Latest news with #Permit
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Proposed Olmsted County solar project could end resident's rural dream
May 20—VIOLA TOWNSHIP, Minn. — Clint Mulholland had a dream. When he was 5, he and his father were watering their sheep kept at the farm of their neighbor and friend, "Uncle" Bill Brennan. Mulholland, who loved Uncle Bill's farm, told Brennan, "I'm going to buy this from you someday." So, in 2009 when Brennan, unable to continue living alone at the house in rural Viola Township, called Mulholland — then 24 — and told him he'd sell Mulholland the house, the two men came to an agreement, part of which consisted of Brennan extracting a promise from his young friend that he never sell the place. "What I did from '09 to now, Bill would be proud of," Mulholland said. He tore down old out buildings, renovated the main house and added a large pole barn as a garage and for storage. Each morning he wakes up, Mulholland said, to beautiful sunrises, and each night he's treated to beautiful sunsets. Now 40, Mulholland isn't sure he can keep that promise he made to Uncle Bill. "I'll be surrounded on all four sides," Mulholland said. That is if Ranger Power, a Chicago-based renewable energy company, makes good on its plans to build a 1,800-acre solar farm that would cover farmland in Haverhill and Viola townships, northeast of Rochester in Olmsted County. The project, dubbed Lemon Hill Solar, would cover 1,800 acres daisy-chained across Viola and Haverhill townships in eastern Olmsted County. The solar farm would have a capacity, said Sergio Trevino, vice president of Ranger Power LLC, of 180 megawatts. This is not the company's first venture into utility-scale solar projects. And this project rivals the largest in Southeast Minnesota. Trevino said Ranger Power has developed several operational solar projects throughout the Midwest, and several other projects are in development, listing existing projects in Michigan and Illinois. This project, if completed, would be second in capacity — but larger in land area coverage — to the Byron Solar project that is slated to begin construction sometime this year. That project, located mainly in Canisteo Township in Dodge County, will cover nearly 1,500 acres with a capacity of 200 megawatts. The Byron Solar project is being developed by EDF Renewables. Trevino said about 14 landowners have voluntarily agreed to participate in the project. He cited proximity to transmission lines as one of the factors in choosing the location. "The project will be designed to minimize impacts," Trevino said, adding that state and federal environmental requirements as well as water flow concerns will be addressed. "The Minnesota Department of Commerce's Energy Environmental Review and Analysis (EERA) office will conduct a detailed review of all project impacts. The project will also obtain required local permits not covered by the Department of Commerce Site Permit, such as driveway and stormwater permits." He said solar panels have a long history of safe usage in the United States, and that Lemon Hill Solar would include "vegetative cover planted for the solar project (that) will produce nutrient-dense topsoil and help increase biodiversity throughout the project area, the project will use little to no water during operation, and the project will not produce harmful air or water pollution." A letter from Ranger Power adds that the project will add $33 million in new tax revenue over the potential 40-year lifespan of the project. That equals about $825,000 in taxes a year split between state, county, township and local school districts. The project will be presented to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) later this summer, Trevino said, with the hope of beginning construction in 2027 and becoming operational in 2028. Not everyone is buying Ranger Power's claims of a safe and tranquil solar farm in their backyards. At a May 2 meeting organized by Mulholland's mother, Joni Mulholland, at the Viola Town Hall, dozens of people — among a crowd of nearly 80 — spoke against the project. Bill Smith, who has lived in Haverhill Township for 39 years, talked about how when he wanted to build hog barns on his land, he needed to go through several public hearings in the township. The same was true when he wanted to build a modular home on his property. Mullholland said when he built his pole barn garage at his property, there were multiple meetings at the township and county level before the permit was approved. "I hear, 'It's my property, I can do what I want with it.'" Smith said, referring to the response he hears from people who have joined the project. "Can I cover my property with storage units? How can this be on ag-zoned land?" Smith asked the crowd — which included state Sen. Steve Drazkowski, R-Mazeppa, and state Rep. Steve Jacob, R-Altura — if there was a way to change the zoning laws to have more local control. That, Drazkowski said, is exactly what he tried to do with an amendment to the Omnibus, Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate bill, adding language saying, "A county may adopt, by ordinance, standards for large wind energy conversion systems and solar energy generating systems that are more stringent than standards in commission rules or in the commission's permit standards." The amendment went on to add that the PUC "shall consider and apply those more stringent standards, unless the commission finds good cause not to apply the standards." That amendment was voted down on May 12 along party lines with one Republican joining the DFL. Jacob said the DFL's rush to approve solar projects is tied to the state's goal to be 100% wind- and solar-powered by 2040. Any amendments in the Legislature offered by Republicans — allowing for local regulations and input, forbidding purchase of components from places where child or slave labor is used — were all voted down on party lines. Smith — echoing Drazkowski — noted that all other land-use decisions are handled at the county and township level. Only solar farms are approved without county or township permits needed. "Property rights are a good foundational freedom," Drazkowski said. "I support that very very much. But property rights only extend as far as you interfere in someone else's property." Mulholland