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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP202100001 Application 2021-01-05-Sun Tribe Building Solar. ReimaginingTomorrow. 97X4101&I&IP&I19IP11zId»e1z IuIIDPi%Y96191We1:Z4l:11zII:I:7 ALBEMARLE COUNTY, VIRGINIA 4-SunTribe Building Solar. ReimaginingTomorrow. 1 -Sun Tribe Building Solar. ReimaginingTomorrow. 1. INTRODUCTION The Midway Solar Project ("Project"), is a solar photovoltaic power generating faciIity on approximately 60 acres of land in Albemarle County, Virginia. This conceptual plan outlines the responsible parties and timeframes for proper removal of all Project facilities at the end of its useful life of the Project, or when the project is otherwise abandoned. Nea0.1011X401141011&106121A0111 P Photovoltaic power generating systems are arrays of solar panels containing a material that converts solar radiation into direct current ("DC") electricity. The Project uses inverters to convert the direct current to alternating current ("AC"), which is required for connecting and injecting power into the electrical grid. The project will consist of photovoltaic modules affixed to a low -profile, single -axis, tracking system. The racking system uses a "rammed post" technique for installing the steel posts directly into the soil, eliminating the need for concrete footings. I n different sections of the facility the cabling will be (1) affixed to the underside of the photovoltaic panels, (2) run in cable tray or another above -ground cable management system, or (3) directly buried to conduct electricity generated by the solar panels to the grid. The system is designed to operate efficiently without interruption during a lifespan of more than twenty-five years. The photovoltaic modules will be mounted on racking along a north/south axis, which will be connected to a drive system to rotate the modules. Electrical equipment, including inverters and transformers are grouped throughout the site. Inverters convert the low voltage DC electricity generated by the modules to AC electricity. The transformers then step up the voltage of the AC electricity to match the grid voltage. A medium voltage, underground AC circuit connects the Project transformers to the electrical grid. 2.1. ACCESS ROADS Existing site access off Craigs Store Road will be used to access the Project. Internal to the site, an improved gravel maintenance road will be located through the Project to provide maintenance access to the solar equipment. The perimeter of the Project property will be secured, and controlled access gates will be located at the Project entrance. The Midway Solar Project will be an unmanned facility. All internal access roads will be designed to accommodate a vehicular load of 75,000lbs and will be finished with an all-weather gravel surface (aggregate base course). 2.2. FENCING AND RACKING POSTS 2 4-SunTribe Building Solar. Reimagining Tomorrow. As described above, the solar array construction consists primarily of ramming galvanized steel piles into the ground. Typically, the piles are embedded approximately 7 feet into the ground. The proposed fence will be six (6) feet tall and topped with three (3) strands of barbed wire (12") to ensure public safety and security. As noted above, two access gates will be positioned to provide access to the Project. 3. DECOMMISSIONING PLAN At the time the Project permanently ceases to operate, the Project Owner ("the Owner") will perform decommissioning activities to remove all equipment and materials related to the operation of a solar PV project and restore the property to its condition prior to the Project's construction. The following activities discuss the steps taken after the Project is disconnected from the utility power grid. e*a9W_A0I0IIz[eL10l•]»:7ulraIII l0lei Governmental regulations at the time of decommissioning may require specific plans and permits to be in place prior to site decommissioning activities. The Owner will develop a comprehensive, site specific plan based on this conceptual Decommissioning Plan to follow during the deconstruction process. The Owner will identify and acquire all local, state, and federal permits required for this work. The Owner will identify subcontractor(s) and waste/recycling companies during the planning phase. 3.2. REMOVAL OF PV EQUIPMENT 3.2.1. All PV modules will be removed and disposed ofata licensed disposal facilitythat recycles or safely deconstructs PV modules, if such a facility is available at the time of decommissioning. If such facility is not available, modules will be returned to the PV module supplier via any available take -back or manufacturer recycling program. If such recycling facility or take -back program is not available, PV modules will be disposed of in accordance with applicable law and then -current environmental standards. 3.2.2. Above ground racking support structures will be removed. Below ground piles will be removed entirely where practical. Any such structures that cannot practically be pulled out (for example, posts embedded in bedrock) will be cut three feet below grade and the remainder will be left in place and covered. This will allow agricultural activities to resume over top of the material. 3.2.3. All power collection equipment including cabling, combiner boxes, inverters, transformers, control cabinets, and switchgear will be removed from the site and disposed of at a licensed disposal facility or recycling center. 3.2.4. Underground cables buried at least 30" will remain in place. All above ground cable will be removed from the site. This will allow agricultural activities to resume over top of the material. 3 -SunTribe Building Solar. Reimagining Tomorrow. 3.2.5. All concrete foundations will be broken up and debris will be removed from the site. 3.3. SITE RESTORATION 3.3.1. The site fence will be pulled out and removed from the site. 3.3.2. Gravel access roads and staging areas will remain until all other materials have been removed from the site to facilitate decommissioning activities. Once equipment removal is concluded, the road material will be removed from the site and replaced with fill. Thefill will be graded tofollowthe contours of the site. 3.3.3. Any disturbed areas will be covered with topsoil, consistent with the composition of the soil prior to construction of the Project. 3.3.4. Existing access shall be left in place so that the property owner can continue to access their property. 3.3.5. Any vegetation planted as buffers and screening for the facility will remain. 3.4. ADDITIONAL PLAN NOTES 3.4.1. All decommissioning construction shall take place during daylight hours and shall conform to any applicable restrictions as related to noise levels. 3.4.2. Environmental mitigation measures similar to those employed during the construction phase of the Project shall be implemented to reduce environmental effects during the decommissioning. 3.4.3. Albemarle County and all stakeholders shall be notified thirty days in advance of any action to decommission the Project. 3.4.4. The Owner shall provide proof of disposal to Albemarle County or other agencies upon request. 4. DECOMMISSIONING SCHEDULE The Project is intended to operate for a term of 20 years with the potential for three (3) additional five (5) year periods. The Project will sublease the propertyfor a term of up to 35 years. At the end of the sublease term, the Owner will cease operation of the Project and execute a Final Decommissioning Plan agreed to by Landlord and Project Owner. The duration of decommissioning activities will be approximately 6 months. L'I