Residents of the Sano and Mt. Olive communities are raising concerns about what they describe as dangerous driving by dump trucks and other large vehicles traveling to and from the Mt. Olive Creek Solar construction site.
Robert Coppage appeared before the Russell County Fiscal Court Monday morning, speaking on behalf of himself, family members and numerous residents who live near the project.
Coppage said large trucks traveling primarily along Sano–Mt. Olive Road have created dangerous conditions for motorists and residents.
Residents have reportedly complained to Russell County Judge-Executive Randy Marcum, Sheriff Derek Polston, other law-enforcement officers and state officials. Similar complaints have also prompted calls to Russell County 911 Dispatch.
In addition to roadway-safety concerns, residents allege that trucks connected with the construction traffic have damaged roadways, property along the route, including fence rows, livestock fencing and trees.
The solar facility under construction is the 60-megawatt Mt. Olive Creek Solar project. The project’s legal entity is Mt. Olive Creek Solar, LLC, and ENGIE North America identifies itself as the facility’s long-term owner and operator.
ENGIE reports an investment of approximately 135 million dollars and says the facility is expected to begin commercial operation during the fourth quarter of this year. A Kentucky Public Service Commission order approved the project’s final site plan and construction schedule, with construction expected to be completed by January.
Sheriff Derek Polston said his office is aware of concerns from residents regarding dump trucks and other large vehicles traveling to and from the Mt. Olive Creek Solar construction site.
Polston told Coppage and the Fiscal Court that he had personally visited the construction site office and spoke with workers about these concerns, urging those operating vehicles connected with the project to exercise care and caution, remain respectful of other motorists and be mindful of the residents and properties located along these roads.
The Sheriff said his deputies have also been providing additional patrols in the area as time and call volume allow and that they will continue monitoring the situation while responding to its other law-enforcement responsibilities throughout Russell County.