HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-12-11 with attachmentsAg Advisory Committee
12/11/19
AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
DECEMBER 11, 2019
Members Present: Evan Carpenter (Chair), Kim LaMotte, Marie McRae, Brian Magee, Steve Foote
Absent: Erin Bieber
Liaison(s): Craig Schutt, Conservation Board
Guest(s): Craig Anderson, Planning Board
The meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m.
Review and approval of minutes dated November 13, 2019
S. Foote made a motion to accept the minutes as written, seconded by K. LaMotte and unanimously
approved.
New Business
Motion was made by S. Foote to reappoint Brian Magee and Erin Bieber for the 2020-2022 term.
RESOLUTION #3 for 2019 - RECOMMENDATION FOR REAPPOINTMENTS
Resolved, that the Dryden Agricultural Advisory Committee recommends that the Dryden Town Board
reappoint both Brian Magee and Erin Bieber to this committee for another term to expire December
2022.
Seconded by K. LaMotte, unanimously approved.
Town of Dryden Comprehensive Plan Update — C. Anderson
We are doing some public reach out sessions trying to get some public stakeholders. We need some
stakeholders for ag. C. Anderson had previously emailed an agricultural list to this committee recently.
This needs to be narrowed down to approximately 10 representatives from the agricultural community.
At this point, we do not know the format.
M. McRae volunteered to be a liaison from the Ag Advisory Committee to attend the comprehensive
plan meeting. These meetings are on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 6:00 p.m.
Committee discussed possible Dryden farmers that might be willing to go to the comprehensive plan
meeting(s).
Page 1 of 2
Ag Advisory Committee
12/11/19
Solar Energy Projects - C. Schutt
Discussion ensued regarding New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets' Guidelines for
Solar Energy Projects — Construction Mitigation for Agricultural Lands (Revision 10/18/19), (see
attached). Discussion ensued regarding these guidelines.
C. Anderson stated he does not believe the Town is aware of these guidelines, or even the Planning
Board.
K. LaMotte made the following motion and asked for its approval:
RESOLUTION #4 OF 2019 - RECOMMENDATION TO PLANNING BOARD
Resolved, that the Dryden Agricultural Advisory Committee recommends that the Town of Dryden
Planning Board add New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets' Guidelines for Solar Energy
Projects — Construction Mitigation for Agricultural Lands (Revision 10/18/19) into the Renewable Energy
Law.
Seconded by B. Magee, unanimously approved.
There being no further business, M. McRae made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by S.
Foote and unanimously approved. The meeting was adjourned at 9:03 p.m.
Respectively submitted,
Chrystle Terwilliger
Deputy Town Clerk
Page 2 of 2
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND MARKETS
Guidelines for
Solar Energy Projects - Construction Mitigation for Agricultural Lands
(Revision 10/18/2019)
The following are guidelines for mitigating construction impacts on agricultural land during the following
stages .of.a solar energy project: Construction, Post -Construction Restoration, Monitoring and Remediation, and
Decommissioning. These guidelines apply to project areas subject to ground disturbance) within agricultural
lands including:
Lands where agriculture use will continue or resume following the completion of construction (typically
those lands outside of the developed project's security fence);
Lands where the proposed solar development will be returning to agricultural use upon
decommissioning, (typically those lands inside of the developed project's security fence);
Applicable Area under review pursuant to Public Service Law Article 10 Siting of Major Electric
Facilities.
The Project Company will incorporate these Guidelines into the development plans and applications for
permitting and approval for solar projects that impact agricultural lands. If the Environmental Monitor, hereafter
referred to as EM, determines that there is any conflict between these Guidelines and the requirements for
project construction that arise out of the project permitting process, the Project Company and its EM, will notify
the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM), Division of Land and Water
Resources, and seek a reasonable alternative.
Environmental Monitor (EM)
The Project Company (or its contractor) shall hire or designate an EM to oversee the construction, restoration
and follow-up monitoring in agricultural areas. The EM shall be an individual with a confident understanding
of normal agriculture practices' (such as cultivation, crop rotation, nutrient management, drainage (subsurface -
and/or surface), chemical application,. agricultural equipment operation, fencing, soils, plant identification, etc.)
and able to identify how the project may affect the site and the applicable agricultural practices. The EM should
also have experience with or understanding of the use of a soil penetrometer for compaction testing and record
keeping. The EM may serve dual inspection roles associated with other Project permits and/or construction
duties, if the agricultural workload allows. The EM should be available to provide site-specific agricultural
information as necessary for project development through field review and direct contact with both the affected
farm operators and NYSDAM. The EM should maintain regular contact with appropriate onsite project
construction supervision and inspectors throughout the construction phase. The EM should maintain regular
contact with the affected farm operator(s) concerning agricultural land impacted, management matters pertinent
to the agricultural operations and the site-specific implementation of agricultural resource mitigation measures.
