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HomeMy WebLinkAboutARB201700096 Application 2017-12-19S*IUW esc Special Use Permit Application Rivanna Solar Farm Albemarle County, VA August 21, 2017 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 11 Special Use Permit Application Table of Contents 1. Hearing Request.................................................................................................................4 2. Signed Pre -Application Meeting Checklist........................................................................... 5 3. County Permit Application................................................................................................... 7 4. Permission Letter from Landowner....................................................................................10 5. Project Narrative................................................................................................................11 5.1. General Description....................................................................................................................11 5.2. Harmony with RA District............................................................................................................12 5.3. Consistency with Comprehensive Plan.......................................................................................12 5.4. County Benefits...........................................................................................................................13 5.4.1. Increase Revenue for Landowner.......................................................................................13 5.4.2. Economic Surge for Businesses and Workers .....................................................................13 5.4.3. Increased County Revenues................................................................................................13 5.4.4. Educational Opportunity.....................................................................................................13 5.4.5. Clean Energy........................................................................................................................13 5.5. Non -Detriment to Adjacent Lots.................................................................................................14 5.6. Impacts on Public Facilities and Infrastructure...........................................................................14 5.7. Impacts on Environmental Features...........................................................................................14 6. Statement of Proffers.........................................................................................................16 6.1. Setbacks......................................................................................................................................16 6.2. Fencing and Lighting...................................................................................................................16 6.3. Buffers.........................................................................................................................................16 6.4. Vegetation Within the Development Envelopes........................................................................17 6.5. Decommissioning........................................................................................................................18 6.5.1. Decommissioning after Ceasing Operation........................................................................18 6.5.2. Site Rehabilitation/Restoration..........................................................................................19 6.5.3. Costs....................................................................................................................................20 7. Conceptual Plan.................................................................................................................21 8. Appendices........................................................................................................................24 8.1. General Property Info.................................................................................................................24 8.1.1. Plat Drawing........................................................................................................................24 8.1.2. Regional Map......................................................................................................................25 8.1.3. Existing Site Conditions.......................................................................................................26 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 12 Special Use Permit Application 8.2. Viewshed Analysis.......................................................................................................................29 8.2.1. Viewshed Visibility Map......................................................................................................29 8.2.2. Photos from Specific Sites................................................................................................... 30 8.3. Photo Simulations from Highway 53..........................................................................................43 8.4. Glare Analysis..............................................................................................................................46 8.5. Department of Environmental Quality, Permit by Rule Process................................................58 8.6. Example System Spec Sheet....................................................................................................... 59 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 13 Special Use Permit Application 1. Hearing Request August 21, 2017 Ms. Amelia McCulley Albemarle County Planning Department 401 McIntire Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22902 Phone: 434-296-3229 Email: amcculle@albemarle.org Re: Board of Supervisors Hearing Request Rivanna Solar Project in Albemarle County, VA Dear Ms. McCulley, We respectfully request a Hearing of the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors related to our application for Special Use Permit Application for the referenced project as per the attached documents. This Permit Application is submitted in accordance with Albemarle County Zoning Ordinance Section 18.33, and it is our belief that the content herein is complete with this regard. If there is any additional information required, please feel free to reach out. If the Department has questions regarding this project, please contact me at (703) 672-5637. Sincerely yours, Seth Maughan Director of Projects SolUnesco, LLC SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 14 Special Use Permit Application 2. Signed Pre -Application Meeting Checklist SPECIAL USE PERMIT CHECKLIST for Solar Energy Facility (SolUnesco)�'� V TMP 94-17A Project Name / Tax Map Parcel Number After the mandatory pre -application meeting, county staff will mark this checklist appropriately so PLANNER INITIALS that it is clear to the applicant the information from Section 33.4 (c) that must be submitted with smc the official application Required for Provided with application? application SECTION 33.4(c) (County Staff) (Applicant) X X NOTE to staff: if providing additional comments are provided within the checklist boxes, please distinguish those comments with different color print AND italic/underlined print or some other method that can be distinguished when copied with a black and white YES NO copier/printer. X X A narrative of the project proposal, including its public need or benefit; X A narrative of the proposed project's consistency with the comprehensive plan, X including the land use plan and the master plan for the applicable development area; X A narrative of the proposed project's impacts on public facilities and public X infrastructure. x X A narrative of the proposed project's impacts on environmental features. x X A narrative of the proffers proposed to address impacts from the proposed project. x One or more maps showing the proposed project's regional context and existing natural X and manmade physical conditions; X X A conceptual plan showing, as applicable: X X 1) the CA•^�T..^� ^ k entrance, internal roads, and parking areas X 2) typical cross -sections to show proportions, scale and streetscape/cross- sections/circulation; X 3) the general location of pedestrian and bicycle facilities; X X 4) lauilding envelopes for locations of the solar arrays; X NA 5) parking sites; X 6) public spaces and amenities; SPECIAL USE PERMIT CHECKLIST 04/2013 Page 1 of 3 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 15 Special Use Permit Application X X 7) areas to be designated as conservation and/or preservation areas; X NA 8) conceptual stormwater detention facility locations; X NA 9) conceptual grading; Other special studies or documentation, if applicable, and any other information X identified as necessary by the county on the pre -application comment form. • To be shown on the conceptual plan: o Location of critical slopes (we recommend that the project area avoid critical slopes) o Topography o Stream buffers (based on county Water Protection Ordinance) o Existing and resulting tree lines o Conceptual grading and ground disturbance o Vegetated buffers to limit views, especially from Route 53 entrance corridor (should mimic native hardwood vegetation rather than typical suburban -style evergreen buffering) o Fence locations (and note about design/type; chain link should not be used along Route 53) o Setbacks (we recommend applying the normal 75-foot front setback for RA -zoned properties to all solar -panel areas, even if they abut other parcels rather than roads) o Planting areas (where frequent access is not needed) that could be used for native -grassland plantings Location and character of connections to existing substation • To be included with the application: Photo simulation of the views of the facility, including views from various points along Route 53 and from other nearby points, including Monticello if possible o GIS viewshed analysis of the facility Glare analysis Decommissioning plan (and description of