Loading...
5.a 3 Appendix B - Constraint Analysis Woolford FINAL REDUCEDWestwood CONSTRAINT ANALYSIS Woolford Community Solar Garden City of Scandia, Washington County, Minnesota March 28, 2017 I' f Prepared For: Minnesota Solar Connection, LLC 345 Saint Peter Street, Suite 1600 St. Paul, MN 55102 Constraint Analysis Woolford Community Solar Garden City of Scandia, Washington County, Minnesota Prepared for: Minnesota Solar Connection, LLC 345 Saint Peter Street, Suite 1600 St. Paul, MN 55102 (651) 560-0070 Project Number: R0011629.00 Date: 3/28/2017 Prepared by: Westwood Professional Services 7699 Anagram Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (952) 937-5150 Constraint Analysis — Woolford Community Solar Garden March 28, 2017 CONTENTS LISTOF TABLES..................................................................................................................................I LISTOF EXHIBITS...............................................................................................................................I 1.0 INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................... 1 2.0 METHODS...............................................................................................................................1 3.0 RESULTS..................................................................................................................................2 3.1 Surface Hydrological Resources.................................................................................... 2 3.1.1 Floodplains....................................................................................................... 2 3.1.2 Wetlands and Water Resources....................................................................... 2 3.1.3 Desktop Wetland Delineation.......................................................................... 3 3.1.4 Desktop Hydrology Review.............................................................................. 3 3.1.5 Regulatory Framework..................................................................................... 4 3.2 Biological Resources..................................................................................................... 5 3.2.1 Important Resource Areas............................................................................... 5 3.2.2 Minnesota NHIS Records.................................................................................. 6 3.2.3 Federally Protected Species............................................................................. 7 3.3 Archaeological, Cultural, and Historical Resources .................................................... 10 3.4 Land Use Constraints.................................................................................................. 10 3.4.1 Public and Conservation Lands...................................................................... 10 3.4.2 Zoning, Existing and Future Land Use............................................................ 11 3.4.3 Infrastructure................................................................................................. 12 3.4.4 Environmental Hazards.................................................................................. 13 3.5 Geotechnical Issues.....................................................................................................13 4.0 CONSTRAINT ANALYSIS SUMMARY..................................................................................... 14 5.0 LITERATURE CITED............................................................................................................... 15 Constraint Analysis — Woolford Community Solar Garden March 28, 2017 Table 4.1 Constraint Summary TABLES EXHIBITS Exhibit 1: Project Location and USGS Topography Exhibit 2: Water Resources Exhibit 3: Desktop Hydrology Review Exhibit 4: Biological Resources & Public Lands Exhibit 5: Infrastructure Exhibit 6: Soils APPENDICES Appendix A: Geologic Desktop Review Summary i.o INTRODUCTION Westwood Professional Services, Inc. (Westwood) was retained by Minnesota Solar Connection, LLC to determine whether crucial issues exist on the proposed site for the Woolford Community Solar Garden Project ("Project") that might constrain the development of a solar power project. The Project is located on a 24.49 acre parcel ("Subject Parcel") and has an approximately 9 -acre Project footprint, which is the anticipated location of the Project within the Subject Parcel. The Subject Parcel (PIN # 0603220420002) is located in the SE % of Section 6, T32N, R20W, City of Scandia, Washington County, Minnesota (Exhibit 1). The Project is east of and adjacent to Manning Trail North and 0.5 miles south of 240th Street North. The Subject Parcel is mostly comprised of agricultural land and wetlands except the northwest corner containing a home site. The Subject Parcel's general topography consists of hills and wetland depressions. Surrounding land use consists of a mosaic of row crop agriculture, forested areas, and residential home sites west of Manning Trail. Specific issues that were explored in the Constraint Analysis (CA) include: 1. Water Resources 2. Biological Resources 3. Archaeological, Cultural and Historical Resources 4. Land Use Constraints 5. Geotechnical Issues This CA is based on a desktop review and analysis of a variety of relevant and available Geographic Information System (GIS) data and Westwood's previous experience on solar energy projects. The results of the desktop analysis are described herein, and the data is presented in the attached exhibits. 