sc uuu ea draft final - green airport | pvd · 10/13/2016 · array field uuu-1, encompassing 2.5...

NEPA Environmental Assessment Newport State Airport Middletown, Rhode Island

DRAFT

This Environmental Assessment has been prepared to document potential impacts associated with installation of a solar energy facility at the Newport State Airport in Middletown, Rhode Island.

Prepared for: SolarCity Corporation 3055 Clearview Way San Mateo, CA 94402 and

Rhode Island Airport Corporation 2000 Post Road Warwick, Rhode Island 02886

Prepared by: Stantec Consulting Services Inc. 482 Payne Road Scarborough Court Scarborough, ME 04074-8928

September 2016

This environmental assessment becomes a Federal document when evaluated, signed, and dated by the responsible FAA official.

Responsible FAA Official Date

10/13/2016

FEDERAL FINDING

After careful and thorough consideration of the facts contained herein, the undersigned finds that the proposed federal action is consistent with existing national policies and objectives as set forth in Section 101 of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other applicable environmental requirements and will not significantly affect the quality of the human environment or otherwise include any condition requiring consultation pursuant to Section 101(2)(c) of the NEPA.

APPROVED: DATE: Richard Doucette Manager, Environmental Programs

, FAA

Stantec Consulting Services Inc. 482 Payne Road Scarborough Court, Scarborough ME 04074-8929

September 29, 2016 File: 195210913

Attention: Mr. Richard Doucette: Airports Division, FAA New England Region 1200 District Ave. Burlington, MA 01803

Dear Mr. Doucette,

Reference: National Environmental Policy Act-Draft Environmental Assessment Newport State Airport Proposed Solar Panel Development Middletown, Rhode Island

Please review the following draft environmental assessment and supporting materials prepared according to FAA Order 1050.1F Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures dated July 16, 2015 and the National Environmental Policy Act. The project described below will occur on property of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) and Newport State Airport. An update of the Airport’s Airport Layout Plan (ALP) is underway to reflect changes proposed as a result of the project addressed in this environmental assessment. ALP approval by the FAA is necessary for the property siting and construction of the subject project. Furthermore, the project as described does not meet any of the “Categorical Exclusions” listed in FAA Order 1050.1F and thus is subject to FAA review in an Environmental Assessment (EA). The Categorical Exclusion for solar projects found at FAA Order 1050.1F Paragraph 5-6.3.i requires that solar projects be less than three acres in areal coverage to satisfy categorical exclusion requirements. The project described herein involves area in excess of three acres and thus is subject to the preparation of an EA. This document provides a project description, followed by a discussion of potential environmental impacts associated with the construction and operation of the solar field relative to the assessment methods dictated by FAA Order 1050.1F. The applicant (Solar City and RIAC) request the FAA to review these materials and issue a finding relative to the National Environmental Policy Act and all associated orders, policies and regulations.

Contact information for the applicants is provided below:

SolarCity Corporation Rhode Island Airport Corporation 100 N. 18th Street, Suite 1900 Dan Porter, Vice President Planning & Environmental Philadelphia, PA 19103 2000 Post Rhode Attn: Jeremy Sande Warwick, Rhode Island 02886 [email protected] [email protected]

September 29, 2016

National Environmental Policy Act-Draft Environmental Assessment Newport State Airport Proposed Solar Panel Development Middletown, Rhode Island

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PROPOSED ACTION

SolarCity and the Rhode Island Airport Corporation propose the installation of a two megawatt solar energy facility at Newport State Airport located within the town of Middletown, Rhode Island. The proposed photovoltaic panels, supporting structures, power inverter equipment and surrounding perimeter fencing will encompass approximately five acres of airport property. Two array fields are proposed at the airport. Array field UUU-1, encompassing 2.5 acres, is proposed for construction in exiting turf area approximately 520 feet to the west of the airport’s terminal building. The array field designated UUU-3, encompasses approximately 2.7 acres and is proposed to be built in a turf area located approximately 255 feet east of the airport’s Runway 22. Both of the proposed array fields will be encompassed within security chain-link fencing restricting access by the general public, see Figure 2 Site Plan (the preferred project alternative). The airport is bounded by E. Main Road to the south and east, Oliphant Lane to the north and State Route I-295 and Harris Road to the west, State Route 114 to the west. The site may be accessed via Forest Avenue to Airport Access Road.

