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Blake Solar Project: State DEP Calls for Public Comments
After you cross the Shenandoah River on Route 115, you can’t miss the Blake industrial solar project that sprawls over 500 acres of former farmland just before you get to Charles Town. Since early 2023, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WV DEP) has cited the project for numerous violations.
According to a public notice dated July 3, the public has 30 days to comment on a proposed settlement between DEP and Horus West Virginia 1, LLC (Horus), the company that built and operates the project.
Some Background
Horus was cited for numerous violations of stormwater management regulations during the construction of the project. The Observer reported on some of these violations (with video) in February 2024.
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection issued Consent Order #10260 to Horus in April. The Order covers violations from May 2023 through January 2025. The document describes 22 separate violations, each with multiple items — a list of “failures” that stretches over 15 pages. The Order, which Horus signed on June 6, requires Horus to:
- “[I]mmediately take all measures to initiate compliance with all terms and conditions of its WV/NPDES permit and pertinent laws and rules,”
- Submit a proposed plan of corrective action within 20 days of the Order’s effective date, and
- Pay a civil administrative penalty of $193,780.
Public Can Comment on Proposed Settlement
According to a public notice dated July 3, the Consent Order is subject to public comment received during the 30-day period following publication. Since the DEP just posted the Order on its website this week, The Observer has contacted the DEP to ask whether the comment period deadline is August 2 (30 days after the July 3 public notice) or later. We will update this story online at ObserverWV.com when we receive more information.
Public comment can be emailed to DEP.Comments@wv.gov
For comparison to the proposed $193,780 fine, the maximum penalty that could have been imposed on Horus is approximately $25,000 per day. Over the course of the 20 months covered by the violation notices, that maximum penalty would total to $15 million.
There are currently three other industrial solar projects planned for Jefferson County, all of which would be expected to follow the same stormwater rules as the Blake project. You can follow The Observer’s coverage of these projects here.
A message from the Skinner Law Firm
Most Dangerous Intersections: WV Rt 340 & Patrick Henry Way
Wrecks. Confusion. Chaos. The Rt. 340 & Patrick Henry Way intersection near Walmart is one of WV’s most dangerous. Personal injury attorneys Stephen and Andrew Skinner break down why crashes keep happening—and what drivers need to know to stay safe. Before your next trip through Charles Town, watch this video (click on image).
>>>Read more...
Local Intervenors Added To Middleway Bottling Plant Lawsuit
The courtroom of Circuit Court Judge Bridget Cohee was packed on July 15. After 3 hours, Judge Cohee had added several local landowners, along with the Jefferson County Foundation, as intervenors in the case between Sidewinder/Mountain Pure and the Jefferson County Planning Commission.
The judge also set out the schedule for the trial, which is expected to take place on November 10, 2025.
Sidewinder filed the lawsuit in April following the Planning Commission's unanimous decision to reject the company’s plan for a large-scale water bottling plant in Middleway.
Soon after Sidewinder filed the lawsuit, several landowners who own property near Middleway, along with the Jefferson County Foundation, filed a petition to join the lawsuit. The core of the argument made by the landowners is that their particular interests in protecting their property rights (particularly continued access to water) may overlap with the interest of the Planning Commission in defending its decision, but these interests are also distinctly different. Essentially, the Planning Commission defends the general interest of the county for “orderly development” but it can’t directly defend the interests of specific landowners.
The Court agreed with the landowners’ argument to add them as intervenors. Judge Cohee also accepted the arguments offered by the Jefferson County Foundation to be an intervenor in the case.
Following the decision to recognize the intervenors, Judge Cohee addressed the participants’ scheduling requests. During that discussion, the attorney for the intervenors requested to be included in any discussions about potential settlement of the lawsuit. Judge Cohee rejected that request after the attorney for Sidewinder voiced strong objection to limiting the ability of the Planning Commission to discuss settlement options.
The Planning Commission has scheduled a special meeting for July 22 at 7 pm. The agenda includes “discussion and possible action” on the lawsuit.
A word from the Contemporary American Theater Festival
CATF invites you to the world premiere of Kevin Kling: Unraveled. Kevin weaves stories as he’s constantly looking for patterns and intersections that connect us with one another and the world. Kevin unravels the threads that led him to an unexpected destination. There’s the trip that you plan and the trip that you take. Go on this trip with Kevin and experience the four other world premieres during the Contemporary American Theater Festival’s 2025 Season, July 11 – August 3. Tickets online at CATF.org.