2.0 METHODS Westwood compiled and reviewed a series of datasets known to present development constraints for solar energy development. Those datasets included water resources, floodplains, impaired waters, cultural resources, public and conservation lands, infrastructure, zoning, and geotechnical data. Information on sensitive species, habitats, and cultural resources were also investigated. In addition, Westwood reviewed state and federal lists of endangered, threatened, and special concern species and reviewed their preferred habitats with respect to land cover within the Subject Parcel and assessed their potential to occur within or near the Subject Parcel. Some of the data sources reviewed include the following: Federal: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Floodplain Mapping U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Federally -listed Species: County Distribution 11 Constraint Analysis —Woolford Community Solar Garden March 28, 2017 USFWS Critical Habitat Federal, State, and Conservation Lands State: Minnesota Topography Data (MNTopo) MN DNR Public Waters Inventory (PWI) Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Impaired Waters Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Natural Heritage Information System (NHIS) MN DNR Regionally Significant Ecological Areas State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) National Wetlands Inventory (NWI)(MN Revised) Minnesota County Biological Survey (MCBS) MPCA What's In My Neighborhood Local: City of Scandia Comprehensive Plan and Ordinances Comfort Lake- Forest Lake Watershed District Rules 3.o RESULTS 3.1 Surface Hydrological Resources 3.1.1 Floodplains FEMA flood data mapped no 100- or 500 -year floodplains within the Project boundary or within % mile of the Premises (Exhibit 2). 3.1.2 Wetlands and Water Resources MN DNR PWI data mapped no public watercourses or public water basins within the Project or within 1,000 feet of the Project boundary (Exhibit 2). The City's Shoreland District is defined as areas within 300 feet and areas within 1,000 feet of the Ordinary High Water Line (OHWL) of public watercourses and public water basins, respectively; and other public waterbodies identified in the City's Shoreland Management Regulations. There are no Shoreland areas that extend onto the Subject Parcel. NWI data indicates three wetlands on the Subject Parcel; one PABG/PEM1A wetland, one PEM1A/C, and one PABG/PEM1F/A wetland basin. 2 Constraint Analysis —Woolford Community Solar Garden March 28, 2017 NHD data mapped no flowlines and one waterbody identified as Lake/Pond and is consistent with the one of the NWI wetland basins mapped in the southeast corner of the Subject Parcel. MPCA data indicated there are no impaired waters within the Subject Parcel. The MPCA data indicated three impaired waters within one mile of the Subject Parcel, one stream and two lakes. The stream is listed as Unnamed creek: Unnamed lake to Birch Lake, Stream identification number 07030005-641, as an impaired stream due to Escherichia coli not meeting state standards. It is located 0.3 miles northeast of the Subject Parcel. The first lake listed as Bone: 6 Miles South Of Chisago City, Lake identification number 82-0054-00, is impaired due to Nutrient/eutrophication biological indicators and mercury in fish tissues not meeting state standards. It is located 0.75 miles east of the Subject Parcel. The second lake is listed as Moody: SCANDIA, Lake identification number 13-0023-00, is impaired due to Nutrient/eutrophication biological indicators not meeting state standards. The data indicated no other impaired waters are mapped within one mile of the Project boundary. 3.1.3 Desktop Wetland Delineation A Westwood Environmental Scientist using ArcGIS and publicly available data conducted a desktop wetland delineation of the Project Premises (Exhibit 2). Five suspect areas were identified from mapping resources and then reviewed on historical aerial photographs. Of the five suspect areas initially identified, four exhibited sufficient wetland signatures in the photo years reviewed. These four areas were subsequently identified as potential wetlands for purposes of the desktop wetland delineation in accordance with BWSR Guidance for Offsite Hydrology/Wetland Determinations. A field delineation conducted during the growing season will confirm the presence of wetland hydrology, soils, and hydrophytic plant communities in the potential wetland areas identified from the desktop delineation, and will determine the presence and extent of wetland boundaries. 