HomeMy WebLinkAbout02_YB_Ex 02_Overview & Public EngagementYellow Barn Solar, LLC
Yellow Barn Solar Project
Matter No. 23-00048
§900-2-3 Exhibit 2
Overview and Public Involvement
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Table of Contents
Glossary Terms .............................................................................................................................................. 3
Acronym List ................................................................................................................................................. 4
Exhibit 2 - Overview and Public Involvement ............................................................................................... 5
2(a) Brief Description of the Proposed Project ....................................................................................... 6
(1)Overview of the Proposed Project ............................................................................................. 6
(2)Overview of the Facility ............................................................................................................. 6
(3)Solar Panels and Racking .......................................................................................................... 6
(4)Collector System and Inverters .................................................................................................. 6
(5)Access Roads ............................................................................................................................. 7
(6)Interconnection System ............................................................................................................. 7
(7)Fencing & Security ..................................................................................................................... 7
2(b) Brief Description of Overall Analysis................................................................................................ 8
(1)Description of Ecology, Air, Ground and Surface Water, Wildlife and Habitat ......................... 8
(2)Ecology ...................................................................................................................................... 9
(3)Significant Natural Communities ............................................................................................ 10
(4)Wetlands and Surface Water .................................................................................................. 10
(5)Geology and Groundwater ...................................................................................................... 12
(6)Wildlife and Habitat ................................................................................................................ 13
(7)Visual ....................................................................................................................................... 14
(8)Noise........................................................................................................................................ 15
(9)Public Health and Safety ......................................................................................................... 17
(10)Transportation ........................................................................................................................ 18
2(c) Public Outreach and Engagement .................................................................................................. 19
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List of Appendices
Appendix 2-A: Consultation Log
Appendix 2-B: Presentation Materials
Appendix 2-C: Notices, Affidavants, and Proofs of Service
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Glossary Terms
Applicant Yellow Barn Solar, LLC, the entity seeking a siting permit
for the Project from the Office of Renewable Energy
Siting (ORES) under Section 94-c of the New York State
Executive Law.
Project The proposed 160 MW solar system to be constructed
for the collection and distribution of energy for the
Yellow Barn Solar Project, which includes solar arrays,
inverters, electric collection lines, and the collection
substation.
Project Site The area hosting Project components totaling
approximately 754 acres, including panels, racking,
above ground and underground wiring, inverters,
access roads, equipment pads, vegetative plantings, and
the collector substation.
Project Parcels The parcels encompassing Project components which
totals approximately 1,859 acres in the Towns of
Lansing and Groton, Tompkins County, New York.
Study Area In accordance with the Section 94-c Regulations, the
Study Area for the Project includes a radius of five miles
around the Project Site boundary, unless otherwise
noted for a specific resource study or Exhibit. The 5-mile
Study Area encompasses 84,338 acres, inclusive of the
Project Site.
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Acronym List
AC Alternating Current
AM Agricultural Monitor
CRIS Cultural Resource Information System
CWA Clean Water Act
DC Direct Current
EDR Environmental Design & Research, Landscape
Architecture, Engineering, & Environmental
Services D.P.C.
EM Environmental Monitor
HDD Horizontal Directional Drilling
MW Megawatts
NCBP Net Conservation Benefit Plan
NHP New York Natural Heritage Program
NYCRR New York Codes, Rules, & Regulations
NYSAGM New York State Department of Agriculture and
Markets
NYSEG New York State Electric & Gas Company
ORES Office of Renewable Energy Siting
PEM Palustrine Emergent (wetlands)
PNIA Project Noise Impact Assessment
PV Photovoltaic
SHPO New York State Historic Preservation Office
SPCC Spill Prevention, Containment, and Control
USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Services
VIA Visual Impact Assessment
VIMMP Visual Impact Minimization and Mitigation Plan
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Exhibit 2 - Overview and Public Involvement
This Exhibit provides information required in accordance with the requirements of §900-2.3 of
the Section 94-c Regulations.
As shown throughout this Application, the Applicant anticipates the Project will help New York
State reach its climate goals while avoiding and minimizing negative impacts on neighboring
landowners, nearby communities, and surrounding landscapes. The proposed Project will be
relatively low in height, will not emit air or water pollution, will have no odors, and will produce
minimal noise. The Project will also have a variety of fencing, screening, and landscape strategies
to preserve existing viewsheds and maintain the rural character of the surrounding area.
