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Ameresco_NoHo_SitePlanReview
AMEC Massachusetts, Inc. 271 Mill Road, 3rd Floor Chelmsford, MA 01824 +1 978-692-9090 amecfw.com May 20, 2016 City of Northampton Planning Board 210 Main Street, Room 11 City Hall, Northampton MA 01060 Re: Application for Site Plan Approval City of Northampton Landfill – 170 Glendale Road Dear Members of the Planning Board: On behalf of Glendale Road Solar LLC, AMEC Massachusetts, Inc. (AMEC) is submitting this document and associated attachments to the City of Northampton Planning Board for the required Site Plan Approval (as determined by the Building Department on May 19, 2016 under File #MP- 2016-0094 (Attachment A)) for the City Landfill 3.12 Megawatt (MW) Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installation Project (the Project). This Project consists of the construction and installation of a 3.12 MW solar array on the City of Northampton Landfill located at 170 Glendale Road (the Site). A Site location map is included as Figure 1. The Site consists of two City-owned parcels encompassing approximately 52 and 16.57 acres, respectively. The Project is located on parcels 42-089 and 49-003 which includes the existing closed landfill, the City-operated Transfer Station and adjacent open space. The Project will occupy approximately 9 acres of the properties. The array will consist of approximately 7,847 PV modules. The modules will be mounted on racks which will be supported by concrete ballast foundation blocks that will be placed on gravel pads on the landfill surface in order to prevent damage to the landfill geomembrane capping system. In addition, approximately 2,052 modules mounted on ground screw supported racks will also be installed outside the limits of the cap. The solar panels will extend approximately 6 feet 4 inches above the existing ground surface. The solar PV array will be connected through 5 AC combiner panels and transformer pads. The purpose of the transformer is to step up the voltage to match and allow an interconnection to the existing National Grid utility grid. Medium voltage power from the transformer will run in medium voltage line of approximately 2,200 feet of surface-mounted line and 150 feet of overhead medium voltage line. Approximately 5 utility poles will be installed beyond the limits of waste to allow for connection to the existing National Grid utility line. For security purposes, approximately 5,460 linear feet of chain link fence will be installed around the solar array. The application and drawings were prepared in accordance with the City of Northampton’s online Site Plan Application and Zoning Bylaws Section 350-11 Site Plan Approval. Information required in the Bylaws is included in the narrative below and the Plans (Attachment B). Online Site Plan Application Describe in detail how you meet ALL SEVEN requirements: 1. Will protect adjoining premises from seriously detrimental uses. City of Northampton Office of Planning Application for Site Plan Approval Northampton Landfill 3.12MW Solar Photovoltaic Installation Project May 20, 2016 Page 2 The proposed Project will not be detrimental to the neighborhood or adjoining premises as the construction impact will be minimal. Once built, the visual impact of the project will not affect abutters as the Site is set back from public view, behind the existing transfer station. The project will be a sustainable source of revenue for the City. 2. Will minimize and mitigate traffic impacts. Due to the temporary nature of construction, traffic studies are not typically completed for landfill solar PV projects in Massachusetts and a waiver is being requested. AMEC and Glendale Road Solar will work with the City of Northampton to coordinate traffic access, flow, and parking within the Site during construction. Construction is estimated to take approximately 3 months and the maximum number of vehicles accessing the site during Project construction is estimated at 20 to 30 vehicles (5-10 truck trips and 15-20 construction workers). Following construction, maintenance traffic will be limited to a few vehicles, a few times per year. Any impacts on traffic associated with the Project will be temporary and short term in nature and will not have any significant impact on local roadways. 3. Promote a harmonious relationship of structures and open space. There are no new structures proposed as part of the Project. There is currently 94.4% open space on the parcel and 93.3% open space will remain once the Project is complete. 4. Protect the general welfare. The proposed Project will protect the general welfare of the City of Northampton by minimizing construction and traffic impacts. The project will utilize an otherwise unusable landfill by providing a sustainable source of revenue for the City. PV panels are designed to absorb as much light as possible in order to increase the efficiency with which the photocells convert solar radiation into electricity. In addition, at this particular site the landfill is the highest local geographical feature in the area and the panels will be oriented towards the southern sky at a 15 degree angle. Two glare studies detailing the minimal impact of the solar modules accompany are included in Attachment C. Both studies are not site specific and generally address the subject of glare. The first study was performed by a PV module manufacturer and the second by the Federal Aviation Administration. 