HomeMy WebLinkAbout20182315.tiffUSEc!Y!PfEP4.RE.Vi.EV..jUSi*APP.LICATJoN.
SPECIAL
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SERVICES * 1555 N. 17Th AVENUE * GREELEY, CO 80631
www.weld * 970- X100 EXT 3540 * FAX 97040446498
FQR. PLANNING.PEPARTIVNT U F:
AMOUNT
APPLICATION RECEIVED E
DATE RECEIVED:
ED:
CASE 4t ASSIGNED:
PLANNER ASSIGNED:
Parcel Number'*: 1 2 0 9 0 1 �.
Address of site: 11461 County Road 25
0
atommotqlome
Legal Description: N2SE4/E2SW4 W4EXC SEG SW COR E; ection; 01
Zone District t: Acreage; �l 41. Flood
plain:
P E E PR'?M' PERTY:.
Name: Todd G. McCormick
Company:
(*A 12 digit number an Tax ID.
information, obtainable at
Www.+ Nd+t v,. mt,
s _
Township: 0aN Range: 67
eological Hazard: Y J Airport Overlay: YO4
Phone*; 970-786-6586
Street Address: 17161 County Road "!'-'--'--W W •- t i\I / .111. \'r �111.��'l /l. ... _�_..-•-•---_--il
City/State/Zip Code: Platteville,CO 80651
Erne: naa.
Name:
Company: __._.._._._....
Phone It:
Street Address;
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Email:
City/tat p Code:
Name:
AA A
Company:
Phone It: Email;
Street Address:
City/State/Zip Code:
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PP''_L I T + 3R AU Q p, E ; (See below: Authorization must accompany all applications signed by Authorized Agents)
Name: Michael McCabe for Oak Leaf Solar XXIX..LLC
Company: .Oak Leaf Energy,Partners „1._..._.....�._w.I... ,
Phone #: 303-893-6945; 720-739-7413 Erinail: mike@oakieafep.com, kyie(goaldeafep.com
Street Address: 2645 E 2nd Aver Ste 206
CitylState/Zip Code: D# rero CO 8}205
PROPOSED USE:
Small Scale Solar Energy Facilit ►
I (We) hereby depose and state under penalties of perjury that all statements, proposals, an '`or plans submitted with or
contained within the application are true and correct to the best of my {out)knowledge. Signatures of all fee owners of property
must sign this application. If an Authorized Agent signs, a letter of authorizalion from all fee owners must be Included with the
application,. If a corporation is t ylfee owner, notarized evidence must be included indicating that the signatory has to Legal
orati
Print Name
AAent ate Signature: Owner or Authorized Anent Date
Print Name Rev 4/2016
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND BUILDING
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONNMENT
1555 NORTH 17TH AVENUE
GREELEY, CO 80631
AUTHORIZATION FORM FOR BUILDING, PLANNING AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT
PERMITS AND SERVICES
I, (We), Todd McCormick , give permission to Oak Leaf Solar XXIX LLC
(Owner — please print)
(Applicant/Agent — please print)
to apply for any Planning, Building or Health Department permits or services on our behalf, for the property located
at:
Up to 15 acres on the West side of parcel 120901000040 (17267 COUNTY ROAD 25)
N2SE4eE2SW4 1-3-67 EXC BEG SW COR E2SW4 E947' N200' NiMi(1000' S46.0' TO BEG ALSO EXC THAT PT LYING W OF WESTERN MUTUAL CANAL (1.18R30)
Legal Description: of Section 01 , Township 03 N, Range 67W
Subdivision Name: N/A Lot N/A Block NIA
Property Owners Information:
Phone: E-mail:
Applicant/Agent Contact Information:
Phone: 720-739-7413 -__ E -Mail: mike@oakleafep.com; kyle@oakleafep.com
Email correspondence to be sent to: Owner
Applicant/Agent Both
Postal service correspondence to be sent to: (choose only one) Owner
Additional Info:
Owner Signature:
Applicant/Agent
4Imc4E. _ Date: 57/$ao/8'
•
Owner Signature: Date:
Isabella Juanicorena
From: Auto_Sender@AcceIa.com
To: MIKE@OAKLEAFEP.COM
Subject: Your Application Has Been Deemed Complete
Thank you for your Application. We have deemed your application complete and are continuing to process your
application. Please reference Case Number USR18-0047 if you have any questions about your case.
If you need further assistance, please feel free to contact our office at 970-353-6100 ext 3540.
