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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20252934.tiffExhibit Inventory Control Sheet Patricia Buxman, c/o Pivot Solar 66, LLC, Pivot Solar 67, LLC, and Pivot Solar 68, LLC USR25-0016 Exhibit Submitted By Description A Planning Commission Resolution of Recommendation B Planning Commission Summary of Hearing (Minutes dated 10/7/2025) C Department of Planning PowerPoint Presentation Services Department of Planning Email re: Landscaping and Screening Plan Services (Received 10/27/25) E Applicant PowerPoint Presentation (Received 11/4/2025) F G H K L M N O P Q R S T 2025-2934 WELD COUNTY GOVERNMENT Department of Planning Services ma,L►Bhe' _1 COUNTY, CO USR25 0016 Applicant: Patricia Buxman, c/o Pivot Solar 66, LLC, Pivot Solar 67, LLC, Pivot Solar 68, LLC Planner: Matthew VanEyll Request: 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: Lot B of Corrected Recorded Exemption CORR RE -4576; being part of the SE1/4 of Section 21, Township 6 North, Range 66 West of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado. Location: North of and adjacent to County Road 66; approximately 0.25 miles west of County Road 31. WELD COUNTY GOVERNMENT Department of Planning Services m1/41/4 .ate A 1 COUNTY, CO Sign Weld County Administration Building: 1150 O St. Greeley, CO 80631 CASE NUMBER: U5R25-OO t6 OCThber 7 202S'TIME:DATE: 1:30 P.M. DECISION -MAKING BODY: Planning Commission ber 20Z 5 DATE: Movem1 TIME: 10:00 A.M. DECISION -MAKING BOY: Board of County Commissioners Patrici* uxs4n - APPLICANT:0 PV t Escryj ve lciesisr Ci•G ACRES: 56 REQUEST:A USe by %re'QI P'ttQ Pcrrhi# 4,' GC SoCat Eihee:” FadV{y (SEP) ce,m4i4e S ��iU heist. +camsi+es in /hi?U rSi�s ah� (Aqcu(tvrv() 2 n e 1 oi-eiCt (970) 400-6100 0 www.weld.gov 0 WELD COUNTY GOVERNMENT Department of Planning Services "Amu .aall COUNTY, CO Vicinity Map WELD COUNTY GOVERNMENT Department of Planning Services 86 COUNTY, CO Use by Special Review Approval Criteria (Section 23-2-220.A.) - Simplified 1. Consistent with Comprehensive Plan 2. Consistent with Zoning Intent 3. Compatible with Surrounding Land Uses 4. Compatible with Future Development (Weld Comp Plan Map & Municipality Plans) 5. Overlay or Hazard District? If so, Compliant with Special Requirements 6. A (Agricultural) Zone District? If so, Effort to Conserve Prime Farmland 7. Protection of Health, Safety And Welfare of Weld County Residents WELD COUNTY GOVERNMENT Department of Planning Services 1 COUNTY, CO 1. Consistent with Comprehensive Plan i Section 22-2-10.C "Promoting Economic Growth and Stability. Land use policies have a significant impact economic conditions in the County and should be structured to encourage economic prosperity. To ensure the continued strength of Weld County's economy, land use processes and decisions based on the [Comprehensive Plan] shall be consistent and promote financially responsible growth." - The Solar Energy will contribute to Weld County's economic resilience by creating construction jobs, generating renewable energy, and enhancing grid stability. It also provides a sustainable complement to traditional energy sources, helping buffer the local economy during fluctuations in oil and gas activity. Section 22-2-30.C. - Harmonize development with surrounding land uses. -minimum nuisance from the SEF and closest neighboring residence is great than five hundred (500) feet WELD COUNTY GOVERNMENT Department of Planning Services `'':1 .ate A 1 COUNTY, CO 2. Consistent wIth Zonin i g i ntent The A (Agricultural) Zone District is intended to provide areas for the conduct of agricultural activities and activities related to agriculture and agricultural production, and for areas for natural resource extraction and energy development, without the interference of