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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20231342.tiffINVENTORY OF ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Applicant Roberta McGregor and Dorothy Davis c/o Pivot Solar 33, LLC Case # USR23-0007 Submitted or Prepared Prior to At Hearing Hearing Presentation from the applicant X 2 Memorandum — Revision to the Planning Commission Resolution X I hereby certify that the two items identified herein was submitted to the Department of Planning Services at or prior to the scheduled Planning Commissioners hearing Molly Nelson, Planner I st • ¢L Pit , 1 ;_.J *St EXHIBIT Pivot Energy PIVOT SOLAR 33 LLC, PIVOT SOLAR 35 LLC, PIVOT SOLAR 36 LLC WELD COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 2, 2023 Clean Energy. Clear Choice. OVERVIEW Who is Pivot Energy? Why these sites? Project details (general up front, then specifics during individual hearings) Community impact and engagement How Community Solar works Site -specific information (incl. agricultural preservation) Conclusion Q&A n:wokPivot Energy WHO IS PIVOT ENERGY? • • • A national leader in smaller scale solar projects • 13 years of experience, 975 national projects, 650 project clients • Specialized in community solar and onsite/rooftop solar projects • HQ in Denver, CO with footprints in NM, MN, IL, NY, CA, VA, and more Certified B -Corporation • Exceedingly high standards for environmental, social, and governance factors • Track record of investing hundreds of thousands of dollars to local schools, LMI residents, and community organizations where our projects are based • These projects are 100% donated = $48.5 - $56M over 20 years (how?) • Triple -bottom -line philosophy: people, planet, profit Long-term owner and partner • Pivot Energy will retain ownership of the projects over their entire life and be the responsible entity for an operational issue and post -decommissioning restorations arw rt4frPivot Energy PROJECT DETAILS • • ■ Why these sites? • Good topography (flat) and solar resources (lots of sun!) • Proximity to distribution -level electrical infrastructure • Weld County's "energy agnosticism" and leadership in energy development of all kinds Single -axis trackers "follow the sun" 8 feet above average grade Low impact use allows the land to continue agricultural production and maintain soil quality • Upgrading and improving irrigation Low -growth, native seed mix will be used and sheep will be grazed Noxious weed and vegetation mitigation _ _ a rerarrsagrir_ Crearta-Agrallin /rae • zde 0 Pivot Energy PROJECT DETAILS (CONT'D) • • • • • • • • • Surrounded by decorative, wildlife -friendly game fence No dust, noise, glare or light pollution Majority of construction concentrated over 2-3 months Once operational, 4-8 maintenance visits per year Operational for 20-40 years Detailed decommissioning plan and bond commitment that aligns with the decommissioning conditions in the land lease No additional County utilities or resources necessary Highest and best use as determined by the property owner Significant community benefits in direct donations and other support Comprehensive outreach campaign to nearby neighbors ()PivotEnergy OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT • Pivot is committed to maintaining a strong, two-way relationship with neighbors • Minimum 3 touch -points with all adjacent neighbors: 1. Community Meeting held at WeldWerks Brewing Company on September 7, 2022 • Pivot developers were present at the meeting to answer questions 2. County letters informing neighbors of the project 3. Pivot sent follow-up letters to the same individuals on April 18, 2023 4*. Direct conversations with multiple neighbors, both inbound and outbound • No concerns received by planning staff or Pivot directly on any of the projects Example buffer report, direct neighbor outreach (500) tj Pivot Energy COMMUNITY IMPACT Pivot Energy is accelerating an equitable shift to clean energy in communities throughout the nation by developing, financing, and servicing renewable energy projects. Pivot aims to be a leader in socially impactful and responsible solar development, ensuring our projects deliver meaningful benefits to the communities we operate in. When possible, we develop projects that reduce energy burden for income -limited families, create workforce pathways for local residents to join the solar industry, and include community reinvestment plans driven by community