Construction of the Project is expected to produce minimal traffic through the Towns of Lansing
and Groton, Tompkins County, New York, and traffic will become negligible during the operation
of the Project.
The Applicant believes the Project will benefit the local community by deploying clean, renewable
energy and enhancing economic development. Specifically, stakeholders within the region will
receive economic benefits from the Project through construction, operation, and maintenance
jobs, as well as expenditures for supplies and materials, lease payments to participating
landowners, and tax payments to local communities. These transactions will directly contribute
millions of dollars to the Towns, Tompkins County, and to school and fire districts in the form of
payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreements and/or host community agreements (HCA).
Additionally, the Applicant has conducted various surveys throughout the 94 -c process to assess
environmental and community impacts, as well as aesthetic and visual imp acts to the area
surrounding the Project Site. Throughout the Application, the Applicant will demonstrate how it
has confirmed that minimal costs, both economic and environmental, will be incurred by the local
community during the construction and lifespan of the Project and will be outweighed by the
benefits of the Project.
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2(a) Brief Description of the Proposed Project
(1)Overview of the Proposed Project
Yellow Barn Solar (the Project) is a proposed utility scale Project which will be located in Tompkins
County, New York across the Towns of Lansing and Groton. The Project will have a capacity of
160 megawatts (MW) of solar electrical generation.
(2)Overview of the Facility
The project location is depicted in Figure 3-1 of Exhibit 3 (Location of Facilities and Surrounding
Land Uses). The Project Site will be located across 24 parcels (the Project Parcels), which are
generally rural in nature and encompass approximately 1,859 acres. Approximately 754 acres of
the Project Parcels will be occupied by the Projects infrastructure (the Project Site). The Project
will include the following components during the construction and operation of the Project.
(3)Solar Panels and Racking
The Project is proposing to install approximately 361,032 photovoltaic bifacial solar panels which
will be affixed to a single-axis tracking racking system. The panels will consist of silicon in an
aluminum frame and utilize anti-reflective coating to increase panel efficiency and minimize
reflected light. This system will follow the sun throughout the day to maximize efficiency of the
panels. The panels will be installed on steel posts driven to a depth of 7 to 10 feet. The rows of
panels will run from North to South. At their highest point, at maximum tilt, the panels will be
approximately 16 feet high and when the panels are in the horizontal position, they will have a
ground clearance of approximately 8 feet.
(4)Collector System and Inverters
The Project will include direct current (DC) electrical cables and communication cables that
connect the panels to decentralized inverters that will be located throughout the site, adjacent
to the solar panels. The electrical and communication cables will be located underground.
Each array will include inverters to convert DC electricity generated by the panels to alternating
current (AC) electricity.
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(5)Access Roads
The Project will utilize existing roads and upgrade these roads as necessary. The Applicant will
enter into a road use agreement with Tompkins County, as well as the towns of Lansing and
Groton, to ensure that county and town roads are not damaged without the proper funds from
the Applicant to repair them. New access roads will be constructed as necessary to access and
maintain the site, depicted in Figure 3-1 of Exhibit 3 (Location of Facilities and Surrounding Land
Uses).
(6)Interconnection System
The Project will interconnect to the New York power grid via a new three breaker ring bus for POI
in the town of Lansing, tapping into New York State Electric & Gas Company’s (NYSEG) 115 kV
transmission line between the Milliken and Etna substations. The collection substation site will
include a concrete foundation for the substation components. The substation area will be gravel
and enclosed within a chain-link fence which will have a sign to indicate the presence of high-
voltage electrical equipment. The substation will be located in an area that is currently cropland
and forested, adjacent to the existing transmission line.
(7)Fencing & Security
Fencing will be installed around each of the solar arrays, as well as around the substation. Solar
arrays will be enclosed with an eight-foot-tall agricultural fence with mesh covering that is
supported by nine-foot-tall wooden posts during operation of the Project. No barbed wire is
proposed for the fencing enclosing PV arrays. The substation will be enclosed in a 7-foot chain
link fence, with one foot of barbed wire at its top, bolstering security for the substation .
Solar array fencing will include self-locking gates at each of the access points. The gates will be
accessed by employees servicing the system and emergency responders. The substation will
contain switch-activated or motion-activated lighting, and a security camera may be utilized at
for additional security at the collection substation during operation of the Project . Access to the
substation and the PV array areas will be limited to employees and emergency responders as
necessary.
