TDEC files report from solar farm inspection
5:50 p.m. Feb. 24, 2026
TDEC Inspection File
DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor
A recent state inspection of the Moore County Solar project found sediment loss, unauthorized discharges, and several erosion control problems at the 1,548-acre construction site near Highway 55 and Cumberland Springs Road.
On February 13, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Division of Water Resources inspected the site under its General NPDES Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activities (Tracking No. TNR183282).
LPL Solar, LLC operates the project, which includes clearing land, grading, and installing infrastructure for a solar power station. The permit was issued on June 24, 2025, construction started June 23, 2025, and the project is expected to finish by May 31, 2027.
Sediment Loss, Unauthorized Discharges Noted
The inspection report states that TDEC found signs of sediment loss and unauthorized discharges at several basins, including Basins 1, 2, and 16.
Inspectors did not see sediment in the receiving streams on the day of the inspection, but the report says that “based on previous pictures and information provided during inspection it is likely sediment made it to downstream waters.”
The report also cites evidence of insufficiently treated stormwater discharges at outfall locations and failures of structural erosion-prevention and sediment-control (EPSC) measures.
At Basin 1, inspectors documented sediment loss and an unauthorized discharge, noting that water being pumped from Basin 2 to lower pond levels for pipe repairs “may be contributing to turbid discharges.” TDEC recommended lowering the pump rate if possible.
Basin 2 also had sediment loss and an unauthorized discharge. A frozen and damaged pipe from a previous cold weather event may have caused the sediment release, and cleanup was needed beyond the silt fence below the basin discharge.
Basin 16 was also cited for sediment loss and unauthorized discharge, but cleanup had already taken place before the inspection.
Moore County Observer
Solar panels are being installed along Five Points Road.
Widespread Maintenance, Stabilization Required
Inspectors checked 28 out of 35 basins during their visit and found various problems in several areas.
Among the corrective actions required:
• Repairing silt fences in several areas
• Cleaning out basins and silt fences that have more than 50 percent sediment buildup
• Stabilizing disturbed areas that have been inactive for over 14 days
• Installing more stabilization measures, such as riprap or vegetation, below basin discharge pipes
The agency also requested inspection records for the past 2 months for Basins 1, 2, and 16, along with rain gauge data for those basins, to better evaluate sediment discharge.
TDEC told the developer to provide a status update once all repairs and maintenance are complete.
Compliance Status
The report shows that the required Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) documents and inspection reports were on-site, and inspections were happening twice a week. No offsite impacts were seen during the Feb. 13 inspection, and there were no ARAP violations or unauthorized changes to streams or wetlands.
TDEC’s Columbia Environmental Field Office carried out the inspection, and Inspector Alex Fleming signed the report at 9:30 a.m. Feb. 13.
According to TDEC procedures, any “Yes” findings in key compliance areas may result in follow-up actions, such as possible notices of violation. However, this report mainly recommends corrective steps and further communication for now.
