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Home My WebLink About20242996.tiffEXHIBIT INVENTORY CONTROL SHEET CASE USR24-0018 - CHAD AND CARIE SMITH, C/O PIVOT SOLAR 65, LLC Tyler Exhibit Submitted By Page # Description Planning A. Commission Resolution of Recommendation Planning B. Commission Summary of Hearing (Minutes dated 11/5/2024) C. Planning Services PowerPoint Presentation D. E. F. G. H. J. K. L. M. N. O. P. Q. R. s. T. U. V. 2024-2996 WELD COUNTY, CO U8R24 0018 Applicant: Chad and Carie Smith, c/o Pivot Solar 65, LLC Planner: Molly Wright Request: A Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review Permit for a Solar Energy Facility (SEF) outside of subdivisions and historic townsites in the A (Agricultural) Zone District. Legal Description: Part of the NEII2 of Section 15, Township 8 North, Range 66 West of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado. Location: South of and adjacent to County Road 94; east of and adjacent to U.S. Highway 85. Signs F P-- PUOc 'irulntl; Len emme•tNfs pfnit,'rty Hill be Mown nrteee tn.- Cvunty PltulnmW Comrriin:W m rind &MW oe County Comm;unonoru. Ea11 ti bnnnall will on bee :It. WELD COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING 1150 "O" Street • Greeley. CO 80631 •9dnlung CCmtn,ULIon ticagno we Le hetet oil nnotr-,•,I Ri.,pi '�A1'te SpNIMt'biilla<IInr,,l7tun:?d Qt k1 Toone Pai0Ntt' n,t} tcc • }Uf U•eityf.4ti ruliolitgar eft zt .aM!i li!u1 hitty}t_tfloi In ei Int"! AIAtik.A n.!5I1 tts D - �-��- s�»,n 'gyp 2si 'J_',Inv Deny,l to County Careen.nluner Fir Mimi Amite M!o on ItAtgaC.EK 20 711;4., at Lc'. lr. Chad and Caiiittaitti, /a P{`vot $ular 65, tLC caurtl,mtmrl n nx 81.E FOR FL HER INFORMATION PLEAS AT THE MELD COUNTY MING SERVICES. AT OT -W1• rQrntnnnnf. %%an'av .rmi ate Sign on HWY 85 Public hearings concerning this property will be heard before the County Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners. Both hearings will be held at: WELD COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING 1150 "O" Street • Greeley, CO 80631 Planning Commission Hearing will be held on ( O1/EMS-R 5 20 z1 -1 ; at : 3;:p7,A Board of County Commissioner Hearing will be held on NOVEAAse r- Zp 20 Zy ; at Io CCaM Applicant: Chad and Carie Smith, c/o Pivot Solar 65, LLC Request: A Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review Permit for a Solar Energy Facility (SEE) outside of subdivisions and historic townsites in the A (Agricultural) Zone District. Case Number:(USJt{-cots Acres:t/- S�.(-� FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT M OLLY AT THE WELD COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SERVICES, AT 970-400,LIOn For Addition I Information visit www.weldcountsrplanningcases.org )f N M t e. lr n7 olmeaCOr• rrons related to MA Site Specific Development Plan rind Loeb bit nor finned tn. fl,r nl nreftininthl.empIones, boon uruper;gloa• cut-ening. and trip, Or sut,trtt roc ngr or removal or both,, _latoning Canmstion cur Retard neClaf Review Pe nruf n quest Ircludin mber of ollowyhle vehicles and velar. e• Count, Cotriflsshonen necnnis Sign on CR 94 Vicinity Map =--WCR'94" Zoning Map WCR•94 sal _WCR'94 r WELD COUNTY, CO USR within 1 Mile USR15-O022 LAN DSCAPE/TURF COMPANY S WCR•96- Cr) / PUSR23*o0ls CAMPGROUND USR 1 &0080 >1 2'. HIGH PRES, NAT: GAS. LINE USR 18.0079 NON -1O41 MAJ FAC 115-KV LINE 1 ‘WCR-94 WCR- 96i USR-1105AJV1 SHOOTING RANGE GUN CLUB 1 --WCR'94 f • WCR O sin USR 18-9077 l NON -1041, MAJOR FACILITY- PIPE i i SUP-234'a- L.C.O. EGG PRODUCTION - 1 Solar Panel Layout if Lt:tampog:4ffany Santa.' LaillIvadrc. Clw t Mit a71 .... SilAiNTIDOARCr. YDct arta, PICtO 0 KiXS+ OAT; PR]!'OZCD C\ttllPt O bJCTAC - JA0 ffif CtSi +,oto tt ncnekrei usenet SS SOLAR ARRAY 70 n. Aerial WELD COUNTY, CO View looking North