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2(b) Brief Description of Overall Analysis
Under New York Code, Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) §900-2.3(a), the Applicant is required to
provide an overall analysis of the facts established in the permit application. This section will
provide information from the supporting studies regarding the potential impacts from the
construction and operation of the facility and examine why the applicant believes a permit should
be granted.
(1)Description of Ecology, Air, Ground and Surface Water, Wildlife and Habitat
The Project Parcels include approximately 1,859 acres in total, with approximately 754 acres
targeted for use by the Project Site. The Limit of Disturbance is approximately 858 acres in and
around the Project Site. Of the area within the Limit of Disturban ce, approximately 357 acres
(35%) is hay/pasture land cover and approximately 362 acres (31%) is cultivated crops land cover.
The majority of the site will be located across agricultural lands, including active fields and
pastureland. Across the Project site, approximately 86.5% of the impacted areas are agricultural
land. During construction, portions of the site will be directly impacted through post pounding,
placement of the panels, and general construction and maintenance efforts related to the
Project. However, when the site is not under active construction, and throughout the Project life,
it is expected that the Project will provide generally suitable habitat for wildlife species. The site
will have a pollinator friendly species of grass grown under the panels which will be maintained
at a level to not impede the panel ability to produce electricity. This species is suitable for both
pollinators species and grazing sheep.
The site will also consist of forestlands, approximately 109 acres (13%) within the Limit of
Disturbance are deciduous, evergreen, mixed forest, or woody wetland. A small area outside the
bounds of the Project site will be cleared for shading purposes or access roads.
Construction and operation of the Project will not result in significant or long term impacts or
reductions on the plant communities or wildlife habitat that currently exist on the site.
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(2)Ecology
As further described in Exhibit 11, the Applicant identified the boundaries of plant communities
within the Project Site through on site survey efforts for various ecological surveys, including
breeding bird survey, wintering raptor survey, forest raptor survey, rare plant survey, and
wetland and stream delineations.
The Project consulted with the New York Natural Heritage Program (NHP) in July 2021 requesting
information on the potential presence of all rare or state-listed species or significant natural
communities in the vicinity of the Project Site. A targeted rare plant survey was conducted in
June 2022 to determine the presence or absence of the species identified by the NHP, the
spreading globeflower. A total of 326 plant species were observed during the survey; none of
which are considered rare, threatened, or endangered. As indicated in the Plant Species list
included as Appendix 11-B of this application, all the native plants observed throughout the
survey have a state conservation rank of secure (S5) or apparently secure (S4). No spreading
globeflower was observed within the survey area.
The Project is committed to the preservation and reduction of impacts on both onsite and offsite
vegetative and ecological communities. These objectives will be achieved through the following
means:
1.Stormwater Pollution and Prevention Plan (SWPPP): The Applicant will implement a
comprehensive SWPPP detailed in Appendix 13-D of Exhibit 13 (Water Resources and Aquatic
Ecology). This plan will be instrumental in mitigating environmental impacts related to
stormwater and will minimize the protection of off site ecological communities by ensuring
no increase in stormwater runoff to onto adjacent parcels.
2.Best Management Practices (BMPs): The Applicant will adhere to industry-best practices
specifically tailed for the construction of solar facilities. These BMPs are designed to minimize
adverse effects on the environment.
3.Utilization of Uniform Standards and Conditions (USCs): As part of the 94-c permitting
process, the Applicant will incorporate USCs that dictate the appropriate operational
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procedures ensuring the protection of ecological resources throughout the construction and
operation of the Project.
3.1. Onsite Environmental Monitor (EM): In accordance with USC §900-6.4 (b)(1), an EM will
be on-site throughout construction and restoration activities. This monitor will conduct
regular inspections, issue reports, and oversee compliance, working in consultation with
the New York State Department of Public Service (NYSDPS).
3.2. Agricultural Monitor (AM): In accordance with USC §900-6.4(s), an AM will be employed
to monitor compliance with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Market’s
(NYSAGM) “Guidelines for Solar Energy Projects-Construction Mitigation for Agricultural
Lands” in active agricultural lands. As stipulated in USC §900-6.4 (s)(1)(ii), this qualified
monitor will be contracted from a third party and will ensure strict adherence to
agricultural conditions and requirements.
