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Compliance monitor fines solar developer $14,500; county, monitor and sheriff discuss road, safety and setback issues
Summary
Versus, the compliance monitor for large solar projects, reported enforcement actions, site defects and a temporary work stoppage after a brush fire; commissioners discussed road repairs, signage, ATV registrations and unsettled setback language in local ordinance.
A county-hired compliance monitor reported issuing a $14,500 fine to a solar developer and detailed ongoing inspection findings, roadway repairs and a temporary work stoppage after a brush fire during pile testing.
The Versus representative told the Pulaski County commissioners the monitor received 14 public comments on solar compliance and had identified silt-fence problems, missing or incorrect signage and other breaches of the developer’s site documents. "We are issuing we have issued a fine for $14,500 to the solar company," the Versus representative said.
Versus said some complaints alleged unlawful conduct (traffic stops, ATV operation) that the monitor cannot itself enforce; those reports were forwarded to the sheriff’s office for investigation. Chris (Sheriff’s Department) confirmed the sheriff enforces vehicle registration and moving violations and that registration stickers required by Pulaski County ordinance must be obtained at the BMV for UTVs used on the development.
The monitor said the developer has engaged Town and Country for road repairs and had submitted multiple bids; central map 2 for the project was approved and executed, adding additional roads and route classifications. Versus noted planned piling work on Bridal and other construction activities and said the developer advised crews would stop around 5 or 6 p.m. nightly. Versus also reported that a brush fire occurred during pile testing; work was suspended pending investigation.
Versus said fines and violation fees collected under the county ordinance will be deposited into the Pulaski County general fund in a separate account for violation fees. Versus also said the monitor requires photographic evidence to support fines and that the county will continue routine inspections and coordinate with the highway department on roadway impacts.
Commissioners asked about setbacks and whether fencing, underground cabling or other project components count toward the 50-foot setback in the county ordinance. Versus said attorneys for the county and developer are discussing inconsistent ordinance language and that the county’s legal interpretation will control pending resolution.
Ending: The county will continue inspection and enforcement through the compliance monitor and the sheriff’s office; the developer is expected to schedule road repairs and provide additional engineering exhibits for county review.