stakeholder input. Our community investment program has donated and pledged over $1,100,000 to community -based organizations across the country. -1 Reducing Energy Burden: through supporting partners that help with utility bill assistance. weatherization or electrification -� Education & Outreach: through supporting partners that invest in education. workforce development, scholarships. or other career services -� Solar for All: through investing in groups that help to lower the barrier to entry for income qualified households to reap the benefits of distributed renewable energy generation PiPivot's Social Impact Reinvestment Pillars Utility Bill Assistance Weathenzation Electrification Reduce Energy Burden Income Qualified Subscnptions Education & Outreach Workforce Training Scholarships Career Services Lowenng Garners to Entry Pivot staff volunteering with Energy Outreach Colorado to send energy bill assistance packages to limited -income families. Pivot has donated $225k to EOC to support their work to reduce energy burdens for families across Colorado. Pivot giving a solar tour to workforce development partner DREAM Solar, that trains under -represented groups to join the solar workforce. in 2021. Pivot donated 5 solar systems for the DREAM team to install in historically Black and Latinx neighborhoods in Denver ()Pivot Energy PROJECT BENEFITS TO WELD COUNTY Property tax revenue to Weld County over the life of the systems totals over $1,400,000 for the initial 20 years and $2,800,000 over 40 years. • No "draw" on County resources (i.e. no water usage, no school needs, etc..) Economic diversity and stability for the community by generating power locally • All power generated stays in Weld County Pivot will make community investments to support workforce development and additional energy bill assistance • $240,000 committed to community -based organizations in the County • $85,000 will be donated to the Greeley -Weld Economic Development Partnership Incorporated (Formerly "Bright Futures") to support approx. 40 students in Weld County to pursue their career dreams. • Remaining direct donation to be informed by community partners and need tJ Pivot Energy PROJECT BENEFITS CONTINUED • • • In 2022, EOC (Energy Outreach Colorado, non-profit partner) assisted 1,984 Weld County residents with $1,041,500 in past due energy bills Since the start of EOC's program year on October 1, 2022: • The number of applicants for bill assistance in Weld County has increased 78% from the prior year • Applicants have carried a total of $1,873,520 in arrears, a 159% increase from the prior year • Participants will save approximately 50% on each bill (2500+ homes) 100% of the power from this solar garden will be donated to hardworking Weld County residents who are struggling to pay their electricity bills (2500+ homes every year for 20 years) • $48.5 - 56 million over the first 20 years �'�,,;• Pivot Energy HOW DOES COMMUNITY SOLAR WORKS WHAT DO YOU MEAN "DONATING 100%"? Typical structure (simplified) Prot sees energy and RECs to the utility ...at a low rate, to be competitive in the RFP solicitation. REC= Renewable Energy Credit Subscriber contracts with community solar purchase bill credits ...at a higher rate to generate enough revenue to support the project. �I I. i I I Subscriber 'scenes energy bill credits on utility bill I. I. I. Subscriber receives energy and bill horn utility as usual n Pivot Energy Pivot Structure (specific to this project) Subscriber contracts with cornmunrty soltrr purchase bill credits Because Pivot is "selling" REC's to the Utility at a higher rate, that revenue is enough to cover the cost of building and operating the project and as such we arc ablq to donate 100% of the associated bill credits to hardworking low and moderate income Coloradans. Protect sells energy and RECs to the utility...at a higher rate. 1 r r 1 r II I1 Subscriber receives energy bill credits on utility bill REC= Renewable Energy Credit Subsc r iber receives energy and bill horn utility as usual n Pivot Energy PROJECT SPECIFICS: PIVOT SOLAR 35 LLC SITE DETAILS: PIVOT SOLAR 35 LLC • • • • • • • • Great site for solar - unirrigated, dryland *NOT NRCS PRIME FARMLAND* Land lease with Tim and Laurie Cook 4 MWac CSG Located just north of the intersection at CO 33 and CO 36 Existing access: off CR 33 (Evans) 11,000-11,500 panels $121,322 in tax revenue over 20 years Pivot will obtain waivers for screening or will install opaque fencing/landscaping WAG wxixu Na PAM ran ix; l:c(O3 1 aaL1C 1051 Ita= rt �cc nc.A , .aANDONED a MU LOCATION PR rf, ACCT ..