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Surry planners push for no buried remnants and 100% decommissioning bonds for solar sites
Summary
The commission discussed stronger decommissioning rules requiring all above- and below-ground equipment be removed at end-of-life, and staff proposed a surety bond covering 100% of estimated decommissioning costs plus a 20% administrative fee; commissioners requested clear bond language and periodic review because calling a bond can be complex.
Commissioners and staff reviewed proposed decommissioning changes that would require removal of all structural and electrical components both above and below ground rather than leaving remnants in place. "The subcommittee is recommending that we just say everything has to go both above and below ground," staff said, explaining the goal is to avoid safety hazards and surprises for future landowners.
Staff recommended a surety bond sized to cover 100% of estimated decommissioning costs plus 20% for administrative fees; staff warned that calling a bond can be complicated. As one commissioner noted, "Calling a bond is not an easy feat... it could be a complicated and sometimes lengthy process." The commission also discussed triggers for decommissioning (the draft used 12 consecutive months of non‑generation) and considered alternatives tied to production levels and legal exceptions such as fire or force majeure.
