Sie sind auf Seite 1von 80
GAYLORD MOUNTAIN SOLAR PROJECT 2019, LLC PETITION FOR A DECLARATORY RULING THAT A CERTIFICATE OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMPATIBILITY AND PUBLIC NEED IS NOT REQUIRED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF A 1.9 MWAC SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC PROJECT AT 360 GAYLORD MOUNTAIN ROAD IN HAMDEN, CONNECTICUT AUGUST 7, 2020 TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page 1 nL. Il, Project Description... A. Property Description... B. Site Selection. C. Project Description... D, Interconnection .... IV, Project Benefits V. Local Outreach and Public Notice VI. No Substantial Adverse Environmental Effects .. 10 A. Natural Environment and Ecological Balance. 7 a B. Public Health and Safety. Steen LA Co Alt Quality Joss 213 D. Scenic and Recreational Values. ‘ 14 E, Historic and Archeological Resources. evel F, Habitat and Wildlife. See 15 G. Water Quality. H. Stormwater Management..... VII. Conclusion... EXHIBITS Exhibit A — Overall Project Development Plan Exhibit B ~ Decommissioning Plan Exhibit C ~ Project Evolution Plans, Public Outreach Information and Presentation Materials Exhibit D — Dam Safety Unit Letter Exhibit E ~ Abutting Property Owner List and Sample Notice Letter Exhibit F — List of Municipal Officials and Government Agencies and Sample Notice Letter Exhibit G — Operations and Maintenance Plan Exhibit H — Environmental Assessment STATE OF CONNECTICUT CONNECTICUT SITING COUNCIL IN RE: A PETITION FOR A DECLARATORY RULING : THAT A CERTIFICATE OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMPATIBILITY AND. PUBLIC NEED IS NOT REQUIRED FOR THE, CONSTRUCTION, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF A 1.9 MWAC SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC PROJECT AT 360 GAYLORD MOUNTAIN ROAD INHAMDEN, +: AUGUST 7, 2020 CONNECTICUT ITION NO. PETITION FOR A DECLARATORY RULING: INSTALLATION HAVING NO. SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECT I, Introduetion Pursuant to Section 16-SOk(a) and Section 4-176(a) of the Connecticut General Statutes (“CGS”) and Section 16-50}-38 ef seq. of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies (“RCSA”), Gaylord Mountain Solar Project 2019, LLC (“Petitioner”) hereby petitions the Connecticut Siting Council (the “Siting Council”) for a declaratory ruling that a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need (“Certificate”) is not required for the construction, ‘maintenance and operation of a 1.9 megawatt (“MW”) alternate current (“AC”) ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (“PV") facility at 360 Gaylord Mountain Road in Hamden, Connecticut (the “Project”). CGS § 16-50k(a) provides, in relevant part: Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter or title 16a, the council shall, in the exercise of its jurisdiction over the siting of generating facilities, approve by declaratory ruling... .the construction or location of any .... grid-side distributed resources project or facility with a capacity of not more than sixty-five megawatts, as long as: (i) Such project meets air and water quality standards of the Department of Environmental Protection [and], (ii) the council does not find a substantial adverse environmental effect... As described more fully below, the construction, operation and maintenance of the proposed Project satisfies the criteria of CGS § 16-50k(a) and will not have a substantial adverse environmental effect. Tl. Petitioner The Petitioner is a Delaware limited liability company, authorized to do business in the State of Connecticut, with an administrative office at 200 Harborside Drive, Schenectady, New York Correspondence and/or communications regarding this petition should be addressed to: Jenny Nicolas, Development Project Manager Gaylord Mountain Solar Project 2019, LLC 200 Harborside Drive, Suite 200 Schenectady, NY 12305 jenny.nicolas@dsdrenewables.com (917) 594.0867 A copy of ll such correspondence or communications should also be sent to the Petitioner's attorney: Kenneth C. Baldwin Esq. Robinson & Cole LLP 280 Trumbull Street Hartford, CT 06103-3597 kbaldwin@re.com (860) 275.8345 II], Project Description A Property Description The Project will be developed on a 33.88-acre parcel at 360 Gaylord Mountain Road in Hamden (the “Property”). The Property is bounded on the east by Gaylord Mountain Road, on the south by residential development along Hunting Ridge Road, on the west by undeveloped forest land and on the north by residential development along Gaylord Mountain Road and Deer Hill Road, The Project will occupy an approximately 12.3-acres portion of the Property (the “Project Area”)', An Eversource transmission line right-of-way (“Eversource ROW”) bisects the Property from north to south to the west of the Project Area The Property is owned by Vertical Bridge LandCo, LLC (“Owner”). The Owner maintains an existing communication facility consisting of a 625-foot guyed communications tower and related equipment building in the northwest portion of the Property to the west of the Eversouce ROW. Access to the Owner’s tower site extends from Gaylord Mountain Road to the north, near its intersection with Todd Street. The majority of the Property, including the Project ‘Area, is forested, Tree clearing has occurred along the Eversource ROW, along the access driveway to the Owner’s tower site and in the area around the communications facility B. Site Selection The site selection for the Project was based on a detailed evaluation of several key criteria cluding: ¢ Site suitability (solar resource size, grade and surrounding topography); © Site availability (ability to lease or purchase land); © Proximity to critical infrastructure (suitable electrical grid access); © Compatibility with surrounding land use. Once the initial site evaluation was completed, the Petitioner assessed potential effects of the Project on the environment and sensitive site resources, including but not limited to scenic views and vistas, historic and archeological resources, wetlands, water quality and water ‘The solar facility itself will occupy an approximately 8.3-acre portion of the Property, with an additional 3.7-acre area of disturbance outside the limits of the fenced solar facility limits. resources, rare and endangered species and air quality. Prior to the commencement of this process, the Petitioner met (virtually) and spoke with local officials in Hamden, met with Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (“DEEP”) officials and discussed the Project with adjacent residential property owners. As discussed in detail below, after this evaluation, the Petitioner determined that the Property was st itable for development of the Project and that the Project will provide a significant benefit to the public. C. Project Description ‘The Project will consist of the installation of approximately 6,292 Q Peak Duo L-G5.3 400W PV modules, one (1) pad-mounted 3200A Eaton Pow-R-Line Switchboard, one (1) 2000KVA Cooper Power Series Envirotran Solar Transformer and one (1) interconnection point. The Project will use a fixed tilt steel panel racking system attached to ground serew foundations to allow for optimal utilization of the Project Atea. Once construction is complete, a permanent access road will extend into the Project Area from Gaylord Mountain Road? The Project Area will be surrounded by a six-foot tall farm fence. ‘The fence will be raised 4 to 6 inches above ground level in all locations to accommodate wildlife movement. A copy of the Overall Development Map for the Project, illustrating the above-described attributes is included as Exhibit A. A complete set of Project Plans are included as a part of the Environmental Assessments attached hereto in Exhibit H. ‘The Project is expected to produce more than 3,179 Megawatt-Hours (MWh) of energy in the first year of operation, enough energy to power 259 homes. Energy produced by the Project will be sold to Southern Connecticut State University (*SCSU"). 