Program to Explore Rural Mail Delivery’s History and Impact
Jefferson County’s role in the history of the United States Postal Service (USPS) will be part of an upcoming program that is open to the public.
The Postal Service traces its 250 year history to July 26, 1775, when the Continental Congress appointed Benjamin Franklin as the first Postmaster General. Jefferson County’s direct link to this history is Rural Free Delivery. This service, which ultimately expanded into direct delivery of mail to every address in the county, started in 1896 with a program pioneered in Charles Town, Halltown and Uvilla.
The anniversary event, which takes place Thursday, July 24 at 6:30 pm at the Shepherdstown Opera House, is co-hosted by the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association, Shepherd University’s Center for Appalachian Studies and Communities, and the Jefferson County Museum.
Panelists will include folklorist Emily Hilliard (Berea College), postal historian Dr. Alison Bazylinski (Smithsonian National Postal Museum), and public history consultant Dr. Sarah Johnson. The discussion will explore how Rural Free Delivery shaped rural life, commerce, and culture in America.
Admission to the event is free, but registration is required. The event will also be live-streamed.
>>>More information…
A message from Harpers Ferry School of Massage
Our next massage therapy program will begin September 22. The 625-hour curriculum blends science, skill, and compassionate touch to prepare students for licensure and meaningful practice. If you’ve ever considered a career in massage, visit harpersferryschoolofmassage.com to learn more and make an appointment to discuss how to make your dream come true. Just enjoy receiving massage? Find information about our popular student clinic on the website, too.
>>>Learn more...
Events Snapshot: Arts, Culture & Community
Highlights of upcoming events around Jefferson County:
Contemporary American Theater Festival — The 2025 CATF season runs through August 3 in Shepherdstown. Tickets for select performances are still available, including added shows on July 22 (Side Effects May Include…) and July 29 (Did My Grandfather Kill My Grandfather?). $ Info & Tickets…
Tintype Photography Sessions — Skull City Studio offers a chance to sit for a traditional tintype portrait (105 South Princess St., Shepherdstown). Friday–Saturday, July 18–19. Info…
ARRRG! — New show featuring local artists Annette Verna, Doug Kinnett, Kirsten Lee, and Susan Loonsk at Evolve (106 West German St., Shepherdstown). Friday–Sunday, July 18–20 (Opening Reception on Friday, July 18 4-6 pm). Info…
Kids Movie Night: The Wild Robot — Family-friendly film screening at the Shepherdstown Public Library (145 Higbee Ln., Shepherdstown). Friday, July 18, 6:30 pm. Free. Info…
Outdoor Movie: Wicked — Big-screen version of the Broadway hit at Sam Michaels Park (235 Sam Michaels Ln., Shenandoah Junction). Friday, July 18. Gates open at 7 pm, movie starts at dusk. Free. Info…
Washington County Ag Expo & Fair — Family-friendly fair continues, featuring livestock, carnival rides, and music at the Washington County Agricultural Education Center (7313 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro). July 17-19. Carnival opens 5 pm; music and track events at 7 pm. $ Info…
Revolutionary War Encampment — Step back in time with this living history event in honor of the 250th anniversary of the Beeline March at Morgan’s Grove Park (4198 Kearneysville Pike, Shepherdstown) and downtown Shepherdstown. Saturday, July 19, 10 am - 5:30. Reenactors will march into downtown Shepherdstown at 3 pm and will offer a program outside of McMurran Hall. Free. Info…
Morgan’s Grove Park Mural Launch — Community celebration of new mural, with live music, at Morgan’s Grove Park (4198 Kearneysville Pike, Shepherdstown). Saturday, July 19, 6 pm. Free. Info…
The Little Prince — Roving Peregrine presents a Youth Production of The Little Prince at the Black Box Arts Center (113 South Princess St., Shepherdstown). Saturday, July 19, 2 pm & 7 pm. $ Info… Tickets…
Fights, Falls, and Fakery: Meet the Stunt Directors — Learn the secrets behind stage combat in this online lecture presented by CATF. Saturday, July 19, 4:30 pm. Free. Reservations required. Info…
Staged Reading: Static – A Morse Code Musical — CATF presents a staged reading of this new musical as part of its TalkTheater series (Center for Contemporary Arts, Shepherdstown). Tuesday, July 22, 5 pm. $20. Info…
Tell us about your event — email Explore@ObserverWV.com.
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