Some companies are looking at Hardin County to construct wind and solar power development projects. At the Nov. 8 meeting, Commissioners Court unanimously approved an industrial permit application including solar and wind.
Floodplain Administrator Alex Parker requested the permit application for five acres or greater and to include a $1,000 fee for 5-100 acres and $250 for each additional 20 acres, due when the development is approved by the county engineers.
“This is a new application being brought before the court because there are at least one of two companies that are looking to locate solar farms in Hardin County,” said County Judge Wayne McDaniel.
According to Parker, he has been researching throughout the state and United States on any type of regulations or permits for solar and wind power projects.
“The developments would be in our watersheds,” noted. Parker. “One is in the northern part of Boggy Creek and the other is in a part of Pine Island Bayou.”
He added that Polk County is the only county in Texas, that he knows of, that is permitting solar and wind farms. Parker said Polk County had three farms under construction and one is east of the Lake Livingston Dam.
Pct. 2 Commissioner Chris Kirkendall said federal funds are allowing contractors to build solar and wind farms.
“When the funds run out, there’s going to be a mess to be cleaned up and this money won’t even cover that,” he said.
According to the permit application, it states:
• No work of any kind may start until a permit is issued.
• The permit may be revoked if any false statements are made herein.
• If revoked, all work must cease until the permit is re-issued.
• The permit will expire if no work is commenced within six months of issuance.
• Applicant is hereby informed that other permits may be required to fulfill local regulatory requirements.
• Applicant hereby gives consent to the local administrator or his/her representative to make reasonable inspections required to verify compliance.
If the development is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area, additional forms will be required.
The state’s second-largest solar farm, which is spread over 1,500 acres is owned by Acciona Energy in rural Fort Bend County, is under construction. The plant could start producing power by June 2023.
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