WELD COUNTY, CO View looking South WELD COUNTY, CO Public hearings concerning this property will be heard before the County Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners. Both hearings will be held at: WELD COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING 1150 "0" Street • Greeley, CO 80631 Planning Commission Hearing will be held on NovEMa5R 5 2014; at I:ft Board of County Commissioner Hearing will be held on NOVEMBER- 1O 2014 ; at I O CrAm Applicant: Chad and Carle Smith, c/o Pivot Solar 65, LLC Rec;Jest: A Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review Permit for a Solar Fnarav c r;I;+.. !Ctrl . . •ar End •f U 24 0 1 4t-Sn. vot Energy USR24-001 B PIVOT SOLAR 65 LLC & PIVOT SOLAR 75 LLC WELD COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS NOVEMBER 20, 2024 Clean Energy. Clear Choice. INTRODUCTION AND COMMUNITY IMPACT Pivot Energy: Who We Are • JRIOHTFUTURES Pivot Office Project Under Development or Completed • Colorado -based national leader in small-scale solar projects • Over 3.5 GW built, awarded, or in development • Long-term Owner Operator • 1000+ projects built or in development • Dedicated community partner - our community investment program has donated and pledged over $500,000 to community -based organizations in Weld County • This project will commit further local investment in the Weld community — Aims Community College — 4H — Bright Futures Weld Trust/Legacy Foundation el,Pivot Energy INTRODUCTION AND LAND USE Pivot has an extensive history in Weld County, and understand its values Want to recognize Weld County as a leader in dual -use practices and energy agnosticism Pivot's use cases for maximizing benefit to the County: 1. Unirrigated Non -Prime Farmland • Soil and Land Restoration (Stability/Pollinators/Grazing) 2. Implement Industry Leading Dual -Use Practices • Harmonize with Past Uses (Irrigation/Crops/Grazing) in Pivot Energy WHY HERE? This project is a dryland, non -prime farmland site The property has no water or irrigation Historically, dryland farmed for weed mitigation purposes This site will undergo soil and land restoration • Prairie land restoration, pollinators, and weed control • Future dual -use sheep grazing n Pivot Energy PROJECT DETAILS • • • • • • Land lease with Chad and Carie Smith Two arrays up to 8.0 MW AC • West array --4.7 MW. East array --3 MW Operational 20 — 40 years 1,700% increase in property tax revenue over 40 years Unmanned operation, no traffic, no noise, no lighting Lower to the ground than a single -story residence No topsoil removed from site, no added soil imperviousness Maintains agricultural character of the land and soil health 11.11.: I laVERT ER AC+ N P AC CON AC Z MICH �Sa GROLIFESIE Marl .ERG RAMC Ii°' P.i�"tit e� • E i -' P FP'? TO RI: ER` :° h:sfe kin Pivot Energy PROJECT DETAILS • • • Majority of construction concentrated over 4-6 months Once operational, 4-8 maintenance visits per year Remotely monitored and controlled by sensors, cameras, and SCADA Contracted for 20 years with Xcel, options to extend beyond Project will be decommissioned, and land restored to its original condition after its lifespan No additional County utilities or resources necessary n Pivot Energy 6 LAND STEWARDSHIP AND AGRICULTURAL INTEGRITY • Pivot has committed to developing and operating a 100% Dual -Use portfolio Two -Stage Approach for This Site • • S tage 1: ■ Soil stability and prairie restoration with pollinator habitat. S tage 2: Once prairie conditions have been restored and a grass stand is established, sheep grazing via one of Pivot Energy's grazing partners in Colorado. kin Pivot Energy LAND STEWARDSHIP AND AGRICULTURAL INTEGRITY With no water, site is an ideal candidate for dual -use with pollinator -friendly vegetation and grazing Local