what is involved) Please note: There are additional submittal requirements outlined on the official application for a Special Use Permit. Read and Sign I hereby state that, to the best of my knowledge, the official application submitted contains all information marked on this checklist as required for application. Signature of person completing this checklist Seth Maughan Print Name August 21, 2017 Date 703 672-5637 Daytime phone number of Signatory SPECIAL USE PERMIT CHECKLIST 04/2013 Page 2 of 3 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 16 Special Use Permit Application 3. County Permit Application FOR OFFICE USE ONLY SP # SIGN # Fee Amount 5 Date Paid By who? Receipt p CkooBy ZONING ORDINANCE SECIION Application for Special Use Permit IMPORTANT: Your application will be considered INCOMPLETE until all of the required attachments listed on page 2 have been submitted. Also, please see the list on page 3 for the appropriate fee(s) related to your application. Staff will assist you with these items. PROTECT NAME: (how should we refer to this application?) Rivanna Solar Project PROPOSAIMQUEST: Solar energy generation project, with solar panels occupying about 90 acres (see project narrative) ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION(S): "Solar Energy Facility", per section 10.2.2 EXISTING COMP PLAN LAND USE/DENSITV: Recently timbered forestland LOCATTON/ADDRESS OF PROPERTY FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT: 2627 Buck Island Rd. TAX MAP PARCEL(s): 09400-00-00-017AO ZONINGDISTRICT: RA # OF ACRES TO BE COVERED BY SPECIAL. USE PERMIT (if a portion, it must be delineated on a plat): All (149) Is this an amendment to an existing Special Use Permit? If Yes provide that SP Number. SP- I ❑ YES ® NO site plan with Contact Person ('47to shoWd we call: write concenung this project?): Seth Maughan, Director of Projects - SolUnesco, LLC Address 1818 Library Street, Suite 500 City Reston State VA Zip 20190 Daytime Plane 7( 03) 672-5637 Fax # 7( O3) 574-4048 E-mail smaughan0soltmesco.oem Owner of Record Caroline P. Sweeney Address 2427 Thomas Jefferson Parkway City Charlottesville state VA Zip 22902 Daytime Phone �) 295-545p Fax # (—) NA E-mail NA Applicant (Who is the Contact person representing?): SoWnesco, LLC, on behalf of Sol Development, LLC (legal project owner) Address Sarre as contact City State Zip _ Daytime Phone (___) Fax # C_) E-mail Does the owner of this property own (or have any ownership interest in) any abutting property`! If yes, please list those tax map and parcel numbers: Yes,09300-00-00-047EO FOR OFFICE USE ONLY History: ❑ Special Use Permits: Concurrent review of Site Development Plan? ❑ YES ❑ NO County of Albemarle Department of Community Development 401 McIntire Road Charlottesville, VA 22902 Voice: (434) 296-5832 Fax: (434) 972-4126 Special Use Permit Application Revised 11 /02/2015 Page 1 of 3 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 17 Special Use Permit Application REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS & OTHER INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED for THE APPLICATION TO BE OFFICIALLY SUBMITTED ® One (1) com Neted & signed cop' of the Checklist for a Special Use Permit. 0 One (1) copy of the Pre -application Comment Form received from county staff 0 One (1) cop' of anv special studio% or documentation as specified in the Pre -application Comment Form, 0 Seventeen (17) folded copies of a Conceptual Plan. 0 Seventeen (17) copies of a written narrative with section TITLES as follows: • PROJECT PROPOSAL The project proposal, including o its public need or benefit; o how the special use will not be a substantial detriment to adjacent lots, o how the character of the zoning district will not be changed by the proposed special use, and o how the special use will be in harmony with the following; • the purpose and intent of the Zoning Ordinance, • the uses permitted by right in the zoning district, • the regulations provided in Section 5 of the Zoning Ordinance as applicable, and • the public health, safety and general welfare. (be as descriptive as possible, including details such as but not limited to the number of persons involved in the use, operating hours, and any unique features of the use) • CONSISTENCY WITH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN The proposed project's consistency with the comprehensive plan. including the land use plan and the master plan for the applicable development area; • IMPACTS ON PUBLIC FACILITIES & PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE "I7me proposed project's impacts on public facilities and public infrastructure. • IMPACTS ON ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES The proposed project's impacts on environmental features. 0 One (1) copy of the most recent recorded platthat shows the Deed Book/Pagc Number, of the parcc:l(s) composing the proposed project, or a boundary survey if a portion of one or more parcels compose the proposed project, both of which shall include a metes and bounds description of the boundaries. 0 One (1) copy of ownership information (if applicant is not also the owner). If ownership of the property is in the name of any type of legal entity or organization including, but not limited to, the name of a corporation, partnership or association, or in the name of a trust, or in a fictitious name, a document acceptable to the County must be submitted certifying that the person signing below has the authority to do so. If the applicant is a contract purchaser, a document acceptable to the County must be submitted containing the owner's written consent to the application. If the applicant is the agent of the owner, a document acceptable to the County must be submitted that is evidence of the existence and scope of the agency. Please attach the owner's written consent. See Attachment A in the Land Use Law Handbook for more information. ® As the owner/agent I certify that any delinquent real estate taxes, nuisance charges, stormwater management utility fees, and any other charges that constitute a lien on the subject property, which are owed to the County of Albemarle and have been properly assessed against the subject property, have been paid. PLEASE CONSULT THE LIST OF ITEMS WHICH WILL BE REVIEWED BY STAFF FROM THE LINK BELOW: STAFF ANALYSIS OF ZMA & SP REQUESTS Special Use Pemut Application Revised l 1/0212015 Page 2 of3 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 18 Special Use Permit Application Owner/Applicant Must Read and Sign i hereby certify that i own the subject property, or have the legal power to act on behalf of the owner in filing this application. also certify that the information provided on this application and accompanying information is accurate, true, and correct to the best of my knowledge. By signing this application I am consenting to written comments, letters and or notifications regarding this application being provided to me or my designated contact via fax and or email. This consent does not preclude such written communication from also being sent via first class mail. Signature of Owner/Agent or Contract Purehaser Seth P. Maughan Print Name 21.2017 Date (703)672-5637 Daytime phone number of Signatory Required FEES to be paid once the application is deemed complete: An emailwill be sent to the application contact once the submittal is deemed complete. What type of Special Use Permit are you aDDIABl=_ for? ® New Special Use Permit $2,150 ❑ Additional lots under section 10.5 2.1 $1,075 ❑ Public utilities $1,075 ❑ Da • care center $1,075 ❑ Home Occupation Class B $1,075 ❑ To amend existing special use permit $1,075 ❑ To extend existing special use permit $1,075 ❑ Farmer's markets without an existing commercial entrance approved by the VDOT or without existing and adequate parking 1 $527 ❑ Fanner's markets with an existing commercial entrance approved by the VDOT and with existing and adequate parkin $118 ❑ Si ns under section 4.15.5 and 4.15.5A (filed for review b - the Board ofZoning Appealsunder the Variance Schedule) $538 To be paid after staff review for public notice: Most applications for a Special Use Permit require at least one public hearing by the Planning Commission and one public hearing by the Board of Supervisors. Virginia State Code requires that notice for public hearings be made by publishing a legal advertisement in the newspaper and by mailing letters to adjacent property owners. Therefore, at least two fees for public notice are required before a Special Use Permit may be heard by the Board of Supervisors. Applications reviewed by the Board of Zoning Appeals, however, only require one public hearing and therefore require just one fee for public notice. The total fee for public notice will he provided to the applicant after the final cost is determined and must he paid before the application is heard by a public body. Staff estimates the total cost of legal advertisement and adjacent owner notification to be between $400 and $450 per hearing. This estimate reflects the average cost of public notice fees for Special Use Permit applications, but the cost of certain applications may be higher. r Preparing and mailing or delivering up to fifty (50) notices $215 + actual cost of First-class postage D Preparing and mailing or delivering each notice after fifty (50) $1.08 for each additional notice + actual cost of first-class postage Legal advertisement (published twice in the newspaper for each public hearing) Actual cost (averages between $150 and $250) i> Special Exception —provide written justification with application - $457 Other FEES that may apply: i> Deferral of scheduled public hearing at applicant's request $ l94 Resubmittal fees for original Special Use Permit fee of $2,150 First resubmission FREE > Each additional resubmission (TO BE PAID WHEN THE RESUBMISSION IS MADE TO INTAKE STAFF) $1,075 Resubmittal fees for original Special Use Permit fee of $1,075 > First resubmission FREE Y' Each additional resubmission (TO BE PAID WHEN THE RESUBMISSION IS MADE TO INTAKE STAFF) $538 The full list of fees can be found in Section 35 of the Albemarle County Zoning Ordinance. Special Use Permit Application Revised 11/02/2015 Page 