The developers behind a planned solar array at Natural Bridge Station are seeking a revision to the timetable in which the energy facility is to be up and running.
Implementation of plans to develop the USS Hilltop Solar LLC 3.0 megawatts solar array on 41 acres of a 157acre farm was to have commenced by this May 1 and be completed by the end of this year under a special exception permit granted by the county in January of 2024.
Because of delays in the regulatory process such as obtaining approvals for a VDOT entrance permit and plans for erosion and sediment control and storm water management, the developer wants to postpone the completion deadline for the project by 18 months.
Under a requested new timetable, implementation of the plans would have to be underway by May 1, 2026, and the project completed by June 30, 2027. Dan Csaplar of USS Hilltop Solar made this request at the March 12 meeting of the Planning Commission. “We have been working diligently to [secure the permits],” Csaplar said.
The site where the solar array is to go is on the west side of the intersection of Lloyd Tolley Road (Va. 773) and Gilmores Mill Road (Va. 708). The farm, owned by Douglas E. Braford at the time the SEP was granted, is now owned by William S. Shepard and Jennifer K. Rattigan.
Neighbors and other citizens opposed to the solar array spoke at earlier public hearings before the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors, citing scenic views that they felt would be marred by the presence of the solar array. At those earlier meetings, the Planning Commission voted 3-1 to recommend denial of the SEP and the supervisors voted 3-2 to approve it.
Steve Hart told the Commission last week that he has concerns that the delays could lead to the project not being completed and the developer leaving behind a “mess.”
Bill Russell said he has concerns with the process itself for approving solar arrays. VDOT and land disturbance permits should be secured before the project ever comes to the county for an SEP, he said.
Michelle Johnson said she continues to oppose granting special exception permits for solar projects. Adjoining property owner Teresa Bullock said she remains “staunchly opposed” to the project.
Commission member Robert Kramer, recalling that he was on the majority that recommended against approving the SEP, said he didn’t understand the reasons for the delays. Tony Sibrizi, who joined the Commission since the earlier meeting when the SEP was approved, also raised questions about the delays.
Kramer made a motion to recommend denying the request to extend the deadline for completing the project. The motion failed on a 3-2 vote, with Kramer and Adam Sandridge supporting it and Tom Beebe, David Whitmore and Sibrizi opposing it.
A motion by Whitmore to recommend approving the request passed 3-2, with Whitmore, Beebe and Sibrizi voting in favor while Kramer and Sandridge voted in dissent.