apiary for pollinators and honey production Once vegetation is established, it will be managed by a local Colorado grazing partner Grazing activities occurring from May to October annually PS33 Update: Mechanical Completion, Subsurface Irrigation Installed, Seeding in the Spring Turfgrass Maximum root depth 3-6 inches I II Native Grasses & Forbs Common root depth A-6 feet 0 Pivot Energy COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATION • • • P ivot is committed to engaging stakeholders early and thoroughly P articipation in and sponsor community events Minimum 3 touch -points with all adjacent neighbors: • • • 1. Letters and postcards with project information, creating open communication to address any questions or concerns 2. Open Community Meeting, polling neighbors and soliciting input 3. Follow up with neighbors providing input after; contract local SME's to incorporate feedback whenever possible Ueld LEGAC Foundation •402j ENERGY & 0000- ENVIRONMENT e -J -P LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM GREELEY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 0 Pivot Energy 9 NEIGHBOR OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATION Steps Taken 1. USPS Priority mail flats sent to all abutters 2/8/24 - project/personal introduction, invitation to community meeting 2. Postcards sent to neighbors within 0.5 -mile with contact information and an invitation to the community meeting 3. A community meeting was held at Roma Pizza in Greeley on 2/26/24 Outcome The community meeting had 1 attendee Have had several conversations with neighbors since then *PS75 was not a reality at the time of the meeting Buffer report, neighbor outreach (0.5 miles) kin Pivot Energy 10 NEIGHBOR OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATION Pivot has heard from several neighbors with questions and concerns about the project Main concerns: • Aesthetics, water and health safety, noise, temperatures, facility maintenance standards, and property values. Solutions: Move the facility away from the northern residences and reduce size as feasible reduced production Dual -use practices Vegetative/opaque screening as appropriate 9AD _I:; ■ , h L , 7 i a E _NT PADS INVVERTERS eooucTION METER •AC C1tCOt*ECT a AC SWITC.HOE.AR (LEATHER STATION EROLPCING XFWRS CUSTOMER OVAIC S (2SOOcVA EAG t l 'S 51 II , 1 1 • 1 I I `TI F1'' F I?: F...; LE Lih COUNTY RiCiAD Q►, =Ok1PMENT P d. DISCON c sl'Vap+ 5RC4N ! PADMOUNT STE3- iP XFPIF 0 Pivot Energy 11 LANDOWNER TESTIMONY: CARTE SMITH • Brief parcel history • Why we chose solar • Working with Pivot SUMMARY • • ■ We understand neighbors have apprehension and concerns with the shift in primary use for the property — still agricultural production and better use for the Smith's private property. Have considered neighbor feedback and not only shifted to the south, but also reduced the overall potential size Increased property tax revenue for the operational life of the system • 2500% ($754k) increase over 20 years • 1700% ($1.47M) increase over 40 years Over $500,000 pledged and donated to Bright Futures and other organizations Maximizing utility and return from the land, with both energy and agricultural production S. Pivot Energy 13 THANK YOU ClatA Kyle Hockstad khockstadpivotenerqv. net 970-344-8350 x737 pivotenergy. net ADDENDUM Pivot Energy I• • Mr" W C4$w* x ra 1, It /I II. II 4 s Ji SWOP' I i I 1 1 SSA I II • A 1 • AI I Ski i .1D2STAIS ;NAM 4"-IAD 1.. II ti I` 1O.I�.Tii • if ' ,`�!'' It 1 fI .t I I 'I. .065-77,462 gai9►t 7741-Af ida:ik' %--s 1 II• 'I d/ 7-POSS SPIV r M Pia II i; 420,F i' .4111N /kr :15;71 . •. R Pt W a Pet'� i�fLl 111 YY"T1+F: s = DIVAS, A i • .- esse A - .r 1 z U 1 ' II II II 'air►i I� 1 . 1. I I I. - • III I . { r $ 'IP r IIIA41,'N.