Rhonda Noble, a 15-year resident of Mount Vernon, is expressing deep concerns over the proposed large-scale utility solar projects set to impact her community.

Noble, who lives on Possum Street, shared how the projects would not only affect her but also her neighbors and others living in the area near the 1,533-acre Frasier Solar project, which would potentially surround homes on multiple sides with the developments.

In a letter provided to Mount Vernon News, Noble raised various concerns, including the possible impact on the region's picturesque landscapes, agricultural heritage and wildlife.

“My husband grew up in this area. He farmed this area along with his father all his life. For me, I married into a farming family 30 years ago and it has been a blessing,” Noble said in the letter.  

“On March 27th, 2023, my life changed and not for good. I was not prepared to find out that there will be large scale Utility Solar projects coming into our county, my township. Across the road to be exact.”

Noble emphasized worries about toxins leaching into the environment.

“Along with the impact of wildlife, there are other major concerns of mine. One is toxins, especially during a fire or hailstorm,” she said.

“Another concern is flooding due to the piles going into the earth, hitting the field tiles. What about water runoffs? I also must wonder about the topsoil and the impact of access roadway being made on the 360 acres that is leased. There are more reasons not to have solar than there to have solar.”

Additionally, Noble expressed worries about the constant construction noise, potential road alterations and increased crime rates during the project's development.

“I did not move out into the countryside to have a large-scale solar project across from my home,” she said.  

“The very integrity of not only where I live but of all of Knox County is at risk. The beauty of green rolling hills, green or golden fields and lush trees is something that the out-of-towners come here to see. They come to Knox County for the peace and tranquility and to escape the fast-paced energy that the larger towns are known for.”

Highlighting the region's abundant wildlife and scenic beauty, Noble argued that the large-scale utility projects would jeopardize the diverse flora and fauna in the area, negatively impacting the environment for decades.

“I live in paradise,” she said.

“I have the best neighbors and I love where I live. In the evenings, I get some of the most SPECTACULAR sunsets. I have the privilege of hearing and seeing some of nature's beautiful creatures. I am blessed to be able to hear coyotes off in the distance. A sound not to be forgotten. Early mornings I may see a fox run across my neighbor’s yard and it is a sight that I will cherish. Having Northern Harriers nest and hunt across the road is something I value. Having 2 American Bald Eagles nests just a couple of miles from me is something that I have GREAT affection for. I have a beautiful photo of an American Kestrel that I am proud of."

“These creatures, at one time or another, have visited my property, pond, fields, and woods. Different herons visit the pond and Eagles swoop down to steal a fish or two. Different varieties of ducks come and rest at the pond along with geese.”

“I have planted a variety of flowers, herbs and trees on our properties for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds and now they are all in jeopardy. They are in jeopardy because of large scale utility that will be located across from my home. Wildlife like deer, groundhogs, fox, coyotes, rabbits, pheasants, American Kestrels, owls, raccoons, and other creatures will be deeply impacted by the enormous Utility Project.”

“With 360 acres being fenced in, this is a great concern to me, and research shows thousands of birds and birds of prey die from these atrocities because they mistake black glass for water. I do not understand how anyone thinks this is ok. The beauty of green will be replaced by black glass and will remain that way for 40 years. How is that possible? Nothing lasts for 40 years.”

Noble also lamented the loss of farmland due to the solar project.

“Our country views coming into Knox County will forever be changed,” she said.

“Agriculture is an important part of our community and should be spared from these solar projects because once the farmlands are gone, they are gone. Future farmers will no longer be able to afford to purchase a farm, farmland or even rent if they must go up against these developers who are handing out money handsomely. Those future young kids just cannot compete. The price of farmland is already at a high, and it will only get worse if these Utility Projects keep leasing PRIME farmland.”  

She expressed frustration at the lack of public input and engagement, feeling that residents were left without a voice in the decision-making process.

Noble urged a reevaluation of the rights of property owners leasing land for such projects, emphasizing the need to balance the interests of those leasing their properties with the concerns and rights of the local residents.