ENERGY PARTNERS
Use by Special Review — Small Scale Solar Facility
McCormick Solar c/o Oak Leaf Solar XXIX LLC
Version: Original
May 11, 2018
Oak Leaf Energy Partners
2645 E. 2nd Avenue, Suite 206 Denver, CO 80206
Weld County USR Application
Oak Leaf Energy Partners
1.1.1.1 Planning Questions: Planner on Call 970-353-6100 x3540
I. Explain, in detail, the proposed use of theproperty.
• Oak Leaf Solar proposes to construct a 2MW DC solar farm on approximately 12 acres
of land near the Town of Platteville, on a site which currently lies dormant. The solar
farm will generate approximately 3,358,000 kWh annually, about the equivalent of 400
homes.
• The solar array will deliver electrical energy to Xcel Energy for 2 0-3 0 years through the
company's "Solar Rewards* Community" program, and will be interconnected by
December 31, 2018 at the latest.
• The panels will be supported by a racking system attached to piers that will be driven
at least 5' into the ground. The solar modules and the frames supporting them have been
designed to withstand a 120 mile per hour wind load and a 25 pound per square foot
snow load. Inverters will be provided to transform the DC power to alternating current
(AC). The solar farm will be connected to the Xcel's Energy's distribution network.
• The solar farm will be enclosed in a fenced area and will not create any noise
disturbances to surrounding neighbors. The panels will sit '8 feet off the ground and
will be facing south if we elect to utilize a fixed tilt system, or they may track the sun on
a single axis. Our decision is contingent on results from our engineering partner being
positive in regard to topography and space, among other things. The solar panels will
not reflect sunlight as the panels, by definition, absorb the sunlight to create electricity.
Our project team has built four solar projects at Denver International Airport and the
FAA has concluded reflectivity is not an issue. We would like to construct the facility
beginning in Q2 2018. The construction should take no more than 4 months. The facility
would be in place for 30 years.
• The construction and operation & maintenance (O&M) crews will access the site from
the West via WCR 36. We anticipate as many as 10 semi -truck loads of equipment per
week will be delivered during the three-month construction period. In addition, crews
in passenger vehicles and bobcat skid steer loaders on tracks will be on -site almost
every day during construction. O&M crews will access the site twice per year using
pickup trucks.
• The facility will be maintained twice per year by qualified solar O&M crews. In addition
to maintaining the solar system components, maintenance activities will include
visually inspecting the chain link fence to ensure it is free form obstructions and remains
firmly planted in the ground. Crews, on an as needed basis, will cut or trim the native
grasses. The solar system is monitored remotely through a sophisticated data
acquisition system (DAS) so if there are any problems a technician will be dispatched to
investigate and resolve the problem
2. Explain how this proposal is consistent with the intent of the Weld County Code, Chapter
22 of the Comprehensive Plan.
• Section 22-2-70 of the Weld County Code describes the intent of the industrial goals is
to establish industrial areas where a balance, diversified economy can be encouraged
Page 2 of 12
in an effort to maintain and enhance the quality of life of Weld County citizens. These
Goals and Policies intent to assure desirable local employment opportunities and to
strengthen and stabilize the economy
• Section 2 2-4-40 of the Weld County Code describes allowing development that
encourage clean air and emissions of hazardous pollutants. This development uses
solar power and converts it to electrical power. This development will not discharge
any air emissions into the atmosphere or cause any dust or odor.
• Section 2 2-4-60 of the Weld County Code describes how noise shall be considered. This
development will not generate any perceivable noise and therefore complies with this
development requirement.
• Section 22-4-80 of the Weld County Code describes how waste shall be considered.
This development will not generate regular waste from the production of electrical
energy and therefore complies with this development requirement.
• Section 22-5-110 and 22-5-120 NR Goal 5 of the Weld County Code describes that other
natural resources shall be utilized. The proposed solar array is a renewable natural
resource that would be supported by these sections and code requirements.
• Section 22-5-130 of the Weld County Code specifically describes that Weld County
supports and encourages the use of Alternative Energy Resources. Weld county does
not intend to replace traditional sources of energy, but supports the expanding of the
"New Energy Economy" to support and enhance traditional sources of energy. This
development is considered an Alternative Energy Resource and shall be supported by
Weld County.
3. Explain how this proposal is consistent with the intent of the Weld County Code, Chapter
23 (Zoning) and the zone district in which it is located.
• The Agricultural zone is intended to protect the valuable resource [Farmland] from
adverse impacts resulting from uncontrolled, and undirected business, and retains the
discretion to be used for Use by Special Reviews, should the proposed development
have a potentially greater impact than allowed by Use by Right. Small scale solar is a
non -permanent, controlled and directed use of this land consistent with Section 23-3-
4ONN as a Use by Special Review for a Small Scale Solar Facility.
