DEP Invites Comments On Chapter 105 Permit For 400MW Solar Energy & Battery Storage Project On Reclaimed Abandoned Mine Land In Clearfield County

The Department of Environmental Protection invites comments on a Chapter 105 permit application for the proposed Mineral Basin Solar Power, LLC  solar energy and battery storage project on reclaimed abandoned mine land in Goshen Township, Clearfield County.  (PA Bulletin, page 7212) 

The applicant is proposing to construct a 400-megawatt photovoltaic solar generating project and associated infrastructure on approximately 2,676 acres of land. 

The facility will consist of solar panels and racking system, inverters, a network of electricity collection cables, substation, switchyard, laydown yards, and perimeter fencing around the panel arrays and substation.

As proposed, the project will permanently impact 0.21 acre of wetlands and 0.01 acre of stream. Temporary impacts are 0.01 acre of wetland and 0.01 acre of stream.

The impacted streams are unnamed tributaries of Deer Creek (CWF, MF) and the wetlands are not exceptional value. The applicant proposes to mitigate the wetland impacts by purchas- ing credits from the in-lieu fee program.

Comments are due by December 18.  The DEP may schedule a fact-finding hearing or an informal conference in response to comments if deemed necessary. 

Read the entire PA Bulletin notice for more information on submitting comments and reviewing the application.  (PA Bulletin, page 7212) 

Questions should be directed to Kipp Starks, Aquatic Biologist Supervisor, 814-342-8110.

For more information on environmental programs in Pennsylvania, visit DEP’s website, Report Emergencies, Submit Environmental Complaints; Click Here to sign up for DEP’s newsletter; sign up for DEP’s eNotice; visit DEP’s Blog,  Like DEP on Facebook, Follow DEP on Twitter and visit DEP’s YouTube Channel.

[Posted: November 17, 2023]  PA Environment Digest