5. Avoid overloading and mitigate impacts on City resources. The project will not utilize City resources as there is no water, sewer or electricity use required. The project is proposed to generate electricity as a sustainable source of energy for the City. 6. Promote city planning objectives (see Sustainable Northampton, Open Space Plan, and Transportation Plan). The project conforms to the provisions of Sustainable Northampton, Open Space Plan and Transportation Plan as previously discussed. City of Northampton Office of Planning Application for Site Plan Approval Northampton Landfill 3.12MW Solar Photovoltaic Installation Project May 20, 2016 Page 3 7. Meet all zoning requirements. See Section 350 – Site Plan Approval below. Section 350 – Site Plan Approval Section 350-11.5 – Procedures A. Application for site plan approval shall be made to the City Clerk and the Office of Planning and Development on forms provided for that purpose, accompanied by the required fee. The Planning Board shall adopt specific rules governing paper and electronic application and the number of copies. The Site Plan Approval application was submitted online and in electronic format due to size limitations to the City of Northampton City Clerk and Office of Planning and Development on May 20, 2016. B. The application for site plan approval shall be accompanied by a site plan, drawings and supporting documentation in a form specified by rules and regulations which shall show, among other data, the following: 1. Locus Plan A Site Location Map is enclosed as Figure 1. 2. Site plans(s) at a scale of one inch equals 40 feet (or greater) showing the following: a. Name and address of the owner and the developer, name of the project, and date and scale of plans; The Plans (Attachment B) are shown at a scale of one inch equals one hundred feet (1” = 100’) due to the large property area. The larger scale was required in order to show the full extent of the proposed development while including pertinent surrounding information and existing conditions on one sheet. A waiver is requested to allow the use of the larger scale. The name and address of the owner (City of Northampton) and developer (Glendale Road Solar LLC), name of the project (Northampton Landfill 3.12 MW Solar PV Development), date and scale are all included in the drawings. b. The location and boundaries of the lot, adjacent streets or ways, the location and owners names of all adjacent properties and those within 300 feet of the property line, and all zoning district boundaries; The location and boundaries of the lot, adjacent streets or ways, the location and owners names of all adjacent properties and those within 300 feet of the property line and all zoning district boundaries are all shown on Sheet 2 of the Plans included in Attachment B. City of Northampton Office of Planning Application for Site Plan Approval Northampton Landfill 3.12MW Solar Photovoltaic Installation Project May 20, 2016 Page 4 c. Existing and proposed structures, including setbacks from property lines, structure elevations, and all exterior entrances and exits. Elevation plans of all exterior facades of proposed structures are required for towers and strongly encouraged for other structures; All existing and proposed structures, property line setbacks and entrance locations are shown on the Plans included in Attachment B. Details showing the elevations of the proposed panels are also included in the Plans. d. Present and proposed use of the land and buildings; The present use of the land is a closed landfill with an operating transfer station. The adjacent land is undeveloped open space. The proposed use of the land is a ground mounted solar array (landfill) and ground screw mounted solar array (undeveloped open space). e. Existing and proposed topography at two-foot contour intervals, showing wetlands, streams, surface water bodies, drainage swales, floodplains, and unique natural land features (for intermediate projects the permit granting authority may accept generalized topography instead of requiring contour lines); Existing 2-foot contour topography, wetlands, streams, surface water bodies, drainage swales, floodplains are shown on the Plans included in Attachment B. There is no proposed grading for this project. f. Location of parking and loading areas, public and private ways, driveways, walkways, access and egress points, including proposed surfacing; All existing parking and loading areas, public and private ways, driveways, walkways, access and egress points are included in the Plans. There is no proposed parking, driveway, walkways or surfacing as part of this project. g. Location and description of all stormwater drainage facilities (including stormwater detention facilities, water quality structures, drainage calculations where applicable, and drainage easements), potential water quality impacts, planned best management practices (BMPs) during the construction phase, and the planned BMPs to be used to manage runoff created after development. For major projects, applicants shall incorporate green infrastructure and low-impact design to the extent feasible. For major projects that do not trigger a separate stormwater permit, applicants shall submit information on all analysis conducted to incorporate low-impact design and green infrastructure. Major projects that do not trigger separate stormwater permitting must provide a proposed inspection schedule for the project during construction and upon completion. Inspections shall be performed by a qualified professional as confirmed by the Planning Board; The existing storm drainage system items