2 The Petitioner is working with the Owner of the Property and Eversource to access the Project Area from the north, near the existing communications facility, for construction purposes only. Once the Project development is completed, permanent access to the Project Area for maintenance and operation will extend from Gaylord Mountain Road, Construction of the Project is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2020 with mobilization of equipment and minor land clearing and grading efforts. Site work and land preparation is expected to be completed by the end of the 2020. Construction and installation of the solar arrays and equipment would not begin until April of 2021 allowing time for hydroseed and the related slope stabilization strategies to become fully effective. The installation phase will be completed in June 2021 with final site stabilization, testing and commissioning to be completed by July 15, 2021. The Project construction schedule is subject to change. At the end of its useful life, the Project will be decommissioned in accordance with the requirements of the Petitioner's land lease agreement with the Owner and the Decommissioning Process outlined in Exhibit B. D, Interconnection Electrical interconnection for the Project will originate along Gaylord Mountain Road near the Project’s permanent access driveway and extend approximately 150 feet to the west into the Project Area. (See Exhibit A). ‘The proposed interconnection will require the installation of five (5) new distribution poles on the Property. The Project will interconnect to the existing United Illuminating (“UI”) distribution system at Pole No. 7369 on the FEEDER 169713.8 kV circuit? The Project will require the extension of three-phase electric power along Gaylord Mountain Road approximately one-quarter mile to the Property. ‘The interconnection facility design and construction will be performed in accordance with the UI Guidelines for Generator Interconnection and State of Connecticut, ISO-New England (“ISO-NE”), and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) requirements as applicable. ‘As part of the interconnection process, the Petitioner has successfully completed an UL will be responsible for any required permits/approvals (if any) fr interconnection improvements located off of the Property Interconnection Application Request and an Application Review, a Project Impact Study and a utility-sponsored Scoping Meeting. Currently, UI and SCSU are drafting a three party Standard Fast Track and Study Process Generator Interconnection Agreement for imminent execution. IV, Project Benefits The Project will generate much, if not all, of its power at peak times, when the demand for electricity is greatest, and will thereby provide the electrical system with flexible peaking capacity that is necessary to keep the electrical grid stable. Further, the Project supports the State’s energy policies as set forth in CGS § 162-35k, including the goal to “develop and utilize renewable energy resources, such as solar and wind energy, to the maximum practicable extent.” The Project will provide clean, renewable, solar- powered electricity to SCSU and assist the State in meeting its legislatively-mandated oblig under the Renewable Portfolio Standard. The Project will also assist the State of Connecticut in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing criteria air emissions pollutants associated with the displacement of older, less efficient, fossil fuel generation. As part of larger state, national and global strategies, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from this Project will have long-term secondary biological, social and economic benefits. Similarly, the advancement of renewable resources at a distributed level contribute to our Nation’s desire for energy independence and reduces our dependency upon foreign countries where geo-political issues may not align with National policy. V. Local Outreach and Public Notice The Petitioner’s public outreach efforts began in March of 2019, when its representatives notified Hamden’s Land Use officials of its intent to develop the Project. These preliminary discussions continued in May of 2019 with local land use officials during which the Petitioner discussed preliminary project plans, stormwater management issues and the jurisdiction of the Council. At the time of this initial local outreach, the Project layout and design included a substantially larger solar array footprint and limits of disturbance. This initial design extended the facility to the west to the edge of the Eversource ROW and to the northern boundary of the Property in an effort to maximize energy production from the Project. This early Project design altemative resulted in the need for increased clearing limits, additional stormwater features, and a larger overall environmental impact footprint. A depiction of this initial conceptual design is shown on Figure 1A in Exhibit C, In an effort to reduce overall environmental impacts of the Project, the Petitioner decided to reduce the size and the output of the Project, and redesigned stormwater management measures to mitigate potential stormwater impacts on the Property and the surrounding area, In addition, @ temporary construction access from the west was added to the Project plans to eliminate construction traffic impacts along Gaylord Mountain Road to the east and minimize the disruption to residents on Hunting Ridge Road to the south. A depiction of this revised Project design is included on Figure 1B in Exhibit C. With this new Project design in-hand, the Petitioner attempted to contact Hamden’s Mayor Curt Leng on two separate occasions in March of 2020 to discuss the Project, The Petitioner received no response from Mayor Leng’s office. On May 14, 2020, the Petitioner invited twenty-six (26) abutting landowners to attend a virtual public information meeting, (“VPIM”) on May 21, 2020. Notice of the VPIM was also sent to Mayor Leng and to Hamden’s Town Planner, Daniel Kops. Mr. Kops responded to the notice confirming that he would attend the VPIM. The VPIM was attended by 24 Hamden residents and Mr. Kops from the Town. The Petitioner made a formal presentation on the Project and the design elements depicted on Figure 1B and responded to comments and questions from the neighbors and Town officials. After listening to the comments from the abutting landowners and municipal officials at the VPIM, the Project design was further refined to incorporate the additional changes depicted on Figure 1C in Exhibit C, including the following. The solar array count was reduced from 6,968 modules to 6,292 modules, eliminating solar arrays from portions of the Project Area with slopes greater than 15 percent; The Project Area footprint and the area required for tree clearing was reduced from 14.7- acres to 12.3-acres; © The tree clearing limits along the southern Property boundary were pulled back to increase the natural vegetative buffer along the adjacent residential parcels; © Anew landscape screening plan was developed, including a vegetated berm along the south side of the Project Area; © The design of the Project security fence was modified, to use a more aesthetically pleasing material; and The Project’s stormwater management and control measures were further modified to address concerns for potential on and off-site impacts, ‘The graphic depictions included in Figures 1A, 1B and 1C in Exhibit C help to show the iterative approach to Project design the Petitioner has taken to address the comments and concerns raised during its outreach process. ‘On June 19, 2020, the Petitioner sent the abutting landowners an update on Project status, including general information on the siting of solar facilities and the selection of the Gaylord Mountain Road site, This information explored some of the sites the Petitioner previously considered, as well as two sites which were recommended by some of the neighbors during the VPIM. The Petitioner commented on potential issues these alternative sites might have had involving land specifications, a willing landlord, proximity to wetlands/waterways, construction access and interconnection constraints, among others. In addition to Figures 1A, 1B and 1C showing the evolution of the Project design, C also contains copies of correspondence, presentation materials and related Project information made available to residents and municipal officials during the Local Outreach and Public Notice process described above. In addition to the Petitioner’s local outreach efforts, information about the Project was also presented to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (“DEEP”). The Petitioner met on May 10, 2020 with individuals from DEEP’s Planning and Development Office, Stormwater Division, Dam Safety Program and Office of Environmental Review during which the Project development plans were shared and discussed. During the May 10, 2020 meeting it was determined that the Dam Safety Program would need to review the proposed stormwater basin as a potential dam due to its proximately to Gaylord Mountain Road. The Petitioner provided the Dam Safety Program the information required for their review, including but not limited to maximum storage capacity of the stormwater basin, downstream impact area, and traffic counts. On July 2, 2020, the Petitioner received confirmation from DEEP’s Dam Safety team that the Petitioner will not be required to obtain a dam construction permit from the DEEP Dam Safety Program and in accordance with Connecticut General Regulation 222-409 no regulatory inspections are required for AA classified dams. A copy of the Dam Safety Unit's confirmation emai s included in Exhibit D. The Petitioner and its consultant, All-Points Technology Corporation (“APT”), conducted a site visit with DEEP on June 10, 2020 and received additional comments and feedback from DEEP designed to enhance the layout of