Through these measures, the Project is dedicated to responsible and sustainable development
while safeguarding the environment and adhering to regulatory standards. Detailed information
regarding the Project’s estimated impacts to ecological communities is provided in Table 11-1 of
Exhibit 11 (Terrestrial Ecology).
(3)Significant Natural Communities
Through an initial assessment of the site, the NHP identified the Rich Hemlock-Hardwood Peat
Swamp, which is a rare wetland/aquatic community with a heritage conservation status of high-
quality occurrence of rare community type. The project has been designed to avoid any impact
on this significant natural community. The location of these Rich Hemlock-Hardwood Peat
Swamps can be found in Figure 3-8 in Exhibit 3 (Location of Facilities and Surrounding Land Use).
(4)Wetlands and Surface Water
Exhibit 14 (Water Resources and Aquatic Ecology) provides additional information on the impacts
the Project may have on wetlands and streams. Additionally, the wetland and stream delineation
report is included as Appendix 14-A. The wetland and stream delineation was conducted in the
spring and summer of 2022. Through this delineation, 84 wetlands totaling 280.3 acres and 28
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streams totaling 25,511 linear feet were identified within the 1,600-acre wetland study area,
which included a delineation of the area 100 feet outside of the Project Site. Of the wetlands
delineated, 67 are anticipated to be jurisdictional by the USACE under Section 404 of the Clean
Water Act (CWA), 6 are anticipated to be both state and federally jurisdictional, and 11 are
anticipated to be non-jurisdictional. All 28 of the delineated streams are anticipated to be
jurisdictional by USACE. The large majority of wetlands identified in the delineations are
considered Palustrine Emergent Wetlands (PEM), while the majority of steams identified are
considered Intermittent Steams (R4). The Project Site has been designed to avoid most potential
impacts to wetlands. The Applicant, following the delineation of state regulated wetlands,
avoided impacts to these wetlands by modifying project design. Specifically, Project components
were sited outside of wetland/adjacent areas where practicable. Based on the December 12,
2022 jurisdictional determination issued by ORES and the current Project layout, the collector
substation, POI substation, laydown areas, and inverters have been designed to completely avoid
impacts to state-regulated freshwater wetlands. In addition, horizontal directional drilling (HDD)
was utilized to avoid or minimize wetland impacts from collection line installation. PV panels,
access roads, collection lines, and the fenceline were designed to avoid and minimize wetland
impacts; however, a subset of these Project components will result in unavoidable impacts to
state-regulated wetlands and adjacent areas. The Project will not result in any state regulated
wetland impacts requiring mitigation. The Project will result in some impacts to state regulated
freshwater wetlands and regulated adjacent areas as some activities allowed within state
regulated Class 3 and Unmapped freshwater wetlands and regulated 100-foot adjacent areas are
anticipated.
Certain construction activities carry the potential for direct and indirect impacts on surface
waters. These activities encompass the establishment of access roads, installation of collection
lines, and the creation of temporary staging areas surrounding the solar arrays. Through careful
design consideration the Applicant has avoided all potential impacts of access road construction
to wetlands and surface waters present on the Project Site. Collection lines will predominantly
be installed underground through trenching, except for 23 locations where horizontal directional
drilling (HDD) will be utilized were aquatic resources or roads must be crossed. Specifically, the
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Applicant proposes the utilization of HDD to avoid impacts on Bear Swamp, which is considered
Unique Environmental Area in Tompkins County.
The Project will adhere to USC §900-6.4 (p): Wetlands, Waterbodies and Streams to the
maximum extent practicable. Additionally, in compliance with USC §900-6.1 (e), prior to the
commencement of construction activities the Applicant will obtain a Water Quality Certification
under Section 401 of the CWA to ensure protection of water resources at and in the vicinity of
the Project Site. The implementation of a comprehensive SWPPP (Appendix 13-C) will safeguard
against the potential impacts of offsite discharges related to construction to the maximum extent
practicable. A Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan (SPCC) designed specifically for
the Project will reduce the potential for the release of hazardous chem icals during construction
and operation of the Project. The SPCC can be found in Appendix 13-F.
(5)Geology and Groundwater
ANS Geo, Inc. performed a geotechnical investigation to evaluate the surface and subsurface
soils, bedrock, and groundwater conditions on and in the vicinity of the Project and provided
geotechnical guidance for the proposed structures within the Project Site. The data collected is
summarized below and further provided in Appendix 10-A (Geotechnical Report).
