Cumulative Environmental Assessment of the Pine Grove Solar Project

Strategic Insights -

The Pine Grove Solar Project, proposed by Pine Grove Solar, LLC, a subsidiary of AES Corporation, aims to construct a 50-megawatt AC (MWac) photovoltaic (PV) solar generation facility in Madison County, Kentucky. The project involves an approximately 486-acre site along Pine Grove Road, approximately 12 miles east of Richmond, Kentucky. The Cumulative Environmental Assessment (CEA) evaluates potential impacts on air pollutants, water pollutants, wastes, and water withdrawal. The assessment finds that the project will have minimal to no impacts on air and water resources, and that waste generated during construction and operation will be disposed of in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed 50-megawatt AC (MWac) photovoltaic (PV) solar generation facility will have minimal to no impacts on air and water resources.
  • The site preparation and construction activities will produce temporary air pollutant emissions, but these will be well below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
  • The project will implement best management practices (BMPs) to reduce dust and air quality impacts, including cleaning and maintaining construction equipment, re-vegetating disturbed areas, covering soil piles and truck loads, and wet dust suppression.
  • Stormwater discharge during construction will be mitigated using measures such as silt fences, temporary sediment basins, and traps, buffer zones around streams and wetlands, and other BMPs.
  • The project will have little to no impacts on surface waters during operations and maintenance, but will utilize BMPs to prevent degradation and minimize sediment runoff.
  • Waste generated during construction and operation will be disposed of in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations, and will be recycled or disposed of offsite at a permitted facility.
  • The project will not require external utility services during typical plant operation but may use onsite well water during construction.
  • Proper BMPs will be followed during equipment washing and potential dust control discharges to minimize water impacts.

Statistics:

  • The project site covers approximately 486 acres of predominantly undeveloped and agricultural land.
  • The facility will have an estimated annual energy production of 163,000 megawatt-hours (MWh).
  • The project will utilize approximately 650,000 solar panels.
  • The facility will have a single inverter for the entire site.
  • No wetlands or waters of the United States have been identified within the project area.

Sources:

  • Cumulative Environmental Assessment Pine Grove Solar Project, December 2022
  • Kentucky Administrative Regulations (KAR) 2022
  • Kentucky Division of Water (KDOW) 2022
  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2022