the solar panels and improve stormwater management. Based on DEEP’s comments and recommendations, the Petitioner made several changes to the Project design including: © Rotating the module and array to parallel the existing topography to the extent practicable; * Including a series of filter socks along existing contours every seventy-five (75) feet, at a minimum, along the slope; ‘© Specifying phased construction that would allow a minimum of one (1) month between site clearing and racking installation to promote site stabilization; © Proposing the use of hydroseeding with tackifier for all disturbed areas. Finally, pursuant to the requirements of R.C.S.A. § 16-50j-40(a), the Petitioner also provided notice of its intent to file this Petition to: (a) Vertical Bridge Land Co., the owner of the Property; (b) each adjacent property owners listed on Exhibit E; and the municipal officials and government agencies listed on Exhibit E. Vi. No Substantial Adverse Environmental Effects Section 16-50k(a) of the General Statutes provides, in part, that a Certificate is not required if an electric generating facility meets the air and water quality standards of the DEEP and does not have a substantial adverse effect. The Petitioner and APT, conducted a comprehensive Environmental Assessment (the “EA”) of the Project dated July 2020. As part of this process, relevant agencies were consulted, environmental impacts were evaluated, and mitigation was applied as appropriate. -10- A. Natural Environment and Ecological Balance ‘The Project Area is dominated by mature upland forest. The layout of the solar arrays utilizes existing grades within the Project Area to the fullest extent possible in order to minimize the required amount of ground disturbance/earth work. ‘That said, additional earth work will be necessary throughout the Project Area to control stormwater runoff and meet equipment tolerances. Soil disturbance is also required to install construction access, foundations for the PV panels, associated equipment, stormwater improvements and a permanent access driveway. Panel foundations will be secured using a ground screw foundation, All racking will be designed to meet applicable local building codes for wind and snow loads. The panels will be installed with adequate room above the ground to allow snow to melt or slide off. Some petroleum products are required to be used or stored on the Property during construction or operation of the Proj . Namely, gasoline or diesel-powered equipment will be in regular use during construction activities, requiring some on-Property fuel storage. Further, the inverter step-up transformers located at each equipment pad will use biodegradable oil for cooling. Accordingly, an appropriate Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plan will be implemented and incorporated in to the Project’s Operations and Maintenance (“O&M”) Plan. (See Exhibit G). No hazardous substances will be used on the Property. B, Public Health and Safety Overall, the Project will meet or exceed all health and safety requirements applicable to renewable electric power generation facilities in Connecticut. Each employee working on Site © Receive required general and Site-specific health and safety training; ale * Comply with all health and safety controls as directed by local and state authorities; ‘© Understand and employ a Project health and safety plan while on the Property; ‘* Know the location of local emergency care facilities, travel times, ingress and egress routes; and ‘© Report all unsafe conditions to the construction manager. During construction, heavy equipment will be required to access the Project Area during normal working hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday) as needed. To avoid disruption of the traffic and impacting residences along Gaylord Mountain Road and Hunting Ridge Road, the Petitioner is planning to access the Project Area from the north during construction of the Project. After construction of the Project is complete, the Project Area will be accessed from Gaylord Mountain Road. For standard operations and maintenance activities, one to two light-duty vehicles will visit the Property on a monthly recurring basis, on average. There will be no permanent staff present at the Project Area. The Project will not produce significant noise during operation. During the construction. of the Project, higher levels of noise are anticipated, however, all work be conducted during normal working hours. The Petitioner does not anticipate that the levels of noise will exceed State or local noise standards. (See Exhibit H, Section 3.9). Because the solar modules are designed to absorb incoming solar radiation and minimize reflectivity, only a small percentage of incidental light will be reflected off the panels. This incidental light is significantly less reflective than common building materials, such as steel, and + Construction access would extend from Gaylord Mountain Road near its intersection with West Todd Street over an existing driveway used by the Owner to access its existing communications facility. A Permitted Use Application hhas been filed with Eversource to allow for the Petitioner to crass the existing Eversource ROW to construct the Project the surface of'a smooth water body. Additionally, the panels wil be tilted up toward the southern sky at a fixed angle of 30 degrees, thereby further reducing reflectivity. ‘The Petitioner submitted the Project location and information to the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) and, on May 11, 2020, received Determinations of No Hazard to Air Navigation, Thus, the Project does not pose a hazard to air navigation and does not require further study or analysis, (See Exhibit H, Section 3.11). Prior to operation, the Petitioner will meet with Town’s first responders to provide them information regarding response to emergencies at PV facilities, discuss industry best practices, and provide a tour of the completed Project. Cc. Air Quality Overall, the Project will have minor emissions of regulated air pollutants during construction, however no air permit is required for these activities. During construction of the Project, any air emission effects will be temporary and will be controlled by enacting appropriate mitigation measures (e.g., water for dust control, avoid mass early morning vehicle startups, etc.) Accordingly, any potential effects on air quality as a result of the Project construction activities will be minimized. During operation, the Project will not produce air emi ions of any regulated air pollutants or greenhouse gases (e.g., PM10, PM2.5, VOCs, GHG or Ozone). Therefore, no adverse effect on air quality is anticipated and no air permit will be required. (See Exhibit H, Section 3.5). Moreover, for the life of the Project, an off-set equivalent to approximately 2,248, metric tons of CO> annually, the same amount of carbon sequestered by approximately 37,166 seedlings grown for ten years or 486 cars being taken off the road is anticipated.* US. EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator. -13- D. Scenic and Recreational Values No State or local designated scenic roads or scenic areas are located near or impacted by the Project. Similarly, no State designated scenic roads or public recreation areas would be physically or visually impacted by the Project. (See Exhibit F, Section 3.8). Views into the Project Area will be confined to the immediate vicinity of the Project Area primarily from abutting parcels to the south along Hunting Ridge Road and to the east along Gaylord Mountain Road, Limited seasonal views, during the winter months, could extend to areas around the Project Area as far as 800 to 1,000 feet. In an effort to reduce the visual impact of the components of the solar facility, the Petitioner has made several significant Project design modifications. The current Project Plans call for maintaining a $0-foot non-disturb buffer from the southem Property boundary to take advantage of natural vegetation. Further, the Petitioner will install a landscaped screening berm south of the Project Area fence line to soften views through the trees toward the Project Area. (See Exhibit A and Exhibit H, Appendix G — Photo-Simulations and Viewshed Map). E. Historic and Archeological Resources On behalf of the Petitioner, APT’s consultant, Heritage Consultants, LLC (“Heritage”) prepared Phase I-A and Phase 1-B Cultural Resource Survey Reports for the Project. According to Heritage, there are no properties or historic standing structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places “NRHP”) in the vicinity of the Property. One nearby property to the north was deemed eligible for listing on the NRHP. ‘This information was documented by Heritage in its report. In addition to historic properties, Heritage conducted an archeological investigation of the Project Area including pedestrian surveys, photo-documentation and actual excavated soils testing in order to identify and cultural resources. No such resources were identified, and no “4 additional investigation was recommended. (See Exhibit H, Section 3.7). APT/Heritage, on behalf of the Petitioner, requested a review of the Project by the State Historic Preservation Officer (“SHPO”). A response from the SHPO is pending. F. Habitat and Wildlife Three (3) habitat types have been identified on the Property, all of which located within hibit H, Section 3.1). and proximate to the Project Area. (See 1 ested Most of the Project Area lies within the Forested habitat consisting of a complex of upland and smaller pockets of forested wetland habitats. Details on the wetland habitats is discussed below, The upland forest on the Property consists ofa mix of mature hardwoods and maintains an understory vegetation dominated by highbush blueberry, witch hazel and mountain laurel, ‘The central portion of the Project Area lies within a small (approximately I acre) core forest block. Due to its small size and fragmentation from other contiguous larger core forested habitats, this core forest block is not expected to support any significant core forest habitat. 