The Department of Environmental Protection held a public hearing at Jim Thorpe High School Tuesday for Mora Solar LLC proposed 60 megawatt solar farm on 390 acres in Kidder Township.

The solar farm would require clear cutting the 390 acres and affect three cold water fisheries and streams and 97 wetlands among other disturbances to the environment. Open space surrounds the site near Moseywood Girl Scout Camp.

DEP held the hearing regarding a stormwater permit application to receive public comment about the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System, which prevents pollution and eliminates runoff from non-pervious surfaces and protects erosion from rain water.

Representatives from the DEP were Patti Monahan, Regional Communications Manager, Pam Kania, Waterways and Wetlands Program Manager and Joe Buczynski, Northeast Regional Manager.

Monahan explained that the hearing was scheduled following residents expressing concerns about the solar farm and the hearing is for testimony only, not questions.

Residents were well prepared, reading their comments about the effect of the project on watersheds, water ways, wetlands, clear cutting, fishing, storm water management, the landscape, erosion and wildlife.

President of Save Carbon County, Linda Christman, stated, “We have to oppose this, it’s a highly inappropriate place.” There are 97 wetlands and 3 cold water fisheries that would be affected.”

Christman explained that due to the steep slopes on the property there is an issue with runoff.

Cutting down the trees will cause erosion and silt to be picked up, which is bad for the trout, Christman said.

She explained, “We need to be careful about streams. We’re not as conscious as we should be about water resources and the fact that they are limited.”

Pat Bach who attended Camp Moseywood as a child, spoke about the solar farm “permanently altering the character of the area.”

Bach questioned, “What will be lost for future generations?”

Vince Spaits from the Lehigh River Stocking Association spoke about people investing decades of time and money to protect the aquatic system. The LRSA aims to protect the water quality of the Lehigh River Watershed and promote healthy tributaries and a solar farm would impact the water and fish.

Brigette Myer of Penn Future, said the goal is to “improve and protect water sources.”

She urged the developers and DEP to require inspections and talk to the Monroe County conservation district so they do not repeat the failures of Swiftwater’s solar farm,” which amassed massive fines.

The common theme was about the effects a solar farm in this location would have on the waterways and the wildlife, which in turn affects the ecosystem.

“This site is not suitable for this kind of disturbance.” noted Donald E. Miller, which sums up the consensus of the audience.

Comments and concerns will be accepted by the DEP until July 8 by email at pkina@pa.gov