Silicon Ranch to address Metro Council

DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor

Silicon Ranch officials will appear before the Metro Council on Monday, Dec. 15, to provide a construction update on the solar farm progress.

Outstanding permit payments and citizens’ concerns over road conditions along the construction sites are also expected to be discussion points.

The monthly meeting is at 6:30 p.m. at the American Legion Building at 119 Booneville Hwy.

There has been a minor design change to solar farm, and the council has been notified of updates to the original plan made in response to field conditions.

Stormwater management remains a critical component of the project. Treatment of stormwater before discharge into sedimentation basins is necessary to prevent soil erosion, reduce sedimentation, and remove potential pollutants, protecting both local waterways and the surrounding environment.

Key communications regarding the design changes include:

• Oct. 17: Rob Riley, Director of Project Development for Silicon Ranch, emailed Moore County Planning and Zoning Chairman Dexter Golden a memorandum outlining minor design changes. He requested a review, questions, and a signed return of the document for records.

• Nov. 5: Moore County environmental consultant Tony Grow reviewed the design changes and requested calculations for affected basins to ensure treatment capacities were not reduced, noting that some basins appeared smaller due to the revisions.

• Dec. 6: Grow confirmed that the revised sedimentation basin designs and calculations are sufficient. Each basin meets required treatment capacities, ensuring stormwater is properly managed before discharge.

Solar farms are generally low-impact compared to industrial or agricultural sites, but they still generate potential pollutants, especially in stormwater runoff. Examples include:

Sediment and soil particles – Disturbed land from grading, construction, or maintenance can lead to erosion, carrying soil into nearby streams or basins.

Nutrients – Fertilizers, if used to maintain vegetation under and around panels, can introduce nitrogen and phosphorus into runoff, potentially affecting water quality.

Hydrocarbons and oils – From maintenance vehicles, construction equipment, or small leaks from generators or transformers.

Heavy metals – Small amounts may come from panel components, wiring, or structural metals, especially during construction or accidental damage.

Debris – Loose materials such as plastics, packaging, or metal fragments from panel installation could be carried by stormwater.

Chemical residues – Herbicides or pesticides, if used to manage vegetation under panels, could enter runoff if applied improperly.

Proper stormwater treatment and sedimentation basins help prevent pollutants from entering local waterways, protecting ecosystems and meeting regulatory requirements.

According to Grow, Silicon Ranch’s revisions maintain compliance with stormwater treatment requirements of the solar farm.