Plainfield Conservation Commission Bars Solar Project From Clearing Wetlands Buffer Zone

PLAINFIELD -- December 17, 2025, Plainfield Conservation Commission bars tree clearing in wetlands buffer zone for proposed solar farm. The commission, reviewing a notice of intent from Relief Energy for a solar photovoltaic and battery storage installation at 66 North Newman Street, held its December 17 session largely on the stormwater peer review findings and a dispute over buffer zone restrictions for the project, which involves more than 16,000 panels. The commission directed the applicant to revise plans to exclude all clearing within the 100-foot wetlands buffer zone and to relocate the access road and perimeter fence outside that zone. The applicant's engineer argued the prohibition creates a "snowball effect" that significantly constrains the project layout. The commission also declined to accept a post-approval soil evaluation as a condition of permitting, citing guidance from the DEP circuit rider that the analysis should be completed before an order of conditions is issued. Revised stormwater materials are due by January 15, with the hearing continued to the commission's January meeting. In a separate matter, the commission continued the public hearing on applicant Roxanne Finn's notice of intent for an unpaved driveway, single-family dwelling reconstruction, and septic tank installation, requesting additional mapping of disturbed areas on the riverfront lot.