3 of 3 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 19 Special Use Permit Application 4. Permission Letter from Landowner August 17, 2017 Albemarle County Community Development 401 McIntire Rd Charlottesville, VA 22902 Dear Albemarle County Community Development: I, Carolyn Sweeney, am the legal owner of the property identified as Albemarle County Parcel ID 09400-00-00-017A0, located at 2627 Buck Island Road. This property is currently zoned in the Rural Area (RA) district. As the owner of said property, I give Seth Maughan, of SolUnesco, LLC permission to apply to the county for a special use permit, for the purpose of developing the Rivanna Solar Project, a Solar Energy Facility. This project is owned by Sol Systems, LLC and is being developed in partnership with SolUnesco, LLC. Sincerely, Carolyn Sweeney SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 110 Special Use Permit Application 5. Project Narrative 5.1. General Description SolUnesco is pleased to present the Rivanna Solar Farm. This proposed project will add 11 MW.ac of renewable energy to Dominion's power grid, which will power the equivalent of about 2,000 homes. The project site is located near the intersection of Thomas Jefferson Parkway and Buck Island Rd. The owner of the land recently cleared the timber on this property, and it currently stands vacant and barren of vegetation (see section 8.1.3, Existing Site Conditions), This parcel (94-17A) has been subdivided many times since the last plat drawing (see section 8.1.1) and its current shape can be seen in the Regional Map (section 8.1.2), as drawn in the county's GIS data. This land is zoned Rural Area (RA). Rivanna's solar arrays will cover approximately 90 of the 149 acres that are currently under contract. The solar generation facility will be built within the development envelopes shown in the Conceptual Plan(section 7). The development envelopes were designed to avoid critical slopes and provide buffers from wetlands, neighboring properties, and roadways. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology will power this solar generator. We plan to mount panels to a single -axis -tracking steel racking system. In Appendix 8.6 Nextracker Spec Sheet, we have included the specifications for a commonly used single -axis tracking technology which provides a good representation for the appearance and height of this technology. To connect rows or to connect with the inverters or transformers, underground conductors will be used, installed per National Electric Code requirements. (The rack will house the wiring between the panels within a racking system.) The energy produced will enter the Dominion grid by connecting directly to the 34.5kV Mount Eagle Substation, which sits on a property adjacent to the subject property. A short distribution voltage line will connect the project's main equipment yard with the substation. This distribution line may be above or below ground and, for reference, it will be considerably smaller than the 230kV transmission -sized line that currently runs through the property. The exact configuration of the system will be established during final engineering after the project site has been thoroughly surveyed. At this point, a construction plan will be submitted to the county for review. In addition to engaging the county on zoning, we have filed for interconnection through the PJM wholesale market interconnection queue, as well as the through the Dominion's distribution - level process. PJM has returned a "no impact" finding, and we have entered into a Wholesale Market Participation Agreement. We are still waiting for final results from the Dominion. Also, Timmons Environmental has completed its preliminary analysis as to impacts to the environment and historical resources (See 5.7, Impacts on Environmental Features) and Draper Aden Engineering has recently completed a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment. Both of these reports have been submitted to the County digitally as supplemental material. No major issues have been revealed by any of these studies. SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 111 Special Use Permit Application 5.2. Harmony with RA District The proposed project meets the definition of a "Solar Energy Facility", as defined in Chapter 18, section 3.1 of the Albemarle County Code. Per section 10.2.2 of the Albemarle County Code, this project type is permitted by special use permit in the Rural Areas (RA) zoning district. Per section 10 of the Albemarle County Zoning Ordinance, the RA district was designed with four purposes in mind: 1) the preservation of agricultural land and activities, 2) the protection of the water supply, 3) limited service delivered to the rural areas, and 4) the conservation of natural resources. The Rivanna Solar Project has been designed to be in harmony with these county values. Solar is a form of renewable energy, which displaces the use of conventional forms of energy generation. In addition to protecting air resource by reducing pollutants, this sort of generation minimizes the need to extract mineral resources, which may protect areas directly in Albemarle or nearby areas that Albemarle residents enjoy with regularity. Additionally, this project can support the preservation of agricultural/forestal land in two ways. First, solar development is temporary development. At the end of its useful life, the equipment will be removed in a process similar to removing fence posts. When decommissioning is complete, the land will be open and undeveloped, available for use as agriculture or forest land, as desired. While there is no guarantee on other land in the district, this land is guaranteed to remain undivided and free of more permanent types on development. Finally, the Project intends to use native grasses and wildflowers under and around the panels. By adding this vegetation (the land is currently barren, as seen in section 8.1.3) the project will be providing sanctuary for threatened pollinator species, such as butterflies and bumblebees, which benefits the local agricultural community. 5.3. Consistency with Comprehensive Plan Many of the values expressed for the Rural Areas are mirrored more broadly by the comprehensive plan, particularly the protection of Natural Resources. In Objective 8, under natural resource planning, the county has committed to recognizing changes occurring to the earth's climate to anticipate and mitigate impacts to the County. In 2010, the Local Climate Action Planning Process (LCAPP) provided recommendations to the county, which included the adoption of renewable energy resources, where possible. To this end, the county recently volunteered to participate in the SolSmart Program, designed to promote the development of projects such as the Rivanna Project. Thanks largely to the text amendment that now allows us to submit this Special Use Application, Albemarle was able to achieve their desired SolSmart Status. The project will contribute to these goals, along with the others listed in the previous section, without negatively impacting other objectives listed in the Comprehensive Plan. As is demonstrated in this application, this project was carefully designed to consider things like protection of the entrance corridor and the county's viewsheds. SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 112 Special Use Permit Application 5.4. County Benefits Increase Revenue for Landowner When the local landowner decided to use her land for this use, she was given a choice to either sell or lease her land. In this case, she chose to lease her land for the development of the solar facility will receive a steady income for up to 35 years. economic Surge for Businesses and 'workers This project has already begun using local businesses, including services from a local legal firm and for some of the rendering work required for this application. SolUnesco is also aware of at least one Albemarle solar engineering firm who has expressed an interest in bidding on this project when it comes to that stage. The construction period will provide a general economic surge to the region. These projects hire local labor based on the regional workforce's skills and availability. These workers also spend money at local restaurants, hotels, retail stores, etc. The project also hires local and regional companies such as building suppliers, equipment rental, landscapers, fencing contractors, electricians, laborers, and others. 5A3. Increased County Revenues Aside from providing economic benefit to local business and workers, the county may realize additional tax revenue by moving this parcel of land out of Land Use. Currently, this property is valued at a Land Use assessment of $43,600. If valued at its full assessment of $796,300 it would increase taxes by $6,323 in the first year, in addition to the county being owed the difference for the previous five years. Also, the project will pay the county fees for building and electrical permits. Albemarle set its current permit fee on a per -square -foot basis. SolUnesco looks forward to working with the County to determine how a per -square -foot fee structure might apply to solar development, or work to find an alternate fee structure, as has been done in other counties. Either way, there is opportunity for a significant revenue gain for the county. 5.4.4. EducationalOpportunity The site can serve as an educational opportunity for schoolchildren and the general public, alike. The solar industry continued growth attracts significant interest and economic development opportunities. 5.4.5. 