“I feel that not only for myself, but others have been hit unexpectedly by the developers coming into our community,” Noble said.

“It is appalling that our elected officials allowed developers from Austin, Texas to come into our county and allow this to happen. It is also outrageous that the people of the township cannot have a township meeting with the trustees without someone from Open Road Renewables being present. We have lost our rights and voices to talk to OUR ELECTED trustees.

“They have been at every single township meeting trying to deflate every word we had to say. They have been at our trustee meetings since last year. Why? Why are they still here? That is something that our commissioners should be addressing. How did we go from prime farmland to a rezoned Large Scale Utility Project? And for those who do not understand, there is only one person who lives in Miller Township that has leased his farm for solar, the others do not live in Miller Township."

The controversy over the utility solar projects in Knox County has reignited debates over the role of renewable energy developments in rural communities and the balance between sustainable energy goals and preserving local environments and ways of life.

Noble’s sentiments are echoed by others in the community.

Miller Township residents Jim and Connie Boeshart also oppose the Frasier Solar project, citing potential adverse effects on their property and the community.

The Boesharts, who have resided in Knox County for over 65 years, highlight the lack of notification from Knox County commissioners about the solar projects being planned in Miller Township.

“We have done research on other Solar Projects already up and running,” the Boesharts said in a letter to the Knox County Council. “We are hearing so many negative effects living next to a Solar Project. Such as: high winds are likely to cause damage to the solar panels creating bad emissions in the air and create toxic runoff onto adjacent property, noise from the equipment, interference with our electronic devices, and loss of wildlife. And last but not least, our property value will decrease.”

In August the Knox County commissioners accepted a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) proposal from Open Road Renewables for the potential Frasier Solar project in Miller Township, contingent on approval from the Ohio Power Siting Board.

Under the PILOT agreement, Open Road Renewables would pay $9,000 per megawatt annually to the county and local taxing districts instead of personal property or real estate taxes, with Mount Vernon City School District expressing favor based on a net positive revenue projection of $5.324 million over the 40-year term of the PILOT compared to traditional statutory assessment.

Members of Preserve Knox County Ohio, a citizens' group concerned about utility-scale solar development, voiced their worries about the proposed project.

Concerns the group voiced include timing, location, flooding and screening, with the group suggesting waiting for a more opportune time, identifying a better location, and selecting a different developer for such projects.

In June, Open Road Renewables submitted a PILOT (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) application for the proposed Frasier Solar project in Knox County.

Under the agreement the company agreed to pay up to $9,000 per megawatt (MW) over the 40-year life of the project, and a study suggests that county entities could receive $42.84 million under the PILOT, compared to $38.163 million under a regular tax assessment.

At the time, Miller Township residents in Ohio expressed concerns over the proposed Frasier Solar project, citing fears about water contamination, health effects from solar panels, and decreased property values.

A May 2022 public hearing in Mount Vernon saw divided opinions regarding the acceptance of wind and solar farms in Knox County, with community members presenting arguments both for and against.

Opponents expressed concerns about potential environmental impacts, declining property values and the loss of farmland while supporters highlighted landowners' rights, sustainability for family farms and increased revenue.

In August 2022, Knox County commissioners passed a resolution prohibiting large wind farms in unincorporated areas of the county while allowing large-scale solar facilities on a case-by-case basis.

The decision aimed to address concerns about property rights and government overstepping while giving residents the opportunity to voice their opinions through public hearings and evaluations based on economic development potential, buffer provision, landowners' opinions and the effect on tax valuation.

In the 2020 election cycle, Knox County Commissioner Thom Collier highlighted his focus on the county's solar energy initiative.

The county’s shift toward solar energy comes in tandem with the Mount Vernon City Council's approval of the "Sustainable 2050" resolution.

This resolution signifies a commitment to phase out fossil fuels, such as natural gas and coal, in favor of energy generated from federally-funded solar panels and wind turbines.

With a majority vote of five in favor and two against, the resolution aligns the city's goals with those articulated by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC).

These objectives include initiatives like prohibiting the use of natural gas stoves in residences and transitioning to electric vehicles.