As described in Exhibit 10: Geology, Seismology, and Soils, Groundwater was encountered in 16
out of the 36 soil borings and 2 out of the 12 test pits conducted across the site ranging between
depths of 3 and 17.5 feet below grade at the time of the geotechnical investigation. If excavations
are affected by groundwater or stormwater, the selected contractor during construction will be
prepared to manage groundwater or infiltrated stormwater using pump -and-sump or similar
techniques to allow for foundation construction in-the-dry, if necessary. The contractor(s) will
grade the surface, as indicated in the SWPPP included as Appendix 13-C, to direct stormwater
away from open excavation to the extent possible. Auger refusal was encountered in 10 of the
36 boring locations and in 11 out of the 12 test pit locations at a depth shallower than 10 feet
BGS due to cobbles and boulders. Additionally, based on its geographic location, the Project Area
is not subject to significant risk of a tsunami or earthquake event.
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Overall, the findings from this investigation confirm that the Project is located in an area suitable
for solar construction.
(6)Wildlife and Habitat
Through consultation with the NHP in July 2021 it was determined that no state -listed animals
occur within the vicinity of the Project site. Further consultation with United States Fish and
Wildlife Service (USFWS) that took place in August of 2021 identified one threatened,
endangered, or candidate species in the vicinity of the Project: Northern Long -eared Bat Myotis
septentrionalis (Federal and State Listed Threatened Species). The Project has been designed to
reduce the amount of tree clearing required for panel installations, therefore the potential
impacts on this species have been mitigated. Additionally, to further prevent any direct takings
of Northern Long-eared Bat, the Applicant commits that all tree clearing activities shall take place
from November 1st through March 31st in accordance with USC §900-6.4(o)(4)(iii)(c)).
As stated above, the Applicant conducted a breeding bird survey, wintering raptor survey, and
forested raptor survey to assess the presence of rare, threatened, or endangered species in the
vicinity of the Project. After review of these studies, ORES determined on June 23, 2023, that a
Net Conservation Benefit Plan (NCBP) will be required to mitigate potential impacts to northern
harrier and short eared owl resulting from the Project. The Applicant is avoiding significant
adverse impact to these species’ habitats to the greatest extent practicable and is proposing an
NCBP to mitigate any remaining potential significant adverse impacts to these habitats. The
NCBP is included as Appendix 12-E of this application.
To avoid and minimize impacts to occupied grassland habitat, construction will adhere to the
USC §§ 900-6.4 (o)(3)(i)-(vii)). Additionally, to avoid direct impacts to individual listed grassland
birds during construction and to mitigate impacts to occupied grassland habitat, the Applicant
will adhere to the USC §§ 900-6.4 (o)(3)(viii) and (ix)).
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(7)Visual
EDR Prepared a Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) evaluating the extent and significance of Project
visibility. The VIA includes an identification of visually sensitive recourses, viewshed mapping,
results of the field review, visual simulations (photographic overlays), and proposed visual impact
mitigation.
Additionally, EDR prepared a Visual Impacts Minimization and Mitigation Plan (VIMMP) included
in this Application as Appendix 8-B. Included in the VIMMP is a Landscape Mitigation Planting
Plan which will effectively reduce view of the Project from visually sensitive resources, such as
historic sites, as well as a Lighting Plan for the Project and a Glare Analysis Report. As stated in
the VIMMP, specific measures to avoid and minimize visual effects of the Project include:
1.Landscape Mitigation Plan
2.General Facility Lighting
3.Minimizing Glare
4.Prohibition of Advertising/Minimization of Signage
5.Underground Electrical Collection Systems
6.Non-specular Conductor and Non-reflective Finishes
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(8)Noise
Resource Systems Group (RSG) conducted a Project Noise Impact Assessment (PNIA) for the
Project, which included an analysis of the potential sound impacts associated with the
construction and operation of the Project. The PNIA includes a discussion of sound level limit
standards and guidelines applicable to the Project, sound level monitoring procedures, sound
monitoring results, sound propagation modeling procedures, sound propagation modeling
results, and a discussion and analysis of construction noise and its mitigation. The noise analysis
included an assessment of the operational sound sources, including one high-voltage substation
transformer, 50 inverter skids, an HVAC unit at the substation control building, and 5,046 solar
tracking motors spread throughout the Project.