said while he thinks solar power can be a vital part of energy production, Ranger Power and his neighbors are boxing him in, meaning his property rights are, indeed, being interfered with. He listed off a litany of interference. During construction, he and his neighbors will have to listen to nonstop pounding as thousands of solar panel supports are driven into the ground. Traffic during construction will tie up the rural roads of the townships, particularly Viola Road/Olmsted County Road 2. Then there's the damage to the topsoil of productive agricultural land. Leveling of land for a substation and for fields of solar panels could lead to soil erosion and an inability to re-convert the land for agricultural uses due to a loss of topsoil and potential leeching of hazardous chemicals from the solar panels over time, Smith said. The project would mean the loss of field waterways, tile lines and topsoil. Mulholland pointed out that the double-substation for the project — according to the current map from Ranger Power — would be built just a stone's throw from his home. He'd like to see the substation built at least a half-mile from his home. But that is only part of the problem. The land where he lives — and neighboring land, which would be covered with solar panels — is the headwaters of the Whitewater River, a certified trout stream that also leads directly into the Mississippi River. If he were to break his promise to Uncle Bill and sell the property — something he hopes not to have to do — Mulholland wonders just how much he would get for his investment. He speculated that property values, especially with him being surrounded on all sides by solar infrastructure, would drop 30% or more. At the May 2 meeting, Smith asked the crowd, "Who here would like to buy a house next to a solar farm? Probably no one." A show of hands indicated he was correct. Jennifer Lawver, who lives on Viola Road, said if the project is approved, she'll immediately put her property up for sale at a 10% discount to try to move before the solar panels go up. And while the developer has found willing landowners to participate, Mulholland said only one of the 14 who has signed on has a home within sight of where solar panels will go up. For some, he said, the money being offered is too good. But Mulholland worries about his quality of life if he stays with the substation just yards away, humming behind tall fences. "I won't have any wildlife access," he said. "My 5 acres will never have deer on it again."
Western Telegraph
22-04-2025
- Health
- Western Telegraph
Withyhedge incident management team stood down as 'situation improves'
An Incident Management Team (IMT), comprising of Natural Resources Wales, Pembrokeshire County Council, Public Health Wales and Hywel Dda University Health Board was set up in February 2024 in response to complaints going back to October 2023 about the odour issues at Withyhedge Landfill. The landfill closed temporarily in May last year, reopening on January 6 when all compliance required by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) was said to be complete. An update from NRW this week said that the IMT has now been stood down as there are 'far fewer reports of odours' and pollution levels remain below the limits set by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This combination of factors shows that the 'situation has moved beyond incident response' says NRW. A dedicated system set up to report odour and gas from the Withyhedge site has also been decommissioned. However, residents can still report via NRW's online incident form or by calling 0300 065 3000. Independent air quality monitoring in the area will continue for the next year, funded by landfill operator RML. Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) said that it will verify the results to ensure transparency. The static monitor at Spittal School will also remain until April 2026, with weekly results being provided to PCC and data collected compared with WHO guidelines. However Public Health Wales (PHW) will no longer review this data on a regular basis. PHW says that the data from Spittal School between January 26 and March 30 showed 13 occasions when hydrogen sulphide concentrations in the air were above the WHO odour annoyance guideline value. However, all 13 occasions were on the same day and there had been no exceedances for the seven weeks to the end of March. Other air monitoring in the area has not recorded any occasions when hydrogen sulphide concentrations in the air were above the WHO odour level. Air monitoring undertaken using diffusion tubes has also not identified levels of hydrogen sulphide above longer-term guideline which is based on lifetime exposure. 'We are reassured that the air monitoring data has not shown evidence of an ongoing, long-term risk to the health of the community,' said PHW. 'As a result of this evidence, coupled with the significantly lower number of complaints received by partners, PHW will no longer review the data on a regular basis.' NWR has said that it will continue to monitor the landfill site with unannounced inspections to assess compliance against the Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR) Permit. Its investigation into issues identified at the peak of the odour incident continues. RML has also applied for a variation to their permit. NRW said that a public consultation will take place as part of this. All members of the former incident management team have said that they will monitor communications they receive regarding Withyhedge Landfill and share between organisations if appropriate.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Austin hospital safety law's full impact could be years away