3.1.4 Desktop Hydrology Review The landcover of the Project footprint is primarily row crop agriculture (Exhibit 3). There are wetlands directly to the west of the Project and a large pond directly to the south. The majority of the Project footprint drains north to an adjoining field or south to the pond. 3 Constraint Analysis —Woolford Community Solar Garden March 28, 2017 The Project Premises is located on topographic high point with no direct offsite drainage entering the Project footprint. The Project footprint can still be affected by offsite drainage due to the wetlands directly to the west. These wetlands have the possibility of overtopping and backing water up onto the Project footprint. The onsite drainage area that leaves the Project footprint is 8.54 acres split over four drainage areas. The southwest drainage area flows south to the large pond, the north drainage area flows north into an adjoining field, the southeast drainage area flows south towards the large pond and the east drainage area flows east into an adjoining field. Both the north and southwest drainage areas will have the possibility of ponding water into the Project footprint from the adjacent wetlands to the west. The ponding water could have depths in excess of 2' during a large storm. It is also unknown how the large pond to the south fluctuates during storm events or snowmelt events. Based on the Google Earth aerial imagery, there are no culverts or significant defined flow paths likely to drain offsite stormwater onto the Project Premises, although small culverts may exist, they would need to be identified during site survey. If this project is pursued further, a preliminary drainage study for the Project Premises should be completed in conjunction with design to ensure that stormwater regulations are being met and drainage on the Project Premises is properly designed. 3.1.5 Regulatory Framework The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) regulates the discharge of dredged and fill material into waters of the U.S. under Section 404 of the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA). Solar project infrastructure such as access roads, collection cables, and PV foundations should be sited to avoid watercourses and wetland features to the extent practicable to minimize wetland impacts and permitting requirements. Public Waters as depicted in the PWI data are regulated by the MN DNR under State Statute 103G and Minn. Rules 6115. Permits are required for changing the course, current or cross-section of Public Waters. Additionally, a license must be obtained from the MN DNR for the passage of any utility crossing over, under, or across any State Land or Public Water. There are no public waters within the Subject Parcel, therefore, no need to secure permits from the MN DNR. In Constraint Analysis —Woolford Community Solar Garden March 28, 2017 Wetlands in Minnesota are regulated under the State Wetland Conservation Act (WCA, Minn. Rules 8420) which is administered by the Board of Water Resources (BWSR), implemented locally by the Local Government Unit (LGU), and enforced by the MNDNR. The WCA regulates the draining or filling of wetlands, wholly or partially, and excavation in the permanently and semi -permanently flooded areas of type 3, 4, or 5 wetlands, and in all wetland types if the excavation results in filling, draining, or conversion to non -wetland. The Washington Conservation District is the WCA LGU for the Project, in coordination with the city of Scandia. As with the CWA, solar project infrastructure such as access roads, collection cables, and PV foundations should be sited to avoid water resources to the extent practicable to minimize wetland impacts and permitting requirements according to the WCA. If impacts are executed for the Project, the WCA also regulates Best Management Practices (BMPs) regarding erosion and sediment control to be implemented. In addition to WCA requirements, the city of Scandia Ordinances regarding wetlands require a 75 -foot setback from the edge of delineated wetlands. Impaired waters are regulated by Minn. Rules 7050. Due to the impaired waters within 1 mile of the Project, additional NPDES permit and SWPPP requirements may be applicable during construction if the stormwater discharge flows to the impaired waterbody. Requirements may include: o Shorter temporary/ permanent stabilization timeframes (7 days instead of the standard 14 days after ceasing construction activity) o Additional temporary sediment basins maybe needed during construction The Project is located in Comfort Lake- Forest Lake Watershed District (CLFLWD) which has additional setback and buffer requirements for wetlands applicable to certain development projects. Based on a review of CLFLWD rules, it appears this solar development project will not trigger CLFLWD wetland buffer rules. 