2-lean Energy A meaningful amount of electricity (equivalent to the usage of about 2,000 Virginia homes) will be generated by clean, renewable solar energy, offsetting the environmental harm caused by traditional energy generation. Once built, solar power plants produce zero emissions and little noise. Additionally, as sunlight is free, there are no volatile fuel costs, providing the opportunity for increased price stability for energy in the region. SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 113 Special Use Permit Application 5.5. Non -Detriment to Adjacent Lots Solar is a good neighbor. Once construction is complete, it is a passive use with no pollutants or other emissions. The only noise will be generated by the inverters, during daylight hours, and will be at a decibel level roughly equal to a household dishwasher. These components will be placed in the center so that no noise will be audible from the perimeter. This project will produce no hazardous glare. Solar panels, by design, absorb as much light as possible, and panels reflect/refract much less light than many materials that are seen in other construction and in nature. Also, glare can only be a concern when very specific angles are achieved between the sun, panel, and vantage point. Due to the use of a tracking system, these angles are not achievable from the vantage of neighboring property. These concepts are explained in further detail in the attached third -party glare analysis (See appendix 8.4 Glare Analysis). This project is not expected to negatively impact the view from neighboring properties or the road. SolUnesco chose this property partially because it has been timbered and left barren, and we believe that any change may be viewed as an improvement. Further, as seen on the Conceptual Plan(Section 7), most neighboring houses have an existing tree buffer. In areas where this buffer is thin or non-existent, we will provide a vegetation buffer, as seen in the concept plan and described in the proffers. Finally, concern has been raised about this projects impact on the viewshed for neighbors who are further away. Draper Aden has done a GIS analysis of the areas that could see the project (Section 8.2.1), and found that they are relegated to a relatively small amount of land, mostly on mountain or hilltops and several miles away. Draper Aden complimented this analysis with visits to notable vantage points (namely Monticello, Carter Mountain, and Ashland Highland) and compiled a photo report (Section 8.2.2). With the distance required to get to elevation with a view of the project, it was difficult if not impossible to make out the subject parcel. Given that these projects are low to the ground and dark in color, this project is not expected to negatively impact the viewsheds in the area. 5.6. Impacts on Public Facilities and Infrastructure Solar is low -impact development, providing the many benefits listed above while not utilizing county resources. Other forms of development (commercial, residential housing, etc.) require additional services such as roads, utilities, schools and law enforcement. This is not the case with this use. This project will plug directly into existing infrastructure and will not require an additional substation or transmission line. As seen in the Conceptual Plan, our proposed permanent entrance location uses pre-existing access off Thomas Jefferson Parkway. 5.7. Impacts on Environmental Features: On a macro scale, the use of renewable energy resources will displace conventional resources, leading to less air and other pollutants related to the fossil fuel industry. On a regional scale, there are strict guidelines that ensure that this project will not get built unless it can demonstrate that it is environmentally safe. SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA P a g u 14 Special Use Permit Application To date, this project has completed investigations of 1) the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (VDHR) cultural resources database; 2) the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF), Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) database searches for the presence of Rare, Threatened or Endangered (RTE) species within a 2-mile radius of the project; and 3) database information for topography, wetlands, National Hydrography Dataset, soils. There have been no issues uncovered with the proposed location of the project. It also recently completed Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment for the project parcel. In order to get permitted by the state, the project must complete the Department of Environmental Quality's (DEQ) Permit by Rule (PBR) process, outlined in Section 8.5 To complete the PBR process, the project will complete multiple surveys, including Topo and Boundary, Phase 1 Cultural Resource, and Wetland Delineation and Confirmation. In addition, the project will comply with the county's Stormwater Management Plan before it can be build. As seen in the Conceptual Plan (Section 7), the project will avoid building within stream buffers and on critical slopes. Also, since this construction type is not designed to be permanent, the land has the opportunity to return to forestry, agricultural or other use at the end of the project cycle. SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 115 Special Use Permit Application 6. Statement of Proffers 6.1. Setbacks As seen in the Conceptual Plan (Section 7), the "development envelopes" represent the maximum extent of all panels, racking, and any other structures relating to energy generation for this this project. Depending on final engineering, the final layout may occupy a space that is smaller than the areas shown here, but the final layout will not occupy land outside of these boundaries. These layout envelopes avoid all stream buffers and critical slopes identified in the county's GIS system, and also guarantee the following perimeter setbacks, which either meet or exceed the requirements in the RA District: A minimum seventy-five (75) foot setback shall be maintained edge of the street, where the Property abuts any public right-of-ways, as such right-of-ways may be reconfigured or relocated prior to or concurrent with any construction activities related to the Solar Facility (the "Road Buffer"). Fallen, diseased, or dead plant growth may be removed from the Road Buffer. The Road Buffer shall allow the inclusion of (i) power lines for the purpose of interconnection, (ii) gravel roads/entrances, (iii) guardhouses, (iv) security gates, fences and related facilities, (v) existing utility easements, (vi) stormwater facilities, and (vii) erosion and sediment control facilities. A minimum fifty (50) foot setback shall be maintained where the Property abuts lands owned by others (the "Property Buffer"). Fallen, diseased, or dead plant growth may be removed from the Property Buffer. The Property Buffer shall allow the inclusion of (i) power lines for the purpose of interconnection, (ii) gravel roads/entrances, (iii) guardhouses, (iv) security gates, fences and related facilities, (v) existing utility easements, (vi) stormwater facilities, and (vii) erosion and sediment control facilities. 6.2. Fencing and Lighting Once operational, a 7-foot security fence will enclose the facilities. This will be a standard chain link fence. As Thomas Jefferson Highway is an entrance corridor, this project will commit to a 60-foot setback to the fence, and a vegetative buffer on the exterior of the fence wherever the project abuts Thomas Jefferson Parkway. A photo -simulation of these mitigation measures from the perspective of Jefferson Parkway is included in section 8.3. Any on -site lighting provided for the operational phase of the Solar Facility shall be shielded and directed away from adjacent properties and shall be positioned downward to minimize light spillage onto adjacent properties. 6.3. Buffers As seen on the concept plan, pre-existing forested areas already provide significant buffer between much of the property and neighboring properties and the road. Topography also provides a natural buffer from other areas, as seen from photo position 2 of the Existing Site Conditions section 8.1.3,. In any areas where a pre-existing buffer is thin or nonexistent, the project will plant vegetation between the security fence and the property line, so that the entire SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 116 Special Use Permit Application perimeter is screened and the visual impact of the project is reduced to the greatest extent practicable. These sensitive areas have been identified on the Conceptual Plan (Section 7). When possible, the vegetative buffers will use native species. The Albemarle Environmental Services Division, has suggested the following species, some of which we have incorporated into our preliminary plan: • Arundinaria gigantean I Great Southern Cane • Sorgastrum nutans Indian Grass • Big Bluestem • Arundinaria gigantean I Great Southern Cane • Sorgastrum nutans Indian Grass • Big Bluestem • Ilex glabra I Inkberry • Viburnum dentatum I Arrowwod Viburnum • Viburnum prunifolium I Blackhaw • Ilex opaca I American Holly • Juniperus virginiana I Eastern Red Cedar • Magnolia virginiana I Sweetbar Magnolia • Pinus strobus I White Pine • Thuja occidentalis I White Cedar These planted buffers will be encouraged to naturalize and so minimal maintenance is anticipated. Should, at any point during the life of the project, mortality of the planted material cause gaps in the buffer that negatively affects the views from adjacent residential properties or roadways, the project owner will replace that plant material. The replacement vegetation will be installed at a similar size to the original installation. While we have provided a preliminary vegetative buffer plan, the final project layout has yet to be determined by upcoming site survey. As such, the necessity of a buffering plan may change. For example, if the final plan does not use the "arm" to the northeast, there may be not visual impact on the small stretch of Thomas Jefferson Parkway to the east. The final plan will maintain the commitment to screen the entire perimeter and reduce the visual impact to the greatest extent practicable. Any updates would be submitted to the county as part of the construction plan. 6.4. Vegetation Within the Development Envelopes All cleared areas on the interior of the project, including below the panels, will be seeded with a native grass/wildflower mix. The use of this native material will stabilize the site and prevent erosion and sediment transport. It will also create a habitat for small mammals and ground nesting birds. The inclusion of wildflowers can also establish a habitat for pollinators, which has been rapidly disappearing. Since native plants will be