By Tabitha Evans Moore
Editor & Publisher
LYNCHBURG, Tenn. — Representatives from Silicon Ranch and its contractor, LPL, provided an update Monday night on construction activity at the company’s 1,400-acre solar project and responded to questions from Metro Council members about roadway conditions and a recent state inspection.
Brett Bowers, a director of project delivery with Silicon Ranch, said the project has moved out of major grading phases and is now in what he described as the “heavy swing” of mechanical installation. Crews are currently installing piles, steel racking systems and preparing for solar panel deliveries. Construction officials said the site is receiving approximately 30 truckloads of materials per day during peak activity.
Bowers, along with Silicon Ranch Project Manager Bryan Runion, LPL Solar Project Executive Michael Cottle, LPL Senior Project Manager Robert Quillin, and Silicon Ranch Community Relations Senior Manager Morey Hill were all in attendance.
Council members raised repeated concerns about mud being tracked onto county roads, heavy truck traffic on secondary roads and reports of construction vehicles using private driveways to turn around. LPL representatives said they have installed roughly 3,200 tons of rock at site entrances, added rumble strips and cattle guards, and deployed eight street sweepers and wash stations to reduce sediment leaving the property. Project officials acknowledged ongoing maintenance challenges, particularly during periods of rain and freezing weather.
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Council members also questioned project managers about a damaged culvert on Cumberland Springs Road, pothole repairs and whether flaggers are present when construction equipment enters county roads. Silicon Ranch representatives said they are aware of the culvert issue and are assessing both short-term and long-term repair options in coordination with county officials.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on an inspection conducted by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) last week following filed complaints from several local concerned citizens. Company representatives said five TDEC inspectors and a drone team spent several hours reviewing erosion control measures across the site. According to Silicon Ranch officials, they expect to receive a standard inspection report but said they were not informed that the inspection would result in a notice of violation or advisory letter. As of the meeting, the formal report had not yet been issued.
Council member and Metro Planning Chair Dexter Golden requested that company representatives return to future meetings once the TDEC report is available.
Additional questions from the council included the percentage of local workers employed on the project and whether federal incentives are being utilized. Company representatives said the project is privately financed but does utilize certain federal tax credits.
Construction at the site is expected to continue through the summer, with activity tapering later in the year as the project moves into commissioning and final system setup. •
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