A case study on the construction of a utility scale solar PV plant is described highlighting how a range of environmental and community risks identified (i.e. predicted) at the planning stage, were not experienced in the field during construction, and those risks that did eventuate, were managed effectively. Logistics, fauna and biodiversity, noise, infrastructure and camp establishment issues, and the construction and operational environmental management plans, have the most planning approval requirements. Key learnings from the project are highlighted for each major impact area. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.