2. Early Succession This habitat is an area of approximately 4.6 acres in the westem portion of the Property in and around the existing transmission line right of way. This area naturally vegetates in between routine clearing and vegetation management activities. 3. Developed Areas The Project will have no impact on existing developed portions of the Property including the area around the Owners communications facility to the northwest of the Project Area and the area within the Eversource ROW. -15- 4. Wetlands APT identified a total of five (5) isolated wetland areas on the Property. Collectively, these five wetland areas comprise approximately 0.44 acres. Wetland 1, Wetland 2, Wetland 3 and Wetland 4 are described in Section 3.3.1 of the EA. None of these wetland areas will not be adversely impacted by ant project development activity. Only one wetland area (Wetland 5) is located within the limits of the Project Area Wetland 5 consists of an isolated wetland pocket formed at the base of a hillside seep outbreak within the Project Area, As topography changes/steepens to the east, this feature loses the hydrology supporting the wetland feature as it discharges into the surrounding slope. In addition, a woods road forms the eastern boundary of the feature further conveying surface flows away from this small wetland feature, Proposed impacts to Wetland 5 will be limited to tree clearing to prevent shading of the proposed solar arrays. No ground disturbance is proposed within the limits of Wetland 5. Tree stumps within Wetland 5 will be left in place and no grading, solar panels, stormwater controls or other Project improvements are proposed within the limits of Wetland 5. As such, no direct permanent impacts are proposed within the limits of Wetland 5 The limits of grading and associated Project site improvements will maintain a minimum setback of at least 20 feet from Wetland Areas 1, 2 and 4. The nearest point of Project development activity to Wetland 3 (the highest quality wetland on the Property) is, 47 feet. As discussed in more detail in the EA, the development and operation of the Project will not significantly impact the functions or values of these wetland resources. (See Exhibit H, Section 3.3.2) -16- 5. Vernal Pools During its inspection of the wetland resources on the Property, the Petitioner determined that no vernal pool breeding habitat exists anywhere on the Property. (See Exhibit H, Section 3.3.3). 6. Natural Diversity Data Base (NDDB) The Petitioner reviewed the most recent NDDB mapping (June 2020) to determine if any important species or habitats occur on or within 0,25-mile of the Property. According to the NDDB mapping, the Property is not in an area potentially containing Threatened, Endangered, or Special Concern spe nnd/or critical habitats. The nearest known NDDB location is approximately 0.52 miles to the south/southeast of the Property. As such, formal consultation with CT DEEP NDDB is not required. (See Exhibit H, Section 3.2.1). 7. US.Fi ildlife Service (“USFWS”) ‘The northern long-eared bat (“NLEB”) is a federally-listed® threatened species known to occur in the vicinity of the Property. ‘The NLEB’s range encompasses the entire State of Connecticut and suitable NLEB roost habitat includes trees (live, dying, dead, or snag) with a diameter at breast height (“DBH”) of three (3) inches or greater. Since the Project will result in the removal of several trees with a diameter greater than three inches DBI, the Petitioner completed a determination of compliance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act for the Project based on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (“USFWS”) criteria for assessing impacts to NLEB. The Petitioner determined that the © Listing under the federal Endangered Species Act -I7- Project will not likely result in an adverse effect or incidental take? of NLEB and does not require a permit from USFWS, A USFWS letter confirming compliance was received on April 15, 2020. No further consultation with USFWS is required for the proposed activity, (See Exhibit H Section 3.2.2). G. Water Quality ion of elect The Project will use no water during operations in the produ ty. Any ‘water utilized during the construction of the Project for dust suppression will be minimal and have no impact on the water quality on or neer the Property. The groundwater underlying the Property is classified as GAA and is presumed to be suitable for human consumption. The Project Area is not located within a mapped primary or final Aquifer Protection Area and there are no surface waterbodies proximate to the Property. (See Exhibit H, Section 3.4). ‘The Property is located in an unshaded Flood Zone X, defined as an area of minimal flooding and outside the 500-year floodplain, as designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”). Thus, no impacts on water quality or supply would occur with the construction or operation of the proposed Project. (See Exhibit H, Section 3.3.4). H. Stormwater Management ‘The Project has been designed to mect the draft of DEEP’s Appendix I Stormwater ‘Management at Solar Array Construction Projects requirement, issued in January of 2020. Due to tree clearing and a change of cover type within the Project Area, and the Appendix I requirement of a hydrologic analysis that uses a reduction of the Hydrologic Soil Group present ‘on-site by one (1) step, the Petitioner anticipates an increase in stormwater run-off from the 7 Incidental take” is defined by the Endangered Species Actas take that is “incidental to, and not the purpose of, the carrying out of an otherwise lawful activity.” For example, harvesting trees can kill bats that are roosting in the trees, but the purpose of the activity is not to kill bats. -18- Property. To address the anticipated increases, the Petitioner has developed an extensive stormwater management plan for the Project which includes, among other things, the installation of a stormwater basin and associated outlet control structures, overflow weir, and level spreader, drainage swales with check dams and level spreaders, and extensive soil erosion and sedimentation control measures. (See Exhibit H, Section 3.4.3 for details). VII. Conclusion The Project will provide numerous and significant benefits to Hamden, the State of Connecticut and its citizens, and will place Hamden at the forefront of green energy development while producing substantial environmental benefits with minimal environmental impact. Pursuant to CGS §16-50k(a), the Siting Council shall approve by declaratory ruling the construction or location of a grid-side distributed resources project or facility with a capacity of not more than 65 MW, as long as such project meets DEEP air and water quality standards and will not have a substantial adverse environmental effect. As amply demonstrated in this Petition, the Project meets these criteria. The Petitioner, therefore, respectfully requests that the Siting Council issue a declaratory ruling that the proposed Project will comply with DEEP air and water quality standards, will not have a substantial adverse environmental effect and, does not require the issuance of a Certificate by the Siting Council. -19- -20- Respectfully submitted, Gaylord Mountain Solar Project 2019, LLC Kenneth C. Baldwin, Robinson & Cole LLP 280 Trumbull Street Hartford, CT 06103 Phone: (860) 275-8345 Email: kbaldwin@rc.com Its Attorney EXHIBIT A EXHIBIT B (CSCU Hamden — 360 Gaylord Mountain Road, Hamden Decommissioning Process The recommended approach to decommissioning and removing a solar site and equipment is to reverse the installation process. The following system components and removal methods would be employed the prescribed order. 