4. Describe what type of land uses surround the site. Explain how the proposed use is
consistent and compatible with surrounding land uses.
• The property is currently used for agriculture. The land owner on which we are
constructing this solar facility was encouraged by the possibility of generating more
income on his land than he currently is by cultivating a crop. This is a temporary use
and we have requested a letter from our landlord confirming that he is interested in
taking this land "out of production". When our lease is up, the land will be returned to
the same condition as it is currently and can once again be used for agriculture if so
desired by the owner.
5. What are the hours and days of operation? (e.g. Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
• During construction, crews will be on -site from 7am-6pm. After construction, the site
will not be manned but the solar farm will generate electricity during daylight hours.
Page 3 of 12
Operations and maintenance crews will be on -site twice annually for about 4 hours per
day.
6. List the number of full time and/or part time employees proposed to work at this site.
• During the construction phase, there will be up to 20 people per day on site. After the
system is built, no employees will be on -site with the exception of 1-2 operations and
maintenance personnel who will be on -site twice annually.
7. If shift work is proposed include the number of employees per shift.
Not applicable - this is an un-manned facility.
8. List the number of people who will use this site. Include contractors, truck drivers,
customers, volunteers etc.
• During the four -month construction period, there will be up to 20 people on site at any
one time. This construction crew consists of project managers, laborers, electricians,
civil contractors, etc. After construction, there will only be personnel on -site twice
annually for approximately four hours per day in a light pickup truck.
The site is monitored remotely for security, and a fence will enclose the facility.
If this is a dairy, livestock confinement operation, kennel, etc., list the number and type of
animals.
N/A
10. Describe the type of lot surface and the square footage of each type. (e.g. asphalt, gravel,
landscaping, dirt, grass, buildings)
• 12 acres is approximately 520,000 square feet, 60% of which will be covered by solar
panels residing on driven piers. We will seed the ground after construction with a native,
low growth grass. Negligible impervious area will be added to the site.
11. How many parking spaces are proposed? How many handicapped (ADA) parking spaces
are proposed?
• Not applicable. The site is un-manned
12. Explain the existing and proposed landscaping for the site.
The existing landscape for the site is agriculture.
• Oak Leaf proposes using a decorative wildlife friendly fence to enclose the area as well
as low growth decorative native grasses in between all the panels and around the side
of the array. There are existing large trees to the South which obstruct the view of the
development from the adjacent home.
Our firm has conducted rigorous, aeronautical grade studies of the glare these types of
panels might generate in relation to drivers and passersby, and the results showed the
effect was negligible. (Of note, the referenced study was for a high trafficked road with
an array immediately adjacent to an intersection, the explanation for this result is that
Page 4 of 12
solar panels produce energy by way of the absorption of light, so it stands to reason that
any reflection is essentially wasted energy. For this reason, the panels are specifically
engineered to reflect as little as possible.
Grass will be mowed on an "as needed" basis. Landscaping will be minimal and will be
kept in a suitable condition for the area and to support the operation of the solar facility.
13. Describe the type offence proposed for the site (e.g. 6 -foot chain link with earth toneslats)
• The proposed fence is Colorado Parks and wildlife's preferred, decorative "wildlife
friendly" fence, 8' tall with a smooth top wire.
14. Describe the proposed screening for all parking and outdoor
storage
• As detailed above, there is no landscaping proposed due to the isolated nature of this
site. Furthermore, there is no parking or outdoor storage proposed for this site thus this
screening is not applicable.
15. Explain any proposed reclamation procedures when termination of the Use by Special
Review activityoccurs.
• Upon termination of the lease (30 years from Commercial Operation Date), Oak Leaf or
the owner of the facility will remove all improvements and either recycle, reuse or
repurpose the materials. No initial grading of the site is proposed, so the contours will
be left as is. Any disturbed land will be reseeded with a native dryland seed and allowed
to re-establish into the surrounding landscape.
16. Who will provide fire protection to the site?
• Fire protection will be provided by Platteville-Gilcrest Fire Rescue, located at 303 Main
St, Platteville, CO 80651(Platteville Station #1) and 14679 WCR 42, Platteville CO 80651
(Gilcrest Station #2)
17. List all proposed on -site and off -site improvements associated with the use (e.g.
landscaping, fencing, buildings, drainage, turn lanes, etc.) and a timeline of when you will
have each one of the improvements completed.