The proposed solar sites are nearly level and soils are composed predominantly of moderately well drained Pittstown silt loams and Udorthents (human transported material) used to construct the airfield. Scrub-shrub and wet-meadow wetlands occur to the west of proposed array field UUU-1 and wet-meadow wetlands are present to the east of UUU-3. Both sites are proposed on existing turf areas routinely mowed by airport personnel. Ground disturbance will result from the installation of security fence and array panel support posts driven into the ground, and approximately 1,200 linear feet of trenching required for electrical conduit connecting the arrays and for the points of interconnection with the electrical grid. Trenches will be dug approximately two feet wide and three feet deep, resulting in approximately 2,400 square-feet of disturbance. Temporary haul routes will be constructed by overlaying wood chips within designated areas to avoid impacts to existing turf. Wood chips will be removed upon completion of construction.

PURPOSE AND NEED

The purpose and need of the proposed action is to utilize Newport State Airport property to generate renewable, clean energy. Use of solar photovoltaic arrays would decrease the demand for and reliance on electricity generated by fossil-fuel power plants while contributing to airport sustainability. The proposed action is in accordance with the State of Rhode Island Office of Energy Resource’s mission to direct the State toward a “secure, cost-efficient, and sustainable energy future.”

PROJECT ALTERNATIVES

Various configurations of the project were assessed by Harris Miller Miller & Hanson Inc. (HMMH). Preliminary assessments were based on the suitability of the site to provide adequate array orientation as well as a review of potential impacts to protected resources within the vicinity of the proposed development. HMMH assessment also included preliminary glare analyses for each proposed layout. A more detailed glare analysis prepared for the preferred project alternative is included in Appendix A of this EA. Alternatives were reviewed by RIAC and SolarCity for compliance with the current Airport Layout Plan and FAA Airport Design. Alternatives which violated airport protection zones and/or required building restriction limits were dismissed. Furthermore, alternatives that interfered with future landside improvements shown on the current ALP were also

September 29, 2016


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rejected. The height of perimeter fencing and the panels were considered in the siting of the project to ensure there were no intrusions to designated object free areas and protected airspace associated with airport runways.

The limited occurrences of environmental, archaeological, and historic resources within the project footprint (as documented in the next section of this EA) resulted in no significant difference between project design alternatives relative to impacts to the environmental categories considered in accordance with FAA Order 1050.1F Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures. Therefore, the alternatives analysis was primarily restricted to compliance with FAA design criteria relative to current, proposed airport operations based upon the current ALP and the capability of the site to provide adequate panel orientation to generate sufficient electricity.

When compared to the preferred development alternative, implementation of the “No Action” alternative would not decrease the airport’s demand for and use of fossil fuel-based energy. The project site is limited to airport property and will not result in community disturbances or disruptions nor will the project result in impacts to the aesthetic character of the airport vicinity. Implementation of the “no action” does not improve the airport’s operating financial capacity nor does the “no action” alternative increase the amount of renewable electrical energy servicing the local electrical grid.

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

Newport State Airport is a general aviation facility that occupies approximately 223 acres of land located Middletown, Rhode Island. The facility is located within the Middletown Limited Industrial zoning district. Adjacent districts include Residential (R20 & R30), Residential/Agriculture (R20A & R30A), General Business, and Public.

Potentially sensitive receptors including schools, hospitals, other places of public assembly, and parks/recreational areas (U.S. DOT Act Section 4(f) resources) are absent from the general project area (the Joseph H. Gaudet Middle School is located approximately 0.5 miles southeast of the airport). The solar facility once completed will have no associated lighting or noise disturbances (there will be no increases in light emissions or ambient noise levels). Construction-phase noise impacts will be limited to standard day-time operating hours and the use of heavy equipment to drive array support posts and construct the array fields may create short-term noise impacts to abutters (consisting primarily of residential, business and light industrial developments).

According to the EPA’s current Green Book (https://www3.epa.gov/airquality/ greenbook/multipol.html), Rhode Island does not currently have any counties, whole or in part, in nonattainment status for criteria pollutants. Impacts to air quality will be limited, in large part, to emissions from equipment used to install array panel support structures. This activity is not expected to contribute significantly to increased carbon emissions or other greenhouse gasses.

Additionally, the array panels are to be constructed in conformance with State building codes to provide protection against damage resulting from strong winds and heavy snow loads that may occur within the project area and there is no element of the project proposed within FEMA 1% Annual Chance Flood Hazard Areas (0.2% Annual Chance Flood Hazard Areas designated by FEMA occur on airport property to the north and west of proposed solar array locations). Demolition of any existing structures is not proposed. A Building Permit issued by the State of Rhode Island will be required prior to construction.

