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Dubois County approves temporary speed reduction for Crossvine Solar work; EDP says Duff Solar Park has no batteries
Summary
The commissioners approved a temporary 35 mph speed limit in the Crossvine Solar construction area and addressed multiple solar-related concerns; EDP reported Duff Solar Park construction is underway and clarified its permit does not include a battery energy storage system.
The Dubois County Commissioners on May 4 approved a temporary 35 mph speed limit on roads within the Crossvine Solar project area after a recommendation from Highway Engineer Levi Leffert.
Levi Leffert, County Highway Engineer, recommended a 10 mph reduction from 45 to 35 mph for various roads in the Crossvine project footprint and presented a sign-placement plan. He told the board AES Crossvine had agreed to purchase and install the required signage. "A motion was made to approve the temporary speed reduction plan, was duly seconded, and carried unanimously," the minutes state.
Leffert also reviewed construction-entrance issues. He said Driveway Entrance #2 on Old Road 64 was adjusted to correct sight distance and that Entrance #14 on 500W meets sight-distance requirements but would benefit from signage. For Entrance #8 on Holland Road NE, he recommended AES maintain vegetation to preserve sightlines and asked AES to place barricades at a temporary entrance on 500W that was not on the site plan.
During public comment, resident Jared Harris said he remained concerned about batteries and battery safety, urging caution and research, and asked for local representation on future zoning boards. John Kaltenbacher of the Town of Holland welcomed the lower speed limits and asked the board to address AES workers using profanity on GMRS Channel 14, which he said was broadcast to the public.
Separately, Tom LoTurco, executive vice president of EDP, updated the board on Duff Solar Park construction. He said the substation has been energized, pile driving is nearly complete and racking and panel installation will follow, with the project expected to be operating by September 2026. LoTurco clarified that "the Duff Solar Park does not have a BESS. The permit is only for solar," and he addressed questions about panel glare, inverter noise and First Solar TCLP testing on leaching and radiation.
The board did not take separate action on the EDP update. The Crossvine speed reduction motion was recorded as carried unanimously. The county said a sign-placement aerial plan was presented and AES agreed to install signage.
The commissioners asked staff to follow up on sight-distance fixes, vegetation maintenance and the temporary entrance barricade request; residents’ concerns about batteries and radio communications were noted for further attention.
