The Planning Board unanimously approved a site plan for a 16-acre solar farm on land located on Sniapatuit Road, and it continued the public hearing for a different, controversial solar project to April 12.

The permit for the Ohio-based Melink Corporation was approved, with conditions, Tuesday night. Board members also OK’d a request to create a new 100-acre lot from the 116-acre property. That land will be donated by Melink to the town for open space and recreation.

Of the remaining 16 acres, 8 will be used to access the project while the remaining land will house the solar arrays.

Prime Engineering representative Richard Rheaume said the developer was prepared to meet conditions related to endangered species habitat, groundwater protection and road maintenance.

One condition requires the machines that Melink uses on the site to run on biodegradable fuels.

During the hearing, Rheaume said that requirement would add cost to the project and finding contractors who use biodegradable gas would be hard to find.

Chair Arnie Johnson didn’t waver, saying spills involving conventional fuel could contaminate drinking water for residents.

“If you can’t meet that condition, that’s an automatic come back before the board,” Johnson said. “Rochester, especially in that area, depends on private wells. There’s no municipal water there.”

Another condition included the construction of a sandy turtle habitat, required by the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program.

“It’s a turtle nesting area, essentially,” said Rheaume.

The program has the power to alter developments if certain animals, plants and habitats will be harmed during construction.

The company must also keep all roads on the project plowed and well maintained to allow easy access for emergency vehicles.

Following the Melink vote, board members heard from Stephen O’Connell of Andrews Survey & Engineering.

O’Connell discussed revised plans for a 1.5-megawatt solar farm proposed for 620 New Bedford Road by Renewable Generation LLC.

Located in the heart of the town’s historic district, and adjacent to a centuries old cemetery, the project has drawn the ire of abutters.

O’Connell went over changes to the solar farm’s stormwater drainage system, landscaping plan and decommissioning, sometimes clashing with board members.

After a nearly two hour discussion, O’Connell left the meeting charged by board members with making several changes to the plan.

The public hearing regarding Renewable Generation’s special permit request will continue April 12 at 7 p.m. in Town Hall.