The EM will serve as the agricultural point of contact.
'Ground Disturbance is defined as an activity that contributes to measurable soil compaction, alters the soil profile or removes
vegetative cover. Construction activities that utilize low ground pressure vehicles that do not result in a visible rut that alters soil
compaction, is not considered a Ground Disturbance. Soil compaction should be tested using an appropriate soil penetrometer or
other soil compaction measuring device. The soil compaction test results within the affected area will be compared with those of the
adjacent unaffected portion of the agricultural area.
2 An EM is not expected to have knowledge regarding all of the listed agricultural practices, but rather a general understanding such
that the EM is able to perform the EM function.
1. For projects involving less than 50 acres of agricultural land within the limits of disturbance (LOD),' the
EM shall be available for consultation and/or on-site whenever construction or restoration work that
causes Ground Disturbance is occurring on agricultural land.
2. For projects involving 50 acres or more of agricultural land within the (LOD) (including projects
involving the same parent company whether phased or contiguous projects), the EM shall be on site
whenever construction or restoration work requiring or involving Ground Disturbance is occurring on
agricultural land and shall notify NYSDAM of Project activity. The purpose of the agency coordination
would be to assure that the mitigation measures of these guidelines are being met to the fullest extent
practicable. The Project Company and the NYSDAM will agree to schedule inspections in a manner
that avoids delay in the work. NYSDAM requires the opportunity to review and will approve the
proposed EM based on qualifications or capacities.
Construction Requirements
Before any topsoil is stripped, representative soil samples should be obtained from the areas to be
disturbed. The soil sampling should be consistent with Cornell University's soil testing guidelines, and
samples should be submitted to a laboratory for testing PH, percent organic material, cation exchange
capacity, Phosphorus/Phosphate (P), and Potassium/Potash (K). The results are to establish a
benchmark that the soil's PH, Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus/Phosphate (P), and Potassium/Potash (K) are to
be measured against upon restoration. If soil sampling is not performed, fertilizer and lime application
recommendations for disturbed areas can be found at
litti)s://www.a.riculture.nv.Rov/au/agservices/Fertilizer.Lime. and.. Seeding...Recommendations.odf.
Stripped topsoil should be stockpiled from work areas (e.g. parking areas, electric conductor trenches,
along access roads, equipment pads) and kept separate from other excavated material (rock and/or sub-
soil) until the completion of the facility for final restoration. For proper topsoil segregation, at least 25
feet of additional temporary workspace (ATWS) may be needed along "open -cut" underground utility
trenches. All topsoil will be stockpiled as close as is reasonably practical to the area where
stripped/removed and shall be used for restoration on that particular area. Any topsoil removed from
permanently converted agricultural areas (e.g. permanent roads, etc.) should be temporarily stockpiled
and eventually spread evenly in adjacent agricultural areas within the project Limits of Disturbance
(LOD) ; however not to significantly alter the hydrology of the area. Clearly designate topsoil stockpile
areas and topsoil disposal areas in the field and on construction drawings; changes or additions to the
designated stockpile areas may be needed based on field conditions in consultation with the EM.
Sufficient LOD (as designated on the site plan or by the EM) area should be allotted to allow adequate
access to the stockpile for topsoil replacement during restoration.
o Topsoil stockpiles on agricultural areas left in place prior to October 31" should he seeded with
Aroostook Winter Rye or equivalent at an application rate of three bushels (168 lbs.) per acre
and mulched with straw mulch at rate of two to three bales per 1000 Sq. Ft.
o Topsoil stockpiles left in place between October 31' and May 31" should be mulched with straw
at a rate of two to three bales per 1000 Sq. Ft. to prevent soil loss.
• The surface of access roads located outside of the generation facility's security fence and constructed
through agricultural fields shall be level with the adjacent field surface. If a level road design is not
3 The Limits of Disturbance (LOD) includes all project related ground disturbances and all areas within the project's security fencing.
