DESRI appreciates the opportunity to respond to the July/August article, Solar Project: Potential pollutants. Several statements in that piece do not accurately reflect the facts about the Broadleaf Solar project. Our aim is to provide clear, factual information to the Granby and East Granby communities and to continue constructive dialogue throughout the project’s development.
The Broadleaf Solar project remains in the development phase; no construction has begun. From the outset, we have committed to responsible, well-engineered development, informed by thorough studies that guide permitting, engineering, and environmental safeguards. All necessary state permits and licenses will be secured before any work commences by qualified contractors, and contingency plans will be in place to address unforeseen conditions. To date, site activities have been limited to standard survey work, including a recent geotechnical investigation to assess subsurface conditions for advanced engineering.
Protecting the Salmon Brook and safeguarding the localized watershed and ecosystem is a high priority. The project will employ best-practice methods to avoid and minimize impacts to surface water and other sensitive features. Electrical connection to the existing grid will be made via underground collection lines installed beneath Salmon Brook using Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)—a proven method that avoids disturbing the surface and sensitive resources. DESRI has successfully implemented HDD projects in Connecticut and nationwide. Other aquatic resources on-site will be avoided during construction, with best management practices ensuring site stabilization, appropriate spill and release response plans, runoff reduction, and establishment of long-term vegetation.
Any impacts to Farmington Canal Heritage Trail will be temporary, and coordination with trail managers will be conducted to minimize disruption to trail users as much as possible. Underground lines will be fully buried, and any closures will be coordinated with trail managers to minimize disruption. The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), which owns the rail corridor, issues licenses for utilities and all uses within it. Broadleaf Solar will secure the required CTDOT license prior to installation.
Improving soil health on the project site is a core objective for our team and those efforts will support the surrounding environment. Significant early-stage evaluations and soil sampling (onsite analyzed by Cornell University’s Soil Health Laboratory) revealed low organic matter and limited topsoil, likely due to decades of agricultural use. The project will address these issues by planting permanent meadow crops that combine low growing grasses, flowering and nitrogen-fixing plants that are appropriate for the site conditions. Temporary and permanent stormwater controls will be installed to promote infiltration and prevent sediment runoff. These efforts are designed to ensure long-term soil stability and protect the Salmon Brook watershed from untreated runoff and erosion.
DESRI is among the nation’s most active owners of renewable energy generation projects, and we value partnership, stewardship, and community investment. We welcome continued dialogue with Granby and East Granby residents as we work to ensure the Broadleaf Solar project benefits both the environment and local economy.
Residents and stakeholders can learn more at broadleafsolar.com