-, �IIP I /-I 1 1 a 1 r 461ultP Eta. *Ma MOLISIPAY WI ; I I e m [FFA` EI1 • 1 rage.- 74a:friss ,:41 ilkeiilESS SITE `AXLrS3i LATE' E cic.:l sktU orvilaRtt.Cx IESC T et. - skt.a ei a. 0 •. :r4F aina'A14I NTOk T OCCUPIED! 'l5.lf 1 dd. u.1'"-:`!""%"•A'a 4- .-i.h.,.. Plefilekr£ stit1'' R3. r i#0 ELI( ":,X: wartkw4 441.1 lCSL .14±1 OthOILIND PO DUAL. alien Ii IMO NIS NINO i k5tS �. k C;-:-RL i 1 •see 1 ecouresestr 1 a r :t :eta IX 'Ai. 'err t plums, W ea_cTFl[;: i TFtiIAT»5 I 0 • • O a tout rr ItOMP IDS _ I I r P- -175' •--Sit i a : WAY lea rr. ele -Jed. a A A. r INN Nr airmanna name ell13724.5 !a ain • I I Ie' .0. `� r \S- attAihilikrairtsePt ao-are I I I l I I • • • • Maintenance ■ ■ Facility production abnormalities and panel health — production loss and a strong incentive to replace quickly (hail, etc.) Solar panels are made of 99%+ inert materials (glass, aluminum, copper) Temperatures ■ Minimal impact within the margin of error on a hyperlocal level. Return to ambient within 100'. EMFs: ■ ■ Generated by inverters, which are centrally located. Multiple studies have shown EMFs dissipate to ambient levels around 150' from the inverters. Nearest residence is over 700' away Noise: ■ ■ The inverter decibel rating is similar to a residential air conditioning unit, and generally returns to ambient conditions at 150' Nearest residence is over 700' away Decommissioning ■ Pivot will post a decommissioning bond with Weld County. T SS PATH r I C 0 i8.6? T 78.45 O PHAS 3i-1485943.90 E-320 5254.11 N-1485945.90 E-3205230. E-3205238.11 1d85 8.90 3205164.79 UWW ti lSfap A N•948589Q.90 E-3205181.79 �.® 0 -F m : GRAVEL 20' X V ELECTRIC EQUIPMENT PAD N-1485943.90 E•3265d19.96• N-145594310 E-3205435.96 R35 MAINTENANCE VEHICLE TURN AROUND PER DETAIL SNEET 6 g E7 p t N-1485908.90 E-320546928 GESS RaAfl Ph1d85892.O �.£-.3265189.28 R MAINTENANCE VEHICLE TURNAROUND PER DETAIL SHEET 6 �IR_HR1Al PROPOSED ELECTRIC STRUCTURES 1:1/Itt'] I f -;17- SOLAR-ARRAY DT. 3156 SOLAR ARRAY TO PL f el Pivot Energy 17 • • • Solar panels are made of 99%+ inert materials (glass, aluminum, copper) No hazardous materials are used Pivot closely monitors and will replace damaged equipment to ensure projects operate at peak efficiency Once the project is decommissioned, panels will either be donated or recycled Image: solarbuildermag.com eti,Pivot Energy 18 3 • • • • ForgeSolar is an industry -leading tool to evaluate glare impacts to the adjacent roads, homes, businesses The project will not generate any hazardous glare for those who can see or pass the array Glare from solar panels will be comparable or less to that of snow, water, or steel All panels are coated in an anti - reflective coating to decrease glare FAA Glare Analysis also concluded this project does not exceed notice criteria. raiN r.■R••9 I-'i ForgeSolar�rtifq Orr � Pvot Site Configuration I Components & Results Pivot Solar 65 LLC P565 and P575 CONTACT I ACCOUNT I LOG OUT PRICING TOOLS & SERVICES - PROJECTS HELP Home Projects Pivot Solar 65 LLC Site configurations PS65 and PS75 Reports no Open in editor L dare . Created Apr 12. 2024 Updated Oct 15, 2024 Time -step 1 minute Timexone offset UTC-7 Minimum sun altitude 0.0 deg Site ID 116689.19600 Project type Project status: active O Category 1 MW to 5 MW Advanced Glare Analysis Summary PV Array Results Summary of Results No glare predicted! PV Name Chad Smith Phase 2 PS 65 Tilt deg SA tracking SA tracking Orientation deg SA tracking SA tracking "Green" Glare min 0 "Yellow" Glare min Energy Produced 0 4 0 Pivot Energy 19 Equipment that makes noise (inverters) are located hundreds of feet from the nearest residence, placed in the center of the array The decibel rating is similar to a residential air conditioning unit, and generally returns to ambient conditions at ~150' Nearest residence is > 500' away None of the equipment operates early in the morning or late at night The equipment is "off' when the sun is not out 15SS PA r r 0 i8 -6s• T 78.45 N_1 a N-1485908 E -320S184 E9 a El El 4 RE. N•1485892. E-32@5184: 0.