2
Solar Guidelines (Rev. 10/18/2019) NYSDAM
feasible, all access roads should be constructed to allow a farm crossing (for specific equipment and
livestock) and to restore/ maintain original surface drainage patterns.
• Install culverts and/or waterbars, to maintain or improve site specific natural drainage patterns.
Do not allow vehicles or equipment outside the planned LOD without the EM seeking prior approval
from the landowner (and/or agricultural producer), and associated permit amendments as necessary.
Limit all vehicle and equipment traffic, parking, and material storage to the access road and/or
designated work areas, such as laydown areas, with exception the use of low ground pressure
equipment 4 Where repeated temporary access is necessary across portions of agricultural areas outside
of the security fence, preparation for such access should consist of either stripping / stockpiling all
topsoil linearly along the access road, or the use of timber matting.
® Proposed permanent access should be established as soon as possible by removing topsoil according to
the depth of topsoil as directed by the EM. Any extra topsoil removed from permanently converted areas
(e.g. permanent roads, equipment pads, etc.) should be temporarily stockpiled and eventually spread
evenly in adjacent agricultural areas within the project Limits of Disturbance (LOD); however not to
significantly alter the hydrology of the area.
When open -cut trenching is proposed, topsoil stripping is required from the work area adjacent to the
trench (including segregated stockpile areas and equipment access). Trencher or road saw like
equipment are not allowed for trench excavation in agricultural areas, as the equipment does not
segregate topsoil from subsoil. Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) or equivalent installation that
does not disrupt the soil profile, may limit agricultural ground disturbances. Any HDD drilling fluid
inadvertently discharged must be removed from agricultural areas. Narrow open trenches less than 25
feet long involving a single directly buried conductor or conduit (as required) to connect short rows
within the array, are exempt from topsoil segregation.
Electric collection, communication and transmission lines installed above ground can create long term
Interference with mechanized farming on agricultural land. Thus, interconnect conductors outside of the
security fence must be buried in agricultural fields wherever practicable. Where overhead utility lines
are required, (including Point(s) of Interconnection) installation must be located outside field boundaries
or along permanent access road(s) wherever possible. When overhead utilities must cross farmland,
minimize agricultural impacts by using taller structures that provide longer spanning distances and
locate poles on field edges to the greatest extent practicable.
All buried utilities located within the generation facility's security fence must have a minimum depth of
18 -inches of cover if buried in a conduit and a minimum depth of twenty-four inches of cover if directly
buried (e.g. not routed in conduit).'
The following requirements apply to all buried utilities located outside of the generation facility security
fence:
o In cropland, hayland, and improved pasture buried electric conductors must have a minimum depth
of 48 -inches of cover. In areas where the depth of soil over bedrock is less than 48 -inches, the
4 low ground pressure vehicles that do not result in a visible rut that alters soil compaction.
& Burial of electrical conductors located within the energy generation facility may be superseded by more stringent updated electrical
code or applicable governing code.
Solar Guidelines (Rev. 10/18/2019) NYSDA.M
electric conductors must be buried below the surface of the bedrock if friable/rippable, or as near
as possible to the surface of the bedrock.
o In unimproved grazing areas or on land permanently devoted to pasture the minimum depth of
cover must be 36 -inches.
o Where electrical conductors are buried directly below the generation facility's access road or
immediately adjacent (at road edge) to the access road, the minimum depth of cover must be 24 -
inches. Conductors must be close enough to the road edge as to be not subject to agricultural
cultivation / sub -soiling.
When buried utilities alter the natural stratification of soil horizons and natural soil drainage patterns,
rectify the effects with measures such as subsurface intercept drain lines. Consult the local Soil and
Water Conservation District concerning the type of intercept drain lines to install to prevent surface
seeps and the seasonally prolonged saturation of the conductor installation zone and adjacent areas.
Install and/or repair all drain lines according to Natural Resources Conservation Service conservation
practice standards and specifications. Drain tile must meet or exceed the AASHTO M-252
specifications. Repair of subsurface drains tiles should be consistent with the NYSDAM's details for
"Repair of Severed Tile Line" found in the pipeline drawing A-5
(http;//www.aRriculture.nv.aov/ai)/aasei•vices/Pii)eline-Di'awinas,l)df).