other, incompatible land uses. Section 23-3-40.GG. Uses by Special Review, of the Weld County Code allows fora "Solar Energy Facility" in Lots outside of a subdivision and historic townsite in the (A) Agricultural Zone District. Section 23-1-90. states that Solar Energy Facilities (SEFs), being more than five (5) acres in size but less than one -hundred sixty (160) acres in the Near/Urban Area as shown on Appendix 21-B, or being more than five (5) acres but less than three -hundred twenty (320) acres in the Ag/Rural Area as shown on Appendix 21-B.allows the applicant to apply for the Solar Energy Facility. WELD COUNTY GOVERNMENT Department of Planning Services COUNTY, CO 3. Compafbile wth Surrounding Land Uses tiZone 11— WELD COUNTY GOVERNMENT Department of Planning Services Nawive COUNTY, CO USRs within one mile Closer view of USRs in this area a...6, USRl141 l E.XCAVATIQN EQUIPMENT SHOP USP-843 FEED SALES FARM EQUIP REPA'R Z s �_�•: a_.a o► cla 4u-san 3MUSR19-85.685 KENNELY1;40 DOGS!20 CATS r yr a _ a a a -at. aan n 392. a a s a R-897AM2 ERAI_' RES EV. FAC USR-&43 FEED SALES,FARM EC.IUIP. REPAIR \3MUSR19SS-685 EXCAVATIWNiELr140cAirsD4GS?20_ erEQUIPMENT SHOP C_Rt6,4 USR 91 SIRINKLER-SYSTEMS BUS. SUP -292 FEED LOT 3700 HEAD ,USR14-0002ta 3-a, MINERAL RES: DEV Fi en M Led U TREE SER, Fl KJ D z Ui X WELD COUNTY GOVERNMENT Department of Planning Services '':1 .ate 1 COUNTY, CO Closest Residences Owner's Residences Closest Residences WELD COUNTY GOVERNMENT Department of Planning Services N1/4 .ate 6 .rate" 1 COUNTY, CO 4. Compaib e wth Future Development I The site is located within: - Town of Severance Coordinated Planning Agreement boundary - No request for annexation, property is not located within the projected growth boundary of the Town's Future Land Use Map. Three (3) mile referral area of the City of Greeley- Advisory Comments WELD COUNTY GOVERNMENT Department of Planning Services COUNTY, CO Greeley's Land Use Guidance Map N liMPPC;OE GREELEY CENTERS Downtown Cantor Rta$onal Caner * neighborhood Carter CORRIDORS 11111 /.lr b Maid Cunict apecca ► bodai Car -bar t.caci PGkAre ;Oder Gter a, SPECIAL RECOMENDATIONS r-.. Patcnr* Fre t.nan :.xa.r.•r. AREAS LEGEND 111 1 24TH 8T EVAN LAND USE GUIDANCE MAP Nib ti 1lquirfi.nrau.s en glereW ire fn' OPEN LANDS & NATURAL AREAS NEIGHBORHOODS Ainxis sea Hirer Elx.aisor Hots If�'Coewn,nti Dewey Ernoa)mert, mart ara Comer.* Ness - intrrtr Chancier Corndor With An neaat W. A -ea filoarsr Land iii C Vie *4 iGn Ifl*Mr) City Ones Napa tress trnan Reserve Town of Kersey n of Kersey w L easar Rural Lflotj U -tan IA:xeo Use 0.375 0.75 a a a KERSEY 1.5 225 A 3 i s N Date of Preparation 121117 WELD COUNTY GOVERNMENT Department of Planning Services ':1 .ate A 1 COUNTY, CO Town of Severance's Future Land Use Map ;1 t I I Si 41. 1 1 1 I I I i 1t r Sinai� r li r a -III Ma lam earn le •I I d •c+ Ma ise zee.�. _�I iltor•s.r . ii I. .. • I I • 13 ,.......,.. .... 7 II «._..sa. easilina I -1 '4) le ter..it es% I I �;51t.gllil;il►rinliu�l ti ) 3,011111 =�ein Irish = tint, �i411Qi1 Dinr4n1;XI _ ONO loured Ott: at *bloc h1 blots* lIl4Rego i 1ClsNwaists' Atsaltn• i it M:n Rural Min Cut • NI Itiobn Anse taco Oats Is gra antaritio frets reararpai I! I i :1 1 i i 1 1 41 :4 .I - Is s s EONS I 1 1 i .I JSI .1 f1 I I I 1 I I NOTES Th t "VD aid de'ir d to meee Cb . ADA cflrntarne recoreireitirio . sat crtS in4csS#o.nAVM nce or; with oueslirts. 2. A sore1:a nicer Me be II ?al led r nre orrice to utke Iht undo tot features ot this met. Future Land Use _ : inn . Go mda mesa •6•.'