90% of the system will be recycled (and possible resold) and a majority of the system would be removed from site. As this is an electrically charged system all safety precautions and procedures would need to be used. Decommissioning Sequenc 1. Disconnect all grid power and turn off all system equipment. Utility involvement will be required in this step. Test all circuits to confirm the AC side of the system is de-energized. ‘Once AC system is de-energize disconnect all medium voltage wiring. Disconnect all module strings and confirm DC side of the system is de-energized. Remove all modules and recycle frames. Remove and recycle all system wiring, inverters, transformers and other electrical equipment. Remove and recycle all canopy steel Remove and dispose of above grade portions of the concrete foundations. Replant vegetation where necessary. Decommissioning Cost Key assumptions include the fact that the electrical cabinetry, solar racks, solar panels, wiring and all ‘other equipment are all one hundred percent recyclable, therefore, the primary cost of decommissioning is the labor to dismantle and load as well as the cost of trucking. The above grade portions of the concrete foundations will be removed and disturbed areas repaired with loam and seed to match adjacent grade and vegetation. ‘The following items from the solar array will be recycled: + solar panels © string inverters combiner boxes # Balance of System (wire, Unistrut, conduit etc.) * Foundations above grade EXHIBIT C Figure 1B Proposed Solar Facility Schematic - May, 2020 Gaylord Mountain Solar Project 2019, LLC 1360 Gaylord Mountain Road Hamden, Connecticut Figure 16 Proposed Conditions Map - July, 2020 Gaylord Mountain Solar Project 2019, LLC 360 Gaylord Mountain Road Hamden, Connecticut From: Jenny Nicolas Sent: Friday, May 15, 2020 12:00 PM To: cleng@hamden.com ce dgarretson@hamden.com; dkops@hamden.com; Nichole Seidel; Amol Kapur; Mike Libertine Subject: Town of Hamden - DSD Solar Project Attachments: Hamden - DSD Solar Project pdf; Hamden Facility Schematicpaf Dear Mayor Leng, | hope this letter finds you well during this unprecedented time. | am reaching out on behalf of Distributed Solar Development, LLC (DSD}, formerly known as GE Solar. We are proposing to develop, in partnership with the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system office (CSCU), a solar power generating facility at 360 Gaylord Mountain Road in Hamden. Please find for your review the attached letter and preliminary concept plan detailing the project. Additionally, these materials have been sent by physical m: Although it may be difficult given the timing, we would welcome the opportunity to meet with you or your staff designees to introduce our project team, share our plans and project details, and hear your feedback. Please let us know if you might have some time for a virtual meeting in the next couple of weeks. Thanks for your consideration. Best, Jenny Jenny Nicolas DEVELOPMENT PROJECT MANAGER: +1917 504 0867 jenny.nigolas@dsdr dsdrenewabies.com 200 Harborside Drive suite 200, Schenectady, NY 12305 May 14, 2020 Curt Leng, Mayor Town of Hamden 2750 Dixwell Avenue Hamden, CT 06518 Dear Mayor Leng: | hope this letter finds you well during this unprecedented time. | am reaching out on behalf of Distributed Solar Development, LLC (DSD}, formerly known as GE Solar. We are proposing to develop, in partnership with the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system office (CSCU), a solar power generating facility on an 8.6-acre portion of a 33.9-acre parcel at 360 Gaylord Mountain Road in Hamden. This solar facility will utilize ground mounted solar arrays and generate approximately 3MW DC / #1.7 MW AC of clean renewable energy for use in the State of Connecticut at Gateway Community College in New Haven, Connecticut. The proposed solar generating facility is under the jurisdiction of the Connecticut Siting Council (*Counci!”) pursuant to the provisions of the Public Utilities and Environmental Standards Act, Conn. Gen. Stat. § 16-50g et seq, We are targeting to submit a petition for declaratory ruling to the Council in June. Attached for your review is a preliminary concept plan. The final site plan will be issued once we receive approval from the appropriate parties as we progress, Notices have been sent out to the abutting property owners and DSD will be hosting a virtual public information ‘meeting on Thursday, May 21st to hear any comments or concerns. In March of 2019, previous DSD (then GE Solar) team members reached out to the Hamden Planning & Zoning Department to introduce the project and share preliminary site drawings. Since then, the DSD Hamden Project Team has been refreshed and is working in conjunction with All-Points Technology Corporation, P.C. in finetuning a site layout and Robinson & Cole to assist with our Council filing. Although it may be difficult given the timing, we would ‘welcome the opportunity to meet with you or your staff designees to introduce our new project team, share our plans and project details, and hear your feedback. Please let us know if you might have some time for a virtual meeting in the next couple of weeks. We look forward to working with you. Sincerely Chief Operating Officer «ab jettyGdsdrenewables.com (815) 283-0324 Cc: David Garretson Daniel Kops Office of the Mayor Planning & Zoning Department 2750 Dixwell Avenue 2750 Dixwell Avenue Hamden, CT 06518 3rd Floor, Government Center Hamden, CT 06518 Proposed Solar Facility Schematic Distibuted Solar Operations, LLC 360 Gaylord Mountain Road Hamden, Connectc 200 Harborside Drive Suite 200 Schenectady, NY 12305 May 14, 2020 NAME ADDRESS CITY/STATE/ZIP SUBJECT: Hamden Solar Project - Abutters Notice and Meeting Dear Mr. NAME: hope this letter finds you well during this unprecedented time. | am reaching out on behalf of Distributed Solar Development, LLC (DSD), formerly GE Solar. We are proposing to develop, in partnership with the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system office (CSCU), a solar power generating facility at 360 Gaylord Mountain Road in Hamden. This solar facility will utilize ground mounted solar arrays and generate approximately 3MW DC / #1.7 MW AC of clean renewable energy for use at Gateway Community College in New Haven, Connecticut. The proposed solar facility is under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Connecticut Siting Council (“Councit”) pursuant to the provisions of the Public Utilities and Environmental Standards Act, Conn. Gen. Stat. § 16-50g et sea. DSD is submitting this letter to notify abutting and other nearby landowners of the proposed Project. DSD is in the preliminary engineering design stage for the facility. Prior to filing with the Council, we are requesting your feedback. We have designed the proposed Project to protect against adverse environmental impacts while maximizing the supply of, and benefits from, clean renewable energy into the local electrical grid. Attached for your review is a preliminary concept plan for the proposed facility. The final site plan will be issued once we receive approval from the appropriate parties as we progress. It is our goal to create sustainable solar energy in a way that is environmentally responsible and mutually beneficial to the local community; however, we understand that you may have some comments and questions about the proposed Project. We will be holding a virtual meeting on ‘Thursday, May 21st at 7pm to provide you with information about the proposal and answer any questions you may have. If you wish to join the meeting on May 21st, please send an email to the below email address by May 20th at 5PM, and | will send you a meeting invitation link. Sincerely, pry Mectas. Jenny Nicolas Project Manager jenny.nicolas@dsdrenewables.com (917) 594-0867 pofoig 1e[og uspurey jo PCN Life sq) SUOI]SOND/S}JUBWWOD « SS990/q |IOUNOD Bulls 19 « MBIAIBAOC POIOld Sq pue weal yaloig aonpoujuy + epussy [tel oe msele Flare] saauiBug yoaforg oR Ir (1901) seBeuew y2elo1g — uosyeysng He - 6 jOjOUYIA] S}UlOd [IV seaui6u yoalorg - 1ogeg HEWN « quewidojaneg 40 1019211 4S — [1919S e]OUDIN. - pee? juauidojaneg ssoulsng —andey jowy - seBeuew yl01g juauidojanag — sejooIN Auuap asa weal pofoig weal yoafoig sonpowj}U} Peck meter) EM hee rien Sse nO mC ECE “dn-ye}s & Jo ssauajquuiu ay} yng ‘sn pulyeg 35 8 yOOYHIe|g JO BJs oy} aAeY OM ‘}JSNu} UD SIBO}SNO JNO s}NseJ JOAIJOP OM JUSLU}UIWOD pUe JOBIA INO UM “speeu {SJ@WO}SNI JNO JO} UO!