Plainfield Conservation Commission Pursues Soil Scientist for Leap Energy Solar Site

PLAINFIELD -- February 25, 2026, Plainfield Conservation Commission continues review of two solar energy projects amid wildlife, wetlands, and forest-loss concerns. At the February 25 meeting, the commission's chair said he would contact Emily Stockman, a soil scientist with the Southern New England Soil Scientists organization, to conduct a more thorough analysis of soils at the Leap Energy solar project at 66 North Union Street, a step the commission cannot complete until after mud season. Brandon Smith of New Leaf Energy, participating remotely, urged the commission to expedite the engagement so the scientist could begin desktop review of recently submitted geotechnical data while the ground remains frozen. The chair also said he had reached out to the state Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program regarding long-eared bats and a mapped core habitat area on a parcel adjacent to the project site. On the second project, at 20 East Street, the commission is awaiting full plans and a formal application before it can act. A community speaker told the board that Plainfield has lost an average of 50 acres of forest per year over the past 15 years, and that all current solar proposals combined would add roughly 100 acres of installations to the town.