Starke County Highway Superintendent Dan Dipert expressed concern to the Starke County Commissioners about the condition of roads when the Mammoth Solar project in southern Starke County gets underway.
Dipert pointed to the Road Use Agreement and asked the commissioners if USI Consultants could come in to do a PASER rating and video the roads prior to the point trucks ascend on the roads to begin construction. He wants it done in case the roads are damaged. Mammoth Solar officials have indicated that they have the burden to prove that they did not do the damage and would essentially pay for repairs.
An inspection of roads has already been arranged by Mammoth Solar for this and a report will be given to all parties. They hope to start construction this month.
In all, in the Road Use Agreement, Dipert is concerned about the county’s 4.2 gravel miles and 9 miles of chip and seal roads, and 6.5 miles of hot mix asphalt roads.
Much of the details of what would need to be done if roads are damaged will be ironed out in an Economic Development Agreement that would spell out damage to roads and culverts. Dipert noted that 27 culverts are in the project area and it could cost upwards of $300,000 to repair them all if they suffer damage.
He also expressed that identified designated roads should be used and dust control should be considered. Commissioner Mark Gourley said there should be adequate time to keep an eye on things during construction.
Many of the details will be negotiated in the Economic Development Agreement to be considered by Starke County leaders later this month.
