Letter to the Editor: Says location for solar facility should change

In reference to the proposed construction of a solar farm facility on property bordering New Kent Highway near Barhamsville, I doubt very seriously if much thought has been considered as to any adverse impacts that this facility may create after the construction is completed and the farm becomes operational.

After completing research, there are problems that an operational solar farm can create. The greatest complaint is reflected light from the mirror’s that collect the sunlight, with the most dangerous of the high intensity reflecting upwards into the sky. The light in fact blinds aircraft pilots to a degree that they cannot see other aircraft flying toward them. The light has been measured and can be seen at a distance of six miles from the mirror. There has also been reports of birds being burnt up and falling out of the sky trailing a stream of smoke behind them. Temperatures of the heat measured can reach 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

The location of the proposed solar farm is in fact an aircraft flight vector route for low flying passenger aircraft most likely departing and landing at Richmond International Airport. Small private aircraft also use the vector to fly into New Kent Airport and toward West Point.

I am not against such a facility being in New Kent. I just don’t think the proposed location is a safe location to construct it there because of the aircraft vector route.

Another problem is the electromagnetic interference with two radio communication towers distant of the facility. Firefighters and medical personnel must obtain special training with incidents at a solar farm to control the incident.

So, before the New Kent supervisors approve and grant a conditional use permit for this location, they should use caution.

William Seal
Barhamsville