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Wetlands

No component of the project is proposed within delineated wetland boundaries; however security fencing and panel installation is proposed within perimeter wetlands (inland area extending outward 50 feet from the delineated wetland edge) to accommodate the development, see Figure 3 Site Layout with Wetland Resources. Fence and array posts will be direct-driven into the ground with no additional impacts to these resource areas. Wetland resource areas are within the jurisdiction of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM). A Request for Preliminary Determination including project design and stormwater mitigation plans as well as wetland impact avoidance strategies will be prepared and submitted to RIDEM for review prior to initiating the project. RIDEM’s response will include one of the following: a) determination of “insignificant alteration” and a permit with associated conditions; b) a determination of “significant alteration” stating the project as designed will result in significant alteration of wetland functions and values requiring a permit issued only upon approval of the submission of an Application to Alter a Freshwater Wetland to RIDEM or; c) a determination that a permit is not required, which shall include conditions necessary to protect against wetland alterations in the present time or at any time in the future.

The project will be designed in compliance with the Rhode Island Stormwater Design and Installation Standards Manual (March 2015) and appropriate erosion and sedimentation controls will be implemented prior to construction to avoid significant alterations of wetlands.

Biological Resources (Fish, Wildlife, and Plants)

A review of the Rhode Island Geographic Information System (RIGIS) online database indicates a Natural Heritage Area associated with a state-protected species located immediately to the north of proposed array field UUU, see Figure 4, Natural Heritage Areas (2014). According to RIDEM this area was identified based on the historical presence of the Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens). The leopard frog was believed to use the wetland habitat associated with Bailey Brook located approximately 600 feet to the west of the proposed UUU-1 array field. RIDEM believes the leopard frog is no longer present in the area but suggests the wetlands should be avoided due to other unique species currently utilizing the wetland habitat (see Raithel, Christopher (DEM) email dated August 01, 2016 in Appendix B). As stated previously, no component of the proposed solar development will be constructed within freshwater wetlands. However the northwestern region of array field UUU-1 will encroach upon perimeter wetlands. The installation of array support posts and perimeter fencing is not anticipated to adversely impact wetlands currently providing wildlife habitat in this area.

Consultation with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) identified the Northern Long-eared Bat as a species threatened statewide in Rhode Island. However, as there is no suitable forest habitat in the project area, nor is any tree clearing proposed as a component of this project, there will be no impact to this species.

Historic and Archaeological Resources

This project has been reviewed by the Rhode Island Historic Preservation & Heritage Commission (RIHPHC) to evaluate potential impacts to significant historic or archaeological resources. Upon review of the project the RIHPHC State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) has determined the project will have no adverse effect on historic properties (see RIHPHC letter dated July 12, 2016 in Appendix B). A sub-surface

Natural Heritage Areas (2014)

Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/AirbusDS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, andthe GIS User CommunityRIGIS, University of Rhode Island Environmental Data Center (URIEDC),Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM)

Natural Heritage AreasSeptember 2, 2016 1:18,056

0 0.3 0.60.15 mi0 0.35 0.70.175 km

Newport State AirportMiddletown, RI

Figure 4

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Phase 1 archaeological survey was conducted by The Public Archaeology Laboratory, Inc. (PAL) to determine whether the project considered in this EA will impact significant sub-surface archeological resources. PAL’s survey did not produce evidence of potentially significant archaeological sites. PAL’s report documenting their findings has been submitted to RIHPHC for review (note: PAL’s report contains confidential information and is not intended for public distribution and is not included in this document). The RIHPHC’s findings will be included in the Final Environmental Assessment submitted to the FAA for determination.

The Narragansett Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) was contacted by FAA seeking comment on the proposed solar project regarding culturally important resources within the vicinity of the project (see FAA letter dated July 6, 2016 in Appendix B). The THPO, provided with 30 days to comment, did not respond to FAA’s consultation request.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

The absence of direct impacts to protected environmental resources within and adjacent to proposed work limits suggests that no significant environmental impacts are associated with the proposed installation of a solar energy facility on approximately 5 acres of land at Newport State Airport. No environmental impact categories listed in FAA Order 1050.1F Paragraph 4-1 will be adversely affected by the preferred alternative. At this time, a terminal aircraft apron expansion project is in the preliminary stages of design. Additionally, approximately two acres of wetland vegetation mowing has been proposed adjacent to the Runway 4 end. These projects are not expected to impact the environment adversely or to contribute to cumulative environmental impacts when considering previously conducted airport and other local projects.

