The Victor Conservation Board met on June 3 to review a proposal by Norbut Solar Farms to develop a 4.428-megawatt solar energy facility on a 34.93-acre parcel along Main Street Fishers. The project site consists of forest and meadowland near the Ontario-Monroe county line.
Representatives James Greenhouse and Steve Sanders of Norbut Solar Farms presented an updated plan reflecting compliance with the Town of Victor’s revised solar code, which includes a 100-foot setback on all sides and a 300-foot residential buffer from non-participating properties. Greenhouse explained that these setbacks resulted in a layout shift toward the southern portion of the parcel, though the project remains viable.
The proposed facility features static, south-facing solar panels. All electrical lines will be buried underground until they reach a series of six utility poles near the site entrance, where they will connect to the public utility system. A gravel access drive will support construction and emergency vehicle circulation, including a dedicated turnaround.
Vegetation clearing will be limited to 2.1 acres of trees, in compliance with the town’s restriction on removing more than 10 percent of wooded area. Greenhouse noted that screening will remain intact within the required setbacks, particularly along the eastern and western residential borders. Additional landscaping was not proposed, as the existing vegetation provides sufficient visual buffering.
The project team confirmed that prior wetland delineations had been submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Greenhouse indicated that while some isolated wetlands on the site may be disturbed for post installation or limited utility work, all activities will follow best management practices, including use of mats and reseeding. A submission to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is also pending.
A stormwater facility is planned on the eastern edge of the site to manage runoff from impervious surfaces. The facility is designed as a bioretention area with added capacity to meet Department of Environmental Conservation requirements and avoid increased downstream flow.
Additional technical assessments, including a glare study, noise analysis, and view shed evaluation, were updated and submitted as part of the application. According to Sanders, noise levels from string inverters will remain below the DEC threshold of 45 decibels for rural areas, and no panel-related glare is expected to affect surrounding properties or air traffic.
The panels will be installed on a low-maintenance meadow mix and mowed as needed, typically two times per year. The project’s construction is expected to take 8 to 12 months once approvals are granted. Norbut Solar Farms also submitted a decommissioning plan that outlines restoration of the site at the end of the facility’s 25- to 35-year lifespan.
The Conservation Board concluded its review with no objections and proceeded to approve the May 20 meeting minutes.
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