Location: North America
The challenge
A major utility company embarked on a greenfield development effort for a 118 MWac Utility-Scale Solar Project in Southeastern Virginia. The project covered 900 acres of agricultural land surrounded by residential areas, agricultural zones, and undeveloped forest. The client faced the challenge of navigating through various complex phases, from initial due diligence to construction, encompassing environmental assessments, local zoning approvals, and civil engineering aspects. Failure to find suitable solutions could have resulted in project delays, increased costs, and potential public opposition, impacting the successful implementation of the solar project.
What we did
ERM played a crucial role in ensuring project success through various key responsibilities. This included collaborating on project management, developing and tracking a detailed project schedule, conducting environmental due diligence such as wetland and biological surveys, supporting permitting processes, handling local zoning approvals, participating in public meetings, and addressing stakeholder concerns. The civil engineering aspect involved designing erosion and sediment control (ESC) and stormwater management (SWM), as well as elements of the civil design, including road widening. ERM also evaluated multiple site layouts to maximize buildable area. The project team successfully obtained local site plan approval and coverage under the state construction stormwater general permit, where ERM provided construction phase monitoring to ensure compliance.
The impact
ERM's work contributed to successful project construction and supported the client to overcome potential delays, mitigating risks including stakeholder engagement, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. ERM's excellence as a partner was evident in addressing specific challenges, providing expertise, and offering an innovative approach tailored to the client's needs.
