Solar farm proposal met with apprehension from Treasure Valley farmers

A proposed solar farm by Savion, a solar development company, has caused a commotion among Treasure Valley farmers.

The 1,419-acre solar farm would sit south of Kuna with its expanse crossing between the boundary of Ada and Canyon counties. On July 10, the Board of Ada County Commissioners held a public comment period regarding the solar project.

Dozens of locals came out in opposition of the proposal, with a central concern being the preservation of Idaho’s agricultural land. Opponents of the solar farm wore matching T-shirts reading “No solar on farm ground.”

“Here we go again, the federal government grants millions of dollars to do energy projects that are environmentally attractive, but destroys farming communities,” former Canyon County Commissioner David Ferdinand said during public comment.

Shane Beus, one of the landowners who sold land to Savion, said his land was up for sale for several months and he had received no other offers.

While people had said that the land is great for farming, Beus said the soil has made growing crops difficult. He also noted that, if the solar farm ever left the land, it still could be reverted to farmland.

Landowner Christine Vanderwood has had her dairy farm for over 40 years. She expressed concerns that the solar project would not protect farmland.

“It appears that Savion is clouding the issue with a lot of promises,” Vanderwood said.

She alleged that the solar plant construction would strip away healthy topsoil, ruining it for future farming.

During hours of public comment, opponents of the solar farm also cited concerns of environmental dangers and the property becoming an unsightly eyesore. Some nearby landowners came to the public comment period with legal representation.

Brad Heusinkveld, an energy policy associate at the Idaho Conservation League, spoke in support of the project. Heusinkveld said those at ICL believed that Savion had adequately addressed concerns.

“Energy development is necessary,” he said.

Solar is a low-risk energy production method and has a lower cost, according to Heusinkveld. He said there are no harms to health or water, and the risk of harmful contaminants leaking out is minimal.

Heusinkveld said harmful contaminants are largely immobile within the material of the solar panel, even when its contents are pulverized. It is unlikely that harmful contents would “leak” out into the environment.

Public comments mainly came from concerned farmers, but neighbors also came out in support of the project.

Kuna farmer Layne Thorton said he would rather have a solar farm in the area than a larger, busier development.

As things are changing and have become more difficult for farmers, Thornton understands the landowners’ decision to sell to a solar farm.

Thorton noted that two farms near him, both around 600 acres, are currently up for sale.

“I would like more than anything to own both of these farms on each side of me,” he said. “But economically, farming — it’s just not there anymore.”

Elizabeth Beus, who owns the land with her husband, said many false claims have been made regarding the project and the property.

“Much hysteria, half truths and even outright lies, lots of hyperbole,” she said.

Multiple speakers discussed the possibility of a battery fire. Elizabeth Beus said the risk is minimal, especially compared to most farms with propane tanks and stacks of dry hay.

“There’s no risk to the whole mountain burning down,” she said.

She noted that the solar farm wouldn’t produce any noise, smells or pollution.

“I think it’s hard to find a more benign neighbor,” Elizabeth Beus said.

According to Savion’s application, the company plans to buffer the view of its project by planting vegetation by any residences that are within 400 feet of the solar array.

Still, despite reassurances and fact-checking, the core issue remained — the solar project will be taking over land that was previously for agriculture.

“The debate is not over the need for more power…the fight is over the location of the facility,” Ester Hogland, neighbor to the proposed site, said. “There’s thousands of acres of desert not far from here that solar can be placed on where it will not devastate an entire community.”

Savion representative Lindsey Weismann said that while 63% of the property is legally classified as “prime farmland,” the quality of the land is severely limiting.

Following the extensive public comment period, the Ada County Commissioners moved to schedule a final vote on July 30. As the land extends into the neighboring county, the Board of Canyon County Commissioners will also have to vote on the solar project. A meeting date is still to be set.