| Action Summary | Chapter 688 defines and adds prime agricultural soils and forest lands to the requirement for an analysis of the beneficial and adverse impacts to natural resources. If a potential solar project would disturb more than 10 acres of prime agricultural soils or 50 acres of contiguous forest lands, or if it would disturb forest lands enrolled in a forestry preservation program, it is deemed to have a significant adverse impact, requiring the submission of a mitigation plan. If a draft mitigation plan was not provided by the applicant as part of the initial application, the applicant must develop a mitigation plan and conduct a 45-day public comment period. Any application for a small renewable energy project received for which an interconnection request is applied for and received by December 31, 2024, is not subject to these new provisions. |
| Chapters Affected | Only affects this chapter. |
| Executive Branch Review | This action will go through the normal Executive Branch Review process. |
| RIS Project | Yes [7691] |
| Associated Mandates | Small renewable energy projects; impact on natural resources report |
| New Periodic Review | This action will be used to conduct a new periodic review. |
| Name / Title: | Susan Tripp |
| Address: |
1111 E Main St Suite 1400 P.O. Box 1105 Richmond, VA 23218 |
| Email Address: | susan.tripp@deq.virginia.gov |
| Phone: | (804)664-3470 FAX: ()- TDD: ()- |