Project Overview
Renewable Energy Site Development on Challenging Terrain
The Cortlandville Solar project involved the development of a 33-acre renewable energy site supporting over 9,600 solar panels. The work required navigating complex terrain with more than 155 feet of elevation change while maintaining strict environmental controls within and around sensitive wetland areas.
Services included comprehensive site clearing, access development, and the implementation of stormwater management systems to ensure long-term site stability and compliance. The result is a carefully executed solar installation that balances efficient energy production with environmental stewardship.
Our Approach
Precision Earthwork. Protected Environment.
WoodStone managed this project from initial site clearing through final grading — coordinating every phase across a complex, environmentally sensitive site with strict regulatory controls and challenging topography.
Site Preparation & Clearing
WoodStone performed comprehensive vegetation removal and land clearing across all 33 acres, establishing a clean, stable base for solar array installation while carefully managing sediment and erosion controls throughout.
Access Road Development
Constructed durable internal access roads and haul routes to support construction traffic and long-term O&M access across the site’s challenging 155-foot elevation change — engineered to maintain integrity under heavy equipment loads.
Mass Grading & Earthwork
Executed complex mass grading operations across more than 155 feet of elevation change, balancing cut and fill to create stable panel installation platforms while minimizing off-site material hauling and cost.
Stormwater Management
Designed and installed comprehensive stormwater management systems including swales, detention areas, and outlet controls to protect surrounding land and ensure full regulatory compliance post-construction.
Wetland Protection & Compliance
Successfully executed all work within and around sensitive wetland areas, maintaining required buffers and environmental integrity throughout construction — keeping the project on schedule without regulatory incidents.
The Challenge
33 Acres. 155 Feet of Elevation Change. Active Wetlands.
The site presented significant grading challenges — over 155 feet of elevation change across the project footprint, sensitive wetland areas requiring careful environmental controls, and complex terrain that demanded precise earthwork sequencing. Traditional multi-contractor approaches would have created coordination gaps and schedule risk across this large, technically demanding site.
WoodStone’s self-perform model meant a single team handled clearing, grading, access development, and stormwater from start to finish — eliminating handoff delays and maintaining consistent quality standards across every phase of site development.
Project Highlights
By the Numbers
33
Acres Developed
9,600+
Solar Panels Supported
155+
Feet of Elevation Change