3.2 Biological Resources 3.2.1 Important Resource Areas The DNR evaluates the ecological integrity and diversity of lands in relation to disturbance through data from the Minnesota County 5 Constraint Analysis —Woolford Community Solar Garden March 28, 2017 Biological Survey (MCBS). MBS ecologists assign a biodiversity rank to each survey site (outstanding, high, moderate, and below) which are used to communicate the statewide native biological diversity significance of each site to stakeholders. In addition, the DNR defines and applies a conservation status rank to native plant communities (i.e., common to critically impaired) that reflects their relative rarity and endangerment in Minnesota. The DNR also defines and applies an ecological score of 1 to 3 (i.e., moderate, high, or outstanding, respectively) to Regionally Significant Ecological Areas (RSEA). The purpose of the RSEA data is to inform regional scale land use decisions. No RSEAs, MN DNR native plant communities, or MCBS sites of biodiversity significance were identified within the Subject Parcel. One RSEA is located 0.21 mile northeast of the Project (Exhibit 4). This RSEA is classified as a score 1 (i.e., moderate). Score 1 RSEAs are typically smaller in size, contain less diverse vegetation, and are typically surrounded by adjacent land uses that may pose adverse effects to the area. Score 1 areas may contain native plant communities and are given scores of moderate biodiversity significance. This RSEA appears to include wetland, woodland, and streams. One MN DNR native plant community, a dogwood shrub swamp, is associated with the previously described RSEA and is consistent in location with a mapped MCBS site with moderate biodiversity significance. One additional MCBS site with below biodiversity significance is mapped 0.40 mile west of the Project; however, based on aerial imagery, this area appears to be a single family lot with a driveway and landscaped yard. 3.2.2 Minnesota NHIS Records A review of the MN DNR Natural Heritage Information System (NNIS) database licensed to Westwood (LA -763, May 2016) was conducted for records of federal or state -listed rare, threatened or endangered species in, and within one mile of the Subject Parcel. The MNDNR NHIS data mapped (Exhibit 4) no records of rare features (species, ecosystems, etc.) within the Subject Parcel. Four records of a State species of concern reptile and one rare plant community were mapped within a mile of the Project. Overall, the potential for rare species to occur within the Project Premises appears low due to the relative lack of suitable habitat to support rare species (i.e., dominance of agriculture, low relative diversity 0 Constraint Analysis —Woolford Community Solar Garden March 28, 2017 and habitat complexity). Rare species may, however, be supported in the vicinity of the Subject Parcel due to the presence of water resources, patches of woodland, and mapped RSEAs within the surrounding area. Please note that the absence of rare species records within the Project boundary cannot be construed to mean lack of occurrence. Instead, it may mean the area has not been surveyed. 3.2.3 Federally Protected Species The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) list of Federal rare species known or believed to occur in the county includes six species, the northern long-eared bat, (Myotis septentrionalis; NLEB), the rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis; RPBB) (USFWS 2016(a), (b)), and four endangered mussel species. Due to declines caused by white -nose syndrome (WNS) the northern long-eared bat has been listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as threatened. The USFWS Final 4(d) rule for the NLEB identifies the following restrictions (USFWS 2016©): Purposeful Take o For all areas within the range of the northern long-eared bat, all purposeful take is prohibited except: ■ Removal of northern long-eared bats from human structures. ■ Defense of human life (e.g., public health monitoring for rabies). ■ Removal of hazardous trees for the protection of human life and property. Incidental Take o For areas of the country not affected by white -nose syndrome (WNS) (i.e., areas outside the WNS zone), there are no prohibitions on incidental take. o For areas of the country impacted by WNS (i.e., areas inside the WNS zone), incidental take is prohibited under the following circumstances: ■ If it occurs within a hibernacula. ■ If it results from tree removal activities and ■ the tree removal activity occurs within 0.2S mile (0.4 km) of a known, occupied hibernacula; or, ■ the tree removal activity cuts or destroys a known, occupied maternity roost tree or other trees within a 150 foot radius from the maternity roost 7 Constraint Analysis —Woolford Community Solar Garden March 28, 2017 tree during the pup season from June 1 through July 31." According to the USFWS (2016(b)) the NLEB, suitable winter hibernacula habitat for the NLEB includes caves and mines. In the summer NLEBs roost underneath bark and in crevices of trees; males and non- reproductive females may also roost in caves and mines. NLEBs forage by flying through the understory of