Wind and Solar Committee Public Hearing - Tuesday, June 30, 2026

The Effingham County Wind and Solar Committee held a public hearing on June 30, 2026, to review the special use permit application submitted by Nexamp for the Mason Plains Solar Project, a 3.66 megawatt commercial solar energy facility on approximately 15 acres. The hearing included detailed presentations by Nexamp representatives covering project specifics, compliance with county ordinances, environmental and engineering assessments, noise studies, agricultural impact mitigation agreements, decommissioning bonding, and tax revenue projections. The committee and public raised numerous questions regarding setbacks, vegetation screening, emergency response plans, construction impacts, local labor involvement, environmental concerns, and property values. Nexamp committed to compliance with county requirements, including bonding for decommissioning costs, road use agreements, and vegetation management plans. Public testimony expressed concerns about potential health, environmental, and property value impacts, as well as the adequacy of submitted studies and community engagement. The committee recessed the meeting to allow time for review of submitted materials and scheduled a reconvening on July 15, 2026, to continue deliberations and consider findings of fact and recommendations.