Flowerburn Farm - Solar

Transcription

1 Proposal snapshot: Class 3 Solar Facility - 500kW nameplate capacity Commercial Operation Date - April 30, 2011 Developed by local landowner - Injasuti Developments FIT approved Community Project PROJECT DESCRIPTION REPORT Flowerburn Farm - Solar DRAFT - VERSION 3 PUBLIC MEETING #2 OCTOBER 29, 2010

2 Project Description Report Flowerburn Farm - Solar Draft Version 3 October 29, 2010 Table of Contents Project Description Report... 0 Table of Contents Introduction and General Information Timing Project Proponent and Contacts REA Approval Process Summary...2 Consultation... 2 Supporting Reports... 3 Provincial Review and Approval Summary of Project Location and Characteristics Summary of Technical Details Construction Operation Decommissioning Potential Environmental Effects Benefits of the Project Report Submission Figure 1 Aerial Photo Figure 2 Location Map Appendix A Supporting Information Appendix B - Soil Mapping... 14

3 1.0 Introduction and General Information The Project Description Report (PDR) is a working document intended to serve as a tool to communicate a description of the proposed project to the public, municipalities, regulators and First Nations communities through the Renewable Energy Approvals (REA) process (summarized in Section 1.3). The design details of the project along with range of supporting technical documents will be prepared as part of the on-going REA process. The final PDR provided to the MOE with the REA application will be amended to reflect the input provided through consultation as well as the detailed design and technical studies. The PDR is prepared to satisfy the requirements of the Ontario Regulation 359/09. Name: Proponent: Property Address/Location: Project Location: FIT Approvals: Project Class/Capacity: Flowerburn Farm Injasuti Developments Fruit Ridge Line (Part of Lot 9, Concession 4, former Township of Yarmouth, Municipality of Central Elgin) Located on the south side of Fruit Ridge Line to the west of its intersection with Centennial Road. Solar farm to be spread across approximately 11.8 ha (29 ac) of land located at the northern half of the property. An overhead line on the adjacent property to the east will connect the solar farm to the grid See Figure 1 and 2. FIT FCPCUL5 (Community Participation Level) Class 3 Solar Facility maximum 500 kw capacity Figure 1 provides an aerial photo indicating the property boundary, along with the project location and conceptual solar panel layout and sensitive receptors within approximately one kilometer of the project boundary. Figure 2 provides a location map as required by O.Reg 359/09, which shows the project location and lands within 300m. 1.1 Timing In order for the proposed solar farm to develop there are a number of permissions required. The key permissions include a contract from the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) under its Feed-In-Tarrif (FIT) program and a Renewable Energy Approval (REA) from the Ministry of the Environment. A general timeline on the approval, construction and operation of the solar farm is provided below. Milestone Date FIT Application: November 17, 2009 FIT Contract: March 22, 2010 (F SPV ) REA April January 2011 (estimated) Proponent Lead Process: REA January 2011 June 2011 (estimated may be up to 6 months) Government Review and Approval: Construction: No later than March 2011 (estimated) Commercial Operation Date: April 30, 2011 Decommissioning: 2031 (estimated if required) 1.2 Project Proponent and Contacts The proposed solar farm is being developed by Injasuti Developments. Injasuti Developments is a partnership that includes the landowners of the property to be developed as a solar farm. The intent of the development is to showcase the technology and encourage renewable energy development in the surrounding community, including Draft Version 3- October 29, 2010 Page 1 of 14

4 St. Thomas. The long-term intent of the landowners is to maintain the existing agricultural uses, and to compliment the solar farm with new agricultural opportunities and enhance the natural features located on the property. The Renewable Energy Approvals application process is being lead by MHBC Planning Limited, a consulting planning firm with offices throughout Southern Ontario. MHBC Planning has lead various proponent driven applications and provides a strong background in consultation. Proponent Contact Information: Injasuti Developments c/o Paul Marot 2650 Spruce Needle Drive Mississagua, ON L5L 1M9 Phone: Fax: Renewable Energy Approvals Project Manager Contact Information: MHBC Planning Limited Suite Bingeman s Centre Drive Kitchener, ON N2H 3S7 Fax: Primary Contact: Dave Aston Phone: (ext. 709) Secondary Contact: Lana Phillips Phone: (ext. 726) 1.3 REA Approval Process Summary The proposed solar farm requires a Renewable Energy Approval (REA). This is a new provincial approval (administered by the Ministry of the Environment (MOE)) which was established in 2009 as a result of the Green Energy Act (GEA). The intent of the GEA and its implementation is to make it easier to bring renewable energy projects to life and foster a culture of conservation within Ontario. The REA process and application requirements are outlined in the applicable regulation issued under the Environmental Protection Act (Ontario Regulation 359/09, Renewable Energy Approvals Under Part v.0.1 of the Act) and related guideline documents. The completion of the draft Project Description Report (PDR) is one of the first steps in the REA process. The initial PDR will be provided to the MOE in order to acquire from the Province a list of First Nations and Aboriginal communities to be consulted. The REA process is proponent driven and includes a range of consultation activities and preparation of various technical reports. Consultation Consultation will include: Draft Version 3- October 29, 2010 Page 2 of 14

