AMHERST — Construction on a large solar array and associated battery storage at the former Hickory Ridge Golf Course is still awaiting building permits from the town.

Though the clearing of parts of the 150-acre property, including more than 200 trees, has been underway for several months, Assistant Town Manager David Ziomek informed the Conservation Commission this week that installation of the pole-mounted solar and battery storage and pads has not yet begun.

Ziomek said the town has not issued permits for the actual erecting of arrays as it awaits the final design and installation plans for the battery storage and pad, and final design specifications for the pole-mounted solar. There is also a review ongoing through MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage & Endangered Species program.

But Ziomek said the town’s relationship with Amp Solar Development Inc. and subcontractor Dynamic Energy Solutions LLC has been quite good on this project, and cautioned against drawing conclusions about the delay.

“They’ve been responsive. They’ve been receptive,” Ziomek said.

The project has come under criticism from those who worry about harm to the site, and the Fort River that runs through it. Dynamic, a Pennsylvania company, reached a $1.14 million settlement with the attorney general for damaging wetlands while building a solar installation in Williamsburg five years ago.

Amp is leasing 26 acres from the town for 20 years for the project, which will produce 6.44 megawatts of electricity annually. The project also includes a 3,500-kilowatt battery system.

Ziomek said he expects building permits to be issued in the next couple of weeks and for construction to resume, though adding the area is a bit soggy due to the wet weather and work may have to wait for a drier period.

As the solar project continues, the town is planning for mitigation and restoration of other areas of the site, including completion of new trails. Wetlands Administrator Erin Jacque said two grants are supporting these projects, a Community Development Block Grant for a multi-use path to connect communities north of the site to Pomeroy Village center, allowing better pedestrian access, and a state Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities grant for a handicapped accessible loop on the southwest area of the site.

These also include mitigation and restoration plans, such as the removal of 10 culverts that constrict wetlands and perennial streams. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has offered to assist with culvert removals, Jacque said.

Jacque is also working with MassWildlife on seeking an America the Beautiful grant that would assist with restoration of banks of the Fort River, where material related to golf course operations has been placed. A grant application is due July 20 for this in-stream restoration, removing bituminous asphalt and other materials that may be affecting the river.

Ziomek also updated the commission on Puffer’s Pond, which has been closed to swimming due to high levels of E. coli. This has occurred periodically over the years, typically after thunderstorms. Bacteria and sediments appear to cause the contamination, but with assistance from the University of Massachusetts, the town could dig deeper into the causes of the recurring issues.

In addition, a series of steps to the main beach have begun deteriorating, and complaints have been received from those with mobility challenges that these steps are unsafe. Ziomek said these may be replaced, a project that would also require review by the commission due to the proximity to the water.

Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.]]>