Silicon Ranch addresses TDEC inspection

DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor

A recent inspection by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) was a main topic on Monday, Feb. 16, when Silicon Ranch officials updated the Metro Council on the progress and concerns related to the company’s large solar project in Moore County.

Brett Bowers, director of project delivery for Silicon Ranch, said inspectors spent several hours reviewing the whole construction site after complaints were filed with the state.

At issue is runoff into Hurricane Creek, an Exceptional Tennessee Water, which requires additional protection under state standards.

Bowers said TDEC representatives told them the result would be a standard inspection report, not a notice of violation or advisory letter.

“We are not under the impression that there’s anything coming from TDEC that is anything close to a violation,” Bowers said. He added that the report could be released in the next few weeks and will be shared with the public once it is received.

Project enters heavy construction phase

Although the inspection was a main topic, council members and residents also raised ongoing concerns about road conditions, safety, and how construction is affecting nearby properties as the project moves into the construction phase.

Bowers told officials that the project has finished the initial grading and earthwork and is now in a major phase of mechanical installation.

“Overall, construction is going well,” he said. “We’re moving into the stage where piles are put in the ground, steel is installed, and soon the solar panels will arrive.”

He said work will stay busy for the next few months, then slow down later in the year as crews focus on commissioning and fine-tuning the system.

Traffic, mud, and road safety issues continue

Contractor representatives said the 1,400-acre site is now receiving about 30 truck deliveries each day as materials arrive and installation continues.

Officials questioned the project team about mud being tracked onto public roads, construction vehicles turning around in private driveways, and the lack of flaggers when heavy equipment enters the roads.

Contractors said about 3,200 tons of rock have been delivered since December to stabilize entrances. They also have eight truck-wash stations and several street sweepers working to cut down on debris leaving the site. They promised to remind drivers of the rules regarding private drives and look into any reported violations.

Council members also asked for faster repairs to potholes and a damaged culvert on Cumberland Springs Road near the project area, saying the work should be done during construction, not after. Silicon Ranch representatives said they are reviewing the issues and considering temporary fixes until the weather allows for permanent repairs.

Local workforce and community updates

District 2 council member Douglas Carson asked about jobs, and a Silicon Ranch representative estimated that about 35% of workers are from the surrounding area, though not all live in Moore County.

Dexter Golden, a District 3 coucil member and chair of the Planning and Zoning Committee, asked Silicon Ranch to give more regular updates in the future. Company representatives agreed to attend upcoming meetings and share the results of the TDEC report once it is available.