®0 - MAINTENANCE TURN AROUND PER DETAIL SHEET 6 mgr m -- I IJ AD 145594390 D521'9.95. 94390 05435.96 I485908.90 320548928 OAfl r 1455592.90 NTENANCE VEHICLE TURN AROUND PER DETAIL SHEET 6 — PROPOSED ELECTRIC STRUCTURES f O el Pivot Energy 20 • The Cohn-Reznick property value study shows no impacts to property values adjacent to solar facilities in the Midwest or Colorado. Sites are similar to this one in New Mexico. While no two sites are identical, the similarities far outweigh the differences in this case. We have also reviewed published methodology for measuring impact on property values as well as published studies that specifically analyzed the impact of solar farms on nearby property values. We have also interviewed market participants, including County and Township Assessors, to give us additional insight as to how the market evaluates farm land and single family homes with views of the solar farm. These studies found little to no measurable and consistent difference in value between the Test Area Sales and the Control Area Sales attributed to the proximity to solar farms and are generally considered a compatible use. Considering all of this information, we can conclude that since the Adjoining Property Sales (Test Area Sales) for the existing solar farms analyzed were not adversely affected by their proximity to solar farms, that properties surrounding other solar farms operating in compliance _ with all regulatory standards _ will similarly not be adversely affected, _ in either the short or lonq term periods.. 0 Pivot Energy PS67/75 4 —Ascalon fine sa.ndy loam., 0 to 6 percent slopes Map Unit Setting National map unit symbol!: 2415 15 Elevation: 4,550 to 6,050 feet Mean annual precipitation: 12 to 11 inches Mean annual air temperature: 46 to 54 degrees F Frost -free period: 135 to 160 days Farm/and classification: Farmland of statewide importance 46 —Otero sandy Ioarn 0 to percent slopes Map Unit Setting National map unit symbol: 3600 Elevation: 43500 to 5,500 feet Mean annual precipitation: 12 to 15 inches Mean annual air temperature: 48 to 52 degrees F Frost -free period: 130 to 180 days Farmland classification: Not prime farmland el Pivot Energy 22 7 Millions of people live near solar arrays or have solar panels on their rooftops. There is no credible evidence that solar equipment has negative impacts on human health isNCCLEAN ENERGY Gp�?• TECHNOLOGY CENTER NC STATE UNIVERSITY Health and Safety Impacts of Solar Photovoltaics The increasing presence of utility -scale solar photovoltaic (PV) systems (sometimes referred to as solar farms) is a rather new development in North Caroline's landscape. Due to the new and unknown nature of this technology, it is natural for communities near such developments to be concerned about health and safety impacts. Unfortunately, the quick emergence of utility -scale solar has cultivated fertile grounds for myths and half-truths about the health impacts of this technology, which can lead to unnecessary fear and conflict. Photovoltaic (PV) technologies and solar inverters are not known to pose any significant health dangers to their neighbors. The most important dangers posed are increased highway traffic during the relative short construction period and dangers posed to trespassers of contact with high voltage equipment. This latter risk is mitigated by signage and the security measures that industry uses to deter trespassing. el Pivot Energy 23 8 Grain of truth • Solar panels contain heavy metals, just like all electronics. • Some technologies (not all) contain cadmium, a metal