The Select Board voted on Tuesday night to issue a letter strongly encouraging the Planning Board to make sure to consider environmental issues as its members decide whether to approve a controversial solar project at Fearing Hill.

The vote came after discussion between board members and town counsel about the Select Board’s role in recommending action by other town entities. Wareham Land Trust President Kathy Pappalardo addressed the board, describing the two pieces of conservation land that abut the Fearing Hill property that could be affected if the solar project moves forward.

Taking trees off the top of the hill, she said, would cause a number of issues: lessen natural barriers to erosion, reduce carbon intake, destroy animal habitats and lead to more flooding.

No representatives for the solar project’s applicant spoke during Tuesday night’s meeting.

New board members Jared Chadwick and Ron Besse both said they weren’t fans of the idea of clear-cutting acres of trees.

The Select Board doesn’t have the authority to direct the Planning Board’s decisions. Thus the Select members voted to have Whiteside write a letter with Town Counsel Richard Bowen that would respectfully encourage the Planning Board to consider environmental concerns and affected parties, like the land trust.

The solar project has long been a point of contention between residents and solar developer Wareham MA 3, LLC., which is planning the project on land owned by Plymouth-based Ninety Six Realty, Inc.

Residents have piped up about their concerns over the development, saying in past public meetings that the project would increase local noise, cut down trees and keep residents from enjoying the area’s nature.

Another running concern is an increase in stormwater runoff. The proposed site is currently forested and sits atop Fearing Hill. Due in part to the soil — glacial tilt, which isn’t absorbent — abutters have said that their basements flood frequently. They’re concerned that pulling out trees and vegetation will only increase the runoff they face and that the solar panels could contaminate the water.

Resident Annie Hayes reported at an August 2021 meeting that she’d spoken to 30 homeowners in the Fearing Hill neighborhood. Of those neighbors, all but six relied on well water. All were concerned, she said, about the safety of their well water if the project continues.

Another concern is the presence of what’s said to be an ancient way through the site.

Throughout months of hearings, Joe Shanahan, who represents the applicant, has frequently failed to appear before the board, causing frustration amongst Planning Board members.