shown on the landfill area are grass and stone-lined swales, downchutes, culverts, headwalls, basins and outlet structures. A Stormwater Management Permit application is being submitted to the City of Northampton Department of Public Works under separate cover. A full pre- and post-development stormwater analysis for the landfill has been prepared as part City of Northampton Office of Planning Application for Site Plan Approval Northampton Landfill 3.12MW Solar Photovoltaic Installation Project May 20, 2016 Page 5 of the Stormwater Management Permit application and a summary is included in this application as Attachment D. h. Location and description of public and private utilities, sewage disposal facilities and water supply; There are several existing utilities on the property in the area of the transfer station as well as the landfill including leachate collection, gas collection, water and sewer utilities. All known utilities are shown on the Plans in Attachment B. i. Existing and proposed landscaping, including trees and other plantings (including the size and type of plantings), stone walls, buffers, screening, and fencing. Landscape plans must be designed and stamped by a certified landscape architect or arborist. An adequate schedule for maintenance, during the first two years, must be specified on the plans; Existing landscaping and natural features shown on the Plans are existing tree lines, wetlands boundaries, and stormwater basins. There are no proposed changes to the existing landscape or drainage features. j. Location, dimensions, height, color, illumination of existing and proposed signs; There is an existing sign at the entrance to the facility for the transfer station. A proposed sign may be installed within the site, at the gate to the perimeter fence. If installed, the proposed sign will not be visible from the road or illuminated. The proposed sign would be approximately 4 feet by 8 feet stating the Solar PV operator contact information. k. Provisions for refuse removal, with facilities for screening of refuse when appropriate; During construction, general construction debris will be managed on-site with roll- off containers staged away from all abutting properties. The construction debris will be hauled off-site for disposal. Once construction is complete, there will be no refuse generation and therefore no requirement for the management of refuse onsite. l. An erosion control plan (for major projects only) and any other measures taken to protect natural resources and water supplies; Erosion control measures are shown on the Plans included in Attachment B. Construction exit, sediment barrier compost sock (silt soxx), dust control, and erosion control blanket are the primary measures which will be used during construction to control erosion, sedimentation and dust. A stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) will be prepared prior to construction in conformance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). m. A photometric plan showing conformance with § 350-12.2. There is no proposed lighting for the Project. City of Northampton Office of Planning Application for Site Plan Approval Northampton Landfill 3.12MW Solar Photovoltaic Installation Project May 20, 2016 Page 6 3. Estimated daily and peak hour vehicle trips generated by the proposed use, traffic patterns for vehicles and pedestrians showing adequate access to and from the site, and adequate vehicular and pedestrian circulation within the site. In addition, major projects, as defined above, shall prepare a traffic impact statement including the following information: a. Traffic flow patterns at the site including entrances and egresses, loading and unloading areas, and curb cuts on site and within 100 feet of the site. Due to the temporary nature of construction, traffic studies are not typically completed for landfill solar PV projects in Massachusetts and a waiver is being requested. AMEC and Glendale Road Solar will work with the City of Northampton to coordinate traffic access, flow, and parking within the Site during construction. Construction is estimated to take approximately 3 months and the maximum number of vehicles accessing the site during Project construction is estimated at 20 to 30 vehicles (5-10 truck trips and 15-20 construction workers). Following construction, maintenance traffic will be limited to a few vehicles, a few times per year. Any impacts on traffic associated with the Project will be temporary and short term in nature and will not have any significant impact on local roadways. C. Site plans submitted for major projects shall be prepared (and stamped) by a registered architect, landscape architect, or professional engineer. The Plans (Attachment B) and Application have been prepared and stamped by Robert J. Bukowski a professional engineer registered in the State of Massachusetts (P.E. #41492). D. Upon written request, the Planning Board may, at its discretion, waive the submission by the applicant of any of the required information, provided that the applicant provides some written information on each of the items in Subsections B(3)(a), (b) and (c) above and explains why a waiver is appropriate. A waiver is requested for the completion of the Traffic Study as outlined in Section 350-11.B.3. Should you have any questions regarding this application, please contact Rob Bukowski at (978) 392-5307 rob.bukowski@amecfw.com or Danielle Ahern at (978) 392-5302 danielle.ahern@amecfw.com. Sincerely, Robert J. Bukowski, P.E. Project Manager Danielle