4.c 4 Engineer revised comments Oldfield Avenue Solar Garden CUP - March 25 2016
March 25, 2016
Neil Soltis
City Administrator
14727 209 th Street N
Scandia, MN 55073
Re: Revised Review - Oldfield Avenue Solar Garden CUP
Dear Neil:
We have completed our second review of the application and site plans that have been revised and
resubmitted requesting a Conditional Use Permit for the proposed Solar Garden located on a 39.8-acre
parcel, Parcel ID: 0203220230001, on the east side of Oldfield Ave N and have prepared the following
comments.
1. This comment did not change - Proposed project will disturb fifty (50) cubic yards or more
and/or disturbance of 1,000 square feet or more along with minor tree clearing. This will require
a Grading/Land Alteration Permit Application. The following items should be added to the
construction plans:
a. Proposed locations of grading activity with submittal of a grading plan.
b. Erosion and sediment control plan shall be prepared for construction activities.
2. This comment did not change - Right-of-way shall be secured and recorded along the entire
western boundary of the property (Parcel ID: 0203220230001), 33’ east of the section line.
3. This comment should be deleted as the applicant has provided additional information showing the
substation to the common coupling will be connected by existing overhead powerlines. Right-of-
way/Easement shall be secured and recorded along the eastern side of Oldfield Ave N within
Scandia on Parcel ID’s: 0203220220001, 0203220220003, 0203220220002, and 0303220110004
to accommodate the planned location of overhead electric lines to the substation. Applicant may
choose to extend this line on the west side of Oldfield Ave N because of the significant tree line
on private property of 23935 Oldfield Ave N which would include different Parcel ID numbers
than outlined above. Additional right-of-way/easement will have to be obtained in Chisago Lake
Township and Franconia Township along the gravel road portion of Oldfield Ave N along with a
permit from Chisago County if additional infrastructure needs to be installed within the County
right-of-way to incorporate lines to the substation.
4. This comment had additional items added - Site access should align with the intersection of 237 th
Street N and Oldfield Ave N and the access road shall maintain a width of 20 feet in width or
greater and typical section of access road shall be suitable to support emergency medical vehicles.
The proposed 90 degree turns shall be eliminated and appropriate radius shall be installed that
meets the Fire Chief’s requirements. Site drainage will be reviewed upon completion of the
grading plan and with the configuration of the proposed accesses roads it should be
anticipated culvert installation will be required. Will need additional information
submitted to ensure water isn’t ponding on the access roads which will make them soft and
most likely not maneuverable for heavy emergency medical vehicles.
5. This comment did not change - Driveway apron may require a driveway culvert. Additional
survey information shall be submitted for review to determine if one will be required to maintain
drainage.
6. This comment had additional items added – To connect to the point of common coupling from
the existing overhead powerlines on the west side of Oldfield Ave the contractor will either
have to directional drill underneath the roadway or install an overhead powerline/pole
crossing. If an overhead connection is completed the new power pole shall be located
outside the new easement area on the east side of Oldfield Ave N. Any damage completed to
the public roadway from construction equipment or hauling trucks will become the responsibility
of the project to repair back to existing condition.
7. Prior to construction work beginning a preconstruction meeting shall be scheduled and
completed.
8. All site work shall be in compliance of the Watershed District and Washington Conservation
District.
Sincerely,
Ryan J. Goodman, P.E.
City Engineer