Sound propagation modeling was performed using International Standards Organization 9613 -2
sound propagation modeling algorithms to calculate projected sound levels at 508 sensitive
sound receptors, including 492 nonparticipating residences, 12 participati ng residences, and 4
public buildings. The maximum predicted cumulative noise impact from all Project Components
at a non-participating receptor is 44 dBA L8h, including the application of a 5 dB tonal penalty, as
required by the 94-c regulations. Cumulative noise impact contours are included in Appendix 7-
A (Project Noise Impact Assessment) calculated at a height of 5 feet above grade and reflect the
application of a 5 dB tonal penalty to all sources. The substation is at or below 40 dBA L8h with a
tonal penalty, at the closest residence.
The project is being designed, including noise mitigation measures, to comply with the 94-c noise
limits, as well as Occupational Safety and Health Administration and World Health Organization
noise limits. Adverse noise impacts will be avoided or minimized through careful siting of Project
Components, the use of alternative designs, and alternative technologies. Mitigation that has
been incorporated the model, included a noise barrier surrounding the transformer on the
northern, eastern, and southern sides. The Project will comply with the standards set by 94 -c,
OSHA, and WHO. Additional information is available in Exhibit 7 (Noise and Vibration), and well
the Project Noise Impact Assessment (PNIA) (Appendix 7-A).
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Archeological Resources
Formal consultation with the New York State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) was initiated on
May 3, 2023, via the Cultural Resource Information System (CRIS). At the request of SHPO,
Environmental Design & Research, Landscape Architecture, Engineering, & Environmental
Services D.P.C. (EDR) conducted a Phase 1B Archeological Survey for the Project between July
and August 2023. The Phase IB archaeological survey was completed in accordance with the
Phase IA Archaeological Survey report previously approved by SHPO and included an
approximately 293-acre area of significant ground disturbance. No archeological sites were
identified at the 2,076 shovel test locations. The Phase 1B Archeological Survey was submitted
to SHPO on September 20th, 2023, and a Letter of No Effect was issued to the Applicant that same
day.
Additional Phase 1B survey work was conducted following the initial submission to SHPO.
Supplemental Phase IB archaeological survey fieldwork was conducted for the new LSGD areas
within zones of elevated archaeological sensitivity not previously tested, totaling approximately
48.5 acres. The supplemental Phase IB archaeological survey did not identify any archaeological
sites.
Historic Resources
EDR performed a Historic Resources Survey (Appendix 9-E) to identify and document the
buildings within one mile around the Project where the project components are anticipated to
be visible that appear to satisfy State and National Register of Historic Places (S/NRHP) eligibility
criteria. This survey was conducted in a manner consistent with New York State Historic
Preservation Office Guidelines for Solar Facility Development Cultural Resources Survey Work
published in 2021. The Historic Resources Survey was submitting to SHPO on September 18,
2023.
The Applicant is awaiting SHPO’s response to the Historic Resources Survey and will update the
Application on receipt of SHPOs findings. Consultation with SHPO to date can be seen in
Attachment A of Appendix 9-E.
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(9)Public Health and Safety
A detailed analysis of the Project’s potential impacts on public health and safety is included in
Exhibit 6 (Public Health, Safety, and Security). Additionally, Exhibit 18 (Socioeconomic Effects)
and Exhibit 19 (Environmental Justice) details more information regarding the projects potential
impacts on nearby communities.
Overall, the public health and environmental benefits of transitioning from harmful fossil fuel
generators to clean, renewable sources of electricity are widely recognized and have been a key
driver of New York’s energy policy for decades. Conventional fossil fuel power plants is a major
source of criteria air pollutants, which affect air quality, visibility, and public health. Those
facilities release sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, which lead to the formation of particulate
matter, ozone, and other acidic compounds, as well as mercury. Exposure to these pollutants can
cause or aggravate "lung diseases including asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis, as well
as increase the risk of premature mortality from heart or lung disease".1 Additionally, the harmful
effects of air pollution are not limited to humans; the natural environment suffers negative air
pollution impacts ranging from acid rain and contamination of water sources, to crop and forest
damage, in addition to the wide range of threats posed by climate change.
