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Home My WebLink About20231301.tiffINVENTORY OF ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION Applicant Timothy and Laura Cook c/o Pivot Solar 35, LLC Case # USR23-0006 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 Diana Aungst, Planner III lei Pivot Fr" 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 U Pivot 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 PivotEnergy�� 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 ratipprardreareafrarraira- AMIN ate,► 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 U Pivot Energy 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 WeidWerks 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) U 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. -4 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 Pivot's Social Impact Reinvestment Pillars Utility Bill Assistance Weathenzation Electrification Reduce Energy Burden Income Qualified Subscriptions Education Outreach N Workforce Training Scholarships Career Services Lowenng Barriers 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. n 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 s'�; 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 n Pivot Energy HOW DOES COMMUNITY SOLAR WORKS WHAT DO YOU MEAN "DONATING 100%"? Typical structure (simplified) Project sells 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 till credits ...at a higher rate to generate enough revenue to support the project. IS' I'S ''I Subscribes recent. energy bill creddtt. on utility bill Subscriber receives energy and bill from utility as usual nrt*Pivot Energy 10 Pivot Structure (specific to this project) Subscriber contracts with community solos 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 Ars gig Ics donate 100% of the associated bill credits to hardworking low andmoderate IncQrne Coloradans. Protect sells energy and RECs to the ut.ility...at a higher rate. S S 'SI I,, ''S 1 I Subscriber receives energy bill credits on utility bill REC= Renewable Energy Credit Subscriber receives energy and bill from Wilily as usual 0 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 0 Pivot Energy Ene+G »YtWr H t7 PARat. 105111 Cook MOM a PM QIke t0G71 Uil0311 frePROMATE sErivoc tocAncreCP ARRItt PARCEL N0. 10671 trace ABACCNED Olt. Vial Lt)CAnow coot PWMta Mal SO, i.0)11 U*TPv t NTERIACosit. tic rimre. t•4fl'fl% 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 WeidWerks 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) asAm F Pivot Energy 14 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 MlillitlfillinallWilUDIUUMIUMMIl ►uzwiltl uuslinininiflnnitilligagu wammazaihiliailtaiattiaillizaututmatitatts llWru uatillJ " ----- ..4,4,-__.---.--•_- lam': -•":--„e? • • WWI r ,tom ,t4e'd %ler .- ter. ... . • •._.:.....•.; •: •< 'Mlle -s- -'- .:t t:•r.i'• ..::a►v; ••••••• y` • ) -j -..� r ^.%= :cam .,... 1 _ lk .... .6.. • •- _. .•.a . - _ ...a' ''t recs. •f[if14? e..v -. •••vt...c.: _.. ar+V.-..1_r :. •••••..a' .. .sa - Lw�.=.+.•r IA. xvr.1r..sa •- _r. .t n -p..it --•....•.i1..'.•...�•.•••• IN�.Y/iti• .--as--�.J Jr Y I l l!' l r• 0Pivot Energy LANDOWNER TESTIMONY: TIM AND LAURIE COOK • Brief parcel history • Why we chose solar Water resource constraints • Economic security ()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 -$1M, 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? J Pivot Energy PROJECT SPECIFICS: PIVOT SOLAR 36 LLC 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 Mural Ca ICI Mee PARMACI YASrN 4490010.2 CID-m7p u% SOLAR roan SCUNDART a er iTrm KISS Pahl PCCES15 ICAO cRJOrTALTIESWAD 0411,A Cat All RisETSAa) SLTBAU(FAW CiACE .mtw3a tetliS (St 31.75.01 DEW] a sit ca SLTaKrI 2 t tat RLP CASE /Ej. ., .F3a+r Mantn. ormecccan Marx FACILITY balPORv fWYFl flMAfi 7S FROM it Uhl rektrrt?s L140 I" n 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 20 AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION Maximum root depth 3-6 inches Agrovoltaics Water and Soil Conservation Native Grasses & Forbs Common root depth db 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.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/conservation-reserve-program/ nmiPivot 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 t SILAS lag+ VS tlyck Is • Pria CL1tC'XR1 rw it tins 1 lignarnI IMF twaf,l.M�[j opal u..atian le PON Mill fait a.A(&. 