5 Two public meetings - anticipate one to be held in the late spring and one in the winter Notification of the project to neighboring properties Consultation with the public, First Nations, municipal authorities and applicable provincial ministries. Providing technical reports in a publicly accessible location Supporting Reports A number of reports are required as part of the REA process. The reports will be available in draft form in a publicly accessible location 60 days prior to the second public meeting. The reports are to be prepared by qualified professionals in accordance with applicable regulations/standards. The following reports may be provided as part of the proposed solar farm REA: Project Description Report (this report) Construction Plan Report Design and Operations Report Decommissioning Plan Report Acoustics (Noise) Report Natural Heritage Assessment Archaeology/Cultural Heritage Resources Report A Consultation Report will be prepared following the public meetings and submitted to the MOE as part of the REA application. Provincial Review and Approval Once the proponent portion of the REA process is completed the application is compiled and provided to the MOE. Once the MOE has determined the application to be completed is posted on the Environmental Registry (EBR) for 30-days. The Environmental Registry contains "public notices" about environmental matters being proposed by all government ministries covered by the Environmental Bill of Rights. The Province, following the EBR posting, reviews the REA application. The Province will make a decision on the application (e.g. grant approval) and the notice of the decision will be posted on the EBR. Pending the necessary appeal period the decision is final. The Province s component of the REA Process has a service guarantee of 6 months. The MOE has prepared a summary document of the REA process titled Guide: Provincial Approvals for Renewable Energy Projects which is available as a pdf on their website. This guide contains additional useful web links relating to the GEA, REA and FIT. :// Draft Version 3- October 29, 2010 Page 3 of 14

6 2.0 Summary of Project As part of the Renewable Energy Approval process additional information will be gathered and additional details on the proposed solar farm will be determined. The following sections outline the information as available to date based on the supporting reports prepared for the project. The final PDR provided to the MOE as part of the REA application will be updated to reflect any additional information and details resulting from consultation undertaken through the REA process. This section provides relevant highlights from the various supporting reports prepared for the solar project. These supporting reports (as listed below) should be referred to for additional details. Design and Operations Report (IBI Group, October 2010)Construction Management Plan (IBI Group, October 2010) Decommissioning Plan (IBI Group, October 2010) Natural Heritage Assessment Report (Biologic, October 27, 2010) Acoustic Assessment Report (HCG Engineering, October 27, 2010) 2.1 Location and Characteristics The proposed solar farm will be located on a rural property within the Municipality of Central Elgin. The project location has variable topography as a result of past use of the site. Hydro One s existing electricity distribution system is accessible nearby. As required by the OPA under the FIT program the development is considered to avoid prime agricultural lands. Property Location: Property Address Project Location: Geographic Coordinates of Generator: Ownership Conservation Authority Municipalities Generally located on the south side of Fruit Ridge Line to the west of its intersection with Centennial Road. Located approximately 4 km southwest of St. Thomas and 5 km north of Lake Erie. The property is approximately 26 ha (64 ac) in area Fruit Ridge Line Part of Lot 9, Concession 4, former Township of Yarmouth, Municipality of Central Elgin Solar farm to be spread across not more than approximately 11.8 ha (29 ac) of land located at the northern half of the property previous subject to aggregate extraction. See Figure 1 and 2. Latitude: Longitude: Injasuti Developments Kettle Creek Conservation Authority Municipality of Central Elgin, Elgin County Approximately 17.5 ha of the property was within the licensed area of an aggregate operation, including 15 ha subject to extraction. At this time the Aggregate Resources Act (ARA) license (# 2128) has been surrendered. Under the ARA license the property was subject to above and below water extraction. The extraction resulted in the creation of the on-site pond and surrounding variable slopes. The licensed area has undergone rehabilitation in accordance with the approved ARA site plan (See Appendix A). The proposed solar farm will locate trackers in the formerly licensed area, therefore avoiding impacts on remaining agricultural lands. Portions of the property adjacent to Fruitridge Line and south of the licensed area are used for and will continue with agricultural uses. The naturalized (treed) area located to the northeast of the proposed solar Draft Version 3- October 29, 2010 Page 4 of 14