%14&1.:..' * — r es�:- MAR 5 SITE WELD COUNTY GOVERNMENT Department of Planning Services '':1 .ate A 1 COUNTY, CO 5. Overlay or Hazard Dstrici i t? X A -P (Airport) Overlay District X I-25 Overlay District X Geologic Hazard Overlay District X MS4 - Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Area X Special Flood Hazard Area X Historic Townsites Overlay District X Agricultural Heritage Overlay District WELD COUNTY GOVERNMENT Department of Planning Services `'':1 .ate A 1 COUNTY, CO 6. Effort to Conserve P(me Farmland Site -Specific Information: 36 acres = Kim loam (1-3%) slopes that are classified as `Prime Farmland if irrigated', 1.4 acres = Olney fine sandy loam (1-3%) slopes that are classified as `Prime Farmland if irrigated and the product of 1 (soil erodibility) x C (climate factor) does not exceed 60' WELD COUNTY GOVERNMENT Department of Planning Services `'':1 .ate A 1 COUNTY, CO 7. Protecion of Health, Safety, & Welfare I Noise Narrative (Meets nonspecified Areas) Drainage Narrative (must maintain historic drainage flows) Traffic Narrative (Road maintenance agreement required) Must abide to Weld County Code, Development Standards, and Conditions of Approval Disturbed area is over 500 feet from neighboring residences. WELD COUNTY GOVERNMENT Department of Planning Services `.Z,1861_..44 -',..e: COUNTY, Co Proposed Site Layout APIIMINNEY Me I I Oat* (Oda a CAW Mot 1= sat 06:62200:6X4 rteitgzlit EOM +r ciwu *PM. tiro Rt. AG cur ler set 2943!' 0,0 20 non ISpir u�swc PEC. Mo. 200W1 aria SAIder WASP as i I sac Layj SAWA Mar MC. 1390IIN it a gig Mr= �kS eat. n1Zvat spas mar no s wwCiat Se --- ISSMIIWO I I I I I i10kNOD OAS flMC It per so I's 1, S rAcerrormril Ciervestt Wa[Tr ACbaitit 41' g _t I I 1 I Sur I )x As% Ng) Warr •AZ I I i {t7rtwC gninneIII. M1041G 607 A K0DAIXII Mental 01O1-2 T -s -AWSA Gttol ACM% AMIb MAttat Clabee �c 11D. M41P11 ei • ��t atill�i er. JP 70 4'44 7.4? • !ALP PIVOT PS 6.6-68 USR 25-XXXX. PARCEL NUMBER 080521400059 LOCATED ,N THE EAST 1/2 OF THE SE 1/4 Or SECTION 21. TOWNSHIP 6 NORTH. RANGE 66 WEST 6TH P.m. COUNTY OF WELD. STALE OF COLORADO t 56.34 ACRES PICKISID M' wlln Atz[ssAttato 4m' MC ROWS P#0rwta SAC +wtCAt 174 1C C. 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AMMO J Mutt MC. 114 22)T1)4 • • I I E 7 mot a 4.00.0 set iCanirridat \- Sot a ate ar s s Stir arP at+� tttttt�r North WELD COUNTY GOVERNMENT Department of Planning Services m1/41/4 .ate 1 COUNTY, CO North 3Y'4 J:. -R.;5-00' ! 2023, - E IHtm. - -tom nuur_ 1 WELD COUNTY GOVERNMENT Department of Planning Services COUNTY, CO East WELD COUNTY GOVERNMENT Department of Planning Services N1/4 .a6Hite 1 COUNTY, CO South s)i -4 • IrelilfraCe 711 w • a ti� WELD COUNTY GOVERNMENT Department of Planning Services '':1 .ate A 1 COUNTY, CO West WELD COUNTY GOVERNMENT Department of Planning Services "'1/411/4 .ate COUNTY, CO Looking north from neighboring property to the west, along CR 66 WELD COUNTY GOVERNMENT Department of Planning Services 86 flt COUNTY, CO 1 I 1 WELD COUNTY GOVERNMENT Department of Planning Services 86 f' COUNTY, CO WELD COUNTY GOVERNMENT Department of Planning Services 86 flt COUNTY, CO End of USR25 0016 Jessica Reid 3 0 EXHIBIT From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments: Matthew VanEyll Monday, October 27, 2025 8:40 AM CTB BOCC Hearing 11-5-2025 USR25-0016 Exhibit Updated Landscaping and Screening.pdf Good Morning, Clerk to the Board Team, USE 25- oo,c49 Attached is an updated landscaping and screening plan for USR25-0016 that I would like added as an exhibit for the BOCC hearing on November 5th, 2025. I have added this to Accela. Best, COUNTY. CO Matthew VanEyll Planner II Dept. of Planning Services (970) 400-3556 1402 N 17th Ave, Greeley, CO 80631 Join Our Team IMPORTANT: This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify sender by return e-mail and destroy the communication. Any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action concerning the contents of this communication or any attachments by anyone other than the named recipient is strictly prohibited. 