As a safe, renewable source of energy production, solar facilities such as the Proposed Project
will play a critical role in meeting the public health and safety goals of the New York State energy
policy. The proposed 160 MW Project will effectively generate over 260,000 kwh of emission -
free energy annually, replacing approximately 185,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide.2,3 The
Project will produce enough power to electrify approximately 36,000 New York state homes
when it first becomes operational.4 The Project would not generate other common pollutants
associated with traditional energy generation sources, such as nitrogen and sulfur oxides, or
mercury, nor would it utilize significant volumes of water for generation or discharge effluent.
The Project naturally supports near term public health and safety through the displacement of
1 New York State Department of Public Service (NYSDPS), “Final Generic Environmental Impact statement in Case
14-M-0101”
2 National Renewable Energy Lab, “PVWatts Calculator”
3 EPA, “Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator”
4 Herrera, Kristen, “How Many Kwh Does an Average NYC Apartment Use?”
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air and water emissions, but also meets long term objectives of curbing climate change which
has broader public health and safety effects at the local, state, and global levels.
Moreover, the widespread benefits of the Yellow Barn Solar Project far outweigh the limited
potential public health impacts associated with construction and operation of the Project. Public
health and safety concerns associated with construction of the Project are primarily limited to
common risks associated with commercial construction projects, such as increased noise levels
during construction, increased traffic, and the potential release of construction-related
contaminants into the environment. These common risks are generally not associated with
significant impacts to public health and safety and will be avoided, minimized and mitigated by
the Applicants adherence to the 94-c Uniform Standards and Conditions (USC). Once constructed,
the presence of electrical equipment both within the arrays and at the collection substation
carries some risk of an electrical hazard. However, generally, these systems have been tested and
proven to operate safely, and these areas will have perimeter controls (i.e., security fencing,
signage) as is required by local law and National Electrical Safety Code to prevent potential injury.
Certain equipment, such as inverters, also may present a combustion risk. The Applicant’s Safety
Response Plan includes information regarding combustion risks, and how these risks will be
avoided, minimized and mitigated or addressed (see Appendix 6-B).
(10)Transportation
Nearly all of the traffic-related impacts associated with the Project will occur during the
construction phase when there will be a temporary increase in vehicle traffic on area roadways.
Once the Project is commissioned and construction activities are concluded, traffic associated
with Facility operation will be negligible and limited to occasional trips associated with routine
maintenance activities (see Exhibit 16 for additional information on Transportation). The
Applicant has conducted outreach with local applicable highway departments regarding the
traffic study prepared in Appendix 16-A (Appendix 16-C [Correspondence with Applicable
Highway Departments]).
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2(c) Public Outreach and Engagement
Engaging with the public and local communities is a fundamental pillar of the Applicant’s
approach when developing any solar project. Commencing in early 2022, the Applicant has
implemented a detailed public engagement strategy satisfying the public engagement
requirements of the 94-C application process. The Applicant’s primary objectives throughout the
public engagement process has been to foster community awareness regarding the Project,
provide an opportunity for local stakeholders to actively engage in the Project’s development
and design, seek feedback on environmental, historical, and cultural sensitivities in the vicinity of
the Project, and ensure that development of the Project maximizes benefits for the local host
communities. Appendix 2-B of this application provides a comprehensive overview of meetings
and other consultation endeavors that took place in support of the Project.
Consultation with Local Agencies
•The Applicant first met with the Town Supervisor and Director of Planning for the Town
of Lansing on June 4th, 2019, to discuss the prospect of pursuing a solar project in the
Town.
•The Applicant attended the Lansing Town Board meeting on August 21st, 2019, to discuss,
with the Town Board, the prospect of pursuing a solar project in the Town.
•The Applicant attended the Town Board Work Session Meeting in Lansing on September
4th, 2019, to discuss the draft solar law, potential tax revenues, and initiate more detailed
Project-specific discussion.
•The Applicant attended a Town Board meeting in Lansing on September 18 th, 2019, to
address any questions and provide feedback on the draft solar law as necessary.
•The Applicant met with the Town of Groton Supervisor and other representatives of the
Town on September 15th, 2020, to discuss the prospect of pursuing a solar project in the
Town.
•The Applicant attended a Lansing Town Board Meeting on October 7th, 2020, to introduce
the Project company and discuss the Project and NYSERDA RFP Process generally.
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•The Applicant attended Groton Town Board on October 13th, 2020, to introduce the
Project company and discuss the Project and NYSERDA RFP Process generally.