Positive effects to the “Natural Resources and Energy Supply” category of the above noted 1050.1F paragraph will result from the creation of this renewable energy facility. Positive socioeconomic impacts can also be envisioned, as alternative electrical energy supplies reduce reliance on fossil fuel generation plants, and may also assist in reducing long-term energy costs to the public. The lack of significant impacts to protected environmental resources avoids the need for mitigation strategies to reduce impacts to acceptable (NEPA) levels. Approval of this project is contingent on FAA review of the terms of the release of land for non-aviation use necessary to update the current Newport State Airport Layout Plan.

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

A Public Notice informing the general public of the proposed solar power development project and identifying the locations of where this EA may be reviewed will be issued in the Newport Daily News, a daily newspaper circulated in the greater Newport, Rhode Island area. Upon publication of the Public Notice, copies of this EA will be made available for a 30-day public review and comment period at the Newport Public Library (300 Spring Street, Newport, RI 02840). The EA will also be posted on the RIAC website (www.pvdairport.com /corporate/environment) and will be available by calling (401) 691-2000. Comments pertinent to the content of this EA received during the 30-day review period will be included in the final document for FAA’s consideration. Comments may be submitted in writing or by email to the attention of Gregg Cohen using the contact information provided in the following section.

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LIST OF PREPARERS

This EA was prepared by:

Gregg Cohen Stantec Consulting Services Inc. 482 Payne Road Scarborough Court Scarborough, Maine 04074-8928 (207) 887-3824 [email protected]

Richard Doucette Environmental Program Manager Federal Aviation Administration New England Region Airports Division (ANE-600) 1200 District Avenue Burlington, MA 01803 [email protected]

LIST OF AGENCIES CONSULTED

Consultations on the presence of protectable environmental resources within the project vicinity were completed as listed below. Project review was completed, in part, using on-line databases maintained by various agencies. See Appendix B of this EA for correspondence conducted during the preparation of this EA.

a) U.S. Dept. of the Interior - Fish and Wildlife Service (Federally Listed Rare Species)

b) U.S. Dept. of the Interior – National Park Service (Federal Parkland)

c) Federal Emergency Management Agency – National Flood Insurance Program (Floodplain)

d) The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

e) The Rhode Island Department of Administration, State Building Code Commission

f) Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission (SHPO Coordination)

g) RIGIS, University of Rhode Island Data Center (URIEDC), Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) Conservation Lands

h) RIGIS, University of Rhode Island Data Center (URIEDC), Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) Natural Heritage (State Listed Rare Species)

i) Narragansett Tribe – Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO Coordination)

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It is our hope that the content of this EA has adequately demonstrated the limited potential for adverse environmental effects and is sufficient for the Federal Aviation Administration to issue a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for this project pursuant to the National Policy Act and FAA Order 1050.1F. If you have any questions regarding the content of this document please do not hesitate to contact me.

Regards,

STANTEC CONSULTING SERVICES INC.

Gregg Cohen Senior Environmental Scientist Phone: (207) 887-3824 Fax: (207) 883-3376 [email protected]

Attachment: None

APPENDIX A

NEPORT STATE AIRPORT GLARE ANALYSIS

Solar Glare Hazard Analysis Flight Path ReportGenerated June 3, 2016, 5:29 p.m.

Flight path: 1No glare found Print

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Analysis & PV array parameters

Flight path parameters

Analysis name Rhode Island Airport Corporation_Newport _JB-02810PV array axis tracking noneOrientation of array (deg) 240.0Tilt of solar panels (deg) 10.0Rated power (kW) 2550.0Vary reflectivity TruePV surface material Smooth glass without ARC

Timezone offset -4.0Subtended angle of sun (mrad) 9.3Peak DNI (W/m^2) 1000.0Ocular transmission coefficient 0.5Pupil diameter (m) 0.002Eye focal length (m) 0.017Time interval (min) 1Correlate slope error with material FalseSlope error (mrad) 10.0

Direction (deg) 320.3Glide slope (deg) 3.0Consider pilot visibility from cockpit False



No glare found.

