Cornwall Solar Project Renewable Energy Approval Modification Report

Transcription

1 Cornwall Solar Project Renewable Energy Approval Modification Report Algonquin Power Co 2845 Bristol Circle Oakville ON, L6H 7H7

2 Contents Contents... 1 Introduction... 2 Summary and Rational for Minor Modification... 2 Project Design Change (Minor) Construction of an Operations and Maintenance Building... 2 Results of Assessment for New Environmental Impacts due to Project Modification... 2 Potential Impacts to REA Technical Assessments and Studies... 3 Summary of Revisions to the REA Technical Assessments... 4 Consultation and Notifications... 7 Closure... 7 Tables Table 1.0 Potential Negative Impacts on Natural Environmental Components... 3 Table 2.0 Potential Negative Impacts on Socio-Economic Environmental Components... 4 Table 3.0 Summary of Revisions to the REA Supporting Documents... 5 Appendices Appendix A REA Amendment Application... 8 Appendix B Original and Revised Site Plans Appendix C Assessment of Potential Impacts to the SWM Associated with Proposed Addition of O&M Building Appendix D Notice of a Proposed Change to an Approved Renewable Energy Project

3 Introduction Cornwall Solar Inc., a subsidiary of Algonquin Power Co. (Algonquin), received a Renewable Energy Approval (REA No JKTY) on January 15, 2013, from the Ontario Ministry of Environment for the Cornwall Solar Project (Project). A 10-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) facility was constructed on approximately 24.7 hectares (ha) of land on Part of Lots 5, 6 and 7, Concession 5, Indian Lands Charlottenburgh, designated as Park 1 and 2 on Reference Plan 14R5859, within the Township of South Glengarry (lower tier municipality), in the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry (upper tier municipality). The facility has been operational since March 27, Summary and Rational for Minor Modification The Project was originally intended to be an unmanned site with service contracts being awarded to contractors for various maintenance duties as required on-site. During the construction phase, Algonquin re-assessed this future operation method and re-organized to have a full-time Site Manager on-site (hiring a local representative from Cornwall, Ontario) who is fully trained in all operational aspects of the facility. The hiring of the Site Manager enhances the probability of continuous operation and minimize down time during unforeseen circumstances where maintenance activities may be The Site Manager s responsibilities include completing routine quality control checks to ensure the facility is operating as designed, detecting any new operational issues, and monitoring areas that may be of concern in order to plan future mitigation strategies. Project Design Change (Minor) Construction of an Operations and Maintenance Building Since the Project has now been designated as a manned site, Algonquin has identified the need for a small operation and maintenance (O&M) building to offer office space for the Site Manager. The building will also allow for storage of spare parts and associated manuals as well as allow the Site Manager to perform any routine maintenance that can be completed on-site. The proposed O&M building will be a wood frame building complete with a metal siding and roof finish. The overall footprint of the building will be 816 ft2 (24 x34 ) and will be located approximately 50 west of the E-House and 100 from the centerline of the municipal road. The building will consist of an office, a bathroom (electric composting toilet) and a storage area. For the foundation, the building contractor will strip the top soil from the building area and provide a sub base consisting of engineered fill; a 12 layer of compacted B gravel followed by a 6 layer of compacted A gravel. A slab on grade concrete foundation will be utilized consisting of an interior thickness of 6 and an exterior footing thickness of 24. Algonquin has prepared an application to amend the REA to account for the proposed addition of the O&M building which is designated as a Project Design Change; please find the REA amendment application in Appendix A. Please also find the Original Site Plan as well as the Revised Site Plan, updated to include the layout and location of the O&M building, in Appendix B (it should be emphasized that the proposed building location is within the project boundary/study area that was previously assessed for the REA technical documents). Results of Assessment for New Environmental Impacts due to Project Modification O. Reg. 359/09 requires that any adverse environmental impacts that may result from construction, installation, operation and maintenance activities be described. The term environment in O. Reg. 359/09 has the same meaning as in the Environmental Protection Act, and includes the natural, physical, cultural, and socio-economic environment. A screening to identify any new environmental impacts that would require additional mitigation or monitoring measures beyond those outlined in the REA documents as a result of the proposed modifications to the Project was completed. 2

