State OKs Major Solar Project In Simsbury, Likely Dooming Disc Golf Site

SIMSBURY, CT — A prominent location for disc golf in Connecticut will now be the site of a controversial solar energy project following state approval last week.

The Connecticut Siting Council voted Aug. 6 to approve a proposed 4.65-megawatt solar energy facility at 140 Nod Road in Simsbury, according to Simsbury First Selectwoman Wendy Mackstutis.

The council's decision allows LSE Lynx LLC, also known as Lodestar Energy, to move forward with the solar photovoltaic facility and associated electrical interconnection, subject to a series of conditions that must be met as the project advances.

The Connecticut Siting Council is a state agency that regulates the location and construction of major public utility and energy infrastructure.

"The CT Siting Council voted to approve Lodestar's Nod Road Solar Project at 1:30ish this afternoon, August 6th," Mackstutis said in a social media post announcing the decision.

The project would occupy about 19 acres of a roughly 118.9-acre property east of Nod Road.

The property, owned by Simsbury Real Estate Holdings, historically operated as part of the Tower Ridge Country Club golf course and is currently the site of the Tower Ridge Disc Golf Course, according to Lodestar's petition.

With the approval of the solar project, the demise of the popular disc golf site is likely.

The proposed 19-acre Lodestar Energy solar project on Nod Road would consume roughly two-thirds of the layout, and course owners state they will have no option but to shut down the business if the project moves forward.

That was made clear in a letter earlier this year to the siting council.

"The Nod Road Solar project would not just 'stifle' our momentum—it would extinguish it. We urge the siting council to consider the vibrant, active community use of this land and the irreversible damage this installation would do to the aesthetic and economic health of the area," wrote Brett Hollander and David Tolk, the disc golf course's co-owners.

"We ask that you protect the local businesses and natural treasures that make Simsbury unique by denying the application for this location."

Electricity generated by the project would be sold to Eversource.

Lodestar has said Simsbury could receive up to $45,000 annually in real and personal property taxes from the facility.

The Siting Council found a public benefit in the construction, maintenance and operation of the project and determined that it would not have a substantial adverse environmental effect.

The approval includes 18 conditions addressing construction, environmental protection, emergency response, fire safety, noise, maintenance and eventual decommissioning.

Before construction can begin, Lodestar must submit a state stormwater permit and obtain council approval of a development and management plan.

That plan must include final site and structural designs, erosion and sediment controls, an aquifer protection plan, a species protection plan and procedures for preventing and responding to spills.

Lodestar must also redesign the project within the leased area to accommodate recommendations from the Simsbury fire marshal.

Emergency preparedness is another requirement.

The company must submit a final emergency response plan addressing fires, accidents, and electrical issues and provide training for local emergency responders.

The plan must identify necessary fire suppression equipment and adequate water supplies.

Before the facility can begin operating, the Simsbury fire marshal must certify that the required training has been completed and approve the emergency response plan.

The council is also requiring a post-construction noise study to document compliance with state standards and identify mitigation measures if they are needed.

Lodestar must provide a bond covering costs associated with eventually decommissioning the solar facility and restoring designated prime farmland soils.

Unless the council grants an extension, the facility must be fully constructed within three years of the council's decision.

Lodestar must notify the council at least two weeks before beginning site construction and provide notice within 45 days after construction is completed.

Mackstutis thanked residents who submitted comments or participated in the public hearing and correspondence periods.

"We will keep you posted on next steps and activity on the required actions stated in the decision," Mackstutis said.

The town is maintaining information and correspondence concerning the proposal on its 140 Nod Road Solar Project webpage.

The Connecticut Siting Council also maintains the record for Petition No. 1698 on its website.

For complete information and documents on the solar array application, click on this link.