In pasture areas, it may be necessary to construct temporary fencing (in addition to the Project's
permanent security fences) around work areas to prevent livestock access to active construction areas
and areas undergoing restoration. For areas returning to pasture, temporary fencing will be required to
delay the pasturing of livestock within the restored portion of the LOD until pasture areas are
appropriately revegetated. Temporary fencing including the project's required temporary access for the
associated fence installations should be included within the LOD as well as noted on the construction
drawings. The Project Company will be responsible for maintaining the temporary fencing until the EM
determines that the vegetation in the restored area is established and able to accommodate grazing. At
such time, the Project Company should be responsible for removal of the temporary fences.
Post -Construction restoration requirements applicable to continued use agricultural areas that suffered
ground disturbance due to construction activities (typically lands outside of the developed project's
security fence).
• All construction debris in active agriculture areas including pieces of wire, bolts, and other unused metal
objects will need to be removed and properly disposed of as soon as practical to prevent mixing with any
topsoil.
Excess concrete will not be buried or left on the surface in active agricultural areas. Concrete trucks will
be washed outside of active agricultural areas. Remove all excess subsoil and rock unearthed from
construction related activities occurring in areas intended to return to agricultural use. On-site disposal
of such material is not permissible in active agricultural lands. Designated spoil disposal locations
should be specified in the associated construction plans. If landowner agreements, LOD boundary, or
Project's land use approvals do not allow for on-site disposal, material must be removed from the site.6
6 Any permits necessary for disposal tinder local, State and/or federal laws and regulations must be obtained by the facility operator,
with the cooperation of the landowner when required.
Solar Guidelines (Rev. 10/18/2019) NYSDAM
• Excess stripped topsoil shall not be utilized for fill within the project area. Any extra topsoil removed
from permanently impacted areas (e.g. roads, equipment pads, etc.) should be evenly spread in adjacent
agricultural project areas, however not to significantly alter the hydrology of the area.
• Regrade all access roads outside of the security fencing (as determined necessary by the EM), to allow
for farm equipment crossing and restore original surface drainage patterns, or other drainage pattern
incorporated into the design.
• Repair all surface or subsurface drainage structures damaged during construction as close to
preconstruction conditions as possible, unless said structures are to be removed as part of the project
design. Correct any surface or subsurface drainage problems resulting from construction of the solar
energy project with the appropriate mitigation as determined by the Environmental Monitor, Soil and
Water Conservation District and the Landowner.
• On agricultural land needing restoration because of ground disturbance, postpone any restoration
practices until favorable (workable, relatively dry) topsoil/subsoil conditions exist. Restoration must not
be conducted while soils. are in a wet or plastic state of consistency. Stockpiled topsoil must not be
regraded, and subsoil must not be decompacted until plasticity, as determined by the Atterberg field test,
is adequately reduced. No permanent project restoration activities shall occur in agricultural areas
between the months of October through May unless favorable soil moisture conditions exist.
• In all continued use agricultural land where the topsoil was stripped, subsoil decompaction shall be
conducted prior to topsoil replacement. Following construction, all such areas will be decompacted to a
depth of 18 inches with a tractor mounted deep ripper or heavy-duty chisel plow. Soil compaction
results shall be no more than 250 pounds per square inch (PSI) throughout the decompacted 18 inches as
measured with a soil penetrometer. Following decompaction, all rocks 4 inches and larger in size
unearthed from decompaction will be removed from the surface of the subsoil prior to replacement of
the topsoil. The topsoil will be replaced to original depth and the original contours will be reestablished
where possible. All rocks 4 inches and larger from topsoil shall be removed from the surface of the.
- topsoil. Subsoil decompaction and topsoil replacement must be avoided after October 1, unless approved
on a site-specific basis by the landowner in consultation with NYSDAM. All parties involved must be
cognizant that areas restored after October 1st may not obtain sufficient growth for stabilization, to
prevent erosion over the winter months. If areas are to be restored after October 1st, necessary
provisions must be made to prevent potential springtime erosion, as well as restore any eroded areas in
the springtime, to establish proper growth. Excess stripped topsoil shall be evenly spread in the adjacent
project areas, or adjacent agricultural areas (within the LOD), however, not to significantly alter the
hydrology of the area.