% NON) txxx rsgmr a porta No.1 E C RCEORT I MuST PAkCU NO 11i)1100W S= kJ �Pivot Energy 13 NEIGHBOR OUTREACH • Pivot is committed to maintaining a strong, two-way relationship with neighbors • Minimum 3 touch -points with all adjacent neighbors: 1. Community Meeting held at WeldWerks Brewing Company on September 7, 2022 • Pivot developers were present at the meeting to answer questions 2. County letters informing neighbors of the project 3. Pivot sent follow-up letters to the same individuals on April 18, 2023 4*. Direct conversations with multiple neighbors, both inbound and outbound • No concerns received by planning staff or Pivot directly Buffer report, direct neighbor outreach (500) n Pivot Energy SITE PRODUCTION SPECIFICS • The site is unirrigated and unfarmed due to insufficient water resources • Not NRCS Prime Farmland • Landowner is choosing solar in order to diversify their economic return • The system will be fully decommissioned after the operational term and returned to an improved condition 4 . an unaaafrynaf ommanar - Lu flaniguanaualiammaw r - _ — _ - - - limminismuthaususau lI1Lm/ulfunr,ruunful,ln,,,,rr,un:r... ar.- _.-.��._,�r�...►. __-�.- - -r ��--.� lllllUlllll lAllYjW l LLuizIll gLipjU iaUltim C%Ltlll[/111rn%t wales Wite -e« `"!a1r OEM-k�SY�T wY:<nA.�1�+�=--"{`;i .. ' ,..may.. y 1T�-S. �,• •` :l."44,40**0;17 err?! i•" 4 J r nPivot Energy LANDOWNER TESTIMONY: TIM AND LAURIE COOK • Brief parcel history • Why we chose solar • Water resource constraints • Economic security n Pivot Energy CONCLUSION • • Will provide benefits to Weld County residents and community members • Locally produced energy to stay in Weld County • Cost savings on monthly utility bills ($14.6-$16.8 million) • Increased property tax revenue for the operational life of the system ($500k -$IM, 20 & 40 years) • Community donations to local organizations ($80,000+) • Not on prime farmland Support the County's goal for economic development, agricultural preservation, and energy diversification Minimal impact or disturbance to surrounding properties relative to other development options Thank you! Questions? n Pivot Energy I PROJECT SPECIFICS: PIVOT SOLAR 36 LLC Pivot Energy PROJECT DETAILS: PIVOT SOLAR 36 LLC • • • Parcel is owned by Jerry Loeffler 5 MWac Community Solar Garden (CSG) Located at 23896 CR 35 Just south of Pivot Solar 22 LLC (ZPSF22-0001) Existing access: off CR 35 No homes within 500 feet C� Pivot Energy NEIGHBOR OUTREACH • Pivot is committed to maintaining a strong, two-way relationship with neighbors • Minimum 3 touch -points with all adjacent neighbors: 1. Community Meeting held at WeldWerks Brewing Company on September 7, 2022 • Pivot developers were present at the meeting to answer questions 2. County letters informing neighbors of the project 3. Pivot sent follow-up letters to the same individuals on April 18, 2023 4*. Direct conversations with multiple neighbors, both inbound and outbound • No concerns received by planning staff or Pivot directly Buffer report, direct neighbor outreach (500) ";: Pivot Energy AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION r Agrovoltaics u grass Maximum roof depth 3-6 inches Water and Soil Conservation Native Grasses & Forbs Common root depth 46 feet Pollinators and Habitats Our methods of holistic land management enrich the soil beneath our panels, provides farmers and ranchers with new sources of income, creates pollinator habitat, increases biodiversity • Temporary use with conservation qualities Groundcover and buffer species to be selected for native and pollinating traits • Soil rests for the site's useful life, similar to USDA's Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)* • Allows productive use of land while avoiding more intensive development in the area https://www.tsa.usda,gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/conservation-reserve-program/ 1/44(frPivot Energy AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION RETENTION: PIVOT SOLAR 36 LLC • • • • • A large portion of the parcel will be reserved for continued agricultural use Buffer for neighbors Pivot will work with the landowner to maintain current irrigation practices on non -solar area or convert to SDI Landowner will maintain water rights Landowner is choosing to pair solar and agriculture in order to diversify the economic return The land will be returned to its agricultural state for continued production once the system is decommissioned D- I axib fl !I In ir sap.. : .0:112077i I7 rat cna ta 4 ti W.nt it, wr rasa PNiiL r!.. U 1«HnlD c?a UNIT kua*) (r CAT 014 Cane at s Ql Ytic X1 M (S.alrr IOIKM r N. !Asti la a DS% Ma arwsun sue soh c cream nuts ro tsua x-vart, .I,..w•;a tar I.