Solar Plan Gets Green Light From Sudbury Selectmen

The site plan to construct a 1.5 megawatt solar photo-voltaic array on approximately a 6-acre parcel of leased land at the Town of Sudbury's landfill was unanimously approved during Tuesday night's Board of Selectmen's meeting after some minor changes were made.

Ameresco, which will build and maintain the farm, said it is eyeing this spring as the start date for the construction on Boston Post Road, near the Wayland town line.

The farm will save Sudbury roughly $100,000 annually in energy costs over the next 20 years.

One issue regarding the fencing was resolved Tuesday night. A proposed galvanized fence dipped in black vinyl coating will be used to surround the farm.

"The fence was a major concern," said Michael Carroll, general counsel for HDR Holdings, a real estate firm that owns a commercial building next to the town's landfill. "We (also) have concerns of draingage and erosion issues. I would ask ... that the applicant be responsible for those. My concern is even if there are issues outside the leased area, it might be cause by something inside the leased area."

Selectmen Chair Larry O'Brien said he suspects any issues will be the Town of Sudbury's responsibility.

Stormwater permits and other minor issues will be taken up with the Planning Board before the end of the month.