preserve 2,000 acres of forested land
Concern Heard from Community
Forested land provides economic value to county and habitat for wildlife
Clēnera Response
Preserve 3,000 acres of forested land
Created an extensive landscape and vegetative management plan to preserve/promote habitat
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Minimum Requirement/Initial Design
9,000+ acres
Concern Heard from Community
Project is too large
Clēnera Response
Reduced project size to 4,800 acres
Remved proposed development on 1,300 acres ear 4H Center and Turkey Pen Road
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Minimum Requirement/Initial Design
No commitments/ requirements
Concern Heard from Community
Too much traffic during construction, damage to roads, disrupt 4H operations
Clēnera Response
Avoid Turkey Pen Rd. during construction
Pay for damages during construction (coordinated with County Supervisor)
Fund a road repair bond to fix damages when construction completes
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Minimum Requirement/Initial Design
Sussex County Ordinance requirements
Concern Heard from Community
Panels will be visible for several years, impacting rural character
Clēnera Response
150’ buffer of mature vegetation from roadway