PV array verticesid Latitude (deg)

Longitude (deg)

Ground Elevation (ft)

Height of panels above ground (ft)

Total elevation (ft)

1 41.534337877 -71.2841076854 136.42 3.0 139.422 41.5337082307 -71.2834553716 143.52 3.0 146.523 41.5333355804 -71.284193516 139.57 3.0 142.574 41.5327830252 -71.2836956978 148.97 3.0 151.975 41.532371819 -71.2843136791 140.33 3.0 143.336 41.5318963579 -71.2840733529 143.13 3.0 146.137 41.5311767349 -71.2845025064 143.99 3.0 146.998 41.5317164527 -71.2865109446 122.58 3.0 125.589 41.5329243772 -71.2860131264 126.12 3.0 129.12

Flight Path Observation PointsLatitude (deg)

Longitude (deg)


Eye-level height above ground (ft) Glare?

Threshold 41.5308469589 -71.2794857036 161.15 50.0 No1/4 mi 41.5280665462 -71.2763985451 171.35 108.97 No1/2 mi 41.5252861335 -71.2733113867 177.84 171.67 No3/4 mi 41.5225057208 -71.2702242282 154.38 264.3 No1 mi 41.5197253082 -71.2671370698 142.72 345.13 No1 1/4 mi 41.5169448955 -71.2640499113 147.28 409.76 No1 1/2 mi 41.5141644828 -71.2609627529 177.66 448.56 No1 3/4 mi 41.5113840701 -71.2578755944 161.26 534.14 No2 mi 41.5086036575 -71.254788436 110.0 654.58 No



No glare found.


Longitude (deg)




1 41.534337877 -71.2841076854 136.42 3.0 139.422 41.5337082307 -71.2834553716 143.52 3.0 146.523 41.5333355804 -71.284193516 139.57 3.0 142.574 41.5327830252 -71.2836956978 148.97 3.0 151.975 41.532371819 -71.2843136791 140.33 3.0 143.336 41.5318963579 -71.2840733529 143.13 3.0 146.137 41.5311767349 -71.2845025064 143.99 3.0 146.998 41.5317164527 -71.2865109446 122.58 3.0 125.589 41.5329243772 -71.2860131264 126.12 3.0 129.12


Longitude (deg)






No glare found.

©1997-2014 Sandia Corporation


Longitude (deg)




1 41.5352309358 -71.2779278758 165.5 3.0 168.52 41.534858294 -71.2768807416 162.42 3.0 165.423 41.5322368913 -71.2784600258 163.55 3.0 166.554 41.5326095479 -71.2794728282 166.99 3.0 169.99


Longitude (deg)






APPENDIX B

CORRESPONDENCE

From: Amy BallTo: Cohen, GreggSubject: FW: Quonset airportDate: Tuesday, August 02, 2016 10:45:43 AMAttachments: image001.png

image003.png

From: Raithel, Christopher (DEM) [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, August 01, 2016 10:41 AMTo: Amy BallSubject: RE: Quonset airport

As a follow up to our phone conversation last week, just a few thoughts about the rare species found at the Airports.

The Quonset airfield formerly supported several rare nesting birds, including the Upland Sandpiper and Grasshopper Sparrow. This information is quite old now and the site has not been inventoried for many years. The large expanse at the north end of the runway was apparently the best habitat – this was an artificial short-grass prairie of sorts, maintained by consistent mowing and its large size. It is thought that,historically, several species of birds moved eastward from the core of their ranges in the Midwest, at a time when the east was largely agricultural landscape. As the farms slowly reverted to forests, prairie obligates began to run out of room and tended to persist wherever large expanses of grassy habitat remained. I have no idea whether these species are still present the airfield. The bird abatement program that has been underway at Quonset for several years may have put additional pressure on these populations.

The wet meadow at the Newport airfield was flagged because of the historical presence of Leopard Frogs that used to inhabit the stream just beyond the fence. I don’t think this species remains on Aquidneck Island or anywhere else in RI. Nonetheless, the wet meadow probably supports other unusual species because the habitat itself is so unusual, so following the suggesting on the freshwater wetlands section seems advisable.

From: Amy Ball [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, July 28, 2016 12:38 PMTo: Raithel, Christopher (DEM) Subject: Quonset airport

Amy M. Ball, PWS, CWSProject Manager - Senior Ecologist

Horsley Witten Group, Inc.90 Route 6A, Sandwich, MA 02563(508) 833-6600 - office(508) 246-5378 - cell

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]

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