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County gets update on burned solar panels: contractor cleanup and soil testing underway
Summary
County staff reported progress at a burned solar array: contractor Clean Harbors is removing panel debris, trucks are inbound for hauling, soil and contaminant testing will be done, and plans include hydroseeding and erosion controls to limit runoff and dust.
Dolores County staff updated commissioners on cleanup efforts at a site where solar panels burned, describing contractor work, testing plans and erosion controls.
A staff presenter described a site inspection and cleanup managed by a hazardous‑waste contractor (Clean Harbors). She said crews had placed containment (silt fence), begun screening and removal of melted silicon‑based panels and were awaiting transport containers from Utah to haul the material off site. She noted the contractor will perform soil testing and provide lab results to the county.
On contaminants, the presenter said the panels are silicon‑based and the contractor reported concerns primarily about lead from damaged components; the county will receive soil test results before concluding the cleanup. She said crews planned hydroseeding under panels and other erosion‑control measures, and described plans for additional testing across impacted parcels.
The presenter emphasized scientific sampling rather than spot testing: “You don't go to the cleanest spot and test and say it's clean,” and said the contractor would deliver comprehensive results for the county to review.
Next steps: the county will receive the contractor's lab results, continue oversight of debris removal and erosion controls, and review any further remediation needs once testing is complete.
Source: Board briefing (Nov. 3, 2025).
