Neighbors complain of solar farms’ dust, noise

BEND, Ore. — The construction of two solar farms east of Bend has sparked complaints from neighbors.

The Bend Bulletin reports that one man who lives next door to where the 80-acre solar farms are being built says construction is noisy and dusty.

Tom Collier, who owns the land, has a different perspective. Collier says there’s always dust and noise in construction. But he says the project will have positive impacts in the long term.

The construction involves moving dirt and clearing trees and brush where solar panels will be installed over the next few months.

State officials say they’re aware of the project’s impacts on neighbors. They say steps have been taken to alleviate residents’ concerns, which focus on dust.

Officials say no violations have occurred.