Barbara Baca, Commission Chair | County of Bernalillo
Barbara Baca, Commission Chair | County of Bernalillo
Bernalillo County has updated its Stormwater Management Guidance for large-scale ground-mounted solar arrays. The original guidance was introduced in May 2023, driven by the New Mexico Energy Transition Act of 2019 and the Community Solar Act of 2021.
The county's initiative aims to support solar energy development while adhering to sustainable stormwater practices. It sets criteria for evaluating grading and drainage plans specific to solar projects, considering unique hydrology where stormwater flows between panels and infiltrates the soil. The guidance incorporates best management practices and compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.
The county seeks to prevent soil erosion, reduce peak flow rates during heavy rainfall, and protect water quality. Additionally, it aims to maintain a transparent permitting process that promotes clean energy growth. Updates include post-construction revegetation expectations and input parameters for the PV-SMaRT Solar runoff calculator.
This directive supplements existing County Technical Standards and provides baseline practices for obtaining special use permits for solar projects.
The full guidance document is available for public review and comment over the next 30 days.
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