well adapted to the environment, watering and fertilizer requirements will be reduced, if not negated entirely. Once the mix has grown in there will be no need for vegetation suppression, other than the mowing of the planted vegetation. However, the intention SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 117 Special Use Permit Application is to mow the site as minimally as practical. To avoid rutting, erosion, and soil compaction, weather forecasts will be consulted and on -site field inspections will be conducted prior to mowing to ensure that the site is able to withstand the activity. Again, site plans have not developed to the point where a final seed mix has been determined but the list below contains some possible species native to Albemarle County, as suggested by the Albemarle Environmental Services Division: • Rubdeckia Hierta I Black-eyed Susan • Penstemon canescens I Gray Beardstongue • Coreoppis verticillata I Threadlead Coresopis • Asclepias tuberosa I Butterfly Weed • Monarda fistulosa I Wild Bergamot • Monarda punctate Spotted beebalm • Packera anonyma Smalls Ragwort • Pycnanthemum tenuifolium I Narrow Leaf Mountain Mint • Liatris pilosa I Blazing Star • Solidago nemoralis I Gray Goldenrod • Symphyotrichum leave I Smooth Aster • Symphyotricum oblongifolium I Aromatic Aster • Eurybia divaricate I White wood Aster • Ageratina altissima IWhite snakeroot • Chrysogonum virginianum I green and Gold • Geranium maculatum I Wild Geranium • Sodidago cassia I Bluestem Goldenrod • Solidogo flexicaulis I Zigzag Goldenrod • Symphyotrichum cordifolium I Blue wood aster • Hypericum densiflorum I Bushy St. John's Wort • Pachera aurea I Golden Ragwort • Viola sororia I Common Blue Violet • Avenella flexusosa I Wavy Hairgrass • Carex pensylanica I Pennsyvania Sedge • Andropogon virginius I Broomsedge • Andropogon glomeratus I Bushy Bluestem • Schizachyrinum scoparium I Little Bluestem • Carex flaccosperma I Thinfruit Sedge • Carex platyphylla Broadleaved Sedge • Danthonia spicata Poverty Oatgrass • Juncus tenuis I Slender Rush 6.5. Decommissioning 6.5.1. Decommissioning after Ceasing Operation This project is expected to be operational for a minimum of 20 years. With proper maintenance, this could be further extended to 35 years or more. When the project reaches the end of its useful life, or in the time period otherwise required pursuant to the lease or other written SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 118 Special Use Permit Application agreement with the landowner, it will be deenergized and isolated from all external electrical lines. Prior to any physical deconstruction, temporary erosion and sedimentation control measures will be implemented as applicable. These measures will be enacted with consideration of industry standard practices as well as State and local requirements. The project will be comprised of several thousand solar panels mounted on galvanized steel and/or aluminum rack systems. Each panel will be disconnected from the electrical system and unfastened from the mounting rack. After removal from the rack, panels will be placed in a vehicle or container and transported off -site for recycling or disposal. All remaining surface and subsurface components will also be removed from site and either recycled or disposed of. While we expect to be able to retrieve subsurface components to their full depth, we will guarantee removal of all subsurface components to either i) depth to bedrock or ii) 36 inches below original grade, whichever is less. This depth is sufficient for future plowing and other agricultural requirements. The soil grade will also be restored following disturbance caused in the removal process. All access roads will be removed in accordance with the lease or other written agreement with the landowner. If the access road is required to be removed, granular and geotextile materials may be removed from the site and where needed, topsoil will be applied to provide similar growing conditions to what was present prior to site disturbance. Storage and operation infrastructure and any associated temporary decommissioning improvements (e.g., temporary construction trailer) used during the decommissioning phase will be removed from the site. Any foundations associated with these facilities will be removed to a depth of at least 36 inches below original grade. Perimeter fencing will be removed and recycled or re -used. Where the future landowner prefers to retain the fencing, these portions of fence would be left in place. 6.b.2, _)ite Kenawitation/Kestoratioi The operator of the project at the time of decommissioning will develop a Rehabilitation Plan designed to restore agricultural lands and wildlife habitat in areas affected by the project. The Rehabilitation Plan should include, but not be limited to the following: Silvacultural, which comprise most of the pre -developed project location, will be restored by redistributing topsoil to provide substantially similar growing media as was present within the areas prior to site disturbance to accommodate the return of active forestry or farming operations on the site. Access roads and other areas which may have become compacted during operation or decommissioning will be recompacted to pre-existing conditions. Restoration of any drainage tile that was impacted by the project and existing within the project location at the initiation of project construction to the same condition or better condition than it was prior to project construction. SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 119 Special Use Permit Application Where project infrastructure has been removed, disturbed areas will be immediately returned to silvicultural conditions. Erosion and sediment control measures will be installed at ditches and will be left in place until ground cover is fully established. Any proposed decommissioning work within or near streams or waterbodies would be discussed with Albemarle County and other pertinent agencies to determine any applicable guidelines, permitting, site -specific mitigation and/or remediation plans. Measures are anticipated to include standard construction practices at the time of decommissioning including erosion and sediment control during removal of the structures. Silvacultural lands that have become compacted due to facility operation or decommissioning activities, such as access roads, would be recompacted using chisel ploughing and/or subsoiling, as determined by an environmental advisor or landowner. In the event that the agricultural areas of the site are intended to return to production, any agricultural drain tiles capped or modified during construction, and/or damaged during construction, operation and/or decommissioning, would be repaired or replaced by a drainage tile contractor of the landowner's choosing. 6.5..j. k_u�,L_ Eventual decommissioning costs are difficult to estimate at present, as the future value of recycled materials is unknown but expected to be significant. If granted this Special Exception Permit Sol Development will, prior to construction, get a third -party estimation of decommissioning costs. Also prior to construction and if required, Sol Development shall post or arrange for the posting of security funds in a manner and amount sufficient to ensure decommissioning of the Solar Facility and removal of the improvement from the project site consistent with standard industry practices. SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 120 Special Use Permit Application 7. Conceptual Plan WILTON ROAD RCUTE 729-'� THOMAS JEFFERSON H GHWA" ROUTE 53 m - PROPOSED LSE OF EXIST NC ACCESS, I` ` APPROXIMAT= LOCATICN C- EXISTNG POWER EASEMENT i- I1 � 9v EXISTING SUBSTATION IN FERCONNECTION FACILITIES 1I �� BLCK ISLAND ROAD ly ROUTE 729 �i ALTERNATIVE EXISTING ACCESS OPTION — SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 121 Special Use Permit Application cc - NOTES- ni L Q siaxmrwvrexwivc urtiwnTe Q O LEGEND: > 0 s amp F Z o rmr Hrwsor ruxx rw¢ s Mms �' � rtaoxowoua�=:mmn G 1 rnaasEonccsssexmuas HxrovsNen G—HiC SCALE 16020169-OSOW3 1 OF 3 PARCEL ID: 93-48A PARCEL ID: THOMAS JEFFERSON kOPERTY LINE 60' E/P 93-54D HIGHWAY (RTE 53) TO FENCE (2) AG AG (3) IA2 ` (3) JE �(3) IA2 ,.. 75' SETBACK PARCEL ID: (3) JE- FROM E/P) 93-548 (2) AG,' (17)ANGE,—(12)ANG L 15' FENCE TO L (11) ANC JE I1 (3) (A2 PROJECT LIMITS (10) IG (5) IA2 I(7(11) LIMITS OF SOLAR DEVELOPMENT ENVELOPE ( NGE 7' HIGH CHAINLINK FENCEPARCEL ID: 94-17A+ a F PLANT SCHEDULE pm sawl= AG ANCIINCTICR%prMOrl{,FA'AVIUMA UgLJANCC' 'NII.MA JAIYNCC'9[lMCm01Rr 4''J'N'!I.!'CILr[1C & W nfx CrAU ANrR riul rollr 'KfJ M!' 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III AG IUU'IANOIIM[k WWA�f.CMA'NINMN OpIUN/ r 'NMYA 7RIUIV= 5CKVI(MMW r+T NT1I.6'OWRR ® N2 MDf OMCA AM OWAN MOLLY UDC MTJI5- CALM JC JUN ORIJ5 VW MAMA 0A91O01RED ®AR "PIUI rCAUNR fT MNW ?mIA .ODIDILY9Mf 5'-0MTJI-7CALM 9= 9QMI& MMR gadd9tl. = Ea00= O w '=ancla NfJ]ORY (:RA•YJC+ 2{ ucARKM. NMR C0wM0N NMI[ ANGT Mn110pf0GM GfRMC1� M 91Ufy1N I GRAN F yy TFT'� i RANMNG ]CMf9Ua m M MI WRY AND p 91,.ra Too~ W MI COUNTY AfrW1AI. M9m 011701 W-r. 10fC 0WW. NO=t06Y_ (10) IG -1 (3) JE -\(3) IA2 y et(5) IA2 (11) ANGE 50' SETBACK 1 PARCEL I " 35' PA TO FENCE PROPERTY LINE J- (11) ANGE-` 50' SETBACK e (2) AG \_LIMITS OF SOLAR DEVELOPMENT ENVELOPE (8) IG (17) ANGE (3) IA2 PARCEL ID: (14) ANGE 94-17A+ -7' HIGH CHAINLINK FENCE - (8) IG - (2) PT _ 15' FENCE TO PROJECT LIMITS (5) IA2 (10) IG GRAPHIC SCALE 100 a 50 100 2M 1 ( IN FEET) 1 Inch - 100 ft. ADJACENT PROPERTY LANDSCAPE BUFFER DETAIL DESIGNED SWM PROJECT: 16020168-05 RIVANNA SOLAR FARM DRAWN SWM 3 OF 3 CHECKED GHT SCALE: 111 = 100, ALBEMARLE COUNTY, VA DATE AUGUST 21, 2017 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 123 Special Use Permit Application 8. Appendices 8.1. General Property Info 8.1.1. Plat Drawing Yv� N 0 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 124 Special Use Permit Application 8.1.2. Regional Map 93,123 93 114� 93.109 /� 9`i 22A 9�2 3 113 v�,91 -10Y 93-58 93-125 ���� 9 58B 91?564 93-57A g3-26 93-12693.118y31�9�76 93.56 93-127 932969357 �93-31B `9 '57D 93-29 93-57E 93-31C q 93.57 t3 31A 93-30 bg y� M 33.33 ti 9-45193-57F a 0 9375G� 93'48B� i a .ems,.,—;_193-48A m 9354 � pow 9 o� 0 Y-A, 94-17A+ / 92-61J / g3Y{e 43-50C 9 `Kg•N-5p8 105-2B 93-501) 105-1A Z�G 105-2A'o n 1/ v iys 729, n ck[EK 1 �GO� 1p5 1�N D 1609 ft o 1O5-3E 5-1 inc ar_� 105 12.1 93A5-0KW593A`A1---15r93A5-K22-OB93A5�K2-OA•3` Legend 93q%93A5—(1J-1 I 93A5-1 93A�5-rK OA'-293A5•K2.OA,1 i*.w�som.u.