HomeMy WebLinkAboutNSF Enfield - Solar Decommissioning Plan Without Scrap Value - 2.17.20210x010100C4152B07BB1D854ABD65FB3C1A56C1B6
Solar System Decommissioning Plan Without Scrap Value
Decommissioning costs are equal for all three sites listed below:
NSF Enfield Site 1, LLC
NSF Enfield Site 2, LLC
NSF Enfield Site 3, LLC
Synopsis
Solar System Lifespan
Cost of Decommissioning
Ensuring Funds For Decommissioning and Site Restoration
Solar System Decommissioning Description
D.1.Removal of Electrical Components, Racks & Rack Wiring
D.2.PV Module Dismantling & Panel Removal
D.3.Breakup and Remove Concrete Pads or Ballast
D.4.Remove Cables
D.5.Remove Fence
D.6.Grading and Road Removal
D.7.Seed Disturbed Area
A. Solar System Lifespan
Owner of Sites located at 00 Applegate Road South, Ithaca, NY 14850 (“Project”), to be subdivided, is responsible for decommissioning the Project. Commercial-scale solar fields are designed
for a minimum expected operational life of 25 years but may operate for 40 years or more.
As the solar field approaches the end of its operational life, it is expected that technological advances will make more efficient and cost-effective solar arrays that will economically
drive the replacement of the existing solar arrays.
The decommissioning plan provides financial assurance that there will be sufficient funds available for decommissioning and site restoration when the solar arrays have reached the end
of their useful life.
B. Cost of Decommissioning
The cost of decommissioning a solar array more than 20 years into the future cannot be known with exact certainty.
NSF Enfield Decommissioning Costs Per 5 MW System
# Task Estimated Cost
D1Remove Electrical Components, Racks & Rack Wiring $36,315.00
D2PV Module Dismantling Removing Panels $30,875.00
D3Breakup and Remove Concrete Pad $38,375.00
D4Remove Cable $18,750.00
D5Remove Fence $14,875.00
D6Grading/Roadway Removal $10,000.00
D7Seed Disturbed Area $1,375.00
Cost: Labor and Equipment to Decommission $150,565.00
Total After 20 Years (2% Inflation Rate) $223,731.70
Three 5 MW systems, each with a Current Net Cost of $150,565.00 per system, totaling $451,695.
C. Ensuring Funds for Decommissioning and Site Restoration
The estimated cost of decommissioning as provided above will be updated upon commencement of commercial operations.
On or prior to December 31 of each calendar year beginning with the calendar year in which the Project commences commercial operations through and including calendar year 10, an amount
based on the estimate provided herein, if any, to be updated upon commencement of commercial operations, shall be reserved for decommissioning and site restoration.
Such annual amounts may be in the form of a performance bond, surety bond, letter of credit, parental guaranty, or other form of financial assurance acceptable to the Siting Council
(the “Financial Assurance”).
On or prior to the end of calendar year 15 of the Project’s operation, the estimated costs of decommissioning will be reassessed and an amount equal to the balance of such updated estimated
cost of decommissioning less the amounts reserved, if any, will be reserved for decommissioning and site restoration.
The Financial Assurance shall be kept in place until such time as the decommissioning work has been completed, provided, however, to the extent available as liquid funds, the Financial
Assurance may be used to offset the costs of the decommissioning.
D. Solar System Decommissioning Description
Decommissioning and restoration activities will adhere to the requirements of appropriate governing authorities, and will be in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local permits.
The decommissioning and restoration process comprise removal of above-ground structures; grading, to the extent necessary; restoration of topsoil (if needed) and seeding.
The process of removing structures involves evaluating and categorizing all components and materials into categories of recondition and reuse, salvage, recycling, and disposal.
The above-ground structures and below-ground structures are collectively referred to herein as the “Project Components.”
Temporary erosion and sedimentation control best management practices will be used during the decommissioning phase of the Project.
Control features will be regularly inspected during the decommissioning phase and removed at the end at the process.
D.1. Removal of Electrical Components, Racks & Rack Wiring
Control cabinets, electronic components, and internal cables will be removed. The panels, racks and inverters will be lowered to the ground where they may be transported whole for reconditioning
and reuse or disassembled/cut into more easily transportable sections for salvageable, recyclable, or disposable components.
D.2. PV Module Dismantling & Panel Removal
Solar photovoltaic modules used in the Project are manufactured within regulatory requirements for toxicity based on Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP). The solar panels
are not considered hazardous waste.
The panels used in the Project will contain silicon, glass, and aluminum which have value for recycling. Modules will be dismantled and packaged per manufacturer or approved recyclers
specifications and shipped to an approved off-site approved recycler.
D.3. Breakup and Remove Concrete Pads or Ballast
Pads will be excavated to a depth sufficient to remove all anchor bolts, rebar, conduits, cable, and concrete to a depth of 24 inches below grade. The remaining excavation will be filled
with clear sub-grade material of quality comparable to the immediate surrounding area. The sub-grade material will be compacted to a density similar to surrounding subgrade material.
All unexcavated areas compacted by equipment used in decommissioning shall be de-compacted in a manner to adequately restore the topsoil and sub-grade material to the proper density
consistent and compatible with the surrounding area.
Concrete slabs used as equipment pads will be broken and removed to a depth of two feet below grade. Clean concrete will be crushed and disposed of off-site and/or recycled and reused
either on or off-site.
D.4. Electrical Cable Removal
Electric wire made from copper or aluminum has value for recycling. DC wiring can be removed manually from the panels to the inverter. Underground wire in the area of the array will
be pulled and removed from the ground. Overhead cabling for the interconnection will be removed from poles. All wire will be sent to an approved recycling facility.
D.5. Fencing and Racking Removal
All racking and fencing material will be broken down into manageable units and removed from facility and sent to an approved recycler. All racking posts driven into the ground will be
pulled and removed.
D.6. Grading and Road Removal
During decommissioning, the processed stone access roads will be stripped exposing the geotextile beneath. The geotextile will then be removed and disposed revealing the original soil
surface.
The compacted soil beneath the road fill may require ripping with a subsoiler plow to loosen it before it can be returned to crop production.
D.7. Seed Disturbed Areas
Following decommissioning activities, the sub-grade material and topsoil from affected areas will be de-compacted and restored to a density and depth consistent with the surrounding
areas. If the subsequent use for the Project site will involve agriculture, a deep till of the Project site will be undertaken.
The affected areas will be inspected, thoroughly cleaned, and all construction-related debris removed. Disturbed areas will be reseeded to promote re-vegetation of the area unless the
area is to be immediately redeveloped.
In all areas, restoration shall include, as reasonably required, leveling, terracing, mulching, and other necessary steps to prevent soil erosion, to ensure establishment of suitable
grasses and forbs, and to control noxious weeds and pests.
Decommissioning and Restoration Terms
The Project shall be decommissioned within 360 days of the end of the Project’s operational life.
Areas disturbed during the decommissioning phase will be with seeded with a drought-tolerant grass seed mix appropriate for the area unless such areas are being immediately redeveloped
for other uses.
The gravel access road will remain intact.