Public Comments Regarding Borrego Solar Systems, Inc. Request for a SpecialException to Construct a 15-20 Acre Utility Scale Solar Facility at 8515 Meetze Road,Warrenton, VA. [Emailed to Adam Shellenberger June 28, 2021]

June 28, 2021

Dear Fauquier County Planning Commission:

As adjacent property owners and neighbors, we would like to express our opposition to theproposed construction of 15-20 acres of commercial solar panels on prime active agriculturalproperty located at 8515 Meetze Road, Warrenton, VA.

We appreciate your dedication to maintaining Fauquier County as the agricultural and ruralenvironment in which we live and greatly value. In general, we do not think taking 20 acres ofvaluable farmland out of production for industrial solar usage complies with the County’sComprehensive Plan. The Plan clearly seeks to “protect views of significant natural features andto maintain prime productive agricultural resources.” This proposed industrial utilization of primeagricultural property will undoubtedly “detract from the basic agricultural character andeconomy” of the County’s rural lands. This property is currently zoned for use as RuralAgriculture (RA) and should remain so to protect the emerald gem that is Fauquier County.

Please find below some additional reasons for our opposition to this project:

Scenery pollution. Topographically, the proposed site for the industrial solar panel constructionis located on Meetze Road in a lowlying area which is clearly visible by surrounding farms andhomes all occupying higher elevations. Although the solar panels would not be visible to thecausal motoring public on Meetze Road, each of the surrounding properties will be subject tothe daily glint and glare pollution of approximately 20 acres of industrial solar panels instead ofthe current pastoral agricultural fields of corn, soy bean, wheat, and winter rye. The requiredseven foot security fence and related shrubbery would not conceal the panels.

Roadway safety. Currently, two-lane Meetze Road handles an increasing volume of roadwaytraffic which requires drivers to exert caution and exercise keen safe driving habits. The planned1500 feet long, 20 foot wide construction and maintenance road would generate yet anothersafety issue along Meetze Road as a turning lane and other modifications would be required.The construction road is proposed to turn off Meetze Road on a hilly stretch with hard-to-seeoncoming traffic.

Stormwater Run-off and Flooding. The surrounding areas impacted by this project will besubject to additional stormwater runoff which is already a concern in the area as neighboringponds, pastures, and designated wetlands would be damaged as they struggle to absorbincreased levels of runoff and flooding..

1

Disruption to livestock and farm operations. A six-month to one-year project of thismagnitude would undoubtedly generate construction debris as well as air and noise pollutionwhich would disrupt livestock and farm activities on adjoining and nearby properties. Forexample, the construction road is proposed to run along the property line immediately adjacentto 8515 Meetze Road which will negatively impact competition horse pastures and training ringfor the duration of the project. The volume of vehicles using this proposed road for solar panelmaintenance and cleaning could be extensive.

We greatly appreciate your consideration of our assessment that the proposed Meetze Roadsolar panel project is not in compliance with our County’s Comprehensive Plan.

Respectfully Yours,

Steven and Lauren Smith8533 Meetze Rd.

Jake and Sue Andrea8569 Meetze Rd.

2