7 farm is to remain. There is existing access to the property of Fruit Ridge Line. There is a vacant unserviced on-site dwelling, which would require renovations prior to occupancy. The dwelling does not have electricity or water and only a partially constructed septic system. There is a large metal storage shed located north of the proposed solar farm in vicinity to the dwelling. There is electrical service to the storage shed. There is an existing easement (associated with a water pipeline from Lake Erie) along the eastern edge of the property. No trackers or on ground project components are planned within the existing easement. An overhead line will cross the easement at the southeast corner of the project area and run east-west over the adjacent property, setback 30m from the anthropogenic pond, to connect to the grid on Centennial Road. The surrounding area is predominately used for agricultural with naturalized areas. There are rural residential lots developed along Fruitridge Line and other roads within the surrounding area. The property to the west includes an active aggregate extraction operation. A solar farm (Class kw of ground mounted photovoltaic panels) is proposed for the adjacent property to the east (Beaver Creek Solar Farm Phase 1). Based on the supporting reports prepared for the project the following is noted: Agriculture As part of the submission to the Feed-In-Tariff program an Agricultural Soil Capability Classification report was prepared (by Soil Research Group, dated December 10, 2009) for the property. Canada Land Inventory (CLI) mapping generally shows the area proposed for the solar farm as not mapped or dominant Class 3 to 7 and Unclassified Soils given its former use for aggregate extraction (refer to map excerpts in Appendix A). As required by the FIT program the facilities avoid lands comprised of CLI 1 or 2 soils and specialty crop areas. Natural Heritage/Water Resources The project area (which for the purposes of review included the corridor associated with the overhead line connection) includes common biological communities identified as agriculture, meadows, forest and predominately lands associated with the on-site anthropogenic pond. The on-site pond is a result of past aggregate extraction on the site and thus is not considered a water body under the REA regulations. The pond is not connected by open waterways to Beaver Creek and is not considered fish habitat. Beaver Creek (under the jurisdiction of the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority) is located at the extreme south end of the property (hundreds of meters) near Sparta Line. The tributary mapped within the project location plus 120m lies overtop of the pipeline easement and does not exist this far north in the field. The Natural Heritage Assessment Report prepared for the solar project concludes that Based on our records review, site investigation and evaluation of significance, there are no provincially significant features or habitat within 120m of the project location. The solar farm can proceed as proposed Cultural Heritage The solar trackers and on-ground infrastructure are proposed within the lands previously subject to aggregate extraction. Impacts on the cultural heritage and archaeological resources are not anticipated given the lands past use as an aggregate extraction operation. Any materials found as part of the aggregate extraction operation would have been subject to applicable regulations for cataloguing and/or removal Draft Version 3- October 29, 2010 Page 5 of 14

8 The existing easement (water pipeline) is shown within the project area, however the project does not propose to use that area for any construction or operations, thus any impact of cultural resources would be eliminated. Mineral Aggregates Through past extraction the mineral aggregate resources on-site have been exhausted. 2.2 Summary of Technical Details The project is proposed to be a Class 3 Solar Facility that will use photovoltaic (PV) panels installed on a number of structures (referred to as trackers) that rotate relative to the position of the sun. The electricity generated from the panels will be converted from DC to AC by micro-inverters that are affixed to each PV panel. From there transformers are used to ensure the electricity is at the necessary voltage for the distribution lines. The requirements for local content, as outlined through the OPA FIT program will be satisfied. Specification Nameplate Capacity Panels Proposed for Flowerburn Farm maximum 500 kw Sixty two (62) ground mounted solar trackers (each 7.9 kw). Approximately 12m x 6m with a height of less than 6m at maximum tilt. Layout Trackers located to the north, west and south of the pond. Nineteen rows of 1 to 8 trackers. Trackers offset from each other 25m east-west and 23m northsouth. See Figure 1. Nine transformers are required. Output Local Distribution Company Transmission Station Feeder Connection Voltage/ Phases Point of Connection GPS Coordinates of Connection Point Estimated Life of Facility Estimated first year production: 888,500 kwh Hydro One Networks Inc St.Thomas Edgeware T.S. M kv, Three phase Along Centennial Road Latitude: Longitude: FIT contract with OPA 20 years. Manufacturer s warranty on the PV modules 25 years. Expected life of PV panels years. 2.3 Construction Construction, including assembly of the trackers is anticipated to take approximately three months depending on timing of approvals, weather conditions and parts availability.. The intent is to start construction in late winter (February) to be in commercial operation by April 30, In advance of construction necessary site works will be completed which may include locating/marking existing buried infrastructure and locations of key components (i.e. transformers). Any grading or excavation will be limited given the size of the project, the existing topography and features of the site. Excavation/grading will be limited to the installation of buried cables, minor surface reforming to ensure appropriate drainage and foundations. The use of overhead wiring will be limited, and includes the east-west connection to the grid. Importation of soil is not required. Any disturbed areas will be reseeded to prevent erosion. Access for construction will utilize the existing driveway and/or farm gate. Each of the trackers will be assembled on-site at their installation location. Parts and assembly materials will be brought to the site through existing adjacent roads and on-site access points. The trackers are installed on reinforced concrete foundations at grade, and may include a gravel bed. Any available geotechnical information will Draft Version 3- October 29, 2010 Page 6 of 14

