ROBERTA NEE ADAMSStaff Writer

Representatives from both Silicon Ranch, (SR), and 3 Rivers facilities attended February’s Metro Moore County Planning and Zoning meeting to give updates on progress of their facilities.

Rob Riley, with Silicon Ranch, gave board members seventeen pages of detailed parcel maps. Though not the final maps to be used for permitting, they do show the progress made in identifying topographical details such as waterways, streams, wetlands, protected species setbacks, and botany area setbacks. Also shown are buffer zones, fencing, and indication of the expected area for the solar array. These listed details are only a sample of all detail included on the maps.

Matt Beasley with SR has noted that there has been a species of crawfish and a wildflower located on the property that were not previously known to be in this area. The setbacks proposed will ensure that both are protected and will continue to thrive.

With the site plan already approved for the substation, Riley informed the board that construction is to begin later this month. SR has already begun clearing the area of stumps and debris left from the tree harvesting by Cumberland Land Company.

Mark Miller, with 3 Rivers facility, reported on progress made there with cleanup and moving forward. He reported that evidence suggests bolt failure to be the cause of the tank rupture last August, and there is currently an ongoing lawsuit regarding that failure.

Miller also reported on feedback regarding evacuation of the area, including the high school, should there be a gas leak. Gas lines on Good Branch Road are 770 feet away from the school, and the lines on Highway 55 are 720 feet from the school. Both lines are fitted with remotely controlled valves that can be quickly shut down. Safety recommendations are to shelter in place rather than evacuate.

3 Rivers has met with environmentalist Tony Grow regarding the best position of a safety berm. As the company anticipates buying the adjoining Dickey farm on Good Branch Road, a surge wall could be put in place to direct any spills toward that area. Vegetation buffer will be installed at both ends of the property as well.

Moore County is contracting with Grow Environmental Solutions of Tullahoma to oversee both projects in the interest of the county. Dexter Golden told the board that the contract is almost finalized. Both Silicon Ranch and 3 Rivers have been cooperative and are committed to environmental responsibility in seeing their projects to completion.