Rush Township supervisors shot down a request to change the zoning classification of a 68-acre parcel of land near Hometown to allow for a commercial-scale solar energy facility.

Supervisors received a letter dated March 11 from McNees Wallace and Nurick of Harrisburg, the firm representing the equitable owner of the land, BPP PA Rush PV I LLC, of Denver, Colorado.

According to the letter, the land at 155 Lincoln Dr. is located in two separate zoning districts. One portion is in a Highway Commercial Zoning district, where solar energy facilities are permitted, while another portion is in a medium density Suburban Residential Zoning district, where the facilities are not permitted.

“The property abuts PP&L’s overhead electric distribution line along Lincoln Drive, providing a convenient point of interconnection to the electrical grid,” the letter notes. “Applicant (Bear Peak Power) seeks to develop a portion of the property with an approximate 4.75 megawatt solar energy facility pursuant to one set of zoning regulations permitting commercial scale solar energy facilities.”

The request asked supervisors to amend its zoning map to move the land into a Woodland Preservation zoning district to accommodate the proposed solar facility.

Township solicitor Christopher Riedlinger explained that the decision was up to the board.

“The request is completely within your legislative discretion,” he said. “You can say yes or no to undertaking the zoning amendment as requested.”

The board also had the option of exploring the option before it made a decision, he said.

Board Vice Chairman Robert Leibensperger said the board had no intention of changing the zoning.

Leibensperger said he had environmental concerns, including a waterway that passes near the area, and the Eastern Diversified Metals Superfund site, often called the “fluff pile.” He also said the power generated by the facility might be transmitted to places far from Rush Township.

“I think we should just say no to it,” he said.

Supervisor George Gerhard seconded Leibensperger’s motion.

Chairman Shawn Gilbert also agreed to reject the proposal to change the zoning.