9 be used to assist in determining installation details. The other components of the solar farm (i.e. transformers) will be constructed using conventional methods, which include a concrete slab base. At the conclusion of construction the necessary security/safety fence, signage and lighting will be installed along the perimeter of the site. Any construction debris will be cleaned up and appropriately disposed of. All construction will be undertaken be qualified contractors in accordance with applicable safety standards. 2.4 Operation Under the OPA FIT contract commercial operation of the proposed solar farm is required by April 30, The facility to be operated year round provided there is adequate sun to generate electricity. Given that the sun is required for the generation of electricity the panels will be operating from shortly after sunrise to shortly before sunset. The solar farm will be remotely monitored throughout the life cycle of the operation and therefore no onsite employees are required. On-site activity will be limited to: Regularly scheduled inspection/maintenance which is anticipated twice per year; and As required to address concerns identified through the remote monitoring (i.e. component failure - tracker not turning). Natural rain is anticipated to be adequate to keep the panels clean. No cleaning products or solutions are determined to be necessary. Operation of the solar farm does not require any additional fuel nor does it create any waste products. Any waste resulting from construction and maintenance will be removed from the site at the conclusion of the construction and maintenance work. 2.5 Decommissioning At the end of the solar farms lifecycle the project area will be restored in accordance with any regulations, approvals, permits, etc that may be applicable at the time. It is the intent of the proponent to restore the lands with vegetation allowing long-term naturalization to complement the lands topography and existing features. Where possible peripheral areas to the south may be returned to agricultural production (pending site topography). If possible the decommissioning costs will be funded by the scrap value of the metal tracker units. The decommissioning of the project will include: Removal of all above ground and below ground components of the solar farm; and Restoration of the landscape through necessary planting and seeding. Draft Version 3- October 29, 2010 Page 7 of 14

10 3.0 Potential Environmental Effects A major component of the REA process is the identification of the potential negative environmental effects of a renewable energy generation facility. The various technical studies prepared for the REA application in accordance with O.Reg 359/09 explore the potential negative environmental effects through a range of different topic areas including: Cultural Heritage and Archaeological Resources; Natural Heritage; Water; and Existing Provincial Plans/Acts (i.e. Niagara Escarpment Plan, Oak Ridge Moraine Conservation Plan, Greenbelt Plan, Lake Simcoe Protection Act, Central Pickering Development Plan) Depending on the type of renewable energy generation facility proposed the scope and type of studies varies. O. Reg 359/09 provides specific circumstances in which supporting reports may not be required to be prepared/submitted based on adequate documentation (such as past sites investigations and/or a desktop review of available information), which concludes that there is no impact on a resource. In considering the potential environmental effects of the proposed solar farm consideration has been given to the existing site conditions and former use as an aggregate extraction operation as well as the supporting reports prepared for the solar project. Based on the supporting information and the activities to occur during the projects lifecycle, the following are the potential environmental effects that may or may not be anticipated.. Impacts on the cultural heritage and archaeological resources are not anticipated given the lands past use as an aggregate extraction operation. Any materials found as part of the aggregate extraction operation would have been subject to applicable regulations for cataloguing and/or removal. Additional site assessment is not proposed. This conclusion will be reviewed with the MTC for the purposes of attaining a clearance letter. The project location has been selected to be setback as is feasible from existing natural features on the larger property including the wooded area to the northeast. While the on-site pond (resulting from aggregate extraction) is within the project area proximity to the pond has been limited.. The Natural Heritage Assessment Report prepared by Biologic for the project concludes that Based on our records review, site investigation and evaluation of significance, there are no provincially significant features of habitat within 120m of the project location. The solar farm can proceed as proposed The Natural Heritage Assessment included a review of existing information for the area (NHIC, CA, etc), site visits to update the vegetation classification, site specific faunal site investigations (including two site visits focused on breeders in the woodlot) and floral features. Natural heritage features within 120m of any disturbance associated with the solar farms were explored. The Natural Heritage Assessment Report will be reviewed with the MNR for the purposes of attaining a clearance letter. Any short term localized impacts associated with construction such as erosion/sedimentation will be mitigated through standard erosion and sedimentation control measures. The solar farm is not located on prime agricultural lands as it was subject to previous aggregate extraction and complete rehabilitation to agricultural was not required. The proposed solar farm is not anticipated to impact the continued agricultural use of the larger property. If possible upon decommissioning portions of the subject site may be rehabilitated for agricultural use, in addition to naturalized areas. Draft Version 3- October 29, 2010 Page 8 of 14