4 The construction and installation methods for the proposed O&M building will be completed in the same manner as the I-houses and the E-house. Since these methods have been previously reviewed as part of the REA application and the work will be completed within previously assessed areas, no new environmental impacts are expected. Potential Impacts to REA Technical Assessments and Studies Algonquin, on behalf of Cornwall Solar Inc., has previously completed all of the required REA technical assessments (including the Natural Heritage Assessment, Noise Assessment and Stage 1 and Stage 2 Archeological Assessments) for the Project, which includes the area proposed for the building location, and as such, the implementation of the permanent O&M building has been deemed to have no adverse impact on the result of the REA assessment. In addition, the stormwater management (SWM) plan, completed for the Project by Stantec Consulting Ltd. (Stantec), has also been reviewed taking into account the construction of the proposed O&M building. Stantec has deemed there to be no adverse impact on the SWM plan; please see the confirmation letter presented in Appendix C. Also, a visual screen consisting of cedar trees has been established along the south boundary of Lots 5 and 6 of the Project area. This barrier will ensure that no further mitigation efforts will be needed to screen the proposed building. Tables 1.0 and 2.0 below outline the potential negative impacts on environmental components due to the minor Project change and any new mitigation and/or monitoring measures proposed (where applicable). Note: there is no potential for negative environmental impacts as a result of the minor Project change. Table 1.0 Potential Negative Impacts on Natural Environmental Components Environmental Component Potential Negative Environmental Impacts Mitigation Measures Monitoring Requirements Air Quality No new monitoring Soil Quality No new monitoring Soil Quantity No new monitoring Groundwater No new monitoring Surface Water Quantity No new monitoring Surface Water Quality No new monitoring Aquatic Habitat and Biota No new monitoring Woodlands No new monitoring Wetlands required No new monitoring 3

5 Environmental Component Potential Negative Environmental Impacts Mitigation Measures Monitoring Requirements Wildlife Habitat No new monitoring Wildlife No new monitoring Table 2.0 Potential Negative Impacts on Socio-Economic Environmental Components Environmental Component Potential Negative Environmental Impact Mitigation Measures Monitoring Requirements Noise No new monitoring Public and Facility Safety required No monitoring Change in Visual Landscape The addition of a new small building on site No new monitoring Property Values No monitoring Availability of Resources No monitoring Recreational Land Use No monitoring Infrastructure No monitoring Traffic No monitoring Archaeological and Heritage Resources No monitoring Summary of Revisions to the REA Technical Assessments Table 3.0 below identifies the amendments to the REA technical assessments submitted with the original REA Application and reviewed by the Ministry of the Environment that are required to address the proposed Project changes. Any changes to the reports have been addressed by issuance of this Modification Report and its appendices. 4

6 Table 3.0 Summary of Revisions to the REA Supporting Documents Report Page Section Original Text Revised Text Design and Operation 5 2. Site Plan Original Figure 2.1 Revised Figure 2.1 Design and Operation Fencing and Lighting A set of lights will be installed near the entrance to the facility, and indoor and outdoor lighting will be provided for the substation control building. Additional motion sensor security lighting may also be installed. A set of lights will be installed near the entrance to the facility, and indoor and outdoor lighting will be provided for the substation control and operations buildings. Additional motion sensor security lighting may also be installed. Design and Operation Wastewater (Sewage Facilities) During operation, since the presence of on-site staff will only occur periodically, sanitary facilities (e.g., permanent washrooms with a septic disposal system) are not If sanitary facilities are determined to be required, portable toilets, serviced by a local sanitation company, will be used to service the site. During operation, the operations building will be equipped with an electric composting toilet which will not require any sanitary services. Design and Operation Operations As stated previously, the Project does not require a permanent onsite operator as it will be operated remotely. For general monitoring and maintenance purposes, local personnel may be hired and would be dispatched from a central operations office as needed. Any damage or faults with the PV modules and electrical systems will be alerted to staff remotely and repaired (or replaced) by facility staff or qualified professionals. The Site Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the site, including supervising site activities, site inspections, facility maintenance and repair. The Site Manager, or his/her designate and/or other Proponent staff will be responsible for staff training, health and safety training and compliance, environmental regulatory compliance and public/municipal communications. A facility Project Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the site, including supervising site activities, site inspections, facility maintenance and repair. The facility Project Manager, or his/her designate 5

