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Planning Commission recommends 12 MW Oral Oaks solar project after questions on wiring, drainage and decommissioning
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Summary
The Commission unanimously recommended approval of a 12 megawatt utility‑scale solar array on a 128.239‑acre A‑1 parcel along Oral Oaks Road; commissioners pressed the developer on wiring depth, panel removal and drainage while staff recommended approval and legal counsel clarified slope limits.
The Lunenburg County Planning Commission on March 7 unanimously recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve a conditional use permit for the Oral Oaks Solar project, a proposed 12 megawatt utility‑scale array sited on 128.239 acres with frontage on Oral Oaks Road near Kenbridge.
Tom Holt of Ameresco presented the project scope, aerial plans, site layout and public health and safety considerations. Commissioners asked detailed technical questions about wetlands, post installation, conduit and wiring depth in the ground, reclamation and panel disposal. "It would be drilling posts," Holt said when asked about mounting; when asked about a broken panel he said damaged panels "will not remain on site, it will be recycled or repurposed." Holt also said conduit/wiring depth is typically about 18 inches but that conduit may be left in place, which prompted Commissioner Garrett to press whether a full removal requirement is feasible; Holt said removal is feasible.
Berkley Group staff member Linds Edwards presented the staff report summarizing existing conditions, adjacent uses, staff analysis and the staff recommendation and draft action options. Public comment included support from landowner's son Jason Wilson, who said the land is not suitable for farming and urged the Commission to allow the property owner a retirement opportunity; Wilson said the array would be sited behind the house and not visible from the road.
Assistant County Attorney Drew DiStanislao clarified a technical discrepancy between the staff report and recommended conditions by stating there will be no permanent slopes created greater than 8 percent and panels would not be placed on slopes greater than 15 percent.
Commissioner Trent moved to recommend approval; Commissioner Thompson seconded. A roll‑call vote recorded six yea votes from Commissioners Thompson, Trent, Chairman Tharpe, Garrett, Drummond and Jennings, with Commissioner Pennington absent.
The recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors; staff and the applicant will need to address questions about drainage testing, interconnection details and decommissioning practices as the project advances through permitting and interconnection review.