+:o.mwm�m>nrwai 93A /'a `5� 1.93A5-KMA-13 93A5-K2-0 B-2 g4-16A.1 93A5•-OK•1Z 93A5-H2-tiA-1, 93-55 93A1-E 'j 9i AK2OB19q.,SA3 93A55 B o 9/993 - A93A1=X 94-15A1 93-53 n in D �rrvA m, NN9 94-15A2 �/913 549 SSG 93-53D !3 47N V 9353E 9,5,aA� 93-47P 53 e 93.52B O 93-52A 94 t l 93'51B s 93-52 93-W T. BUc�2SlgND CREEK P ,fig n ry 105 vi -46105-41 hP 105. h < 4 41C 105-416 > I 105-41A Z 'os 'gy 2 623 1 105- 9 105-40A �s �Lf1 6-1A dos 'o � 99 o M r 105-37AC111 N D — _ 105-25 105 37B 0 106 t♦ 106 105-48 aeawkn 105-33105'32 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 125 Special Use Permit Application �A\. s -- -- z _ Q _ J EXISTING CONDITIONS PHOTO LOCATIONS t� c ' 0 jr _ t- ' + PHOTO 1 B PHOTO 1C �T ` i C cr 45 2A 2C `- arm :.p _ - s PHOTO 2A PHOTO 28 ? . . k ' 2 3A 3B ,,c.o Blvd 3C y 1 U .17 � t "� If`•' �j�'^� �� > �''iQ�'' ' �' � .may 5. 4 LE �ko Blvd.. --= 4A 4 4B 4C r. ...� J .M 8.2. Viewshed Analysis 8.2.1. Viewshed Visibility Map Legend t� 1L •srn.nrtilanu :9a Foeeer S� /r'�L_ J Solar Farm ,"Wor7dbrvLok - - - - - She �roP 1L,..N—.Ja. No"htelq,r Not Visible from location F •;., ` ` r _ _ ti _ Visible from location - ---� Distance from Site - y 1 i A � •'en,nrrs� � � y _ I ', K,VL; "4 Miles: -- ttln _ r 2 Miles f _ s� nescu Draper Aden Associates' ;?or PDe: COI ISBS OTAIRmal1e,Flru3rr3,L01Na; Na[bIalGecg lalbSooku; RIVANNA SOLAR VI EWSH ED ANALYSIS ROTE: Vkmslea a tales 1s11g1.3kdC k oontabasel r Da6.Tree aare2ge take Tram IalaCOue raaraDase turtle R Iral 1 a Uaat rs le a. Tree 1 e Igl tr set at lD ! et. Heights Albemarle County, Virginia &1?rml.e a by spot cl eca l g ua rb la Ve ea bcawks is eg auall3ble LIDAR aati. Tie blue st tree le gltr Were 1S ea albu lb g V wors t cas a ace la rb. SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 129 Special Use Permit Application _ �$ter�"�nh tours yM"oeYcello - -'�-�i itl dJenenO ho - /n,i nlM,nr,bn hrN— �Clilton 0 P Photo Investigation of R'iva,.nna Solar Site <r Mountain Orchard es for the prcY�np. aPPles 16U ^.1�:')N from Prominent James Monroe's Highland Vantages in' Albemarle County 1 � Ural�cr il�i�n l .......••mod•"ark Southern �� r ?,.._.. ��� .�6tl�pLteryjq�M tours M�n�gaello �'� "r! 1 nomse Jcrreao,; s l .�-" mad Plenlatlan home Qr { r� \ � pClihon L Na Ib A' ��. - ., M,n"p MILBURN � s M . Carl Mountain Orchard •, - - - �Peache9 /or the pn.'�n, apples too kr\. _MILTONI L ` J 0. A IL James Monroe's Highland- 3.92 rill ASHMERE Former presltlenta - Plantannn f Y. ?_ MTE LE Draper Aden .Associates � A Ash Lawn -Highland Vantage locations and directions HI r James Monroe's Highlarj "Rshlaw�nHighland 1), Draper Aden Associates SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 132 Special Use Permit Application Pi Draper Aden Associates our , Bol Rock Tap Room at Ca er Mountain Orchard GD C2 m Carter Mountain Orchard 1 �. i Prince Michel iWine Shop \ � 1 \ N Carter M - u nta i n Orchard Vantage locations and directions SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA P a c 134 Special Use Permit Application t r At Cl Zoomed in _ Draper Aden Associates Cl Zoomed in Draper Arden Associates -- . - .. F.SrginrMrk, Skdeying. k'.,.-i..nnrir.rwl Srrvr�o- Solar Site V,; . SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 136 Special Use Permit Application SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 137 Special Use Permit Application �. Mon cello - Vantage locations and diediiieSw ns � M1� Draper Aden Associates .:r pol- �r- s. r Aden Associates SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 139 Special Use Permit Application SolarSite •t 34 r o tt I'M I al SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 140 Special Use Permit Application Solar Site SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 141 Special Use Permit Application Cnlnr Cifc SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 142 Special Use Permit Application A"It dWj. lit .- ....y._,fey-.:r�.c�„Y�.._...Krrax.ti. Current Proposed SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 144 Special Use Permit Application m lro. oW AA 8.4. Glare Analysis Solar Photovoltaic Glare Assessment Rivanna Project Prepared for: SolUnesco S I M S INDUSTRIES Software • R&D • Solar Sims Industries, LLC August 2017 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 146 Special Use Permit Application S I M S ,0 INDUSTRIES `►.� Software • R&O • Solar ADMINISTRATION PAGE Job Reference: GA131 Date: August. 2017 Prepared for: SolUnesco Author: Cianan Sims Telephone 937 802 5836 Email cianan@simsindustries.com Issue Date Detail of Changes I May. 2017 Initial issue 2 May. 2017 Clarifying edits 3 August, 2017 Include roads & structures Confidential- The contents of this document may not be disclosed to others withoirt permission. Unless states otherwise, all maps are reproduced with permission from Google Maps, 2015 Google Inc. Google and the Google logo are registered trademarks of Google Inc. Sims Industries, LLC 6077 Far Hills Ave #101, Centerville, Ohio 45459, USA T. 937-802-5836 E- info@simsindusti-ies.com W: www.simsindustriescom Solar Photovoltaic Glare Assessment Rivanna Solar Development ► Page 2 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 147 Special Use Permit Application S I M S ,0 INDUSTRIES `►•, Software • R&O • Solar 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2.1 Purpose of Report SolUnesco is planning the development of a solar photovoltaic (PV) installation near Charlottesville, Virginia. The installation comprises three arrays of modules. This report details the potential impact of solar glare due to PV panel reflections on neighboring properties. houses and roadways, as well as on observers at Monticello (a well- known historical site with a distant vantage to the project). The results are based on a detailed annual geometric analysis of the PV installation configurations, receptors and sun. 2.2 Report Contents • The summary presents an overview of the results and key elements comprising this assessment (pp. 3). • The body of the report presents the assessment process and analysis results and conclusions. • The appendix presents expanded details of the technical approach, the model and its assumptions, and analysis result charts (if any). 2.:3 Assessment Findings • PV array I is not expected to produce any glare for observers • PV array 2 is not expected to produce any glare for observers • PV at 3 is not expected to produce any glare for observers • PV racking hardware is not expected to cause glare for observers • These results are reasonable based on the site location, tree cover and utilization of axis tracking. 2.4 Solar PV Site Configurations Under Consideration • Three PV arrays, each utilizing single -axis tracking oriented north -south with a 0` tilt at solar- noon. For convenience, the three arrays are labeled as follows: 1-1 Array I on the west side o Array 2 in the middle o Array 3 to the east/north 2.5 Receptor Components Under Consideration • Receptors encompassing the Monticello estate to the west of the PV site • The northwestern portion of the estate is not considered due to lack of line -of -sight to PV site • 20 receptors representing the Thomas Jefferson Parkway to the north of the site • 21 receptors representing Buck Island Road to the west of the site 55 receptors modeling various structures near the site .0 Mitigation Strategies • Mitigation is not needed due to the lack of predicted glare. Solar Photovoltaic Glare Assessment Rivanna Solar Development ► Page 3 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 148 Special Use Permit Application S I M S INDUSTRIES Software • R&O • Solar 3 Contents 44MO ADMINISTRATION PAGE....................................................................................................................................... 2 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY............................................................................................................................................ 3 2.1 PURPOSE OF REPORT........................................................................................................................................... 3 2.2 REPORT CONTENTS............................................................................................................................................. 3 2.3 ASSESSMENT FINDINGS........................................................................................................................................ 3 2.4 SOLAR PV SITE CONFIGURATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION....................................................................... 3 2.5 RECEPTOR COMPONENTS UNDER CONSIDERATION.....................................................................................3 2.6 MITIGATION STRATEGIES.................................................................................................................................... 3 4 PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) INSTALLATION......................................................................................................... 5 4.1 SOLAR INSTALLATION FOOTPRINTS..................................................................................................................5 4.2 SOLAR DEVELOPMENT AERIAL IMAGES.............................................................................................................. 5 5 RECEPTORS.................................................................................................................................................................5 6 METHODOLOGY......................................................................................................................................................8 7 ASSESSMENT RESULTS.............................................................................................................................................8 7.1 OVERVIEW............................................................................................................................................................. 