CMPA Campus Wide Solar Array Installation 2 of 4

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Clementine Davis
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3 This Campus Master Plan Amendment was adopted by the Board of Regents Facilities and Land Management Committee at the June 2013 Board of Regents meeting and placed on the consent agenda for the full board approval. The Board of Regents denied passage of the amendment due to two main concerns regarding the installation of a solar array on campus: aesthetics and price. Since the June meeting, UAF has worked diligently to address these concerns. Site Consideration UAF considered several other locations and configurations before determining the slope below the Butrovich building as the ideal and only practical location for a 1MWdc photovoltaic installation. The other locations consisted of the following sites: 1) smaller distributed building and roof mounted solar array, 2) the wedge shaped slope below Tanana Loop combined with land near the railroad tracks and agricultural farm with similar solar exposures, and 3) vacant land on the north side of the university. In considering these sites, they were either not cost effective per kwh, required custom engineering at each location to prevent damage to the existing facilities, were physically too far away from the campus power grid connection point, or were deemed swampy and of the wrong aspect for solar collection to be seen as viable options to pursue. The wedge shaped slope directly below the Butrovich Building and the Greenhouse and above Tanana Loop is an ideal location and orientation for the proposed 1MWdc solar array. It has a gentle 10 degree south facing slope that provides unobstructed solar exposure year round. It has been clear of any trees and brush for several decades so uneven settling due to permafrost is unlikely. In addition, UAF has already conducted geotechnical studies and core samples in numerous areas throughout the hill so the soil conditions are well understood. Another benefit of this location is the critical proximity to the campus wide power grid located in the adjacent utilidor that transects this slope. This proximity reduces interconnection costs and line losses for this solar array. The anticipated 4-acre footprint of the 1MWdc solar array can be built and still accommodate the new service access road on the southwest side of the Butrovich Building, a 12 wide ski trail corridor relocation easement along lower fence line and Tanana Loop, and an adequate buffer between the existing terrain park to the east. The hill itself has been the site of several excavations in recent years, has had its ground cover disrupted on numerous occasions, and harbors an invasive weed, bird vetch. During construction of the array, UAF proposes to eradicate the bird vetch and re-vegetate the slope with native ground cover. The end result will be a hillside that provides an energy resource for the university while creating a more uniform and attractive slope. Mandatory grounds maintenance will be provided around the array during the summer to ensure a consistent appearance and proper function of the photovoltaic equipment. Description This site was selected for its large, unobstructed south-facing slope, which provides the ideal location for solar generation. No other site on campus offers an area large enough to contain a solar array of this magnitude. This site is directly above a section of utilidor which will connect generated power from the solar array to the power grid. Aesthetic concerns raised by Board of Regents include potential glare for aircraft and the type of fence surrounding the array. UAF submitted an Obstruction Evaluation Airport Airspace Analysis with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure that the project does not pose a danger to pilots or air traffic control. A formal determination by the FAA was made in August The FAA ruled that the installation of a solar array in this location poses no hazard to air navigation. A copy of the determination is attached. CMPA Campus Wide Solar Array Installation 2 of 4

4 The array is required to be fenced for safety reasons. It is important that only authorized personnel working on the array or maintaining the grounds be within the array area. The current fence design planned for the project is designed to blend with the botanical garden and UAF farm fencing concepts for an aesthetically pleasing, yet secure enclosure. A concept of the fence is attached to this document. Amendment Impact This amendment impacts the existing 2010 CMP in potential future use of the land. The land was designated to be used for trails and ecosystem research as desired by professors. It had no concrete use or buildings designated for the area. The trails impacted by the construction of the solar array will be rerouted as part of the project. Potentially, the solar array could be used for research by engineering students and the community as a study in alternative energy production in a northern climate. Policy Compliance This amendment complies with Regents Policy in that it provides a guideline for land use in a designated area. 1. Projected enrollment and other factors affecting the need for facilities and infrastructure: there is no impact on projected enrollment or other factors affecting the need for facilities and infrastructure. This is an infrastructure project. 2. General areas for land acquisition and disposal: no land is being acquired or disposed of for this project. 3. The general location of new or upgraded infrastructure, including roads, parking, pedestrian circulation, transit circulation, and utilities: the proposed solar array would impact the ski trail that traverses the field. It is proposed that the ski trail be relocated parallel to the road and run to the south of the array. 4. Demolition of buildings, structures, and facilities: no buildings or structures will need to be demolished to accomplish this project. The only impact to facilities will be the need to relocate the ski trail. 5. General location, size, and purpose of new buildings, structures, and facilities: the anticipated footprint of the array is shown in the attached sketch. There are no outbuildings or other structures required as a part of this project. 6. Guidelines for landscaping: the array will be fenced to prevent unauthorized entry. The fence aesthetics will be coordinated with the campus architect. The owner of the array will be responsible for all maintenance of the landscaping and the fence. 7. General location and intent for open spaces, plazas, etc.: As this is not a building, there will be no open space incorporated. 8. Guidelines for signage, both freestanding and on buildings and structures: any permanent signage will be constructed in accordance with exterior UAF sign requirements. 9. Architectural guidelines for all buildings, structures, and facilities: this project consists of a solar array, a similar photo of which is attached. Solar arrays have a visual impact in that they are panels mounted on short bases, all facing south. UAF is working with the University Architect to ensure the project follows the draft Architectural Guidelines for this type of structure. CMPA Campus Wide Solar Array Installation 3 of 4