1 �Pivot q�► Energy Pivot Energy Inc. - Landscape and Screening Plan Pivot Solar 66 LLC, Pivot Solar 67 LLC, and Pivot Solar 68 LLC c/o Pivot Energy Inc. are being constructed just west of the intersection of Weld County Road 66 and N 59th Avenue. The site is approximately 36 acres. Other nearby uses include center pivot and flood irrigation agriculture, oil and gas production, and cattle and dairy operations. Solar facilities present a low profile, especially when compared to other operational energy and commercial facilities already present near the property. As such, these installations generate very little visual impact to neighboring properties and typically require little in the way of visual buffering. The main strategy employed to lessen visual impact of the proposed installation is to site the facility at the greatest feasible distance from any residences on neighboring properties and from the right-of-way. The applicant intends to provide a 500 -foot buffer between the solar equipment and any neighboring residential parcels. If there are neighboring residences within a 500 -foot buffer, Pivot Energy Inc. will provide an option to decrease visual impacts, such as opaque fencing, landscaping features, or an agreed upon mitigation measure. The applicant proposes to surround the facility with a decorative, wildlife friendly game fence which will serve to break up the visual impact of the facility when viewed from adjoining properties. Within the fence line and on any other areas disturbed during construction, applicant will establish native, low -growth grasses in keeping with vegetation common for the area to allow the project area to blend in with the surroundings. In addition to the strategy outlined above, Pivot has contracted with a local consultant to design an updated irrigation system, which includes piping the private dirt ditches on the west side of the parcel, leading to the holding pond, and implementing improved irrigation, such as drip lines or sprinklers, in the 36 -acre project area. Furthermore, with the support of this project, the landowner intends to install their own sprinkler systems on their other pastures. The efficiencies gained from the piping and improved irrigation enable Pivot to work directly with the landowner for water, utilizing their existing river and reservoir shares to irrigate the project area. This allows for continued agricultural production on the entire parcel, not just the southern fields. Currently, the northern field/project area is flood -irrigated, and it is only irrigated because a cash -rent tenant farmer brings their own water shares. Whether this project is approved or not, the landowner does not plan to continue tenant farming this portion of their land. Without the piping and sprinkler upgrades that Pivot will bring to this parcel, there will not be sufficient water shares for the entire parcel, and the landowner plans to cease irrigation of the northern field, causing it to go fallow and only be used for dryland agriculture in 2026 and beyond. pivotenergy.net -AI-, M'.y .± 1•� • I M $ • R ; ter 4 • C a es k • rot Y)‘"e • loll a a vo akelob Aft, - ', L A • u• .� V tad. 24 •t'" , • .02% 44 e 4407 _ y, ▪ c . . ;t ▪ �• y I. I I `"Aam<, • • .•. ▪ s • a .1�: ' d Cat �q ems. r• •ral/44' u A Ie•••• . - t •. • f a•. r •1a b e • 5_• • S ypcc•q .. �L r • a4..• • • • •p c • •w a . , '• < �.I l R:. -,,Pt" r'ri�S'41 ..Ft S PLOT o I/ .4 t n •1V' Id••a''^ - - - \;''4jS.._:;'. '�.-• -. �S'�•.v.