A local group is rallying to nix the solar project that Open Road Renewables calls the Grange Solar Project.
Indian Lake Against Industrial Solar Group’s mission is stated as:
“Our goal is to protect the integrity of our Lake and Community. The construction of thousands of acres of solar panels would greatly change our landscape. Therefore, directly affecting the value of homes, the livelihood of our local businesses, and the nostalgia of Indian Lake, many protected wildlife, historical landmarks, and expansive habitat dispersed throughout our charming community. These are all rare commodities. We need to conserve for our future generations. We are here to help empower the community and individuals who are passionate about preserving Indian Lake as a vibrant and thriving community that is enjoyed by all.”
Their concerns include:
- Wildlife: damage to our natural habitats and wildlife due to the displacement and degradation of land.
- Tourism: loss of tourism due to no longer being seen as a vacation destination and not having the nostalgia that Indian Lake currently offers.
- Business: failing businesses from the decline of visitors to our area.
- Loss of value: property depreciation due to the change of landscape from agricultural to commercial, visual degradation, and many other potential risks. Retirees and Lake homeowners will likely sell to find something more desirable.
- Flooding: we live in a floodplain area with a watershed that would be gravely compromised from contamination and erosion seen in utility-scale solar farms. Millions of solar panels will cause drip lines which could lead to uncontrolled water runoff. This would not only affect our Lake but also our Rivers which feed into larger bodies of water.
- Erosion: Leveling and grading land can cause soil erosion and eventually cause sediment to run off into our waterways. Too much sediment will disrupt ecosystems, hurt plants and animals, and potentially damage drinking water systems. On normal construction jobs, This is much easier to manage, but when dealing with $3,000 plus acres of soil, the risk of erosion greatly increases.
- Community: This project is being strongly opposed by both residents and business owners. Moving forward would create chaos in our beloved community.
On Wednesday evening, May 29th at 6 O’clock at the Winner Harvest Barn- 7317 State Route 47, DeGraff- the group will gather together for a community meeting.
They invite you to attend and learn more about the proposed 4,000-acre industrial solar project being developed in the Indian Lake Region.
The lead speaker for the evening will be Michael Wilson, Director of Communications at the Logan County Electric Cooperative presenting “Facing Unprecedented Challenges – The Reality of Rolling Blackouts” Followed by a presentation from Indian Lake Against Industrial Solar Group.
“We are not against personal use of solar, but THOUSANDS of acres on prime farmland and within a residential and tourist community is NOT in anyone’s best interest!” said Aubrey Snapp from the Indian Lake Against Industrial Solar Group.
See more about the Indian Lake Against Industrial Solar Group HERE.