8 7.2 DISCUSSION OF RESULTS..................................................................................................................................... 8 7.3 GLARE FROM RACKING EQUIPMENT................................................................................................................. 9 8 APPENDIX A REFLECTIVITY & SOLAR MOVEMENT.............................................................................................. 10 8.1 QUANTIFYING GLARE....................................................................................................................................... 10 8.2 SUN MOVEMENT................................................................................................................................................. 10 9 APPENDIX B: PV ARRAY & COMPONENT COORDINATES.................................................................................. 12 10 APPENDIX C: ANALYSIs Tools & AssuMPTIONS................................................................................................ 12 10.1 FORGESOLAR GLAREGAUGE............................................................................................................................ 12 10.2 ASSUMPTIONS .....................................................................................................................................................12 Solar Photovoltaic Glare Assessment Rivanna Solar Development ► Page 4 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 149 Special Use Permit Application S I M S ,0 INDUSTRIES `►.� Sortwam • R&O • Sol., 4 PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) INSTALLATION 4.1 Solar Installation Footprints This glare assessment includes three ground -mount PV array footprints. Each set of modules utilizes single -axis tracking oriented north -south with a solar noon tilt of 0` Array I: west module array Array 2: middle at Array 3: east array Each array has a fixed position throughout the year. The site location ranges in height between 350 ft. and 390 ft. above mean sea level (amsl). The PV panels have a height above ground of 6 ft. which represents the panel centroid. Minor deviations from these values are highly unlikely to alter the results. 1.2 Solar Development Aerial Images The following image illustrates the footprint of the proposed PV arrays: FIGURE I —ARRAY FOOTPRINTS. ARRAY I (WEST), ARRAY 2 (MIDDLE), ARRAY 3 (EAST/NORTH Each array footprint is modeled with a suitable number of vertices to encompass the proposed modules. The vertex locations and altitudes were derived from data provided by SolUnesco and are detailed in Appendix B. Minor variations in elevation and/or vertex placement are highly unlikely to affect analysis results due to the continuous, slow -moving behavior of the sun position and reflection. RECEPTORS Four sets of receptors are included in the assessment. The Monticello plantation home. Thomas Jefferson Parkway. Buck Island Road, and various structures near the site. Each element was modeled with an array of discrete receptor points, simulating potential observers. The analysis assumes the solar panels are within the line -of -sight of Solar Photovoltaic Glare Assessment Rivanna Solar Development ► Page 5 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 150 Special Use Permit Application S I M S INDUSTRIES Soflware • R&D • Sol., the observers and that they are viewing the panels when glare occurs. For roads and highways, points are placed 100 - I SO ft. apart. Although the selected locations do not encompass every possible observer position, their layout is sufficient for representing the roadways and structures. As discussed in 4.2. this is because of the nature of sun movement — incoming sunlight and its reflections behave in a continuous fashion and "sweep" over impacted areas. Modeling two positions in close proximity is sufficient for predicting the impact on positions in-between those points. FIGURE 2 — MAP REPRESENTATION OF RFCEPTOR POINTS. COORDINATES ARE LISTED IN APPENDIX B. FIGURE 3 — MAP REPRESENTATION OF THOMAS JEFFERSON PARKWAY RECEPTOR POINTS. Solar Photovoltaic Glare Assessment Rivanna Solar Development ► Page 6 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 151 Special Use Permit Application S I M S INDUSTRIES Sollware • R&D • Solar FIGURE 4 — MAP REPRESENTATION OF BUCK ISLAND ROAD RECEPTOR POINTS. *40 FIGURE S — MAP REPRESENTATION OF STRUCTURE RECEPTOR POINTS (NORTH HALF). FIGURE 6 — MAP REPRESENTATION OF STRUCTURE RECEPTOR POINTS (SOUTH HALF). Solar Photovoltaic Glare Assessment Rivanna Solar Development ► Page 7 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 152 Special Use Permit Application S I M S INDUSTRIES Software • R&O • Solar 6 METHODOLOGY The Glare Assessment methodology, which often comprises multiple analyses of sites and receptors, is as follows: I. Identify or define PV site installation configuration(s) and geometric model 2. Identify or define key receptor components based on site and/or client input. These include nearby roads. buildings and/or airport components. 3. Petiorrn quantitative analysis of site and components to determine hazard and time of glare for receptors. 4. Review physical obstructions and other mitigating factors for affected receptors. such as position of sun and glare spot 5. If applicable, perform sensitivity analysis on PV site to explore alternate configurations 7 ASSESSMENT RESULTS 7.1 Overview No receptors at any listed location will experience any glare from any of the proposed PV arrays. Furthermore, the racking system itself is not expected to generate hazardous reflections TABLE I — ANNUAL DURATIONS OF GLARE FROM ARRAYS Glare (min) 7.2 Discussion of Results The three PV arrays comprising the proposed site will not produce glare for observers at Monticello or nearby roads or structures. This result is expected for several reasons: Relative location of Monticello The estate is situated several miles northwest of the PV site. Glare from tracking modules would only occur for distant western receptors in the evening, assuming the module rotation is not limited (it is). This is unlikely, even when considering the elevation difference. Relative location of road & structure receptors The majority of analyzed locations are to the north, northeast, or northwest of the PV arrays. Observers situated in such positions must be extremely close to an array or much higher in altitude to encounter reflected light from the sun (in the northern hemisphere). In addition to its east -west movement, the sun position varies slightly north and south depending on the time of year. PV modules with a 0 tilt and tracking will reflect incoming sunlight north and vertically during most daylight hours. Module tracking Solar- glare from parcel reflections can only intersect observers when the panels are tilted away from the sun by some amount. Geometrically, this is defined as an incidence angle between the sun and the PV modules with a value greater than 0 . For example, fixed -mount modules, which are usually oriented south with a slight tilt, have Solar Photovoltaic Glare Assessment Rivanna Solar Development ► Page 8 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 153 Special Use Permit Application S I M S INDUSTRIES Software • R&O • Solar large incidence angles when the sun rises and sets (-90 ). Single -axis tracking reduces the range of potential incidence angles since the modules follow the position of the sun in one dimension. In addition to less glare overall, the smaller incidence angle yields a lower reflectivity and glare hazard as well (if glare is found). .3 Glare from Racking Equipment Hazardous glare caused by reflections from the PV rack system is not expected for any receptors. Metal surfaces or similarly to the modules are already considered by the glare -check algorithm and are not expected to produce glare for the observers. If glare was detected, additional analyses with higher reflectivity values would be conducted to determine the ocular impact. Since no glare is expected, this extra step is unnecessary. Other reflective surfaces in the array should not generate adverse glare beyond that of an average structure, due to the relative position of the arrays. their overall size, and nearby tree cover. First. motorists traveling near the arrays - when the modules will be most visible - will be looking 60 to 90 away: i.e. facing the road with the arrays to their left or right. Hazardous reflections outside the receptor view are greatly attenuated: for comparison. motorists regularly drive with the sun overhead without hazard). Beyond 50 , the glare impact of potential reflections is completely mitigated. The duration and severity of glare depends on the size of the reflective surface. a larger surface reflects more light for a longer period as the sun slowly moves through the sky. Racking systems are generally smaller, with the modules themselves comprising most of the reflective surface area Potential reflections from hardware would be akin to glint — brief, small bright spots like reflections from moving vehicles or from other common structures such as buildings, traffic lights, etc. In summary. because of the array location, amount of tree cover, and relative size of the racking components. additional hazardous glare is not expected for observers. Solar Photovoltaic Glare Assessment Rivanna Solar Development ► Page 9 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 154 Special Use Permit Application S I M S INDUSTRIES Software • R&O • Soler 8 APPENDIX A: Reflectivity & Solar Movement Photovoltaic panels are designed to absorb as much light as possible, yielding reduced reflections when compared with many other reflective materials. The amount of light reflected depends on the amount of incoming sunlight, the position of the sun relative to the panel, and various panel material and environmental properties. This Assessment has determined that modules used at the Rivanna project will not produce visible reflections for observers at Monticello. This Appendix provides supplemental information on the science and theory of glare analysis. 