Planning Commission approves Richlands 4.5‑megawatt generator ESC plan, conditions permit on stormwater permit and lease

The Tazewell County Planning Commission on May 14 unanimously approved the erosion-and-sediment-control (ESC) plan supporting construction of a 4.5‑megawatt gas generator in the Town of Richlands. Charlie Bales of WSP presented the plan and said, "Richlands is building a 4.5-megawatt generator, and there will be new utility lines constructed from the generator to the town." The motion passed 5–0 with Chairman Robert "Bob" Moss and Member Kyle Cruey absent.

Kenneth Dunford Jr., the county's Director of Engineering, told commissioners he has been reviewing the plan with WSP and the Town of Richlands and requested a lease agreement for the Pocahontas Land Corporation property before issuing the county engineering permit. Dunford said the Engineering Department will issue the permit only after it receives the DEQ stormwater permit, the required stormwater permit for the project, and once his comments on the application are addressed. "I have asked WSP & the Town of Richlands to provide a lease agreement, and address comments, before I will approve the application," he said.

The approval authorizes the ESC plan but ties final permit issuance to specified conditions rather than immediate construction clearance. The transcript does not specify the lease terms or the exact timeline for DEQ review; those details remain "not specified" in the record. The vote was recorded as 5 yes, 0 no, with two members absent. The Engineering Department will notify the Planning Commission when the outstanding permit and lease items are submitted.