• Driveway installation and site area grading July 15, 2018 - August 31, 2016
• Seeding/Mulching and Site Stabilization September 1, 2018 - Septembner 15, 2018
• Solar Garden Component Delivery September 1, 2018 - September 30, 2018
• Perimeter Fence Installation September 1, 2018 - September 30, 2018
• Solar Panel Foundation Installation October 1, 2018 - December 1, 2018
• Transformer and Inverter Installation November 1, 2018 - December 1, 2018
• Solar Panel Installation December 15, 2018 - December 30, 2018
Page 5 of 12
J Q
1.1.1.2 Engineering questions: 970-353-6100 x3540
I. Describe how many roundtrips/days are expected for each vehicle type: Passenger
Cars/Pickups, Tandem Trucks, Semi-Truck/Trailer/RV (Roundtrip = 1 trip in and 1 trip
out of site)
labile I it e/i/c/e Trip p Generation
Project
(Time
Period)
Phase
Vehicle Type
Estimated
Vehicle
Gross
Weight
Number
of Vehicles
Per Day
Maximum
Average
Trips
Vehicle
Per
and
Day
(approx.
Site
Preparation
4-6
weeks)
Equipment
Trucks
Hauling
30,000-65,0010 lbs
" ,
a-4
Passenger Vehicles
2,000-10,000 lbs
2-5
4-10
,
Fuel
Delivery
20,000-30,000 lbs
1
Max-16/Ave-
6
Equipment
(approx.
Material
4
and
Delivery
weeks)
Conex
Delivery
Container
Trucks
and
30,000-50,000
lbs
5-15
10-30
1
Equipment
TrucksMax
Hauling
20,000-40,000
lbs
0-4
P-8
—38fAlve-10
Solar
Installation.
(4-5
Garden
months)
Passenger
Vehicles
2,000 to
10,000
lbs
10-15
20-30
Fuel
Truck
20,000
to 30,000
dhs
1
2
Material
Truck
Delivery
20,000
to 30,000 lbs
1
2
Max — 34/Ave - 24
Operations
(ongoing
operational)
once
Utility
Vehicle
1000 to 10,000
lbs
1
per
month
or
Dens
Max-2/Ave-0-
. Describe the expected travel routes for site traffic.
• Site access is from the North off WCR 36, and thus is expected to come from HWY 85, then
o n WCR 36, arriving at the site.
3. Describe the travel distribution along the routes (e.g. 50% of traffic will come from the
north, 20% from the south, 30% from the east, etc.)
• Traffic distribution is expected to be 95% from Highway 85 as described above and less
than 5% from any other route.
4. Describe the time of day that you expect the highest traffic volumes fromabove.
• During construction, it is anticipated that the delivery traffic will access the site throughout
the day between 7:00am and 7:00pm.
• Post construction, it is anticipated site visits will be performed during business hours.
5. Describe where the access to the site is planned.
• It is expected that the main site access will be via a pre-existing road owned by the the
Page Sof12
I
landlord, Todd McCormick, approximately ��� mile West of the intersection of WCR 36 and
WCR 25. No additional road work is proposed at this time.
6. Drainage Design: Detention pond summarized in a drainage report is required unless the
project fails under an exception to storm water detention requirements per code section
23-12-30 F.1.
A. Does your site qualify for an exception to storm water detention? If so, describe in a drainage
narrative the following:
1. Which exception is being applied for and include supporting documentation.
2. Where the water originates if i t flows onto the property from an offsitesource
3. Where it flows to as it leaves the property
4. The direction of flow across the property
5. If there have been previous drainage problems with the property
B. Does your site require a storm water detention pond? If so, the following applies:
1. A drainage report summarizing the detention pond design with construction drawings and
maintenance plan shall be completed by a Colorado Licensed Professional Engineer and
adhere to the drainage related sections of the Weld County Code.
2. The drainage report must include a certification of compliance stamped and signed by the
PE which can be found on the engineering website.
3. A general drainage report guidance checklist is available on the engineering website. More
complete checklists are available upon request.
s See attached drainage narrative for answers to the above questions.
Page 7 of 12
1
1.1.1.3 USE BY SPECIAL REVIEW (USR) QUESTIONNAIRE (PAGE 2)
Environmental Health questions: 970-304-6415 x2702
What is the drinkingwater source on the property? If utilizing a drinking water
well include either the well permit or well permit application that was submitted
to the state -Division of Water Resources. If utilizing a publicwater tap include a
letter from the Water District, a tap or meter number, or a copy of the waterbill.
• Since this is an un-manned facility a domestic water tap is not needed. Bottled
water will be provided during construction.
2. What type of sewage disposal system is on the property?
If utilizing an existing septic system provide the septic permit number. If there is no
septic permit due to the age of the existing septic system, apply for a septic permit
through the Department of Public Health and Environment prior to submitting this
application. If a new septic system will be installed please state "a new septic system is
proposed". Only propose portable toilets if the use is consistent with the Department of
Public Health and Environment's portable toiletpolicy.
