AMHERST — Developers of a large solar and battery storage project at the former Hickory Ridge Golf Course, a 150-acre property owned by the town since March, are getting another year to break ground on the renewable energy facility.
The Zoning Board of Appeals on Aug. 25 unanimously approved an extension until Sept. 12, 2023 for Amp Solar Development Inc. to get construction on the project underway — a request made, in large part, because of supply chain issues.
The board’s 5-0 vote also amends a condition of the original ZBA approval from 2019 that prohibited use of pesticides and herbicides at the 191 West Pomeroy Lane site. Some herbicide application can occur on site under a conservation management permit from the state’s Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
Lawrence Cook, senior project manager for Amp, told the board that getting permits and mobilizing work by this Sept. 12 is not possible. That is the date by which the original two-year permit, automatically extended due to COVID-19, expires.
Like other businesses, Cook said Amp is dealing with supply chain issues, with computer chips and inverters needed for the project arriving later than anticipated.
Amp intends to lease 26 acres from the town for 20 years for the project, which will produce 6.44 megawatts of electricity annually. The project includes a 3,500-kilowatt battery storage system.
The herbicide application is proposed to eradicate invasive species and establish a restoration area as required by the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. That work is proposed in a rare species habitat, including that used by the wood turtle.
The vote also confirms that three areas of invasive plant management for the first five years will be handled by the company, including on 7.2 acres of meadow, 7.5 acres of forest and 3.8 acres of existing habitat that will be enhanced.
Chairman Steven Judge said the plan for use of herbicide has been approved by the town’s Conservation Commission and state officials.
“I’m comfortable with the herbicide plan they have and the people who have blessed what they are doing,” Judge said.