Residents press county on solar construction compliance and growing tire dumps; staff to investigate

During public comment, residents urged Buckingham County officials to investigate alleged compliance problems at the Riverstone Apex solar project and to address an expanding illegal tire pile that residents say poses an environmental and fire risk.

Bradley (Brad) Pickens reported multiple potential violations at the Riverstone Apex solar construction site, including the lack of the third‑party independent review for erosion and stormwater controls required under the special‑use permit, cut‑and‑fill work intruding into a vegetative buffer and wildlife corridor, an unacknowledged residence in plan documents, and surveyors placing markers on private property. Mr. Pickens and others also reported truck traffic on roads that were supposed to be restricted during construction.

On the tire dump issue, Paul Lewis and Paul Barlow described a county site (identified in comments by address 2686 Patty Road) where they estimate several thousand used tires have accumulated. Barlow said the Department of Environmental Quality visited the site multiple times and that the matter has been referred to the state fire marshal; a notice of violation and a criminal summons were reported but court dates have been rescheduled. Speakers warned the pile risks groundwater pollution and could pose a major fire hazard during dry season.

County staff replied that they would have staff (Lynn Hill) inspect the solar site and that the county would coordinate with DEQ and the relevant state offices on the tire issue. No formal enforcement action was reported by the board tonight; residents were urged to provide additional documentation to county staff and DEQ if available.