�w� • -/Si.G4)J' • • C Pivot Energy :TSi PIVOT SOLAR 6� LLC OAROARP OF COUNTY COMMISSIONcRS NOVEMBER .:m 2025 lowering Progress. USR25-001 6 NOT SOLAR 6 LLC INTRODUCTION AND COMMUNITY IMPACT Pivot Energy: Who We Are a. Asiis * Pivot Office Project Under Development or Completed • Colorado -based national leader in small-scale solar projects • Over 4.1 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 about $650,000 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 • Internship Program with Bright Futures 1/2,01Pivot Energy COMMUNITY IMPACT - BRIGHT FUTURES !BRIOHTFUTURES Lisa Taylor — Director of Bright Futures Working with Pivot and this year's internship success riti0914k Pivot Energy PROJECT BACKGROUND Originally - located just to the east in Greeley, with constraints • Underground infrastructure Prior development plans Now - consolidated and pushed back from residences and County Roads Original Site Brad's Equipmten .Rental. ��,� Pivot Energy PROJECT DETAILS ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Land lease with Patricia Buxman for 36 acres "Three" arrays up to 9.0 MW AC Each project is 3 MW AC Executed Interconnection Agreement with Xcel Operational 20 — 40 years 5,200% increase in property tax revenue over 40 years U nmanned operation outside agricultural activities no traffic, no noise, no lighting Lower to the ground than a single -story residence N o topsoil removed from site, no added soil imperviousness Maintains agricultural character of the land and soil health — a key factor TIA44 Pivot Energy 5 NEIGHBOR OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATION Steps Taken 1. USPS Priority mail flats sent to all original abutters 2/10/24 - 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 4. USPS Priority mail flats sent to all neighbors within 500 ft of the new site on 5/17/25 — offered another community meeting, if there was interest Outcome The community meeting had no attendees No interest expressed in a second community meeting Had one conversation with the southeast neighbors Buffer report, neighbor outreach (0.5 miles) ��,� Pivot Energy 6 NEIGHBOR OUTREACH AND SCREENING Pivot has heard from one neighbor to the southeast with questions regarding screening Patricia has had her neighbors' viewshed in mind from the start, and robust screening is required and codified per our lease Currently, Pivot has vegetative screening and opaque fencing planned on the southern and southeast sides. • Closest non -southern residence is over 1,200 ft away Patricia Buxman owns the properties and residences directly south of the project area r riti0914k Pivot Energy 7 LAND STEWARDSHIP AND AGRICULTURAL INTEGRITY • • Planning Commission Vote • Prior use was part of a larger dairy operation • No longer enough water for the northern pasture Our goal is to restore water to the northern pasture for grazing and/or farming • Irrigation also allows for flexibility in crop management Restore agricultural operations on this site with irrigation • Approach 1: • Irrigated low -height crop production • Approach 2: • Landowner or local shepherd irrigated feed crops for grazing • Irrigation will provide flexibility in agricultural land use • Proposed COA to Self -Impose Obligation if Necessary Pivot Solar 33 0 Pivot Energy 8 LANDOWNER TESTIMONY: PATRICIA BUXMAN FlAA. "=-44 HANK YOU CiatA Kyle Hockstad khockstadpivotenerqv. net 970-344-8350 x737 111 pivotenergy.net 4 L D it 17r�� L. rLLJi r BRIEF SUMMARY ■ Consolidated and "tucked back" project Continued irrigated agricultural use — saving agriculture ■ Right to farm, not have to farm by a tenant farmer Substantial screening, with potential for complete screening Increased property tax revenue for the operational life of the system ■ 5,400% ($1.2M) increase over 20 years ■ 5,200% ($2.5M) increase over 40 years Over $650,000 pledged and donated to Bright Futures and other organizations Maximizing utility and return from the land, with both energy and agricultural production d7. 0vr�et Vgig :i— e Y fi r I M v e S X S I_r- I =▪ n.