4' 11 4: +�i►ruor i r Wa ISA fit IKLIKitrt "mac cluS t.9*77W titt UMW! tENT KL1.'1tinKi fentacase*n it :7nt t u.: PL x Hli 1v:M7; tntnl:A NLsk C. nmwa au 21 503FureE In ib arse slu au12 Tn 1-11 int afarr -a- PINS Jur Juno 'ets KJ ghtts art ttrnt ?Val 10 351 CIO I 9t1' 1? 11 trt t1) P I ttaur+�rwt4 ►wQlteou6trt I� wsaw�awnr� t t�lv0ly? I �IIIDLw a • Milt kVA 'MOM 4 22 tj Pivot Energy NREL & _ 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 tj Pivot Energy 23 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) 411 SUBSURFACE IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY PROJECT 0 Pivot Energy 24 LANDOWNER TESTIMONY: BERRY LOEFFLER • Brief parcel and farming history • Current water availability • 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 ($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? ()Pivot Energy 26 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 (ZPS F22-002) 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 1itliilniIma .KYM eat C eat vs r S wrrran PROPOSED 500 KWac CSG IN DEVELOPMENT 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 (-1770') tips n 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 Joyce Sandau • No concerns received by planning staff or Pivot directly Buffer report, direct neighbor outreach (500') C)PivotEnergy AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION • R i rTurfgrass r Maximum root • depth 3-6 rnchet Agrovoltaics Water and Soil Conservation A Native Grasses & Forbs Common root depth 4-6 feet a 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 https1/www.tsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/conservatton-Drogramsiconservation-reserve-proaram/ tjPivot 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 Er II II II H II I I T II II II II II IMAM MOO .a..LIP 'St 10 Iaiiaa� _.sir.4 ass as iscries War JUN* 'Sfl to ensas. i(Sn• I. ena , �., a rnWe vistas 030Itsin Pilliffr ion Main ins* U 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 =oa,,i,PivotEnergy NREL & _ 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 r,Pivot Energy LANDOWNER LETTER: ERIK DAVIS • Brief parcel and agricultural history • Water resources available • Why I chose solar • Economic security tj Pivot Energy 34 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? n PivotEnergy 35 THANK YOU Q&A Kyle Sundman ksundmanpivotenergy.net 719-233-4322 tri No k 0 pivotenergy.net in n Is $ MI ti SS 11 all MI t1 n $1 u Report — Prime and other Important Farmlands Weld County, Colorado, Southern Part Map Symbol Map Unit Name 72 Vona loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes a aka. .ea rarillrailu L.1a33111Lat.1V Farmland of local importance PS35 -Unirrigated -Not Prime Farmland ("Pivot Energy 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 Oil ItIPivot Energy PS33 38 Prime farmland if drained and either protected from flooding or not frequently flooded during the growing season ainSINE 10) Year A Floodwaj 0 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 HID 300' SOUND BUFFER (SOUND RETURNS TO AMBIENT CONDITIONS nmu • I Y 2 n�PivotEnergy 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! eels ■p■■. PS Psi Croatet Update Tlme-s' Tlmezo site ID Project Project Catouo Mist. DNI: vg Ocular Pupil c Eye 1s Sun Sun PV PV al 0 Pivot Energy --■■■■. :I Forget•otar ForgeSolar PS r PS 3. Created Updated Time-steF Iimezonn Minimum Site ID WI Project ty Project st Category Misc. A DNI: vati Cknrlsr In Pupil duo Eye local Sun subtl Sumr PV Nar PV arra ForgeSolar PS 36 full site analysis P536 full site report Created April 10, 2023 Updated April 19, 2023 Ttnw-Step r "shuts Tunezone offset WC Site ID ' WstBtt 1.`,665 Project type Advanced Project status: wrtnw Category 1 MW to 3 MW Misc. Analysis Settings Uhl verses 11,000.0 witn^2 peak) (A uint thif, 'iititi, n ...flt, t..r ' 0.5 ,II.Vptrirt 0.002 Ill lye local wino' 0.017 m Sun wdrlwKlud Anglia 0.3 nu ad Summary of Results No glare predicted' PV NarTlr• PV array 1 Tilt deg SA tracking Orientation deg SA tracking iv ry wlr-«w Mattodoki gy- version 2 F nl wowr:.», Illtikw' w1 Wolin cl dcnishews On "Green" Glare nun 0 "Yellow' Mete m!n 0 ForgeSolar Energy Produced kWh 42 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 com liance with all regulatory standards will similarly not be adversely affected, in either the short or long term periods. A Pivot Energy 43 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 el 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.com 0 �,,;� 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 a NC CLEAN ENERGY "gy. 