KXAN (AUSTIN) — Despite the hum of new construction, the full impact of Austin's new hospital safety law is likely years away. Three months ago this week, Austin passed an ordinance requiring barriers, called bollards, to improve security at new hospitals. While some facilities are already making updates, without a state-level change, a KXAN investigation found the new safety mandate could take months, if not years, to be felt. In a city used to new construction, health care is booming. A future state-of-the-art hospital and MD Anderson Cancer Center, for instance, are coming to the University of Texas at Austin. Since those projects are still in the early stages, they will have to install crash-rated bollards under the new city rule. But KXAN found millions of dollars of ongoing medical facility expansions — at St. David's and Ascension Seton, among others — exempt from doing the same. Both hospital systems did not respond to KXAN's request for comment regarding whether bollards will voluntarily be added. St. David's, however, previously said it had installed bollards at all of its locations. 'St. David's HealthCare installed bollards at all of our hospitals prior to the Austin City Council approving the ordinance,' the hospital system previously told KXAN. '[A]nd we will work with policymakers to ensure compliance with any new legal or regulatory requirement,' the hospital said. Under the ordinance, which unanimously passed on Dec. 12 and took effect Dec. 23, new Austin hospitals — and existing ones that expand — have to install crash-rated bollards. It's a direct response to KXAN's investigation into the deadly crash at St. David's North Austin Medical Center more than a year ago. Our reporting previously revealed more than 400 similar crashes across the country over the past decade. On the date it passed, its author, former Council Member Mackenzie Kelly, said the measure 'will absolutely save lives.' KXAN wanted to see how the new hospital security law is working. Digging through city building permits, we found at least nine applications listed on the city's portal as being filed since the ordinance took effect — but that bollard requirement doesn't apply to any of them. That's because 'bollard installation compliance' is actually 'triggered by the Site Plan application, not the Building Permit,' according to Austin Transportation and Public Works spokesman Brad Cesak. 'Bollards are reviewed and approved as part of the site,' Cesak said, 'and that is where they are inspected for compliance.' Hospital safety bill gets bipartisan support a year after deadly St. David's crash 'Any site plan submitted on [Dec. 23] or after will have to comply,' he said. KXAN found nearly 50 building permits issued after the ordinance took effect — but with site plans filed before that date. Some, like St. David's new Mental Health and Wellness Center behavioral hospital, were filed years ago. In that case, in October of 2022. So, the new rule doesn't apply. We did not find any site plans filed after the ordinance took effect. There are 'currently no site plans that have been submitted that fall under the new ordinance,' Cesak confirmed. 'To me, what kicks these things off is a side show to: Why wouldn't people put them in anyway?' asked Rob Reiter, a bollard expert and co-founder of the non-profit Storefront Safety Council, which tracks vehicle crashes. Reiter said even if hospitals don't yet have to install bollards, they should. 'From a liability standpoint, if there's a vehicle incursion at that location, and they come back with the defense of, 'Well, they weren't required,' they've been put on notice,' Reiter said. EXPLORE: KXAN 'Preventing Disaster' investigations found 400+ crashes at medical centers Since the ordinance went into effect, 'many' hospitals in the city 'are already coming into voluntary compliance,' Cesak said. Austin Regional Clinic told KXAN its new 63,000 square foot Surgery Center South on Ben White Boulevard, which is currently under construction and set to open early next year, 'will have bollards with lights for the entrance in compliance with the Ordinance.' After KXAN reached out, ARC said even though the ordinance only 'specifies' bollards for new medical facilities, it will review its other locations. 'We have not yet added bollards to the existing entrances at ARC South 1st or ARC South 1st Specialty, the existing clinics adjacent to the new facility, as the Ordinance specifies the addition for new medical facilities, urgent care clinics, and stand-alone emergency rooms, which these clinics are not,' said ARC Chief Administrative Officer Katherine Flynn Henry. 'ARC plans to review other existing Austin locations for potential safety issues and will address those in the most appropriate way, including the addition of bollards,' Henry added in a statement. 'ARC does not have any Site Plan applications in the City of Austin in the near future, but bollards will be included with all future sites.' Austin city staff are providing 'construction and placement standards' to applicants so they 'understand' the bollard requirements, Cesak said, adding the city is available to offer support. 'We also plan to reach out to existing facilities to make them aware of the new ordinance and provide permitting guidance should they wish to voluntarily comply,' Cesak said. A bill filed this legislative session and gaining bipartisan support would require bollards at most hospitals across the state. 'Safety has always been the standard of care,' said Reiter, who wants to see hospital safety improved to prevent future disasters. 'Why wouldn't you want to make it safe?' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
BBC News
12-02-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Car park permit issued for people in St Albans who dislike apps
A new parking permit is being introduced to help people over the age of 70 who have difficulty using digital payment methods such as mobile phone of the St Albans district can apply for an Access Permit which costs £190 a year and is valid for one visit a day for up to three hours at 15 off-street car car parks included in the scheme are at Drover's Way, Russell Avenue, the Civic Centre, Westminster Lodge and Verulamium in St Albans, and Amenbury Lane in Harpenden."There is no statutory duty placed on us to provide such a permit, and I am not aware of any councils that do, so this is quite an innovation," said Helen Campbell, councillor for car parks at St Albans City & District Council. "Many of our older citizens are more than happy to pay by contactless cards or apps, but there are some who struggle with these modern methods."The Access Permit will help by providing them with a more traditional way of paying. "The price of £190 per year is designed to reflect a fair price for an average driver over a year's use." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