In all continued use agricultural areas where the topsoil was not stripped, including timber matted areas,
the EM shall determine appropriate activities to return the area to agricultural use. These activities may
include decompaction, rock removal, and revegetation. Soil compaction should be tested in the affected
areas and the affected area's adjacent undisturbed areas using an appropriate soil penetrometer or other
soil compaction measuring device as soon as soils achieve moisture equilibrium with adjacent
unaffected areas. Compaction tests will be made at regular intervals of distance throughout the affected
areas, including each soil type identified within the affected areas. Soil compaction results shall be
measured with a soil penetrometer not exceeding more than 250 pounds per square inch (PSI), by
7 Sufficient growth for stabilization should be determined by comparison with unaffected crop production. Annual crops restored after
normal planting window (as determined by the landowner or associated producer) should be stabilized with Aroostook Winter Rye at
the rate of 1501100 lbs. per acre (broad cast/drill seeder).
Solar Guidelines (Rev. 10/18/2019) NYSDAM
comparing probing depths of both the affected and unaffected areas. Where representative soil density of
the affected area's collective depth measurements present compaction restrictions exceeding an
acceptable deviation of no more than 20% from the adjacent undisturbed area's mean soil density,
additional decompaction may be required to a depth of 18 -inches with a tractor mounted deep ripper or
heavy-duty chisel plow. Following decompaction, remove all rocks unearthed from decompaction
activities 4 inches and larger in size from the surface. Revegetation shall be performed in accordance
with the instructions below.
Seed all agricultural areas from which the vegetation was removed or destroyed with the seed mix
specified by the landowner/agriculture producer or as otherwise recommended in the Department's
fertilizer, lime and seeding guideline:
fhtti)s://www.aaricultui•e.iiv.aov/an/aaservices/Fertilizer Lime and Seedina Recommendations. odfl.
Soil amendments should be applied as necessary so that restored agricultural areas' soil properties, at
minimum, reasonably reflect the pre -construction soil test results or as otherwise agreed to by the
involved parties to ensure continued agricultural use. All parties must be cognizant that areas restored
after October 1st may not obtain sufficient growth to prevent erosion over the winter months. If areas are
to be restored after October 1st, necessary provisions must be made to restore and/or re -seed any eroded
or poorly germinated areas in the springtime, to establish proper growth.
Monitoring and Remediation
Project Companies shall provide a monitoring and remediation period of one complete growing season
following the date upon which the desired crop is planted. All projects subject to NYS Public Service Law
Article 10 will provide a monitoring period of two complete growing seasons following the date upon which the
project achieves the establishment of the desired crop.
On site monitoring shall be conducted seasonally at least three times during the growing season (Spring,
Summer, Fall). Monitoring is required to identify any remaining impacts directly associated with the
construction of the project on agricultural lands proposed to remain or resume agriculture production, including
the effects of climatic cycles such as frost action, precipitation and growing seasons to occur, from which
various monitoring observations can be made. NYSDAM expects the Project Company (or its contractor) to
retain the EM for follow-up monitoring and remediation (as needed) in agricultural areas. Monitoring is limited
to the restored agricultural area. Non -project related impacts affecting the restored project area will be discussed
with NYSDAM staff and considered for omission from future monitoring and remediation. The EM is expected
to record the following observations from onsite inspections:$
Topsoil Thickness and Trench Settling — The EM observations may require small hand dug holes to
observe the percentage of settled topsoil in areas where the topsoil was stripped, or trenching was
performed without stripping topsoil. Observations concerning depth of topsoil deficiencies shall require
further remediation by re -appropriating additional topsoil. Acceptable materials for remediation are:
known areas of native excess topsoil (according to records of project specific excess topsoil disposal
spread within the original LOD) or imported topsoil free of invasive species that is consistent with the
quality of topsoil on the affected site.
8 The activities that follow are not necessary for restored agricultural lands on which the farmer or landowner has commenced
activities, including agricultural activities or other use that tend to reverse restoration or create conditions that would otherwise trigger
restoration. Should NYSDAM contend upon Inspection that conditions indicate that post -construction restoration activities were
improperly performed or insufficient, NYSDAM may inform the project company and NYSERDA for further investigation and
remediation.
Solar Guidelines (Rev, 10/18/2019) NYSDAM
• Excessive Rock (>4 -inches) - Determined by a visual inspection of disturbed areas as compared to
unaffected portions of the same field located outside the construction area. Observations concerning
excess stone material in comparison to off-site conditions shall require further remediation including
removal and disposal of all excess rocks and large stones.
