Scott County approves two Pivot Energy community solar permits after divided votes

The Scott County Board of Supervisors approved special-use permits for two Pivot Energy community solar projects near Nicholsville following separate public hearings that drew supporters and opponents and two 4–3 roll-call votes.

Pivot Energy manager Georgia DeCruz told the board the larger Copper Ridge 1 project is planned as a 5-megawatt fixed-tilt shared-solar site off Twin Springs Road and Copper Ridge Substation, and the developer has conducted soils, wildlife and cultural-resource studies and paid for Appalachian Power interconnection studies. DeCruz said the company expects to pay for any utility-side upgrades required by Appalachian Power and that Pivot will “be owning the project for the life of the project.” She also described a $5,000-per-megawatt community donation plan (a one‑time contribution), native-grass planting, and sheep grazing to manage vegetation.

Supporters said the projects would bring revenue and monthly energy savings for local subscribers. A Pivot representative presented a tax analysis showing an increased machinery-and-tools tax could generate about $12,000 a year for the county from the 5-megawatt site — “just under half a million dollars” over 40 years in Pivot’s estimate — and projected shared-solar subscriber savings of roughly $165,000 a year, or about $6.6 million over 40 years, if enrollment meets expectations. Pivot and backers also circulated petitions and dozens of letters in support; the applicant said a petition included about 250 signatures from Nicholsville-area residents.

Opponents raised water and property concerns. Danny Dixon, mayor of Nicholsville, urged caution about siting on ridge top karst and nearby wetlands and warned, “If these wells become contaminated, then we have a catastrophe on our hands.” Other neighbors cited property values, viewshed and upkeep concerns. Board members also discussed visual buffers, setbacks and the option to require groundwater testing and decommissioning bonds.

During discussion, Pivot committed to groundwater monitoring as a condition and to a decommissioning plan. The developer said panels to be used are sourced under agreement with Silfab Solar and that the array design is fixed-tilt to limit grading. Pivot said it has completed initial US Fish and Wildlife, Department of Historic Resources and wetland delineation screening and that final DEQ reviews will be required before any building permits.

Votes at a glance - Special-Use Permit — Parcel 72-A-77 (Copper Ridge 1): Approved, outcome approved; roll-call: Supervisors Glover, Bricky, Castile and Vaness — yes; Supervisors Jeter, Skeen and Addington — no. Conditions noted in the staff motion included groundwater testing and a community donation to Nicholsville Fire Rescue (applicant indicated $5,000 per megawatt, a one-time payment). - Special-Use Permit — Parcel 72-A-67C (Copper Ridge 2, downsized to 3.5 MW): Approved, outcome approved; roll-call: Supervisors Glover, Bricky, Castile and Maines — yes; Supervisors Jeter, Skeen and Addington — no. Conditions presented on the record were similar (buffering, groundwater testing and a community donation scaled to the project — the applicant identified $17,500 one-time for the 3.5 MW site).

What the approvals require next Both approvals were made subject to the conditions the applicant presented during the hearings, and staff said DEQ permits, final stormwater design, final interconnection agreements with Appalachian Power and required site permitting remain to be completed before construction. Pivot stated it will pay for any needed grid upgrades identified in its interconnection agreement. The board also waived an additional planning-commission review under state code and local ordinance language for these items.

Why it matters The board’s approvals clear major land‑use hurdles for two community solar facilities that Pivot says will provide discounted bill credits to local Appalachian Power customers through Virginia’s shared-solar program and produce recurring tax revenue without adding demand for school or other public services. Opponents said siting and long‑term environmental risk — especially where karst geology and private wells are nearby — remain open issues the community should watch as permitting and construction progress.

Ending note Pivot and county staff said they will provide follow-up details to the board and to neighbors on groundwater‑testing parameters, decommissioning bonding and construction timing after the applicant finalizes interconnection and DEQ reviews.