forested areas and near water sources feeding on a variety of insects. Washington County falls within the WNS zone and two known NLEB hibernacula are located in Washington County (T28N, R22W and T32N, R19W), over 5 miles from the Project (MN DNR 2016(b)). Wooded patches and water resources within the Project and in the surrounding area may offer potential roosting habitat and adequate foraging areas for NLEB. However, the Project footprint is not within mapped NLEB critical habitat areas, is not near a known roosting tree or hibernacula, and is dominated by agricultural fields. Adverse effects to potential NLEB populations in the surrounding area are not anticipated as a result of Project development. Due to habitat loss and fragmentation, intensive farming practices, disease, and pesticide use, the rusty patch bumble bee has been listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as endangered. The USFWS Final Rule for the RPBB was published January 11, 2017; however, the rule's effective date has been delayed until March 21, 2017 and critical habitat for the RPBB has not yet been published. If the Project Premises falls within the to -be -determined RPBB critical habitat area or near known occurrences of RPBB, consultation with the USFWS may be triggered and an obligation to "implement reasonable and prudent alternatives to avoid destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat" may be required (USFWS 2017). According the USFWS, RPBB historically inhabit grasslands and tallgrass prairie of the upper Midwest and Northeast, as they require areas abundant and diverse floral resources to support nutritional needs throughout their relatively long foraging and reproductive season. Although, RPBB has also been found in woodlands, marshes, parks, gardens, and agricultural settings. The RPBB utilizes underground cavities such as abandoned rodent nests or occasionally clumps of grasses for nesting. Diapause (hibernating) queens overwinter in underground chambers; typically in areas of undisturbed, uncompacted soil (USFWS 2016(d)). 0 Constraint Analysis —Woolford Community Solar Garden March 28, 2017 Aerial photography and NWI mapping review suggest the potential for wet meadow, grassland, and gardens within the Subject Parcel, however, it is unlikely these areas support the floral diversity this species requires. Desktop analysis also suggests the potential for woodland and wet meadow associated with the RSEA northeast of the Subject Parcel, and woodland patches in the surrounding area which may offer RPBB habitat; nonetheless, Project development is unlikely to impact RBPP that may be present in the area. Moreover, because the proposed Project will be planted with a pollinator friendly seed mix, there is the potential to enhance area habitat for the RPBB. Due to invasive species, habitat loss, and degradation of rivers, the Higgins eye pearly mussel (Lampsilis higginsii), Spectaclecase (Cumberlandia mondonta), snuffbox (Epioblasma triquetra), and the winged mapleleaf (Quadrula fragosa) mussels are all listed as federally endangered. All four species are all found in the St. Croix River; however, suitable habitat is not available within the Subject Parcel and Project development is unlikely to affect potential populations that may be present in streams or rivers in the surrounding area. Dwarf Trout Lily (Erythronium propullans) is a plant species endemic to Minnesota, and the state's only federally endangered plant species (USFWS 2016a). The habitat of E. propullans is most commonly include wooded floodplains or river terraces, or north -facing slopes above or near streams and floodplains. Potential E. propullans habitat may be present along the unnamed water course north of the Project; however, suitable habitat is unlikely to be found within the Project and development is unlikely to affect potential populations that may be present in the surrounding area. Bald eagles are no longer protected under the federal ESA, but is still protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (USFWS 2016a). Bald eagles may utilize the Project Premises for foraging or stopover given the Project's proximity to Clear Lake, Nielsen Lake, Twin Lake, Birch Lake, Moody Lake, Bone Lake, and several MN DNR Public Waters Wetlands. In addition, patches of woodland in the surrounding area may provide adequate habitat for nesting. It is unlikely, however, that the proposed Project would impact eagles that may be present in the area. 2 Constraint Analysis —Woolford Community Solar Garden March 28, 2017 3.3 Archaeological, Cultural, and Historical Resources Information regarding previously recorded cultural resources within the parcel and a %-mile buffer was obtained from a review of records located at the Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office and the Minnesota Office of the State Archaeologist. Cultural resources included both archaeological sites and historic/architectural structures. Included in this search was information regarding: 1. known and recorded archaeological