7 Report Page Section Original Text Revised Text and/or other Proponent staff will be responsible for staff training, health and safety training and compliance, environmental regulatory compliance and public/municipal communications. Project Description Report Operation The Project will operate year round and generate electricity during daylight hours. The amount of power generated will depend on daily weather conditions and solar irradiation levels. The Project will be operated remotely, and therefore no employees will be on site other than for periodic maintenance and inspections. The Project will operate year round and generate electricity during daylight hours. The amount of power generated will depend on daily weather conditions and solar irradiation levels. A full-time Site Manager will be on-site to enhance the probability of continuous operation and minimize down time during unforeseen circumstances where maintenance activities may be The Site Manager will also be responsible for completing routine quality control checks, inspections and ensuring the facility is operating as designed. Project Description Report Maintenance and Inspection Scheduled maintenance is anticipated to occur every 2 to 3 months. Typically, maintenance includes checking the structures, interconnections, inverters and transformers and substation components. All the required maintenance materials (e.g., hydraulic fluids) will be brought to the site as required so no on-site storage of this material will be necessary. The Project will also be inspected whenever the power output is lower than anticipated as this would be indicative of a mechanical problem. Scheduled maintenance is anticipated to occur every 2 to 3 months. Typically, maintenance includes checking the structures, interconnections, inverters and transformers and substation components. All required maintenance components will be stored in the operations building on-site. The Project will also be inspected whenever the power output is lower than anticipated as this would be indicative of a mechanical problem. 6

8 Consultation and Notifications Consultation regarding the proposed modification was undertaken with the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change via on August 25, 2014 and October 8, A copy of this Modification Report has been provided to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport (MTCS) for their information. As there are no unassessed areas, and no new impacts, we do not anticipate the need for new confirmation letters from these ministries. A copy of this Modification Report shall be placed on the Project website. The Notice of a Proposed Change to an Approved Renewable Energy Project shall be mailed out to all project stakeholders notifying them of the proposed minor Project Design Change and directing them to review the Modification Report available on the Project website. In addition, the notice shall be distributed to the public in accordance with subsection 15(6) of O.Reg.359/09. A copy of the notice is presented in Appendix D. Closure The proposed modifications have been adequately assessed in accordance with O. Reg. 359/09 and the MOE s Technical Guide. It has been determined that the modifications would not result in new negative environmental impacts or associated mitigation measures beyond those identified as part of the original REA Application submitted for the Project. This report has been prepared by Algonquin Power Co. for the sole use of Cornwall Solar Inc., and may not be used by any third party without the express written consent of Cornwall Solar. Written by: Leslie Greener, B.Sc. Algonquin Power Co. Senior Project Manager, EHS P: C: F: E: Leslie.Greener@algonquinpower.com 354 Davis Road, Oakville, Ontario L6J 2X1 Reviewed by: Dave Philpott Algonquin Power Co. Technical Coordinator P: C: F: E: Dave.Philpott@AlgonquinPower.com 354 Davis Road, Oakville, Ontario L6J 2X1 7

9 APPENDIX A REA AMENDMENT APPLICATION 8

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18 ATTACHMENT 1 CORNWALL SOLAR INC. LEGAL NAME DOCUMENTATION 17

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20 ATTACHMENT 2 PROJECT LOCATION MAP 19

21 MILE RD Woods Drain LOT 5 CON 5 LOT 6 CON 5 LOT 7 CON COUNTY RD 20 County Road COUNTY RD 19 KINLOCH RD 55 Raisin River South Branch ENPSW Highway 417 HIGHWAY 138 Cornwall! St. Lawrence River Highway 401 Project Site South Raisin River 60 Key Map Path: P:\EFFISOLAR\336742\SPECIALIST_APPS\Cornwall\Cornwall_Construction.mxd Building Road Watercourse Project Location 300 m from Project Location Property Boundary Parcel Wooded Area Date Saved: 3/16/2012 9:39:47 AM Metres 1:10, Figure 1.1 Cornwall Solar Inc. Cornwall Solar Project Project Location Notes: 1. OBM and NRVIS data downloaded from LIO, with permission. 2. Spatial Referencing UTM NAD ST RD N

