Planning commission defers 150-MW County Line solar project after watershed and erosion concerns
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Summary
Charlotte County planners deferred Competitive Power Ventures’ 150-MW County Line Solar application to gather more information on grading for slopes 15%+, proposed stream and wetland crossings, and potential impacts to downstream high-hazard dams after sustained public concern.
The Charlotte County Planning Commission voted to defer action on Competitive Power Ventures’ proposed 150-megawatt AC County Line Solar project after staff and residents raised concerns about grading, stream crossings and potential impacts to downstream high-hazard dams.
Michael Zehner of third‑party reviewer The Berkley Group told the commission staff recommended deferral to get additional detail on grading in areas with slopes of 15% or greater, proposed stream and wetland crossings and possible effects on downstream watershed dams. Zehner said the additional information is needed to determine whether the conditions proposed by staff would adequately mitigate impacts.
CPV representatives said they are taking measures to limit impacts. Marlon dos Santos of Competitive Power Ventures presented the company’s site plan and mitigation efforts, and Rick Thomas of Timmons Group told the commission the applicant had agreed not to develop or grade areas with slopes of 15% or greater, would minimize crossings and would obtain required permits.
Patricia Mays, District Director of Southside Soil and Water District, urged the commission to study the watershed and specifically assess potential effects on Roanoke Creek dams 4A and 5B — and possibly 6A — citing concern about cumulative effects from development and stormwater. Multiple residents and nearby landowners said they worried about erosion, runoff, construction traffic, impacts to property values, loss of farmland and long‑term decommissioning costs.
After the presentations and public comment, Commissioner David Watkins moved to defer the application; James Benn seconded and the motion carried with all members present voting yes. The commission agreed to revisit the application at its Dec. 21 meeting once the additional information is provided.
The deferral preserves the commission’s ability to condition any future recommendation and signals that staff and the applicant must clarify grading and crossing plans and provide watershed analysis addressing the Soil and Water District’s concerns.