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Residents contest erosion, ‘chocolate milk’ runoff from Northridge Solar; county and Dominion say inspections ongoing
Summary
Residents of Lake Shawnee told the Powhatan County Board of Supervisors that sediment-laden runoff from the Northridge solar construction has turned the lakes into “chocolate milk.” County staff said corrective measures have been ordered and Dominion Energy said it is taking immediate and longer-term actions.
Powhatan County residents told the Board of Supervisors on March 24 that sediment and other runoff from the Northridge Solar construction have degraded water quality in Lake Shawnee and other community water bodies, and they urged immediate enforcement and remediation.
County staff reported it has inspected the site, issued corrective actions to the developer and Dominion Energy, and completed follow-up inspections. "It looks, looks really bad. It's like chocolate milk out there in the water," County staff told the board while summarizing recent site visits and corrective steps. Staff said some measures had been completed, that visibility of runoff improved after recent rain, and that sediment will take time to settle.
Why it matters: Residents said the change in water clarity threatens recreation, wildlife and property values in neighborhoods that advertise lakes as a reason…
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