22 ATTACHMENT 3 LANDOWNER CONSENT 21

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24 APPENDIX B ORIGINAL AND REVISED SITE PLANS 23

25 AY W GH HI W 8 13 ds oo Hig 115 m ain Dr h wa y 40 Project Site 1 St. Lawrence River Noise Receptor 12 m 115 m Road G Watercourse 27 m Average Annual High Water Mark Parcel G G Provincially Significant Wetland Project Components G G.! Interconnection Point G Inverter Access Road Laydown Area G Solar Panel U CO G Substation D YR NT 20 G G RD NTY CO U Laydown Area!! Existing Distribution Line!! Overhead Distribution Line 19 Fencing C Project Location Project Site.! G Trees Cleared to Remove Shading Main Site Access Emergency Site Access Notes: 1. Produced by Hatch under licence from Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Copyright (c) Queens Printer Spatial referencing UTM NAD Satellite Imagery from Google Earth Pro. N OC NL KI 300 Metres Scale 1:5,000 H RD Figure 2.1 Cornwall Solar, Inc. Cornwall Solar Project Site Plan Path: P:\336742\SPECIALIST_APPS\Cornwall\Cornwall_Construction_Design_24Jan12.mxd Date Saved: 3/7/ :00:19 PM Cornwall Key Map LEGEND 12 m!

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27 APPENDIX C ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS TO SWM ASSOCIATED WITH PROPOSED ADDITION OF O&M BUILDING 26

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29 APPENDIX D NOTICE OF A PROPOSED CHANGE TO AN APPROVED RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECT 28

30 NOTICE OF A PROPOSED CHANGE TO AN APPROVED RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECT Project Name: Cornwall Solar Project OPA Reference Number: FIT-F3SJUUQ Project Location: The Project is located on Part of Lots 5, 6 and 7, Concession 5, within the Township of South Glengarry, United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry. Dated at: The Township of South Glengarry, United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry on this the 8 th day of October Cornwall Solar Inc. (a subsidiary of Algonquin Power Co.) was issued a Renewable Energy Approval on January 15, 2013 in respect of the Cornwall Solar Project. Information with respect to the decision on this project can be viewed on the Environmental Registry by searching the following EBR Registry Number: Cornwall Solar Inc. is proposing to make a change to the project and the project itself is subject to the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act (Act) Part V.0.1 and Ontario Regulation 359/09 (Regulation). This notice must be distributed in accordance with section 32.2 of the Regulation. This notice is being distributed to make the public aware of a proposed change to the project. Project Description and Proposed Change: Pursuant to the Act and Regulation, the project in respect of which the Renewable Energy Approval was issued, is a Class 3 Solar facility. An application has been made to the Ministry of the Environment to change the project and alter the terms and conditions of the existing Renewable Energy Approval. The proposed change consists of the addition of a small operations and maintenance building to allow for office space for the Site Manager and storage space for various spare parts and associated manuals. If approved with this change, the facility s total maximum name plate capacity of 10MW shall remain unchanged. The project location, taking the proposed change into account, is presented in the map below. Documents for Public Inspection: Cornwall Solar Inc. has developed a Modification Report which summarizes the minor amendment and any revisions to the supporting documents as A copy of the Modification Report is currently available for public inspection on the project website: Copies of the final REA documents also remain available on the project website. Project Contacts and Information: To learn more about the project, or to communicate questions or comments, please contact: Dave Philpott Technical Coordinator Business Development Algonquin Power Co. 354 Davis Road, Oakville, ON L6J 2X1 Tel: Dave.Philpott@algonquinpower.com Leslie Greener Senior Project Manager, EHS Algonquin Power Co. 354 Davis Road, Oakville, ON L6J 2X1 Tel: Leslie.Greener@algonquinpower.com