5 10. Environmental and cultural issues, ADA access, and energy conservation: this project will demonstrate UAF s commitment to sustainable energy production concurrent with planning for a replacement solid fuel Combined Heat and Power plant. The project also demonstrates UAF s commitment to a complete energy portfolio. This is an infrastructure project with very limited access, so ADA access will not be an issue. 11. The relationship of the campus to its surroundings and coordination with local government land use plans and ordinances: no ordinances or land use issues need to be addressed. 12. General priorities for capital projects: this project will not impact the campus capital 10-year plan or priorities. Supporting Documents Campus Master Plan, Figure 3.4 as revised Master Planning Committee recommendation FAA Determination Letter Dated 8/21/2013 (w/ Sectional and Topo Maps) Approvals A CMPA requires approval by the full Board of Regents. CMPA Campus Wide Solar Array Installation 4 of 4

8 Mail Processing Center Federal Aviation Administration Southwest Regional Office Obstruction Evaluation Group 2601 Meacham Boulevard Fort Worth, TX Issued Date: 08/21/2013 Aeronautical Study No AAL-230-OE Amber McDonough Siemens Industry Inc 5333 Fairbanks St STE B Anchorage, AK ** DETERMINATION OF NO HAZARD TO AIR NAVIGATION ** The Federal Aviation Administration has conducted an aeronautical study under the provisions of 49 U.S.C., Section and if applicable Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 77, concerning: Structure: Solar Panel UAF PV Array Location: Fairbanks, AK Latitude: N NAD 83 Longitude: W Heights: 550 feet site elevation (SE) 12 feet above ground level (AGL) 562 feet above mean sea level (AMSL) This aeronautical study revealed that the structure does not exceed obstruction standards and would not be a hazard to air navigation provided the following condition(s), if any, is(are) met: It is required that FAA Form , Notice of Actual Construction or Alteration, be e-filed any time the project is abandoned or: At least 10 days prior to start of construction (7460-2, Part I) X Within 5 days after the construction reaches its greatest height (7460-2, Part II) Based on this evaluation, marking and lighting are not necessary for aviation safety. However, if marking/ lighting are accomplished on a voluntary basis, we recommend it be installed and maintained in accordance with FAA Advisory circular 70/ K Change 2. This determination expires on 02/21/2015 unless: (a) (b) (c) the construction is started (not necessarily completed) and FAA Form , Notice of Actual Construction or Alteration, is received by this office. extended, revised, or terminated by the issuing office. the construction is subject to the licensing authority of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and an application for a construction permit has been filed, as required by the FCC, within 6 months of the date of this determination. In such case, the determination expires on the date prescribed by the FCC for completion of construction, or the date the FCC denies the application. Page 1 of 4

9 NOTE: REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF THE EFFECTIVE PERIOD OF THIS DETERMINATION MUST BE E-FILED AT LEAST 15 DAYS PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE. AFTER RE-EVALUATION OF CURRENT OPERATIONS IN THE AREA OF THE STRUCTURE TO DETERMINE THAT NO SIGNIFICANT AERONAUTICAL CHANGES HAVE OCCURRED, YOUR DETERMINATION MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR ONE EXTENSION OF THE EFFECTIVE PERIOD. This determination is based, in part, on the foregoing description which includes specific coordinates, heights, frequency(ies) and power. Any changes in coordinates, heights, and frequencies or use of greater power will void this determination. Any future construction or alteration, including increase to heights, power, or the addition of other transmitters, requires separate notice to the FAA. This determination does include temporary construction equipment such as cranes, derricks, etc., which may be used during actual construction of the structure. However, this equipment shall not exceed the overall heights as indicated above. Equipment which has a height greater than the studied structure requires separate notice to the FAA. This determination concerns the effect of this structure on the safe and efficient use of navigable airspace by aircraft and does not relieve the sponsor of compliance responsibilities relating to any law, ordinance, or regulation of any Federal, State, or local government body. Any failure or malfunction that lasts more than thirty (30) minutes and affects a top light or flashing obstruction light, regardless of its position, should be reported immediately to (800) so a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) can be issued. As soon as the normal operation is restored, notify the same number. If we can be of further assistance, please contact our office at (907) On any future correspondence concerning this matter, please refer to Aeronautical Study Number 2013-AAL-230-OE. Signature Control No: ( DNE ) Robert van Haastert Specialist Attachment(s) Map(s) Page 2 of 4

10 TOPO Map for ASN 2013-AAL-230-OE Page 3 of 4

11 Sectional Map for ASN 2013-AAL-230-OE Page 4 of 4

Section 7.25 REGULATION OF SOLAR FARMS AND SOLAR PANELS

Section 7.25 REGULATION OF SOLAR FARMS AND SOLAR PANELS This amendment Solar Energy is hereby added to the Montcalm Township Zoning Ordinance to state as follows: A. INTENT AND PURPOSE This section is