Canton village board to keep closer eye on Rich Road solar project

BY PAUL MITCHELL

North Country This Week

CANTON – The village board will be keeping closer eyes on the 240-megawatt solar project on the Rich Road in the Town of Canton.

At the board’s Nov. 16 meeting, it was decided the village will be seeking intervenor status.

The developer of the Rich Road solar center, EDF Renewables, is required to provide the intervenor funding for local agencies and community intervenors.

EDF Renewables is expected to file their permit application in mid December. Once the permit is filed, the Office of Renewable Energy Siting will begin its review for completeness.

“This is massive operation. I just think it will have an impact on us and we should be in a position to comment and be taken seriously,” stated Mayor Michael Dalton.

“It would be irresponsible of us not to do this,” said Trustee Beth Larrabee.

Village Attorney Gerald Ducharme said the village has 30 days after the siting application is filed to apply. He said the village will be notify when EDF Renewables files the permit application. He also pointed out that William Buchan, an environmental lawyer hired by the town, would be willing to help the village obtain intervenor status.

“This is like taking a seat at the table,” commented Trustee Carol Pynchon.