The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ) authorized the use of the Small Renewable Energy Projects (Wind) Permit By Rule (PBR) for the Rocky Forge Wind project on March 2, 2017 with a modification of that project authorized on October 16, 2020. The project is proposed to be located on private land in northeastern Botetourt County, Virginia. The project, with a cumulative total generating capacity not to exceed 80 MW, was originally authorized on approximately 200 acres on two privately-owned parcels totaling approximately 7,355 acres. The authorized modification of the project allows for minor realignment of certain roads and the substation, a reduction of the maximum number of turbines from 25 to 22 and an increase their maximum blade tip height from 550 feet to 680 feet, and a reduction of the areal extent of the proposed disturbance area.
Rocky Forge Wind, LLC, invites the public to learn more about the modification request by visiting the project website http://www.rockyforgewind.com/, attending the public meeting described below, or contacting our team. Rocky Forge Wind, LLC seeks to (i) acquaint the public with the technical aspects of the proposed modifications and how the standards and requirements of PBR regulations will be met, (ii) identify issues of concern, (iii) facilitate communication, and (iv) establish a dialogue with persons who may be affected by the modifications.
In accordance with 9 VAC 15-40-90, a 30-day comment period will be held May 26, 2022 through June 25, 2022. Physical copies of the documentation submitted to the VDEQ in support of the PBR modification application will be available for inspection by the public during the 30-day comment period at the Eagle Rock Branch Library located at 55 Eagles Nest Dr., Eagle Rock, VA 24085 and online at https://www.rockyforgewind.com/permit_by_rule_modification. The website will provide community members with the opportunity to learn more about the proposed modifications to the Rocky Forge Wind project and to ask questions/submit comments about the modification application. Further, for informational purposes only, all of the prior documents submitted to VDEQ for the original PBR application and for the modification request will also be available both at the Eagle Rock Branch Library and on the project website.
In addition, the company will hold a public meeting on June 15, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Fincastle Community Center located at 17 W Main St, Fincastle, VA 24090 in connection with the modification application described above and as required under 9 VAC 15-40-90. Participants in the meeting may submit written comments and may sign up to speak for a maximum of 3 minutes. After the public comment period, a summary public comment report addressing the requested modifications will be posted to the project website and will be sent to VDEQ.
Any interested parties may also contact Rocky Forge Wind, LLC to ask questions or provide comments as follows:
Rocky Forge Wind LLC
ATTN: Rocky Forge Public Comment
Apex Plaza
120 Garrett Street, Suite 700
Charlottesville, VA 22902
434-956-3506, [email protected]
Please follow the below links to access our PBR application materials page, our public meeting event page, and one of the ways you can submit a public comment.