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 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. tj Pivot Energy 46 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 t‘ I ISOI �Cells \bar 11 — 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 nPivot 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) n PivotEnergy 48 MEMORANDUM TO: Planning Commission DATE: May 2, 2023 FROM: Diana Aungst, Planning Services SUBJECT: USR23-0006 Completion of Conditions of Approval COA 1.A. Prior to recording the map: A. The applicant shall acknowledge the advisory referral comments of the Weld County Oil and Gas Energy Department, as stated in the referral response dated January 25 2023. Evidence of such shall be submitted in writing to the Weld County Department of Planning Services. (OGED) Response: Email received from the applicant on May 2, 2023 states that the comments from the Oil and Gas Energy Department have been acknowledged. a 3 EXHIBIT 2 USR23-0006 Submit by Email Weld County Referral January 23, 2023 The Weld County Department of Planning Services has received the following item for review: Applicant: Timothy & Laura Cook, c/o Pivot Solar 35, LLC Case Number: USR23-0006 Please Reply By: February 20, 2023 Planner: Diana Aungst Project: 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. Parcel Number: 105711200018-R8946702 Legal: LOT B REC EXEMPT RECX15-0103; PART SW4NW4 SECTION 11, T4N, R66W of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado. Location: East of and adjacent to CR 33, approximately 0.5 miles north of CR 46. The application is submitted to you for review and recommendation. Any comments or recommendation you consider relevant to this request would be appreciated. Please reply by the above listed date so that we may give full consideration to your recommendation. Any response not received before or on this date may be deemed to be a positive response to the Department of Planning Services. If you have any further questions regarding the application, please call the Planner associated with the request. Please note that new information may be added to applications under review during the review process. If you desire to examine or obtain this additional information, please call the Department of Planning Services. We have reviewed the request and find that it does / does not comply with our Comprehensive Plan because: We have reviewed the request and find no conflicts with our interests. See attached letter. Signature /< ,Fivoaddi Agency Weld County Oil & Gas Energy Department Date 1/25/2023 Acknowledged. Pivot notes that there are no conflicts with the Weld County Oil and Gas Energy Department. Weld County Planning Dept. 1555 N. 17th Ave, Greeley, CO 80631 (970)-400-6100 (970)-304-6498 fax Weld County Oil & Gas Energy Department Referral Comments Referring Agency Weld County Department of Planning Services Reference Number USR23-0006 Associated Parcel 105711200018 OGED Reviewer Kelly Holliday Review Date January 25, 2023 The Staff of the Weld County Oil and Gas Energy Department (OGED) appreciates the opportunity to comment on the captioned planning case Staff has completed review of the proposal and have no conflicts with the proposed activity We have included additional comments below 1 There are no active or proposed 1041 WOGLA Permits on the associated parcel There are several oil and gas well sites in the area surrounding the parcel 2 The parcel includes one (1) plugged and abandoned (PA) well listed in Table 2 below Additional information regarding these plugged and abandoned wells is available from the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) OGED recommends that the Applicant review this information and contact the responsible operator regarding well infrastructure that may have been abandoned in place prior to conducting operations in proximity to the wells API Operator Well Title Well Status 05-123-15624 NOBLE ENERGY INC 11-5F UPRC PA 3 The USR lands may include additional oil and gas related infrastructure, such as off -location flowlines or pipeline which are a use by right and not regulated by Weld County OGED requests that the applicant reviews flowline data available from the COGCC map viewer and utilize Colorado 811 prior to any excavation activities These comments and recommendations are based upon the review of the application materials submitted by the applicant and other relevant information available on the E -Permit site Hello