A. Ahern, P.E. Project Engineer Attachments: Figure 1 – USGS Site Map Attachment A – Building Department File #MP-2016-0094 Attachment B – Plans (full size plans, under separate cover) Attachment C – Glare Study Documentation Attachment D – Stormwater Summary Letter Figure 1 Copyright:© 2013 National Geographic Society, i-cubed H:\Ameresco\Northampton_MA\Task1\MXD\Site Location Map.mxd May 02, 2016 DWN: elizabeth.flanary CHKD: AKN ^_ Location of Site FIGURE1 ± Notes & Sources AMEC Massachusetts, Inc.271 Mill RoadChelmsford, MA 01824(978) 692-9090 SITE 0 1,000 2,000FeetSITE LOCATION MAP Northampton Landfill Solar Project 170 Glendale RoadNorthampton, Massachusetts Attachment A Building Department File #MP-2016-0094 Attachment B Plans (full size plans, under separate cover) ISSUED FOR SITE PLAN REVIEW 2 4 C-502 C-501 3 COVER SHEET 1 DRAWING TITLE DRAWING INDEX DRAWING NUMBER SHEET NUMBER PROPOSED SITE PLAN CONSTRUCTION DETAILS C-101 EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION CONTROL DETAILS LOCUS MAP NOT TO SCALE AERIAL IMAGE NOT TO SCALE EXISTING CONDITIONS PLAN V-101 AMEC MASSACHUSETTS, INC. 271 MILL ROAD CHELMSFORD, MASSACHUSETTS 01824 PREPARED BY DEVELOPED BY 5 G-001CONSTRUCTION, EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION CONTROL NOTES CITY OF NORTHAMPTON MASSACHUSETTS PROPERTY OWNER GLENDALE ROAD SOLAR LLC Attachment C Glare Study Documentation Attachment D Stormwater Summary Letter 271 Mill Road Chelmsford, Massachusetts amecfw.com May 20, 2016 Mr. Douglas McDonald Stormwater Manager City of Northampton 125 Locust Street Northampton, MA 01060 Re: Application for Stormwater Management Permit - Glendale Road Solar Development Dear Mr. McDonald, On behalf of Glendale Road Solar LLC, AMEC Massachusetts, Inc. (AMEC) is submitting this stormwater analysis for the 3.12 megawatt (MW) ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) system that will cover an area of approximately 9 acres on the City-owned landfill and adjacent open space. This application includes the following: ► Completed and signed Stormwater Management Application (Attachment A); ► Copy of permit review and inspection fee (Attachment B); ► Stormwater Report (in accordance with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Stormwater Checklist) (Attachment C); and ► Construction period pollution prevention and erosion and sedimentation control plan summary (Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) to be submitted prior to construction). The stormwater runoff pattern for the Glendale Road Solar Development will not be altered as part of the proposed project. Stormwater runoff generated at the landfill is managed within the existing stormwater system which has four primary points of discharge: ► The southeastern stormwater pond (Pond A) ► The northern stormwater pond (Pond B) ► The northern wetland (Wetland C) ► The western sheet flow (infiltration) area (Infiltration D) The ground-mounted portion of the PV array development off of the landfill cap was not analyzed for stormwater due to the small size of the pole supports and because the ground screws are considered disconnected impervious within the existing sandy gravel field which is not located within the landfill capping system. There are many stone- and grass-lined swales and drainage culverts which support the existing stormwater system at the landfill. For purposes of this stormwater analysis, the existing swales and culverts were included in the stormwater analysis to evaluate the existing system’s capacity to handle any additional runoff created by the PV development. For this project, runoff calculations were performed for Type III 1-, 2-, 10- and 100-year 24-hour storm events. The documented rainfall was estimated from the Northeast Regional Climate Page 2 of 8 Center (NRCC) to be 2.55-, 3.07-, 4.47-, and 7.68-inches for the 1-, 2-, 10- and 100-year storm events, respectively. The existing and proposed peak design flows were assessed using the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Technical Release 55 (TR-55) methodology. Hydraflow modeling software was used. Hydraflow is an industry accepted modeling software that utilizes the TR-55 methodology. The existing conditions topography is a compilation of survey performed by AMEC and topographic information provided by the City of Northampton. This topography was used to develop the stormwater model. There were two scenarios evaluated: the Existing Condition (pre- PV array development) and the Proposed Condition (post-PV array development). The detailed stormwater model, NRCS Soil Report and the NRCC rainfall table for Northampton is attached. The primary effect of the PV array on stormwater runoff rate and volume is a result of the ballasted foundation of the rack assembly. There will be a total of 393 panel rack assemblies. Each of these rack assemblies will require two ballast blocks to anchor them to the ground. The ballast blocks proposed for use are 8.25-feet long and 4-feet wide. As part of the ballast assembly a gravel pad is proposed for each location to allow for a stable surface to place the blocks. This gravel pad is proposed to extend 0.5-feet beyond the ballast block in all directions. A gravel access road extension is proposed for the main landfill to extend from the top portion to the western section of the proposed array for better site access during and after construction. A gravel access road is also proposed for the ground-mounted portion of the array off of the landfill cap, to the south of the existing access road. The