|NJOS B @ZIWO}sNo Ajnuj ueo aM os oNsoube jonpoid ae 8M “SJOWO}SND JNO JOJ ONJEA DILUOUODS WS} -Buo] sow au} a}e919 0} s! AYdosoyiyd inO (elYo Rare h | “eolaluy YON ynoySnosy} suonmysu! pue sesudiejue ‘sesseulsng 0} Suoynjos eBeuoys ABsaue pue Abie Ad Aayuum paziwoysno sepiaoud sq ‘uojesado jeio1euCD 0} ‘aoueUy pue uBisep yBnouuy ‘sisAjeue Wo 0d 29M HUM SUOISSIUIa UOGID PAPIOAR SUO} DIJO QLL‘9 + Ajjenuue peonpoid yy 1€8'628'8 - sou pajaépna sey aig 2") Yaloid 1 ua sueak 9Z 4200 SI sndweo sad A6jaua sejos yBnoiy} 3esyo ABseus ul uoHINpes %OE Jo eHeseAy - pafojdap SMI ZI + :sasndwies jooyss§ + NOS WIM dryss9uzreg [2007 syedx3 AB:0U3 | 08< aouaadxy JejOg AAl}99/|09 | Moe< { puooay YOR, syoefoild O€L< adoag yTeuonen urd 1da0u09 juowdojenep Jejos 0} oyloads | xipuaddy Buipnjou! ‘suoneinBay Ja}eMWIO}S G45 ym saijdwoo ubisap Ayioe4 + seole dew gqadn Aue Jo ajlw ¢z’Q UlYyIM pe}edo] jou si} Ayoe4 + saounosad jesnyjno JO OUOJSIY UO OOo OSJaApe OU aAey |IIM AyIoe} pasodod ay, + SpUue}OM 0} SJOedw! JUsUeWUA JOOIP ON + spsepueys AUEND JExeM 8 JI $,9}e}S Oy} sjeow UBIseg yaloig + spojjyq [Pe UOUIUO.AUT CIV. @ 8 tol-] (08 | DSO/AOD JO MMM] Gq LaYSGeM jouNDD Buijs ay} yBnosy) ajqeyene @q ||IM UoHedioMed jnoge uoHeWUOJU] pue sjueWNI0g « uonoipsiune aaisnjoxg sey jlounog Bunis + sprepueys Ayjend JOJEM 9 Jy $,9}e}S By} S}JooW JOafO1Y U4} BJeNJSUOWAG JSNYW + 9}e}S 9} ul Sanioe4 ABiouy ajqemouay JO} SS800/q + Buliny Asoyesejoaq JO} UO, [IOUNOD Buljig — yNoNOOeUUOD Jo a}e]1S + sso001g [DUNO| SUIS LO PNCTNGs Pe oO Ty *s]UsUIUIOD pure suoysonb O42] MOU [JIM 9M. *SUIUD}ST] Ioy NOA YUL, yoeqpes, uMOoL DSD/ Site Selection Process Purpose: SD held a meeting with abutting landowners on May 21" around the proposed solar facility at 360 Gaylord Mountain Road. In an effort to be transparent around the siting process and ultimate selection of the “Hamden” site, OSD has prepared this site alternatives analysis. Background: The process and science of siting solar projects, needs to take the following criteria into consideration: © Willing landlord © Land specifications (current land use; access and rights; topography; soil conditions; historical land uses [e.g., previous contamination]) ‘© Interconnection constraints (including distance from potential point of interconnection and available capacity at the substation) Distance from energy offtaker Proximity to wetlands/waterways Stormwater management Construction access Rare/endangered species habitat Cultural resources and preservation '* Complexity of permitting pathway DSD {previously GE Solar) has deployed 17 MWs on 21 sites across the state of CT. In 2018, GE Solar provided a response to a Public Request for Proposal for Virtual Net Metering Beneficial Credits for the CSCU. In response to this proposal, GE Solar identified the Hamden property as a site to develop ‘a solar facility on. GE Solar was one of the awarded parties which allowed GE Solar to negotiate a fixed Power Purchase Agreements in exchange for the “Virtual” Net Metering credits from the energy generation at selected site. ‘Through various channels and leads, DSD evaluated four potential sites including the proposed site located at 360 Gaylord Mountain Road, Hamden CT. DSD has also looked into two additional sites within the Town of Hamden which were recommended during the Abutters Meeting in May. We will walk you through the evaluation process for the additional sites which we had previously looked at Site Selection Criteria — Red Flags Comments Natural Resources | This site is located adjacent to the Moosup River and other wetland features. This raises concerns around stormwater management and floodplain zones and will trigger additional layers of permitting, Interconnection Point of interconnection is located across the Moosup River which further complicates site layout and utility constraints, Zoning Code Scarce mention of solar within local zoning code, indicating Town ‘may be less familiar with siting solar projects and have less of a process in place, Site located in RA-60 Zone (Residential District). Based on zoning code within this district, a Special Permit will likely be required. Landowner Expectations Unreasonable expectations of pricing and development process from landowners. DSD)I Site 2: Elmridge Road, Stonington, CT 06379 Site Selection Criteria ‘Comments Red Flags Natural Resources “The project intersects an area defined by the state as federal- or state-protected species habitat. This site is near an essential fish habitat, Further diligence and consultation with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration would be required to confirm this project will have no impact on the fish habitat. Land Use/Restrictions ‘This site is part of a golf course which the landowner was looking to downsize. Evidently, there would be complications with building on an active golf course, in addition to the undulating nature of the land, This site contains public lands which are managed by the City and US Fish & Wildlife Service. Special or additional environmental review would be required. Zoning Code Site located in Commercial HI-60. Based on zoning code within this, district, a Special Permit will likely be required Landowner Expectations Unreasonable expectations of pricing and development process from landowners. DSD/I Site 3: Demers Rd, Plainfield, CT 06354 Site Selection Criteria = Red Flags ] Comments Natural Resources The site borders a large wetland surrounding Snake Meadow Brook to the east. Additionally, both Wood Brook and an unnamed tributary to Snake Meadow Brook run through the parcel flowing downslope W to E. There is a high risk for unmapped small tributaries on this site. This parcel was heavily forested and would have required extensive tree cleaning (>20 acres) There are several dirt roads throughout the site, however new roads (and a wetland crossing) will likely need to be built to access the developable area. Interconnection The point of interconnection was a challenge due to proximity to utility equipment. Zoning Code ‘Scarce mention of solar within local zoning code, indicating Town may be less familiar with siting solar projects and have less of a process in place. Site located in RA-60 Zone (Residential District). Based on zoning code within this district, a Special Permit will likely be required. Landowner Expectations Unreasonable expectations of pricing and development process from landowners. DSD/E. Site Selection Criteria Red Flags ‘Comments Natural Resources "The site presents challenges around high sloped areas, but there Is enough footprint to selectively build on lower sloped areas. DSD has ample experience of developing ground mounts across the country and has the technical knowledge to work through more complicated terrain issues. DSD has yet to select a sub-contractor but will be choosing a local contractor with additional experience in navigating local land. Tree clearing will be required and is typically necessary for ground mounted solar facilities due to shade management and construction access. However, the DSD/All Points Teams are looking to minimize the amount of tree clearing. Zoning Code Site located in Residential R-2 Zone. Zoning Regulations state under Section 120.2 Environment & Natural Resources "g, Encourage the use of solar and other renewable forms of enerey and energy conservation and encourage the development of housing opportunities for all citizens of the municipality.” This is indicative of a solar-friendly town. Landowner Expectations Land is owned by Vertical Bridge, LLC. DSD has previously worked with Vertical Bridge to develop solar projects on their property. As such, Vertical Bridge has knowledge about solar development and the two companies are aligned about project expectations which is critical to the project management and development cycle. CSCU awarded the RFP to DSD for this site. DSD/HI ‘Additional Incentives DED Fad applied for and secured Vital Net Metering (VN) credits and Low Emission Renewable Energy Credits (LRECs) which woul be tied to this ste’s energy generation in conjunction wth | Urs pote, DSD/HI ‘ite Selection Criteria ~ Red Flags Comments Natural Resources This site is located adjacent to Wilmot Brook riparian corridor along the western edge of the Site. This limits developable space and raises concerns around stormwater management and floodplain zones and will potentially trigger additional layers of permitting. Significant topography along the eastern extents of the Site further limit developable space. Zoning Code’ Site located in Zone M - Manufacturing. Zoning Regulations state under Section 120.2 Environment & Natural Resources “g. Encourage the use of solar and other renewable forms of energy and energy conservation and encourage the development of housing opportunities for all citizens of the municipality.” This is indicative of a solar-friendly town. Existing Solar Development The top of the landfill is currently developed by a solar facility. A majority of the remaining spaces on the Site are currently utilized by the Town of Hamden Transfer Station operations or encumbered by wetland/watercourse resources. DSD/II Site 6: 100 Skiff St. Hamden, CT 06514 ‘Site Selection Criteria— Red Flags Comments Natural Resources The property consists of an abandoned and demolished ‘commercial/manufacturing infrastructure. The Farmington Canal Heritage Trail circumvents the south, east, and northern site boundary. | Zoning Code Site located in Zone TS — Urban Center. Due to the current zoning of this property, the highest use of this property is likely re- development