that can be hazardous in large quantities if not disposed of properly. The real story There is no liquid inside a solar panel. • Solar panels are designed to be outside in the elements. • Even if the tempered glass is broken, another layer protects the cells. • Asset owners are incentivized to clean up damaged equipment. • Owners are also required to perform preventative maintenance. • Studies show no evidence solar causes cancer or other diseases. (https://www.cancer.net/blog/2022-01 /can -having -solar -panels -or - living -near -solar -farm -increase -your -cancer -risk) "AI,Pivot Energy 24 9 • What, if any, health risks do the electric and magnetic fields (EMF) from solar panels and other components of solar PV arrays pose? Like all common electronics — from the wiring in a typical home to a vacuum cleaner — solar PV generates EMF Average exposure to EMF is typically ~1 mG. The lowest amount to have had any (controversial) association with health issues is ~3 mG over a long term Study of 3 commercial solar facilities in MA concluded low EMF strength at the fence line of <0.5 mG EMF strength of inverters at 150 ft is <0.5 mG. • Closest inverter to residence: > 500 ft 78.45 N-1485943.4 E-3205254.1 �eddn N-1485943.90 E-3205238.11 1485908.90 19019 84.79 u u 5 N-1485694: E-3205184: SelleltAtifthr.. -7• - 20mX;r' aEcTAC EQUIPMENT PADD H 148594390 -3206419.96 HHH H 1485943.90 5 N-1485906.90 E-3205489.28 0 Pivot Energy 25 Most components of a solar module can recycled, including: • Aluminum Frames • Copper Wires • Junction Box, Containing Metals oe The remaining materials are called the "laminate" and they contain: • Tempered Glass • Sillicon Cells Connected with Precious Metals • Encapsulant • Backsheet Image Credit: Clean Energy Reviews AL Frame Tempered Glass Encapsulant-EVA Solar Ce Enca S asulant-EVA Backsheet Junction Box teN ciefr Pivot Energy 26 • • • • Solar facilities do not contain significant flammable materials, unlike oil & gas infrastructure Flammable materials in solar panels are limited and cannot self -sustain a fire Pivot monitors solar facilities and would be alerted of any abnormality Shall meet and adhere to fire code requirements n Pivot Energy 27 12 Depending on the condition of the solar panels, Pivot Energy follows this decision tree to determine the best path after removal from site: 1. If no broken glass and panels pass field testing: Donation to organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Equitable Solar Solutions, etc. 2. If no broken glass but panels fail field testing: Refurbishment and re -sale on the secondary solar market via Ontility or EnergyBin 3. If broken glass: Recycling of the panels is coordinated by Pivot's O&M team using SolarRecycle.org to determine the nearest recycling facility Homeowner Rosalba Medina stands in front of her soon -to -be finished Habitat for Humanity home in September 2022. The home has a 5.8 -kilowatt solar array that was donated by Pivot Energy and installed by Equitable Solar Solutions and Nunatak Alternative Energy. n Pivot Energy The project isn't large enough to alter wildlife migration patterns. There are ample routes for animals to move around and through the site as needed We use a game fence when allowed to maximize our ability to keep larger animals out and allow smaller animals to come and go 14 • • • Panels are textured and coated in anti -reflective film P hotovoltaic systems are different than solar concentrators P roject is not Utility Scale Studies show no evidence or correlation that solar creates a "lake effect" that harms birds ■ https://journals. plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371 /journal.pone.0232034#p one -0232034-t001 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0960148118310565 n Pivot Energy 30 Hello