Soil Compaction - Project affected agricultural soils should be tested using an appropriate soil
penetrometer or other soil compaction measuring device. Compaction tests will be made at regular
intervals of distance throughout the access or work areas, including each soil type identified on the
affected agricultural areas. Where representative soil density of the affected area exceeds the
representative soil density of the unaffected areas, additional decompaction may be required.
Consultation with NYSDAM staff and the agricultural producer(s) should be conducted prior to
scheduling additional decompaction. If warranted, decompaction to a depth of 18 -inches with a tractor
mounted deep ripper or heavy-duty chisel plow. Restoration of displaced topsoil to original depth and
re-establish original contours where possible. Decompaction deep shattering will be applied during
periods of relatively low soil moisture to ensure the desired mitigation and to prevent additional soil
compaction. Oversized stone/rock (Four -inches) material that is uplifted/unearthed to the surface as a
result of the deep shattering will be removed.
• Drainage -- The EM shall visually inspect the restored agricultural areas in search of pervasive stunted
crop growth due to seasonal saturation, not previously experienced at the site and not resulting from the
agricultural producer's irrigation management or due to excessive rainfall. Identified areas of stunted
crop growth shall be compared to the nearest undisturbed adjacent areas under a substantially equivalent
terrain and crop management plan. Drainage observations should be evaluated to determine if the
project affected surface or sub -surface drainage during construction or restoration. Project caused
drainage issues affecting or likely to reduce crop productivity of the adjacent areas will have to be
remediated via a positive surface drainage, sub -surface drainage repair or an equivalent.
• Agriculture Fencing and Gates — The EM shall inspect Project associated fencing and gates (installed,
altered or repaired) within the Project's LOD associated with agricultural activities for function and
longevity. The Project Company is responsible during the Monitoring and Remediation Phase for
maintaining the integrity of Project associated fencing and gates.
The Project Company (or its contractor) shall consolidate each applicable growing season's observations into an
annual report during the monitoring period and shall be provided upon request to NYSDAM. Annual reports
should include date stamped photographs illustrating crop growth in comparison with unaffected portions the
agricultural areas.
The EM shall record observations of the establishment of the desired crop and subsequent crop productivity
within restored agricultural areas and shall be evaluated by comparing its productivity to that of the nearest
adjacent undisturbed agricultural land of similar crop type within the same field. If a decline in crop
productivity is apparent the Project Company as well as other appropriate parties must determine whether the
decline is due to project activities. If project activities are determined to be the primary detrimental factor, the
project EM will notify NYSDAM concerning unsuccessful restoration and to potentially schedule a NYSDAM
staff field visit. If project restoration is determined to be insufficient, the Project Company will develop a plan
for appropriate rehabilitation measures to be implemented. NYSDAM staff will review and approve said plan
prior to implementation. Additional monitoring may be required depending on additional restoration activities
needed.
Solar Guidelines (Rev. 10/18/2019) NYSDAM
The Project Company is not responsible for site conditions and/or potential damages attributable to the
agricultural producer's land use management or others' land use management.
Decommissioning
If the operation of the generation facility is permanently discontinued, remove all above ground structures
(including panels, racking, signage, equipment pad, security fencing) and underground utilities if less than 48 -
inches deep. All concrete piers, Footers, or other supports must be removed to a minimum depth of 48 -inches
below the soil surface. The following requirements apply to electric conductors located at the respective range
of depth below the surface:
• 48 -inches plus: All underground electric conduits and direct buried conductors may be abandoned in
place. Applicable conduit risers must be removed, and abandoned conduit must be sealed or capped to
avoid a potential to direct subsurface drainage onto neighboring land uses.
• Less than 48 -inches: All underground direct buried electric conductors and conductors in conduit and
associated conduit with less than 48 -inches of cover must be removed, by means of causing the least
amount of disturbance as possible.
Access roads in agricultural areas must be removed, unless otherwise specified by the landowner. If access is to
be removed, topsoil will have to be returned from recorded project excess native topsoil disposal areas, if
present, or imported topsoil free of invasive species that is consistent with the quality of topsoil on the affected
site. Restore all areas intended for agricultural production, according to recommendations by the current
landowner or leasing agricultural producer, and as required by any applicable permit, the Soil and Water
Conservation District, and NYSDAM.
Monitoring and restoration requirements in accordance to the prior sections of these guidelines, will be required
for the decommissioning restoration. NYSDAM requires notice before the Project Company undertakes
decommissioning.
Solar Guidelines (Rev. 10/18/2019) NYSDAM