with a commercial or manufacturing facility. Landowner Expectations Private ownership within an area of high commercial development potential. As such, owner expectations of pricing and development process may be unreasonable. DSD/E. Conclusions/Next Steps: ‘After the meeting with the local abutters on May 21%, DSD has taken onboard the feedback given. As a result, we have shown aur selection process and sites which we had previously investigated. There were many factors which were included in the site selection and solar siting process, which include proximity to wetlands, natural resources, proximity to the point of interconnection, local zoning code, ‘and expectations from the property owners, among other factors, Cur Engineering Team is working to finetune the site plan to reduce the amount of tree clearing necessary and to increase the setback between this project and neighboring abutters, DSD has also had a site visit with CT DEEP on 6/8 around stormwater management. We are providing this update to continue the open line of communication. DSD wants to work with you all and the Town to provide benefits which will go directly towards you. Please continue to reach out with any questions or concerns. The next immediate step is to file 2 petition to the CT Siting Council aroung this solar project and do not yet have a date around this. We will provide notice when this has been filed. EXHIBIT D Laskin, Anna Thursday, July 2, 2020 2:21 PM Bradley J. Parsons Jin Tao; Milne, Beatriz; Hall, Ivonne; Matthew Gustafson; Mike Libertines:Jenny Nicolas; John Bamman Subject: Re: Pre-App Meeting Request - DSD Renewables Hamden CT Hello Bradley, Per your request, staff of the Dam Safety Program reviewed the DSD Renewables’ proposal to determine Dam Safety permitting requirements for the construction of a new stormwater basin located at 360 Gaylord ‘Mountain Road in the Town of Hamden. Staff of the Dam Safety Program evaluated the conditions downstream of the proposed stormwater basin, reviewed the downstream topography and land use/land cover using the Geographic Information System software, and reviewed the Downstream Impacts Map as well as all supporting documentation submitted with the proposal. ‘Asa result of the above mentioned review and based on the storage capacity of the proposed stormwater basin, it was determined that the fallure of the proposed stormwater basin berm will not cause any measurable damage to roadways, any measurable damage to land and structures, and if the proposed berm were to fail, the failure would cause negligible economic loss. You are being notified that the proposed berm has been assigned a hazard classification of “AA”, which classifies the structure as a negligible hazard potential dam. ‘You will not be required to obtain a dam construction permit from DEEP Dam Safety Program and in accordance with Connecticut General Regulation 22a-409 no regulatory inspections are required for AA classified dams. Negligible hazard class dams fall under the jurisdiction of the Town. However, once the dam is constructed you must contact DEEP Dam Safety Program to receive a dam registration form for your dam and have the dam registered with the State. Please note that if the condition and the land use downstream of the proposed dam change, a new determination on dam’s hazard classification will need to be obtained from DEEP. Please let me know if you have any questions regarding this determination. Anna ‘Anna Laskin, Civil Engineer Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection ‘Sureau of Water Protection and Land Re-Use \Weter Planoing ane Management Division 79Eim Street, Hariord, CT 08108-5127 Phone: 860-424-3522 | Fax: 860-426-4075 Connecticut Department of ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION wmw.ctoovidees Conserving, improving and protecting our natural resources and environment; Ensuring a clean, affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy supply. EXHIBIT E ADJAC! PROPERTY OWNERS PETITIONER: GAYLORD MOUNTAIN SOLAR PROJECT 2019, LLC PROPERTY OWNER: VERTICAL BRIDGE LANDCO LLC PROPERTY ADDRESS: 360 GAYLORD MOUNTAIN ROAD MAP/BLOCK/LOT: 3224/025/01 Property Address Owner’s and Mailing Address as 360 Gaylord Vertical Bridge Land Co, LLC Mountain Road 730 Park of Commerce Drive $ 200 Boca Raton, FL_33487 2. 450R Gaylord Clear Channel Broadcasting ‘Mountain Road 20880 Stone Oak Parkway San Antonio, TX 78258 3. 458 Gaylord Brack G. Poitier Mountain Road 116 Handy Road Hamden, CT 06518 4, 456 Gaylord Rosali Lopez Mountain Road 456 Gaylord Mountain Road Hamden, CT 06518 5. | 18 Hunting Ridge Dawn Talmadge 18 Hunting Ridge Hamden, CT 06518 6 380 Gaylord ‘Thomas Talmadge Mountain Road 315 Gaylord Mountain Road Hamden, CT 06518 1. 315 Gaylord Burton Talmadge Mountain Road 315 Gaylord Mountain Road Hamden, CT 06518 8. | 10 Hunting Ridge Richard S. & Sharon A. Talmadge 3 Merriam Place Bronxville, NY 10708 20972103-¥1 Property Address Owner’s and Mailing Address 8 Hunting Ridge Melissa A. Parnoff 8 Hunting Ridge Hamden, CT 06518 10. 6 Hunting Ridge ‘Terrence Murphy & Inginia Genao 6 Hunting Ridge Hamden, CT 06518 i 320 Russo Drive ‘Sunwoods Associates Inc, 159 Russo Drive Hamden, CT 06518 12. 4 Hunting Ridge Kyle & Jennifer R. Robinson 4 Hunting Ridge Hamden, CT 06518 9 Hunting Ridge William T. & Anne H, Emmet 9 Hunting Ridge Hamden, CT 06518 14. 5 Hunting Ridge Shawn & Laura O’Sullivan 5 Hunting Ridge Hamden, CT 06518 15. 450R Gaylord Mountain Road South Central Regional Water Authority 90 Sargent Drive ‘New Haven, CT 06511 16. 14 Hunting Ridge ‘Thomas A. Talmadge 315 Gaylord Mountain Road Hamden, CT 06518 17. 11 Hunting Ridge Robert A. Nevola 11 Hunting Ridge Hamden, CT 06518 18. 360 Gaylord Mountain Road Thomas A. Talmadge 315 Gaylord Mountain Road Hamden, CT 06518 19. 12 Hunting Ridge Terri L. Germain-Williams 12 Hunting Ridge Hamden, CT 06518 Property Address Owner’s and Mailing Address 20. 2 Hunting Ridge Bashire & Andria Chukallah 2 Hunting Ridge Hamden, CT 06518 21. 3 Hunting Ridge Dennis J. & Catherine E. Massaro 3 Hunting Ridge Hamden, CT 06518 22. 445 Gaylord Mountain Road Connecticut Light & Power Co. 107 Selden Street Berlin, CT 06037 23. 330 Russo Drive Robert E. O'Meara 95 Spring Lane West Hartford, CT 06107 24, 340 Russo Drive Leonard V. Vishnevsky 2770 West Sth Street Apt 8C Brooklyn, NY 11224 25. 350 Russo Drive Julio & Lenka Villanueva 350 Russo Drive Hamden, CT 06518 26. 320 Russo Drive Ray I. Kaville 320 Russo Drive Hamden, CT 06518 27. 310 Russo Drive Cynthia K. Deveglia 310 Russo Drive Hamden, CT 06518 Thereby certify that a copy of the foregoing letter was sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, to each of the parties on the attached list of abutting landowners. August 6, 2020 Zz FW — Date Kenneth C. Baldwin, Es Robinson & Cole LLP 280 Trumbull Street Hartford, CT 06103 Attomeys for Distributed Solar Operations, LLC KENNETH C. BALDWIN 280 Trumbull Stret Hartford, CT 06103-3597 Main (860) 275-8200 Fax (860) 275-8299 Kbeldwin@re.com Direct (860) 275-8345 Also admitted in Massachusetts and New York August 6, 2020 Via Certificate of Mailing «Name_and_Address» Re: Hamden Solar and Distributed Solar Operations, LLC — Notice of Intend to File a Petition for Declaratory Ruling for the Construction, Operation and Maintenance of a 1.9 MWIAC Solar Photovoltaic Electric Generating Facility at 360 Gaylord Mountain Road, Hamden, Connecticut — Notice to Abutting Landowners Dear «Salutation»: Pursuant to the provisions of §16-50}-40(a) of the Regulations of Connecticut State ‘Agencies, this letter serves as notice that Hamden Solar and Distributed Solar Operations, LLC intend to file a Petition for Declaratory Ruling (“Petition”) with the Connecticut Siting Council (“Council”) on or about August 7, 2020, seeking approval of the construction, operation and maintenance of a 1.9 megawatt (MW) AC solar generating facility, including all associated equipment, related site improvements and interconnection (the “Project”). The Project would be located on an approximately 12.3-acre portion of a larger 33.88-acre site at 360 Gaylord Mountain Road, Hamden, Connecticut (the “Property”), The Property is owned by the Vertical Bridge Land Co. and is bounded on the east by Gaylord Mountain Road, on the north by residential property along Gaylord Mountain Road, on the west by undeveloped land and an Eversource transmission line right of way and on the south by residential parcels along Hunting Ridge Road. ‘The Project would consist of the installation of photovoltaic panels, centralized inverters and transformers, electrical lines, an electric transformer, a station controller, a perimeter fence, and access road, For additional detail regarding the location of the Property and the layout of site improvements, please see the attached Project Plan. 2077001061 August 6, 2020 Page 2 Pursuant to the provisions of Connecticut General Statutes § 16-50g ef seq., the location of certain Project features may change as