=s- x t t- t Y fig 4- r. A ti rr r, Iggl real i!) iticikkh - ,3 _ �- ►a7e°e ms �- Roy L. Y _;X LI I(: InSite -- -Air x9Y _� 4 t • • API r) F f y. f@: a r - 4t, AlPg qu; , R it r te 114 l tit Pivot Energy.W� • • • 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. ■ The nearest non -landowner -owned residence is over 500' 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 500' away Decommissioning ■ Pivot will post a decommissioning bond with Weld County. jr;� Pivot Energy wii 14 • • • 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 ifl Pivot Energy 15 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. \�••• P ForgeSolar anning glare analysis Site Configuration I Components & Results Buxman Project, Weld County PS66-68 Created N1ar 31, 2025 Updated Sep 30, 2025 Time -step 1 minute Timezone offset UTC-7 Minimum sun altitude 0.0 deg Site ID 145571.24575 Project type Project status: active O Category 5 MW to 10 MW CONTACT ACCOUNT LOG CUT PRICING TOOLS & SERVICES - PROJECTS HELP - Home Projects Buxman Project, Weld... Site configurations P 66 8 111 Open in editor More = 4 Imagery ®2025 Airbus, Landsat / Copernicus, Maier Technologies Glare Analysis Summary PV Array Results Summary of Results No glare predicted! ifl Pivot Energy 16 Equipment that makes noise (inverters) are located hundreds of feet from the nearest non -landowner -owned 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 non -landowner -owned 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 a Ep ere e Y fi e S a — X X ` �—r1 X At ri g qrt r ip f r. r. !In St • F • • FtP r in Pivot Energy‘.� • 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 consjst+endifference 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 awtiJn compliance with all re4 ulator standards will similarly not be adversely affected b in either the short or lonq term periods. ifl Pivot Energy 18 6 PS66,67,68 32 Kim loam, to 3 percent slopes Map Unit Setti n g National map unit symbol: 362b Elevation: 4,900 to 5,250 feet Mean annual pr ecip to tion : 13 to 17 inches Mean annual air temperature: 46 to 52 degrees F Frost -free period: 125 to 150 days Farmland classification: Prime farmland if irrigated 33 —Kim loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes Map Unit Setting National map unit symbol: 362c Elevation: 4,900 to 5,250 feet Mean annual precipitation: 13 to 17 inches Mean annual air temperature: 46 to 52 degrees Frost -free period: 125 to 150 days Farmland classification: Farmland of statewide importance 47 Olney fine sandy loam, to 3 percent slopes Map Unit Setting National map unit symbot 362v Elevation: 4,600 to 5,200 feet Mean annual precipitation: 'I'I to 15 inches Mean annual air temperature: 46 to 54 degrees F Frost -free period: 125 to 175 days Farmland ossification: Prime farmland if irrigated and the product of I (soil crodibilit) x C (climate factor) does not exceed 60 Soil Pivot Energy 19 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 die NC CLEAN ENERGY Bis:p�?• 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. Soil Pivot Energy 20 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. (htt ://www. cancer. net/blo�/2022-O 1/ca n-havin -solar- living-near-solar-farm-increase-your-cancer-risk) panels-or- �,�;;,� Pivot Energy 21 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 non -landowner -owned residence: > 500 ft [i QlYtlta ffirintwil .WP 0 ! OP. 11,1 d �C = baneeta - firI MAC V a T I I • KJ 17 bet -D �`` Pivot Energy 22 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 ifl Pivot Energy 23 • • • • 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 ifl Pivot Energy 24 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 ifl Pivot Energy 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. 25 13 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 ifl Pivot Energy 26 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/S0060148118310565 ifl Pivot Energy 27 Hello