-�rnr Ai.l t lS �_ _ eC�tt1 f---- l .J i Is IIS1140 Oil MID est ©t) fine al au 2) Kaki t.. mat y t mellut POIDIIMADVI MI[1 a NMIIMU Fara IMO tattetirati —S 1 .stet ( ram)* Ian t� litratarri IC. sum want KUDIRt 1► a sxim Ivv°s' Renal a ittatt ON1atlas yell IC n Pivot Energy�4 NREL Sc CSU RESEARCH PARTNERSHIP Engaging in discussions for a partnership with a student at the Colorado School of Mines • How can we integrate food crops with PV installations? • 3 sites used to evaluate feasibility of growing food crops beneath solar arrays with little to no change in typical PV design Proposed measurements include: • Carbon sequestration of crops vs. typical seed mixes Soil water retention to quantify irrigation needs with vs. without array Potential CSU Soils laboratory and Alan Knapp's laboratory partnership • Working to narrow down sites for use to study soils and different grazing approaches • • • n Pivot Energy CONVERSION TO SUBSURFACE DRIP IRRIGATION? Subsurface drip irrigation is a low-pressure, high efficiency irrigation system that uses buried drip tubes or drip tape to meet crop water needs. • Subsurface irrigation saves water and improves yields by eliminating surface water evaporation and reducing the incidence of weeds and disease. • 50-60% less water than flood irrigation, 30-40% less than sprinkler • Increase in yields reported • Irrigate under solar panels as well as in buffer areas - hay or forage grass under panels • In discussion with High Plains Irrigation (based in Ault, CO) and SEIP (CSU lead research on site near Kersey) SUBSURFACE IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY PROJECT ()Pivot Energy LANDOWNER TESTIMONY: BERRY LOEFFLER • Brief parcel and farming history • Current water availability • Why I chose solar • Economic security ()Pivot Energy ≥5j CONCLUSION • • • • Will provide benefits to Weld County residents and community members • Locally produced energy to stay in Weld County • Cost savings on monthly utility bills ($16.9 -$19.5 million) Increased property tax revenue for the operational life of the system ($403,000-$789,000, 20 & 40 years) Community donations to local organizations ($80,000+ direct donation) Retention of agricultural character Support the County's goal for economic development, agricultural preservation, and energy diversification Minimal impact or disturbance to surrounding properties relative to other development options Thank you! Questions? n Pivot Energy 26 PROJECT SPECIFICS: PIVOT SOLAR 33 LLC SITE DETAILS: PIVOT SOLAR 33 LLC • • • ■ ■ • ■ Parcel is owned by Erik Davis (and family) 5 MWac CSG Located at 22440 CR 35 Just north of Pivot Solar 23 LLC (ZPSF22-002) Existing access: off CR 35 11,000-11,500 panels $141,655 in tax revenue over 20 years No homes within 500 feet, but specifically designed for agricultural buffer tillta• Wallah beartmelysle Ca. WINE. UTILITY POLE #1 PRIMARY METER (POCC) �'llillllll I PROPOSED 500 KWac CSG IN DEVELOPMENT s• ear .a. set. -.a\ eta c gram USR BOUNDARY PROJEC 1 FENCE 8' CHAIN LINK OR GAME FENCE PAD MOUNTED CUSTOMER OWNED STEP UP TRANSFORMERS (2x 2750kVA MIN EQUIPMENT PAD INVERTERS AC SWITCHGEAR CUSTOMER OWNED PV PRODUCTION METERS (2) AC DISCONNECT AUXILIARY TRANSFORMER DAS / WEATHER STATION GROUNDING TRANSFORMER UG MV RUN FROM STEP UP XFMR TO CUSTOMER POLE #1 (-17701 f npivot Energy NEIGHBOR OUTREACH Pivot is committed to maintaining a strong, two-way relationship with neighbors • Minimum 3 touch -points with all adjacent neighbors: 1. Community Meeting held at WeldWerks Brewing Company on September 7, 2022 • Pivot developers were present at the meeting to answer questions 2. County letters informing neighbors of the project 3. Pivot sent follow-up letters to the same individuals on April 18, 2023 4*. Direct conversations with Joyce Sandau • No concerns received by planning staff or Pivot directly nPivot Energy Buffer report, direct neighbor outreach (500') AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION Trigross aa Maximum root depth 3-6 inches Agrovoltaics 1. ; sJt' I ••••., . :1 irk Native Grasses & Forbs Common root depth 4-6 feet Water and Soil Conservation If, 11'1' Cr 0 .ti x.15 s t , ; I a id