Cumberland County board approves road‑use agreement and site plan for Cumberland Road North solar project after groundwater concerns

The Cumberland County Board on Feb. 10 approved both a road‑use agreement and the site plan for the Cumberland Road North solar project after members briefly delayed action amid public concern about groundwater and legacy wells.

Nearby landowner Ken Ault raised concerns during public comment about groundwater and old wells, asking whether the county has an inspector and whether the project would contaminate "old water wells." Developer representatives said they had performed due diligence and would continue to address neighbor concerns. Attorney Seth Uphoff told the board that Savion had taken steps to study impacts and would work with landowners on well issues: "they have done their due diligence and will continue to address issues." Christina, representing Savion, said the company met the county's vegetative screening requirements and noted that two old oil wells had been found during Phase 2 site work.

Board member Layton moved to approve the road‑use agreement and later the site plan; both motions carried. Project representative Bryan Robbins told the board that Mr. Ault's groundwater concerns were not part of the road‑use agreement itself. County staff and the developer said a decommissioning bond will be held and re‑evaluated every five years to cover future reclamation costs.

The board's approval follows an initial failed vote and a procedural re‑vote before the agreement passed. The board did not specify additional county inspection staffing at the meeting; developers said they would coordinate with landowners on identified wells and follow ordinance requirements for screening and decommissioning.