The Rocky Forge Wind project recently hit an important milestone: six months without a single injury or incident. To celebrate, the team gathered for lunch and embraced Hawaiian Shirt Friday, bringing extra cheer and camaraderie to the day.
More than two decades after the initial permit application, Rocky Forge is finally becoming a reality. The project includes miles of temporary access roads and the installation of 13 GE Cypress-6X158 turbines, making it the first wind farm in Virginia. It is located on a spectacular 10,000-acre hilltop property, all owned by a single landowner.
This milestone reflects not only diligent planning and execution but also the successful collaboration of multiple subcontractors. Different safety cultures have come together seamlessly, creating a strong, unified approach to protecting workers. Paul and Courtney Belcher, owners of Mountain, visited the site with our team to honor both group and individual achievements. They were joined by the Vice Presidents of Apex (the owner of the project) and Faulkner, whose participation highlighted the importance of this milestone.
Building a wind farm on a remote ridge brings unique challenges. Crews are working in rugged terrain while encountering local wildlife—including black bears, copperheads, and timber rattlesnakes. Achieving six months of incident-free progress in such conditions speaks volumes about the team’s commitment to safety.
Rocky Forge Wind is not only a milestone for our company but also for Virginia’s renewable energy future. With a strong foundation of safety and teamwork, the project is well on its way to delivering clean energy for communities across the state.
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