My wife and I live on Endless Caverns Road. In researching Caden Energix projects in other locations of Virginia we have learned of some of the practices of this company that give us concern that the same negative leadership within the company will prove to have the same results with the proposed Endless Caverns Solar site.

There has been much done to improve our waterways and farmland in our community and there is great concern that a site of this size could greatly impact what man has been trying to preserve. There have been many good intentions by man that have resulted in rivers that have been contaminated for years to come that our children will have to feel the results of as well. Smith creek is a valuable resource that could be impacted with a facility so close. I understand that in Franklin County, Smith Mountain Lake property owners concerns over toxic runoff from Cadmium Telluride solar panels prompted Energix to withdraw their application for a Westlake Solar project. If that could be a issue for Smith Mountain Lake I can see that it could be the same for Smith Creek. Runoff from these panels could also go into the soil and possibly our drinking water. Clean energy at what cost to our environment?

In Wythe County and Buckingham County Energix has been fined for environmental violations. I hope there will be a close look  at what could happen to our farmland, streams, ground water and wildlife before something has been started that cannot be reversed.

Caden Energix and other solar companies have been taking advantage of the system and abusing the requirements that DEQ has had in place.  Stricter regulations with more specific steps and clear-cut timelines are needed.  

We hope you consider these factors and not issue a PBR to Energix Renewable energies.  We also voice our support for the DEQ regulation amendments.