• Since this is an un-manned facility, no septic system is proposed. Port --Potty's
or other temporary sanitary sewer facilities will be provided during construction.
3. if storage orwarehousing is proposed, what type of items will be stored?
• No storage or warehousing is proposed.
4. Describe where and how storage and/or stockpile of wastes, chemicals, and/or
petroleum will occur on this site.
• There will be no stockpiles of waste, chemicals or petroleum on site. Because this
is an un-manned facility, no trash service is. needed. During construction, trash
will be collected in approved receptacles and disposed of properly.
5. If there will be fuel storage on site indicate the gallons and the secondary
containment. State the number of tanks and gallons per tank.
• There will be no fuel storage on site.
6. If there will be washing of vehicles or equipment on site indicate how the wash
water will be contained.
• Not applicable. No vehicle or other washing facilities are proposed.
Page 8of12
7. If there will be floor drains indicate how the fluids will be contained.
• Not applicable. No structures are proposed.
8. Indicate if there will be any air emissions. (e.g. painting, oil storage, etc.)
• Not applicable. Since this is an un-manned facility, workers will be on site only 1-
2 times per year, and thus only emissions generated by a normal pickup truck
could be attributed to the site.
Provide a design and operations plan if applicable. (e.g. composting, landfills, etc.)
• Not applicable. Since this is an unmanned facility, the only "operation" is the
production of energy via the solar panels.
10. Provide a nuisance management plan if applicable. (e.g. dairies, feedlots, etc.)
• Not applicable. No cows on site, just solar panels.
it . Additional information maybe requested depending on type of land use requested.
• Understood.
1.1.1.4 Building questions: Jose Gonzalez 970-353-6100
1. List the type, size (square footage), and number of existing and proposed
structures. Show and label all existing and proposed structures on the USR
drawing. Label the use of the building and the square footage.
• Not applicable. No permanent structures are proposed with this development.
2. Explain how the existing structures will be used for this USR?
• Not applicable. No existing structures exist on site, and none are proposed for this
development
3. List the proposed use(s) of each structure.
• Not applicable. No existing structures exist on site, and none are proposed for this
development.
Supplemental Questions for Oak Leaf Solar
XXIX LLC (McCormick) USIA Application
8. Provide written responses to the following supplemental questions for solar arrays:
Page 9 of 12
A. The Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners shall consider
the following criteria in making their determination in approving or denying
a Special Review Permit for a Solar Facility in addition to those criteria
enumerated in Chapter 23, Article II, Division 4 and its impact on prime
agricultural land which is defined as soils with agricultural capability
classifications of I, II and III as indicated on maps completed by the U.S.D.A.
Natural Resource Service.
a. See attached NCRS Soils Report
B. A Decommissioning Plan. Adequate financial assurance to cover the
decommissioning of the facility may be required as a condition of approval of
the Decommissioning Plan.
a. See attached UP Decommissioning plan.
C. Landscaping is extremely important for enhancing the quality of
development in the area. Trees, shrubs and other plantings add greatly to the
aesthetic appeal while reducing glare. As no single landscaping plan can be
prescribed for all developments due to differing land features, topography
and soils, these guidelines encourage flexible and creative landscape designs.
Landscaping/screening shall include, at a minimum, decorative fencing,
berming, and/or vegetation such that the facility is aesthetically pleasing as
viewed from adjacent properties and rights -of -way.
a. The landscape design for this development will match the surrounding
industrial areas. The fence shall be an 8' CPW preferred, decorative wire
fence with a smooth wire on top. We also propose seeding the entire
property with decorative low growth native grasses which help the site
blend into the landscape. Finally, there are pre-existing large trees to the
south end which act as a buffer between the adjacent home and the solar
array.
b. It is not anticipated that this land will see substantial development in the next 20
years and during the decommissioning phase the fence will be removed. Due to
the limited future development and removal of facility, the proposed fence shall be
wildlife friendly and galvanized and no trees and shrubs will be planted.
D. All reasonable alternatives to the proposed location have been adequately
assessed, and the proposed action is consistent with the best interests of the people
of the County and represents a balanced use of resources in the affected area.
a. This project will provide energy to the residents and businesses of Weld County.
Page 10 of 12
This site was selected following an exhaustive search of property which to align
the discreet set of technical design and geographic criteria and best serve the
needs of these energy consumers. Due to the isolated nature of the site, activity in
the region and on adjacent sites, this site is ideally suited for a project of this scale
to serve the interests of Weld County residents.
