Standard Solar, LLC a subsidiary of a Canadian energy conglomerate has filed a Declaratory Ruling with the Connecticut Siting Council (PETITION # 1354) to clear-cut and alter 25 acres of "core forest" in a residential neighborhood adjacent to Chatfield Hollow State Park. Standard Solar erroneously calls the land "commercially zoned" which is simply untrue. This land has always been residential on town zoning maps and is home to several endangered species including the Whippoorwill bird, the Pale Green orchid, and the Sand Blackberry which are on the CT Protected Species list. In addition, this land contains delicate wetlands and vernal pools, a water system which connects directly to a main acquifer/ground water system connecting to Hammonasset River and Deer Lake. No storm water permit has ever been filled out by the petitioner, and the contents of these solar panels is unknown which over years will leach into the acquifer. In addition, there is no adequate Fire Safety plan, which is why Killingworth's Fire Marshall has said that the solar farm violates not only the town Fire Code, but Connecticut's Fire Code. This project directly violates several provisions in the Town of Killingworth's "Plan of Conservation and Development" plan and is an exceedingly poor choice for a solar project. It will endanger wildlife, vegetation, destroy colonial stone walls, forever alter the character of a historically significant residential neighborhood, and create a visual nuisance not consistent with the natural beauty of our town. For these reasons and more we are demanding that this location be protected from this proposal and another location be proposed.