•The Applicant attended additional Town Board meetings in Groton in June, July, and
October of 2021. At these meetings, representatives of the Applicant presented
introductory information about the project area, the project company, and the major
state level processes that the Project will undergo, including the interconnection study
processes with NYSEG and the NYISO, the NYSERDA RFP process, and the Office of
Renewable Energy Siting’s (ORES) 94-c application process.
•The Applicant attended additional Town Board meetings in the Town of Lansing in July
and August 2021. At these meetings, representatives of the Applicant presented
introductory information about the project area, the project company, and the major
state level processes that the Project will undergo, including the interconnection study
processes with NYSEG and the NYISO, the NYSERDA RFP process, and the Office of
Renewable Energy Siting’s (ORES) 94-c application process. The Applicant received a letter
of support from the Town of Lansing following the Town Board meeting in August 2021.
•The Applicant attended the Groton Town Board meeting on June 14th, 2022, and the
Lansing Town Board meeting on June 15th, 2022, to provide an update on the status of
development.
•The Applicant presented detailed information about the Project and the 94-C permitting
process to the Towns of Lansing and Groton, as well as representatives from the County,
Lansing Central School District, and Groton Central School District, during a joint
Consultation with Local Agencies meeting held on November 15th, 2022, pursuant to
§900-1.3(a). The purpose of this meeting was to provide mapping and other information
regarding the proposed Project, discuss the status of completed and anticipated studies,
review the relevant and substantive local laws with municipal representatives, and to
designate a Project contact person.
•Representatives of the Applicant have held bi-weekly virtual meetings with
representatives from both Towns and their Counsels since July 2023 to provide updates
on the development process and solicit feedback on various aspects of the Project.
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•Representatives of the Applicant held a virtual meeting on September 5th, 2023, with the
Tompkins County Department of Planning and Sustainability to discuss specific aspects of
the Project, such as the Project’s potential impacts to Public Health and Safety and the
Project’s proposed recycling plans. Tompkins County representatives from the
Department of Recycling and Materials Management, the Transportation Department,
and the Administrators Office were in attendance at this meeting.
Consultation with Community Members
•Representatives of the Applicant held an Open House on April 26 th, 2023, in the Town of
Lansing for community members to attend, learn more about the Project, ask questions,
and express concerns. Owners of residencies within 1000ft of the Project Parcels were
invited directly by mail to attend the event. Additionally, notice of the Open House was
provided through the Yellow Barn Solar Newsletter on April 19th, 2023, to those
subscribed at the time.
•Representatives of the Applicant held a Meeting with Community Members in the town
of Groton on June 22nd, 2023, and in the town of Lansing on June 23rd, 2023. The purpose
of this meeting was to further educate the public about the proposed Project, including
our anticipated application date and information regarding the future availability of Local
Agency Account Funding.
In addition to the above, the Applicant created a personalized website for the Project on June
15th, 2022 (https://yellowbarn-solar.com/) and a Project-specific email
(yellowbarnsolar@csenergy.com) to promote awareness of the Project and facilitate
communication between the Applicant and interested stakeholders. The Applicant also created
a newsletter in November 2022 to establish a means of providing frequent Project updates to
those who sign up.
Additionally, the Applicant complied with the 60-day and 3-day notice requirements set forth in
§900-1.3(d) and §900-1.6(c) of the 94-c regulations. These notices and proofs of service and
publication are provided in Appendix 2-C.
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References
New York State Department of Public Service (NYSDPS), “Final Generic Environmental
Impact statement in Case 14-M-0101”. 2015.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjGu8rC1
KCCAxWrk4kEHbiVBdAQFnoECBkQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdocuments.dps.ny.gov%2Fpublic
%2FCommon%2FViewDoc.aspx%3FDocRefId%3D%257B9E35CB6F -9B7D-4220-9CD4-
B254C0FB4551%257D&usg=AOvVaw23VD8AfZbHh3dU6ssrn8Kq&opi=89978449
National Renewable Energy Lab. “PVWatts.” PVWatts Calculator, 2023.
https://pvwatts.nrel.gov/pvwatts.php.
EPA. “Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator.” US Environmental Protection Agency, July
2023. https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator#results.
Herrera, Kristen. “How Many Kwh Does an Average NYC Apartment Use?” NYEnergy
Ratings, March 27, 2023. https://www.nyenergyratings.com/blog/how-many-kwh-does-an-
average-nyc-apartment-
use/#:~:text=NYC%20Apartment%20Electric%20Usage,of%20300%20kWh%20per%20month.