Board allows Dominion to keep Randolph Solar dry ponds outside permanent fence; staff to issue zoning confirmation

Dominion Energy representatives told the Charlotte County Board of Supervisors May 14 that a 2024 Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) change increased required basin sizes for solar projects, reducing usable land at the Randolph Solar site and prompting a request to relocate dry ponds outside the permanent fenced area.

"I heard the County's frustration regarding interconnection and construction delays and wanted to assure the Board that Dominion remains committed to working with the County to build these solar projects," said Meg O'Brien, Senior Business Development Manager for Dominion. Edwin Giraldo, also with Dominion, said the DEQ change increases basin size and reduces usable land.

Board members expressed safety concerns about leaving dry ponds outside the permanent fence. Sean Millot of Kimley-Horn said, "During the construction phase, there would be temporary fencing around the dry ponds, as they are typically wet during construction phase." After discussion, Vice-Chair Hazel Bowman Smith moved and Supervisor Robert L. Shook seconded a motion instructing staff to prepare a zoning confirmation letter permitting the dry ponds to remain outside the permanent fence; the motion carried with all present voting aye.

The zoning confirmation will be prepared by county staff; the transcript does not state conditions attached to the confirmation or a construction schedule. Dominion will proceed with project adjustments and return to the Planning Commission as needed for modified site plans.