E. The nature and location or expansion of the facility will not unreasonably interfere
with any irrigation systems on or adjacent to the solar facility.
a. The landowner has elected to take a portion of his land out of production as
he currently needs to lease water rights to irrigate this area. On top of that,
the revenue he is able to generate from selling his crop is diminutive relative
to the lease revenue he will realize from hosting this solar facility.
Additionally, this is a temporary use of this property, and as stated by the
attached decommissioning plan, Oak Leaf Solar XXIX LLC will be responsible
for returning the land to its original state, thus it could be used for
agriculture again in the future if determined prudent by the landowner.
F. No outdoor storage of any materials and equipment, including but not limited to
solar panels and support structures which are not in use, will be allowed.
a. No permanent outdoor storage will be proposed with this development. All
material or equipment will be brought to the site and removed during each visit.
G. A Property Maintenance Plan is required for the facility. The Property
Maintenance Plan shall address dust, weeds and erosion. The property shall be
maintained in such a manner as to control dust, weeds and drainage that could
cause erosion.
a. A long-term operations and maintenance plan for the project will be put in place,
which includes maintenance of the grounds. The standard practice is to seed the
property with native, low growth grasses to prevent shading of the array and
minimize maintenance.
b. Mowing and trimming operations will occur annually, or as needed to prevent the
site from looking unmaintained.
Page 11 of 12
oak
i
eaf
ENERGY PARTNERS
Oak Leaf Energy Partners
2645 E. 2nd Avenue, Suite 206
Denver, CO 80206
Telephone: 303-893-6945
Mobile: 720-496-4342
ENERGY PARTNERS
Small Scale Solar USR Decommissioning Plan
McCormick Solar — Oak Leaf Solar XXIX LLC
Version: Original
May 11, 2018
6
w
Oak Leaf Energy Partners
2645 E. 2nd Avenue, Suite 206 Denver, CO 80206
McCormick Solar - Oak Leaf Solar XXIX LLC
Introduction
As a condition of approval of the Use By Special Review, Weld County required Oak Leaf Solar XXIX to submit a
Decommissioning Plan for the McCormick Solar Facility to the Department of Planning Services for review and
approval. The Decommissioning Plan is required to include a detailed plan with time frames or milestones after
termination of operations for restoring the property to the conditions that existed prior to the plant construction.
The useful life of the solar plant is expected to be 25 years or more. At the end of useful life, Oak Leaf Solar XXIX
will suspend operations and decommission the plant including necessary demolition and site reclamation.
The purpose of this document is to establish a detailed plan for decommissioning and reclamation activities after
the useful' life of the project has ended. Refinement of these activities will be required to reflect the future best
practices or improvements are discovered by the solar industry during the life of the project. It will be necessary
to update and finalize this demolition and reclamation plan.
In addition to the detailed plan, a general schedule for the performance of the decommissioning with specific
milestones is provided. We have assumed that the planning process would be initiated one or two years prior to
the anticipated end of commercial operation. The final plans will be developed in consultation with the Weld
County and/or other applicable agencies that have jurisdiction of activities in the decommissioning process.
2 Decommissioning Project Elements and Milestones
The key tasks of the project are divided into related activities that represent milestones in the process. We
describe the activies in each of the tasks in more detail below. The decommissioning schedule presents the
conceptual timing of the milestones and overall process.
The key Project components to be affected by decommissioning activities are discussed below. In general,
decommissioning would attempt to maximize the recycling of all facility components. Specific opportunities for
recycling are discussed below in the context of various site com ponents. The individual Project components to be
decommissioned will be recycled to the maximum extent practicable or removed from the site and disposed of at
an appropriately licensed disposal facility. The general decommissioning approach would be the same whether a
portion of the Project or the entire Project would be decommissioned.
The activities involved in the facility closure will depend on the expected future use of the site. Certain facility
equipment and features may be left in place for future uses, such as transmission facilities, roads, and drainage
features. At the time of decommissioning, a plan will be submitted to the County proposing the equipment that
will be removed and, if applicable, equipment that will remain, based on expected future use of the site.
Pre -closure activities, include final closure and reclamation planning, that identifies measures to be taken to
restore the site to near pre -construction conditions or compatible with surrounding land and land use that may
have evolved during the period the plant is in service. This includes several activities;
Page 2 of S
McCormick Solar - Oak Leaf Solar XXIX LLC
• Set up and document a site -specific health and safety plan and determine the specific sequence and
procedures to be followed.
• Complete an analysis of the project materials and their composition to identify those specific
components that may be recycled, scrapped, or sent to disposal sites. Identify specific recycling facilities
and disposal sites for materials.