v I Pollinators and Habitats Our methods of holistic land management enrich the soil beneath our panels, provides farmers and ranchers with new sources of income, creates pollinator habitat, increases biodiversity • Temporary use with conservation qualities • Groundcover and buffer species to be selected for native and pollinating traits • Soil rests for the site's useful life, similar to USDA's Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)* • Allows productive use of land while avoiding more intensive development in the area https //www,tsa,usdasiov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/conservation-reserve-program/ irima 0 Pivot Energy AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION RETENTION: PIVOT SOLAR 33 LLC • • • • Farmland on the west used as a buffer for the neighbors from the solar project A large portion of the parcel will be reserved for continued agricultural use - convert sprinkler to flood irrigation on Western portion? SDI? Landowner will maintain water rights (ditch & well) Landowner is choosing to pair solar and agriculture in order to diversify the economic return The land will be returned to its agricultural state for continued production once the system is decommissioned I _�.'SI .. roar .. ,r.. MI 1,3 MS Yr7N a .s.. SIM .— X110 t IMMS ISMS GI Kd DI CUM sawn ary 3RY.. ..a.4 a. :MVO ♦i t1i.Ma i•.aSM tatia:t* .4 :IP le -ea WV ptCM PIMM tilgivot Energy 31 CONVERSION TO SUBSURFACE DRIP IRRIGATION? • Subsurface drip irrigation is a low-pressure, high efficiency irrigation system that uses buried drip tubes or drip tape to meet crop water needs. • Subsurface irrigation saves water and improves yields by eliminating surface water evaporation and reducing the incidence of weeds and disease. • 50-60% less water than flood irrigation, 30-40% less than sprinkler • Increase in yields reported • Irrigate under solar panels as well as in buffer areas - hay or forage grass under panels In discussion with High Plains Irrigation (based in Ault, CO) and SEIP (CSU lead research on site near Kersey) t• SUBSURFACE IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY PROJECT n Pivot Energy NREL 8c CSU RESEARCH PARTNERSHIP • • • Engaging in discussions for a partnership with a student at the Colorado School of Mines • How can we integrate food crops with PV installations? • 3 sites used to evaluate feasibility of growing food crops beneath solar arrays with little to no change in typical PV design Proposed measurements include: • Carbon sequestration of crops vs. typical seed mixes • Soil water retention to quantify irrigation needs with vs. without array Potential CSU Soils laboratory and Alan Knapp's laboratory partnership • Working to narrow down sites for use to study soils and different grazing approaches n Pivot Energy LANDOWNER LETTER: ERIK DAVIS • Brief parcel and agricultural history • Water resources available • Why I chose solar • Economic security 0 Pivot Energy CONCLUSION • • • • Will provide benefits to Weld County residents and community members • Locally produced energy to stay in Weld County • Cost savings on monthly utility bills ($17 -$19.7 million) • Increased property tax revenue for the operational life of the system ($547,000-$1,070,131 @ 20 & 40 years) • Community donations to local organizations • $80,000+ direct community informed donations • Retention of agricultural character Support the County's goal for economic development, agricultural preservation, and energy diversification Minimal impact or disturbance to surrounding properties relative to other development options Thank you! Questions? OPivot Energy Kyle Sundman ksundmanpivotenerciy.net 719-233-4322 D pivotenergy.net in Report — Prime and other Important Farmlands Weld County, Colorado, Southern Part Map Symbol 72 Map Unit Name Vona loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes 0 Pivot Energy s a i au iiiialuu %.ia,3iliL.atnani Farmland of local importance PS35 -Unirrigated -Not Prime Farmland Report — Prime and other Important Farmlands e Weld County, Colorado, Southern Part Map Symbol 46 Map Unit Name Olney fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes 75 Vona sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes Farmland Classification Prime farmland if irrigated and the product of I (soil erodibility) x C (climate factor) does not exceed 60 Farmland of statewide importance PS33 0 Pivot Energy PS36 Report — Prime and other Important Farmlands S Weld County, Colorado, Southern Part Map Symbol 3 Map Unit Name Aquolls and Aquents, gravelly substratum Farmland Classification Prime farmland if drained and either protected from flooding or not frequently flooded during the growing season 0 Pivot Energy MIS 10) Year A grerneSa Floodwaj tj Pivot Energy NOISE • • • 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 equivalent to a residential air conditioning unit None of the equipment operates early in the morning or late at night The equipment is "off" when the sun is not out gam RIM 300 SOUND BUFFER (SOUND RETURN!