2018.12.03 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Jason Naber (EOR) submitted a MN Joint Application on May 10, 2018 on behalf of Chuck Beisner (Sunrise Energy Ventures) requesting a no -loss, exemption, sequencing, and replacement plan approval. The initial application was considered complete on July 6, 2018 after the appropriate fees were submitted. Since the submittal of the original application, a number of revisions have been made to the site layout to adhere to City of Hugo ordinaces and WCA, while preserving the feasibility of the project. The 60 day review period was extended for another 60 days to accommodate appropriate review by the TEP. A level 2 wetland delineation was completed for the western 19.8 acres of the parcel on May 18, 2017 and approved on September 28, 2017. The wetland delineation resulted in the identification of two (2) wetlands; a 13.67 acre type 2 wetland (wetland 1) and a separate type 2, 0.19 acre wetland (wetland 2). Wetland 1 supported a high quality vegetative community within the borders of the basin along with lower quality vegetation and some invasives. A second level 2 delineation was completed on October 25, 2017 for the eastern 10.4 acres of the parcel. This delineation extended the boundaries of the previously delineated type 2 wetland (1). This area will not be part of the proposed solar project. The applicant is proposing to construct a 1 megawatt community solar garden on the site. Construction of this facility will result in temporary and permanent impacts to wetland 1. Permanent impacts will result from the construction of a gravel access road off of 165' St. The total area of permanent impact will be 0.165 acres; 0.15 acres of impact within wetland boundary 01-a and 0.015 acres of impact within wetland boundary 01b. Avoidance The applicant has proposed two alternatives to completely avoid wetland impacts; the no -build and and alternative facility placement. The no -build option was rejected as this would not help meet statewide initiatives for clean energy. Alternative site placement utilized additonal upland acreage within the eastern 1/3 of the parcel. This option was rejected as the applicant has determined that this acreage is not within Excel Energy Territory and requests to shift the territory boundary were unsuccessful. The applicant also included an off -site alternatives analysis. The proposed parcel was the only one in which the landowner was willing to consider the development of a community solar graden and which contained suitable utility connections to receive electricity generated from the solar panels. Minimization To minmize impacts to wetlands, the applicant sited the access road in the narrowest portion of wetland 1. Final road layout was influenced by City of Hugo design standards which required the road to be shifted east to meet setback requirements. The proposed road will conist of gravel (to reduce impervious surface and the need for additional heavy equipment work which pavement would require) and will be graded to match preconstruction contours and is also located on an existing berm. Solar panels will also be installed at the maximum possible height feasible and the array has been configured to take advantage of as much upland area as possible. Replacement After minimization, 0.165 acres of permenant wetland impact will remain for the construction of the access road. The applicant is proposing to replace these impacts at a 2:1 ratio with wetland creditrs from wetland bank #1537. This bank is approved (BWSR and USACOE) and holds the correct credits in an amount sufficient to replace for project impacts. The applicant will be required to purchase 0.34 acres of type 2 wetland credits from bank #1537 to replace for permanent impacts. BwsR Forms 11-25-09 Page 2 of 4