• Coordinate with local officials to develop plans for the transportation of materials and equipment to and
from the site.
• Develop specifications for demolition and reclamation, which will serve as the basis for contractor bids
for the decommissioning project and establish the scope of demolition and reclamation, including
developing reclamation plans in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Develop training for the personnel who will manage and perform the actual work. Document the
performance or training.
During the planning process Oak Leaf Solar XXIX will brief the county and other applicable agencies on the
decommissioning process and plans. The permits and approvals required for the decommissioning will be
identified and permits will be obtained prior to commencing operations.
The first step in the decommissioning process would be to assess existing site conditions and prepare the site for
demolition. Site decommissioning and equipment removal is expected to take a year. Therefore, access roads,
fencing, some electrical power, and other facilities will temporarily remain in place for use by the decommissioning
workers until no longer needed. Demolition debris will be placed in temporary onsite storage area(s) pending final
transportation and disposal and/or recycling according to the procedures listed below.
A plan for de -energizing portions of the facility to allow safe decommissioning and formal lock out and tag out
procedures will be implemented. This will ensure all electrical components are placed and maintained in a safe
condition for demolition activities prior start of work.
PV Module and Tracker Removal and Recycling
During decommissioning, Project components that are no longer needed would be removed from the site and
recycled or disposed of at an appropriately licensed disposal facility. The first operation is to disconnect and
remove modules from the tracker assemblies. Modules are segregated for transportation to the manufacturers
nearest storage facility.
Next comes the disassembly of the tracker and mounting structures, DC wiring materials, and combiner boxes.
The material will be segregated for disposal or salvage. Steel piles that support the PV racking system will be
removed. Below ground portions of the supports will either be removed or cut off at least two feet below grou nd
surface and left in place.
T
he demolition debris and removed equipment may be cut or dismantled into pieces that can be safely lifted or
carried with the onsite equipment being used. The debris and equipment will be processed for transportation and
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McCormick Solar - Oak Leaf Solar XXIX LLC
delivery to an appropriately licensed disposal facility or recycling center. Modules will be recycled or disposed of
in accordance with applicable laws at the time of decommissioning.
Internal Power Collection System
The combiner boxes that convey DC power generated from the solar arrays will be dismantled. The inverters that
convert the DC power to AC power and the transformers that convert the output of the inverter and convey the
power to the substation will also be dismantled and removed. The underground cable/collection lines that are 4
feet or shallower will be removed from the site. The cast -in -place concrete foundations of the transformer and
inverter skids and switchgear will be broken up, removed and recycled.
Any overhead portions of the collection system will be removed. Overhead conductors will be removed from the
poles, and the poles and pole foundations will be removed. Aluminum from the conductors will be recycled or
removed from the site to an appropriately licensed disposal facility. If not planned for other use, the utility
interconnection will be deactivated and restored to the extent agreed upon with the local utility or to the point
of change of ownership.
Medium voltage collector system electrical components will be electrically disconnected and made safe for
removal. The switches will be disassembled and removed from the site. The underground conduit and metal dead-
end structures will also be disassembled and removed. Concrete foundations for equipment will be broken up and
removed from the site, as will the grounding grid and aggregate rock. Steel, aluminum, copper and other materials
will be temporarily stockpiled at or near a designated processing location pending transport to an appropriate
offsite recycling facility. All metals will be recycled to the extent practical given the recycling options available at
the time of decommissioning.
Roads
Onsite access roads will remain in place to accomplish decommissioning at the end of the Project's life. At the
time of decommissioning, if the roads will be beneficial for future use of the site; those roads may remain after
decommissioning. Roads that will not be used will be restored during contouring operations at the end of the
process.
Fencing
Project site perimeter fencing will be removed at the end of the decommissioning project, unless it may be utilized
for future use of the site. Since the project site was not originally fenced, this includes removal of all posts, fencing
material, gates etc. to return the site to pre -project condition.
Transportation and Clean up
During the disassembly and demolition process materials are segregated and temporarily place in gathering areas
for transportation. The various materials including concrete, steel, aluminum, copper and other materials will be
temporarily stockpiled at or near a designated processing location pending transport to an appropriate offsite
recycling facility. All such materials will be transported from the site to approved designated facilities for recycling,
scrapping or disposal. All metals will be recycled to the extent practical given the recycling options available at the
time of decommissioning.
Clean-up of soils and site, if identified will be completed to ensure that clean closure is accomplished.
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McCormick Solar - Oak Leaf Solar XXIX LLC
In general, the decommissioning will be undertaken using traditional heavy construction equipment including but
not limited to front end loaders, cranes,track mounted and rubber tired excavators, bull dozers, and scrapers.