-_, 'O AMP,' ENT CCND TIONS • • a. a • a a • • OP OM A PRO:c MATE E ;-;C;C ED irC/;PTE ; • n Pivot Energy GLARE • • • • 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 and if glare is produced, they are not doing their job! Creator Update Time -s1 Timezo Site ID Project. Project, Catopo Mist. DIVI: v4 Ocular' Pupil Eye Iti Sun ad Surr gee III w■.. imam 0Ill 0Olt PS PS:. PS PS 3 Forge Solar ForgeSolar Created Updated • Time-st.F T (meson() Minimum Site ID Ws Project ty Project st Category Misc. A ow vett Ocular trf Pupa dtaf Eye local Son MAW PV Sumr ()Pivot Energy PV Nar --..■isk ForgeSolar PS 36 full site analysis PS36 full site report Created Apra $0. 70?% Updated Acrd t9. 2023 Time ...top t ((enure Timezone offnt UtC Site ID twuggl i wsS Protect type Advanced Project status: active Category 1 MW In S MW Misc. Analysis Settings (Nil varies 11.)00.0 W/m'2 peak) (rrule► trrurwrnrr.nar •.+r.dtr.•nm' 0.5 Pupil IlrnrrrnaM 0.002 in Lyn local kwryltr 0.017 m tiise rrrerterrrtlu.1 arwNu 9.3 mad Summary of Results No glare predicted! PV Nanrr 3 r ra, Tilt deg SA tracking Orientation dog ';A tracking PV V Aruslyno Marl rindokkgy Wrsaon 2 F rduwrc.rrl rudtsided rennin cnk sdmlrrxr On "Green" Glare nnn 0 "Yellow" Glare min 0 ForgeSolar Energy Produced kWh PROPERTY VALUE • 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 long term periods. �';,;�Pivot Energy IMPACT ON WILDLIFE • • 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 11111111, 0 Pivot Energy HAZARDOUS MATERIALS • • • • 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.coni ri Pivot Energy HEALTH AND SAFETY IMPACTS 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 NC CLEAN ENERGY "c 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 Carolina'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 arc 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. n Pivot Energy WHAT'S INSIDE A SOLAR MODULE? Sn Coated Cu Busbar and Tabbing - Pb/Sn solder is used to attach tabbing to the cell metallization and to the busbars Tabbing /1 ***4%***sH%-‘% Solar Cells ‘11.111414:444‘111111%‘IIIIIS Busbar Front Metal Grid (Ag) SiNx Anti -reflective Layer Junction Box Silicon Wafer Aluminum Aluminum Frame Frame Adhesive Tempered, Low -Fe Cover Glass Polymeric Encapsulation Film 1 (e.g., EVA) Stringed Solar Cells Sn Coated Cu Busbar Polymeric Encapsulation Film 2 (e.g., EVA) Backsheet (e.g., PET/PVF polymeric laminate) https://www.epa.gov/hw/solar-panel-recycling 0 Pivot Energy SOLAR PANEL TOXICITY 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-li ving-near-solar-farm-increase-your-cancer-risk) i_';,; Pivot Energy 48 ExHIBIT 2 MEMORANDUM TO: Planning Commission DATE: May 2, 2023 FROM: Molly Nelson, Planning Services SUBJECT: USR23-0007 Completion of Conditions of Approval COA 1. Prior to recording the map: A. The applicant shall acknowledge the advisory comments of the Town of LaSalle, as stated in the referral response dated February 14, 2023. Evidence of such shall be submitted in writing to the Weld County Department of Planning Services. (Department of Planning Services) B. The applicant shall address the requirements of the Division of Water Resources, as stated in the referral response dated February 21, 2023 Evidence of such shall be submitted in writing to the Weld County (Department of Planning Services) C. The applicant shall acknowledge the advisory referral comments of the Weld County Oil and Gas Energy Department as stated in their referral response dated January 25, 2023. Evidence of such shall be submitted in writing to the Weld County Department of Planning Services. (Oil and Gas Energy Department) Response: Email received from the applicant on April 26, 2023, states that the comments from the Town of LaSalle, and the Oil and Gas Energy Department have been acknowledged. The applicant also acknowledges the comments from the Division of Water Resources, and ensured no water would be used. Hello