Efrain F. Camacho, project engineer and owner of EFC Engineers & Architects Inc., said Naotaka Kagawa, one of the proponents of Solar System Corp., is asking the Zoning Office to reduce the required 50-ft. setbacks from the front side and rear property lines where the solar power farm is being built.
Camacho said the request for variance would allow the firm to put more solar power on the ground but some community members led by former Gov. Juan N. Babauta are raising safety concerns.
He said the firm already agreed to fence the area to ensure safety in case of heavy winds or a strong typhoon.
“This project is extremely important. Look at the price of gasoline. It has gone up again. By the end of the year, it could go up to over $5 a gallon.
Unless we find alternative energy, we are going to be doomed,” Camacho said.
The solar farm will be built on 5,000 square meters of private land located in Marpi near Camille’s Gardenia.
Camacho said the firm hopes to produce some 400,000 kilowatts per hour.
The Zoning Board on Thursday deferred action on the request pending a public hearing and analysis.
The members will hold a special meeting regarding the project on May 23.
Board members said residents have valid concerns that the company should address.
Camacho said an undetermined number of solar panels measuring 24 by 6 feet have already arrived on island.
The firm has also been issued a permit by the U.S. Division of Fish and Wildlife to clear the land where the panels will be installed.
This permit is good until June 30 only.