Where excavation is required those areas of removal will be backfilled with natural material and compacted. Any
voids left from the removal of foundations will be backfilled with surrounding subsoil and topsoil and fine graded
to ensure suitable drainage and reclamation of natural grades.
Soil management and re -contouring operations will be conducted so as to minimize the surface area disturbance
and implement the activities in the safest and most efficient manner and in accordance withal applicable local
requirements. Major earthwork is not anticipated as construction of the site will not alter the general grade across
the site.
To provide for post -decommissioning dust control on the site, areas of exposed soils will be revegetated,
consistent with the expected future use of the site. For example, future site use is expected to be agricultural, a
revegetation approach will be implemented that will not conflict with the expect agricultural use. The native dry
grass vegetation will be re-established to prevent the spread of weeds and long-term monitoring will be conducted
to confirm reclamation and weed control are successful. Mulching or palliatives may be used for temporary dust
control until vegetation is established.
Monitoring Site Restoration
Upon completion of the decommissioning process a restoration monitoring period of one year will begin.
Monitoring will ensure that grading and drainage implemented is successful in stabilizing water flow patterns and
that the cover vegetation (native dry grass vegetation or other depending on land use) will be reestablished to
prevent the spread of weeds. Corrective actions will be implemented if such monitoring determines adverse
conditions are present as a result of an inadequate restoration.
Project Quality Control and Documentation
During the entire decommissioning process, from planning to site monitoring, the project will be subject to quality
control and documentation. Oak Leaf Solar XXIX will ensure the effective execution of the decommissioning and
reclamation plan through project oversight and quality assurance. In addition, we will document implementation
of the plan and compliance with all applicable regulatory and environmental requirement.
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oak
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eaf
ENERGY PARTNERS
Oak Leaf Energy Partners
2645 E. 2nd Avenue, Suite 206
Denver, CO 80206
Telephone: 303-893-6945
Mobile: 720-496-4342
Typical Traffic Control Plan Diagram
C)
0
O
500 FT
Notes:
1. The above diagram is typical for normal shoulder work applications. Additional signing may be
required.
2. Vehicles or construction equipment shall not be parked in the travel way and should be moved to the
shoulder. If vehicles or construction equipment are not able to be moved out of the way of traffic,
channelizing devices are required for day use only. No night time obstructions are allowed.
Notice of Inquiry
Development within a Coordinated Planning Agreement
or Intergovernmental Agreement (CPA or i A) Boundary
4/27/2018
Date of Inquiry
Municipality with CPA or IGA
Platteville CPA
Name of Person Inquiring
Mike McCabe & Kyle Sundman
Property Owner
Todd McCormick
Planner
Angela Snyder asnyder@weldgov.com
PT NS2SE4/E2SW41-3-67
Legal Description
Parcel Number
120901000040
Nearest Intersection
CR 23 &CR 36
USR Small Scale Solar Facility
Type of Inquiry
The above person inquired about developing a property inside your designated CPA or IGA boundary. This person
has been referred to community by Weld County Planning to discuss development options on this site. Visit
Chapter 19 of the Weld County Code for specifics on your agreement.
Weld County Comments
Submittal meets our Code.
Name/Title of Municipality Representative
Municipality Comments
The site is located in the Developing Urban Area of the Town' Comprehensive Plan. Town staff
is seeking input from the Planning Commission on May 15th to gain direction and thoughts on the
proposed solar farm. Staff will update this response after the meeting.
Melissa Kendrick, Town Planner
Signature of Weld County Planner Signature of Municipality Representative
Plase return the signed form to:
Weld County Planning Department
1555 N 17th Avenue, Greeley, Co 80631
(970) 353-6100 x3540 r' (970)304-6498 fax
Fro Pepper McClenahan
Sent: Friday, May 04], 2018 4:59 PM
'To TOM Parko Jr. PeCtpnr kr) � i': u 1 ���cloy_gp>
Subject; RE; PAEi&01 5 located in Milliken IGA
Elarwilag
Tank you, Toms We will take' this item to the May 16th Cornr'i i jss ion meeting!
At the Piannng Cmeeting on May 2114it the Commission voted Hno conflict' on the to I o f ng
OPEl 8a0111 (Steven Eckhardi)
Kyle Sundmanl Solar Garden Facility
• ZCViB-C 00 8 Michael or Lena Pyne
Thank you.
Pepper D. McCienahan, AICP
Town Plan n e r
Town of Milliken
1101 Broad Street
P.O. Box 290
Milliken, CO 80543
%Aun.millrken ow
(970) 5874331
pE 1C(1 Li r1 hai @ mIIitIkerc _ cic
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