this Petition proceeds through the Council’s regulatory review process, If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. My contact information is provided above, You may also contact the Council directly at 860-827-2935, Respectfully, a Kenneth C. Baldwin, Esq. KCB/kmd Attachment EXHIBIT F CERTIFICATION OF SERVICE Thereby certify that on this 6th day of August 2020, notice of intent to file the Gaylord Mountain Solar Project 2019, LLC Petition for Declaratory Ruling was sent, via certificate of mailing, to the following: STATE OFFICIAL! ‘The Honorable William Tong Attorney General Office of the Attorney General 165 Capitol Avenue Hartford, CT 06106 James C. Rovella, Commissioner Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division 1111 Country Club Road Middletown, CT 06457 Katie Dykes, Commissioner Department of Energy and Environmental Protection 79 Elm Street Hartford, CT 06106 Deidre S. Gifford, M.D., M.P.H., Acting Commissioner Department of Public Health 410 Capitol Avenue P.O. Box 340308 Hartford, CT 06134-0308 Susan D. Merrow, Chair Council on Environmental Quality 79 Elm Street P.O. Box 5066 Hartford, CT 06106 Marissa Paslick Gillett, Chair Public Utilities Regulatory Authority Ten Franklin Square New Britain, CT 06051 21022886-v1 Melissa McCaw, Secretary Office of Policy and Management 450 Capitol Avenue Hartford, CT 06106 David Lehman, Commissioner Department of Economic and Community Development 450 Columbus Boulevard Hartford, CT 06103 Joseph Giulietti, Commissioner Department of Transportation P.O. Box 317546 2800 Berlin Turnpike Newington, CT 06131-7546 Mary Dunne, Director of Culture State Historic Preservation Officer Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism 450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 5 Hartford, CT 06103 Bryan P. Hurlburt, Commissioner Department of Agriculture 430 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 701 Hartford, CT 06103 Michelle H. Seagull, Commissioner Department of Consumer Protection 450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 901 Hartford, CT 06103 Kurt Westby, Commissioner Department of Labor 200 Folly Brook Boulevard Wethersfield, CT 06109 Josh Geballe, Commissioner Department of Administrative Services 430 Columbus Boulevard Hartford, CT 06103 HAMDEN TOWN OFFICIALS: Curt Leng, Mayor Town of Hamden 2750 Dixwell Avenue Hamden, CT 06518 The Honorable Martin M. Looney Senator ~ 11" District Legislative Office Building 300 Capitol Avenue, Room 3300 Hartford, CT 06106-1591 The Honorable George $. Logan Senator ~ 17" District Legislative Office Building 300 Capitol Avenue, Room 3400 Hartford, CT 06106-1591 The Honorable Josh Elliott Representative ~ 88" District Legislative Office Building 300 Capitol Avenue, Room 4003 Hartford, CT 06106-1591 ‘The Honorable Michael D'Agostino Representative — 91° District Legislative Office Building 300 Capitol Avenue, Room 4000 Hartford, CT 06106-1591 The Honorable Robyn Porter Representative — 94" District Legislative Office Building 300 Capitol Avenue, Room 3804 Hartford, CT 06106-1591 Vera Morrison, Town Clerk Town of Hamden 2750 Dixwell Avenue Hamden, CT 06518 Daniel Kops, Town Planner Town of Hamden 2750 Dixwell Avenue Hamden, CT 06518 Brack Poitier, Chairman Planning & Zoning Commission Town of Hamden 2750 Dixwell Avenue Hamden, CT 06518 Joan Lakin, Chairman Inland Wetlands Commission Town of Hamden 2750 Dixwell Avenue Hamden, CT 06518 BETHANY TOWN OFFICIALS Paula Cofrancesco, First Selectman ‘Town of Bethany 40 Peck Road Bethany, CT 06524 The Honorable George S. Logan Senator ~ 17" District Legislative Office Building 300 Capitol Avenue, Room 3400 Hartford, CT 06106-1591 ‘The Honorable Lezlye Zupkus Representative — 89" District Legislative Office Building 300 Capitol Avenue, Room 4200 Hartford, CT 06106-1591 Naney McCarthy, Town Clerk Town of Bethany 40 Peck Road Bethany, CT 06524 Isabel Kearns, Land Use Administrator/Zoning Enforcement Officer Town of Bethany 40 Peck Road Bethany, CT 06524 Kimberly McClure, Chairman Planning & Zoning Commission Town of Bethany 40 Peck Road Bethany, CT 06524 Kristine Sullivan, Chair Inland Wetlands Commission Town of Bethany 40 Peck Road Bethany, CT 06524 Bruce Loomis, Chair Conservation Commission Town of Bethany 40 Peck Road Bethany, CT 06524 REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMETN’ South Central Regional Council of Governments 127 Washington Avenue, 4" Floor West North Haven, CT 06473-1715 Kenneth C. Baldwin, Robinson & Cole LLP 280 Trumbull Street Hartford, CT 06103 Phone: (860) 275-8345 Email: kbaldwin@re.com KENNETH C, BALOWIN 280 Trumbull Street Hartford, CT 06103-3597 Main (860) 275-8200 Fax (860) 275-8299 kbalawing@re.com Direct (860) 275-8345 Also admitted in Massachusetts and New York August 6, 2020 Via Certificate of Mailing «Name_and_Address» Re: Hamden Solar and Distributed Solar Operations, LLC — Notice of Intend to File a Petition for Declaratory Ruling for the Construction, Operation and Maintenance of a 1.9 MW/AC Solar Photovoltaic Electric Generating Facility at 360 Gaylord Mountain Road, Hamden, Connecticut ~ Notice to State and Local Government Officials Dear «Salutation»: Pursuant to the provisions of §16-50}-40(a) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, this letter serves as notice that Hamden Solar and Distributed Solar Operations, LLC intend to file a Petition for Declaratory Ruling (“Petition”) with the Connecticut Siting Council (“Council”) on or about August 7, 2020, seeking approval of the construction, operation and maintenance of a 1,9 megawatt (MW) AC solar generating facility, including all associated equipment, related site improvements and interconnection (the “Project”. The Project would be located on an approximately 12,3-acre portion of a larger 33.88-acre site at 360 Gaylord Mountain Road, Hamden, Connecticut (the “Property”). The Property is owned by the Vertical Bridge Land Co. and is bounded on the east by Gaylord Mountain Road, on the north by residential property along Gaylord Mountain Road, on the west by undeveloped land and an Eversource transmission line right of way and on the south by residential parcels along Hunting Ridge Road. The Project would consist of the installation of photovoltaic panels, centralized inverters and transformers, electrical lines, an clectric transformer, a station controller, a perimeter fence, and access road. For additional detail regarding the location of the Property and the layout of site improvements, please see the attached Project Plan. 20070913-¥ August 6, 2020 Page 2 Pursuant to the provisions of Connecticut General Statutes § 16-50g er seq., the location of certain Project features may change as this Petition proceeds through the Council’s regulatory review process. If you have any questions, please fee! free to contact me. My contact information is provided above. You may also contact the Couneil directly at 860-827-2935. Respectfully, fan I — Kenneth C, Baldwin, Esq. KCB/kmd Attachment EXHIBIT G Distributed SOLAR Development no) a GE Renewable Energy venture Distributed Solar Development Operation & Maintenance Services asians A oaeg A Seea Functional string testing > Ground continuity testing and correction of any unsafe or abnormal issues > Inspection of all surge protection systems, fuses, capacitors in inverters, combiner boxes, and AC & DC disconnects > Testing and documentation of string level voltage and amperage values > Relay and recloser functionality tests where applicable > Thermal scanning of combiner boxes where applicable Unplanned Maintenance Despite best efforts, electrical, mechanical and data systems can sometimes fail unexpectedly, requiring unscheduled maintenance. In these cases time is of the essence and it is imperative every effort is taken to restore the system to full operation as quickly and safely as possible. With DSD’s Unplanned Maintenance service, a local technician will be dispatched as soon as we discover the need for emergency repairs, After initial assessment and direction from the DSD Services team, the technician may perform corrective action to resolve the situation immediately or, if they are not qualified/certified to do the work themselves we will dispatch a specialized contractor to handle the situation to completion. We are committed to resolve issues in a timely manner and return your system to full operation as quickly as possible. Module Cleaning Soiled solar panels can considerably affect the solar array’s energy output by as much as 20%. Build up of grime, bird droppings, fungus, staining and dust can attribute to efficiency loss, and regular cleaning helps ensure the system continues producing the energy you expect. Patt DSD provides the labor and materials required to clean the solar modules, using manufacturer approved methods and cleansing agents. If your site is located in a particularly dry or dusty region, we perform one to two cleanings per year as needed EXHIBIT H

Das könnte Ihnen auch gefallen