8.1 Quantifying Glare Glint is defined as a momentary flash of bright light often caused by sunlight reflecting off a moving source such as a passing car. On the other hand, glare is defined as a continuous source of bright light and is generally associated with stationary objects. which, due to the slow relative movement of the sun, will reflect light for a longer duration. Accordingly, this Assessment uses the term "glare" when discussing solar reflections. The ocular impact of solar glare can be influenced by environmental, physical and human factors such as eye size, humidity, etc. Finally, distance plays an interesting role in ocular impact. The impact is determined by the retinal irradiance and subtended angle ("size") of the glare source. The retinal irradiance does not change with distance, whereas the subtended angle of the glare source decreases as distance increases. However, the maximum glare source angle (i.e. glare spot) is limited by the overall size of the array. In summary. the potential glare source angle (and hazard) is constrained by the size of the array and potential reflective surface area. 8.2 Sun Movement Analyzing glare on a minute -by -minute basis is an important step in ensuring the entirety of the sun's path is considered when predicting glare. Because the position of the sun changes daily as well as seasonally. glare not evident in the summer months could manifest in the winter with hazardous effect, and vice versa. Figure 7 illustrates the range of movement of the sun throughout the year. The azimuth represents the horizontal angle between the sun and true north; for example, a sun position of due south has an azimuth of I SO'- In the northern hemisphere, the sun rises and sets farther southward dining the winter and farther northward during the summer. In the summer- hemisphere, the reverse occurs — the sun's path shifts north in the winter- and south in the summer. Date 21 fun. 2016 21 Dec. 2016 TABLE 2 — RANGE OF SUN POSITION, BASED ON SOLSTICES Azimuth at Sunrise Azimuth at Sunset Solar Photovoltaic Glare Assessment 58.9' 119.7° 301.11 240.50 Elevation at Solar Noon 75.4" 28.5° Rivanna Solar Development ► Page 10 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 155 Special Use Permit Application S I M S INDUSTRIES Sollware • R&D • Solar FIGURE 7 • RANGE OF AZIMUTHAL ANGLES FOR WINTER AND SUMMER SOLSTICES (SUNRISE TO SUNSET). *V For each minute of the year, the sun is treated as a conical beam of light which is reflected across the panels during analysis. This reflection is then used to determine whether an observer can "see" glare on the panels. This process also accounts for the size of the sun, since glare can occur if even a small portion of sunlight hits the panels. (More information on the methods of detecting glare can be furnished on request) Solar Photovoltaic Glare Assessment Rivanna Solar Development ► Page I I SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 156 Special Use Permit Application S I M S INDUSTRIES Software • R&O • Solar n APPENDIX B: PV Array & Component Coordinates Component specifications can be found in the additional PDF documents included with this assessment Note that the PV arrays used in the Monticello analysis were larger than in the road/structure anolysis These footprints were based on previous specifications and provide a "worst -case" scenario, encompassing the more recent smaller footprints 10 APPENDIX C: Analysis Tools & Assumptions 1 0.1 Forge Solar GlareGauge All glare analyses were performed with the ForgeSolar GlareGauge online application. owned and operated by Sims Industries. GlareGauge relies on the Solar Glare Hazard Analysis Tool (SGHAT) technology which was built by Sandia National Laboratories. (The author is a co -inventor of SGHAT.) GlareGauge assesses potential glare for each minute of the year and provides quantified data on when and where glare occurs, as well as its ocular impact GlareGauge meets all glare analysis standards required by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. 1 U.? Assumptions The GlareGauge tool makes several assumptions worth noting (from the SGHAT tech User's Manual): I. GlareGauge does not rigorously represent the detailed geometry of a system; detailed features such as gaps between modules, variable height of the PV array, and support structures may impact actual glare results. However, we have validated our models against several systems, including a PV array causing glare to the air-traffic control tower at Manchester -Boston Regional Airport and several sites in Albuquerque, and the tool accurately predicted the occurrence and ocular impact of glare at different times and days of the year. (As with all mathematical models, a margin of en or must be considered.) 2. GlareGauge does not consider physical obstacles that may obstruct glare during the analysis 3. The ocular hazard predicted by the tool depends on many environmental, optical, and human factors. which can be uncertain. The speed of SGHAT allows expedited sensitivity and parametric analyses." 4. Geodetic coordinates rely on the WGS84 datum to represent the Earth 5. For the put -poses of investigating glare, the sun is treated as a moving object relative to the site and observers. Solar Photovoltaic Glare Assessment Rivanna Solar Development ► Page 12 SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 157 Special Use Permit Application 8.5. Department of Environmental Quality, Permit by Rule Process PJr Uc Interconnect PE Certifies Wetlands, Wildlife, PE Certifies Site Plan Public Comment Studies <_ 100MWs Historic Resources Design Adheres & Review Studies to Mitigation 0 0 19 0 0 $ Mitigation Certify All IPerr'nit unty Interconnect Air Quality Plans - Avoid Operating Environmental Agreement Study Adverse Impacts Plan Permits Obtained Fee Paid SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Page 158 Special Use Permit Application • Example System Spec Sheet Our most amazing tracker yet. In our mission to make solar a mainstream energy source, NEXTracker has engineered the most intelligent and flexible tracking technology yet. Using sustainable design methods with outcomes that benefit people and the planet, we bring you: NX Horizon". NX Horizon (formerly referred to as the Self -Powered Tracker or SPT), brings self-contained motor power to each row, eliminating power wiring and trenching. Our advanced horizontal tracker ihas the widest rotational range available, lowest O&M costs, and requires for less power to operate than other trackers. By offering more powerful systems at a greater value, NEXTracker enables greater deployment of renewable energy worldwide. NX Horizon key features and benefits include: — Self -powered system with smart performance communications: Self-contained units on each row include a dedicated PV panel toprovide power to the controller which drives themotor and hosts intelligent control electronics to posi- tion each tracker. With smart communications built in, NX Horizon systems can be accessed remotely, providing customers with a granular view to optimize tracker performance, operations and maintenance. — Independent balanced rows with 120 degree rotational range: Each NX Horizon row has its own controlled motor with rotational range that delivers up to 2% more energy than typical linked row trackers. These agile, independent rows stow in less than 90 seconds to reduce wind forces on the array, protecting the PV modules in harsh environments. NX Horizon solar trackers also have a mechanically balanced row design that align PV panels with the tracker's axis of rotation — which greatly reduces row torque, using less energy from the motor to track throughout the day. — Self -grounded system with theft -proof fasteners: NX Horizon is the world's first horizontal tracker with an entirely self -grounded design. This means no separate bonding hardware is required. You save on material and associated costs by eliminating grounding washers, braided straps, bare copper wire, and grounding rods. What's more, we've designed our own fasteners that can only be removed with special tools — deterring PV theft. SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Special Use Permit Application Page 159 NX Horizon Specifications Tracking Technology HonZontol Singlo-am go1orKed4noss tracker with r4opendently4rven rows Tracking Range Up to 120' (: 601 Control System 1 S041owered Controller ($PC) per tracker; l Network Control Und (NCU) per 100 SPCs Communications Wireless ZigBee• mesh Wwork/SCAD!{ no communication wiring required Drive System One slow gear, 24 VDC motor and setf-powered controtter w/dedKoted solar ponel per row DC Capacity 23.3SkWp pen tracer row, depending on ponel type. Row length up to 90 panels. System Voltage 1.500 volt or 1,500 volt Power Consumption No grid power required Ground Coverage Ratio Fully configuroN.e b11 customer; typical range 33%-50% Installation Method Rapid field assembly, rip welding required Foundation Types Compouble with all motor foundation types (df iven pier, concrete foundation, ground strew) Standard Wind Design 100 mphA61 kph, 3 second gust per ASCE7.10; configuobte for higher wind speeds Safety Stowing Automated wind and snow Slowrrlg with self<ontorned backup power; no edennol power required Torsional Limiter Included at eoch foundatioNDeoruq for additional wind and snow, toad protection Principal Materials Galvanized and stainless steel Grounding Method Sed9rourdinp structure; separate materials and labor not required Compliance Grounduigiftrd,ng: U1.2703; structural design: ASCE7.10 Other AvaRabte Options Snow and flood sensors Warranty 10 years on structural components; 5 years on drive and control systems Typical Dimensions Height 2.1 m/6.8 It (p 601 Width 2.0 rn/6.4 It. Length 85 rrQ83 ft Typical• :0 panels 11111111,1111111111111111,1111111111111 Hill 111111111111111 I1II111111111111.11111111 41i%raavr ►. C*'Wft Y#1.1 b 0W W .nfiaR noes• >t 5 8 N Ej Tracker 4 6200 Poseo Padre Parkway Fremont CA 94555 USA •1510 270 2500 nextrackercom Mcr000'rr0* c SolUnesco LLC — Rivanna Solar Farm — Albemarle County, VA Special Use Permit Application Page 160