proposed gravel access roads are approximately 12-feet wide and 870-feet long (total for the two extensions). With the exception of the ballast blocks, concrete equipment pads, proposed gravel access roads, and gravel base installed for each ballast block, all disturbed areas will be restored with vegetated ground cover. While the PV arrays have a large surface area, any stormwater that lands on these surfaces will drain onto the vegetative layer of the landfill cap. The impervious cover associated with the proposed ballast blocks and transformer pads accounts for approximately 1.5% of the affected catchment area (Table 1). Table 1: Ballast Footprint by Catchment Area Catchment Ballast Count1 BallastArea1 Catchment Area Number No. Acres Acres A 498 0.39 21.12 B 148 0.11 9.42 C 40 0.03 5.96 D 100 0.08 4.20 Total 786 0.62 40.70 1Panel count for each catchment is approximate to within 3%. Locations may shift slightly during construction and panels may straddle catchment boundaries. Page 3 of 8 The peak flow rates and total runoff volume to the northern wetland, northern pond, southeastern pond, and western infiltration areas increase slightly from existing to proposed conditions; however, modeling within the northern wetland, northern pond and western infiltration area indicates the peak flow rate and total runoff volume off-site were attenuated and reduced resulting in no off-site increase in runoff volume or peak flow rate. The runoff peak rate and volume from the southeastern pond increased slightly from pre- to post-development (Table 2); however the increase is minimal and will be further attenuated in the existing downstream wetlands which were not included in this analysis. Table 2: Existing and Proposed Conditions Peak Flow and Volume Comparison 24-hour Storm Event Existing Condition Peak Flow (cfs) Proposed Condition Peak Flow (cfs) Difference in Peak Flow (cfs) Existing Condition Runoff Volume (cft) Proposed Condition Runoff Volume (cft) Difference in Peak Runoff Volume (cft) Pond A 1 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 0 0 2 0.58 0.68 0.10 14,553 16,996 2,443 10 7.40 8.15 0.75 90,164 93,967 3,803 100 40.35 41.07 0.72 291,827 297,852 6,025 In conclusion, the existing stormwater management system and wetlands have the capacity to accommodate and attenuate the proposed flow rates and volumes.. As a result, the model shows that this will not result in off-site flooding. Stormwater Erosion Control Plan A Stormwater Erosion Control Plan is proposed to be implemented prior to and during construction. This plan will address all potential avenues and pathways for erosion during construction and operation. This section briefly describes what the erosion control plan will encompass. Page 4 of 8 The primary construction activities that the plan will address will include: the mowing of vegetation; the addition of gravel fill material for the ballast block foundations and the proposed gravel road construction; the movement of heavy machinery; and re-vegetation of disturbed areas (if required). Vegetative cover outside of the limit of disturbance is to remain. If the vegetative cover outside the intended work area is damaged or disturbed during construction, it will be repaired to re- establish vegetation. Erosion control measures will be installed upslope of the perimeter and bisecting diversion swales at the top of the landfill to prevent sediment from entering these swales. The types and locations of machinery will be dictated by a constructability assessment and completed prior to the commencement of construction; however, the intent is to use only low ground pressure equipment on areas off of the existing and proposed gravel access roads/staging area. Vegetation will be restored up to the edge of each ballast block stone foundation material. Material stockpiles will be maintained in one or more central locations. Perimeter erosion control will placed around all stockpiles and will consist of sediment barriers capable of containing sediment. In addition, stockpiles will be covered with a tarp during non-working periods and during rain events. Disturbance of the landfill surface and access road by equipment is another possible source of erosion during construction. Rutting or exposed soil will require repair and attempts to mitigate future rutting at the same location will be made. Avoiding site work on the cap during periods of heavy precipitation or when the cover soils are saturated and soft should mitigate many of the issues related to equipment use on-site. The lower edge of each panel array, or the “drip edge,” has been identified as a potential source of ongoing erosion. This is not likely to be an issue due to the relatively short drip distance, flat slope of the landfill and the proposed vegetative cover. If erosion along the drip edge becomes an issue it will be mitigated as part of ongoing maintenance at the landfill, likely with a gravel splash strip. As noted on the Drawings, any erosion and sediment control measure will not be allowed to penetrate into the geomembrane cap material. Should you have any questions regarding this application, please do not hesitate to contact Rob at (978) 392-5307, rob.bukowski@amecfw.com or Danielle at (978-392-5302, danielle.ahern@amecfw.com. Page 5 of 8 Sincerely, Danielle A. Ahern, P.E. Project Engineer Robert J. Bukowski, P.E. Project Manager Attachments Attachment A – Stormwater Management Application Attachment B – Copy of Permit Review and Inspection Fee Attachment C – Stormwater Report (MassDEP Checklist)