11 The transformers and trackers have sound associated with them. An acoustic assessment was prepared in accordance with the applicable MOE guidelines and concludes that the proposed solar farm will operate within required sounds limits and that no mitigation is required. For reference the potential sensitive receptors within approximately one kilometer of the project location are noted on the attached aerial photo (Figure 1). With the exception of the on-site unoccupied dwelling the nearest receptors are approximately 150 m or more from the nearest solar tracker. The Design and Operations Report provides a more detailed review of potential impacts. As outlined in the Construction Management Report there will be protocol in place to deal with neighbours concerns specific to the more active construction phase of the project. Draft Version 3- October 29, 2010 Page 9 of 14

12 4.0 Benefits of the Project The proposed solar farm represents the implementation of the Province of Ontario s vision for a greener future as implemented through the Green Energy Act, the Renewable Energy Approval and the Ontario Power Authorities Feed-In-Tariff program. The Ontario government is intended to attract new investment, create new green economy jobs and better protect the climate through these various tools. For example, the FIT program guarantees rates to help spark new investment in renewable energy generation, increase investor confidence and access to financing. In addition the program has domestic content rules to support increase job opportunities here at home (Ontario) 1. With respect to the proposed Flowerburn Farm the following are some of the resulting benefits: Solar technology is a reliable form of electrical generation, is nearly emission free and relies on a free fuel source (the sun). The addition of solar farms provides diversity to the generation system thus supporting the integrity of the system and long term decrease of fossil-fuel electrical generation. On-site installation and construction work will provide the opportunity for local jobs and will serve to showcase the project to the local community. The solar farm provides an innovative re-use of lands formerly subject to aggregate extraction. The proposed rehabilitation following the decommissioning of the solar farm is consistent with the current rehabilitation plan and the surrounding landscape. Development of a solar farm on the property has been contemplated, put forward and supported by the local municipality well in advance of the Green Energy Act and it s implementation. The municipality has been informed during the REA process and is provided with a commenting role through the REA regulations.. The proponent (Injasuti Developments) is the local landowner who actively uses and enjoys the property for its agriculture productivity and natural features. Injasuti s vision for the property spans beyond the FIT contract, and includes a range of agricultural activities supported by renewable energy activities. 5.0 Report Submission This Project Description Report for the Flowerburn Farm is being submitted by the Renewable Energy Approvals Project Managers (MHBC Planning) under the direction of the Proponents (Injasuti Developments). David Aston, MSc, MCIP RPP Lana Phillips, MA, MCIP RPP 1 Ontario News, Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, February 23, 2009 Draft Version 3- October 29, 2010 Page 10 of 14

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15 Appendix A Supporting Information Draft Version 3- October 29, 2010 Page 13 of 14

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18 Flowerburn Solar Farm Beaver Creek Solar Farm FRAME COORDINATES ARE UTM IN METRES Figure 5: Predicted Sound Levels, Leq [dba] Beaver Creek Solar Farm & Flowerburn Solar Farm, Municipality of Central Elgin, Ontario Sound Level Contours Calculated at 4.5 m

19 Appendix B - Soil Mapping Draft Version 3- October 29, 2010 Page 14 of 14

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