and historic resources, 2. properties and districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRNP). No previously recorded archaeological sites or historic/architectural resources were identified within the Project or %-mile buffer. Should the current Project be deemed a federal undertaking (requiring a federal permit, license, or approval; being located on federally owned or managed land; or receiving federal financial assistance), the scope of required cultural resource investigations would be determined by the functioning lead federal agency in cooperation with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and pertinent Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (THPO) as defined in both Section 101 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (as amended) (NHPA). Should federal involvement require environmental review of the Project, the lead federal agency would be responsible for defining the scope of cultural resources investigations within the defined Area of Potential Effect (APE) to assess the potential impact on cultural resources. 3.4 Land Use Constraints 3.4.1 Public and Conservation Lands There are no federal, state or public lands mapped within the Project (Exhibit 4). The nearest public or conservation land is a MN Board of Water and Soil Resources temporary conservation easement located 0.77 mile northeast of the Project. No other conservation, state, federal, or public lands are located within one mile of the Project. 10 Constraint Analysis —Woolford Community Solar Garden March 28, 2017 3.4.2 Zoning, Existing and Future Land Use The Subject Property is Zoned Agricultural. According to the 2030 Scandia Comprehensive Plan, existing land use is Agriculture and future land use is Agricultural Core (AG C). The future land use map also indicates the Natural Resource Priority Area Overlay extends onto the southwest part of the subject property. According to the USDA-NRCS, most of the subject parcel is classified as prime farmland with lobes in the northeast and southwest parts classified as farmland of statewide importance. Two areas of not prime farmland are indicated in the southwest and southeast corners where there are existing wetlands. According to Chapter 2, Section 4.34 of the Scandia Code of Ordinances, Community Solar Gardens (CSG) are allowed within the Agricultural Core District with a Conditional Use Permit. CSG's are prohibited within shoreland districts as designated by the MN DNR and the City of Scandia Shoreland Ordinance, within wetland to the extent required by the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act (WCA), and within the Floodplain District. There are no designated shoreland areas or floodplain within the Subject Parcel. Wetlands within the parcel will be avoided by the Project to the extent practicable. In addition, the city of Scandia requires a 75 -foot setback from delineated wetlands. Setbacks from major or minor collector roads is 100 feet from the road centerline. With the exception of major and minor collectors, the ordinance governing community solar gardens require setbacks greater than the structure setbacks listed for the AG C, and will be the setback distance implemented for the Project. The CUP application must include detailed site plans of existing and proposed conditions that include all items required according to Chapter 1, Section 5 of the Development Code for Conditional Use Permit applications. Other application requirements include obtaining necessary approvals from the appropriate road authority for site access and driveways, an interconnection agreement with the local utility, liability insurance, and a decommissioning plan. 11 Constraint Analysis —Woolford Community Solar Garden March 28, 2017 Performance standards for CSG development include a minimum 75 -foot setback from all parcel boundaries, a 200 foot setback from the centerline of minor arterials, a maximum height of 15 feet, and screening from view from public rights-of-way using vegetation, berms, landscaping or a combination thereof. The City may also require screening from view from nearby properties and may require a vegetative buffer up to 25 feet in depth and/or screening of up to 95 percent of the view of solar arrays from adjacent parcels. Required screening shall be achieved within two growing seasons. Power and communications lines shall be buried in accordance with the Development Code. CSG's are subject to stormwater management, erosion and sediment control best practices, NPDES requirements and shall obtain required permits from the MPCA, Comfort Lake Forest Lake Watershed District, and the City. CSG's shall be designed to prevent reflective glare towards inhabited buildings and rights-of-way adjacent to the Project. Fences or barriers for the Project shall incorporate wildlife friendly design in accordance with recommendations from the MN DNR. Projects adjacent to areas protected from development by federal, state, or county agencies shall implement mitigative measures to protect the resource values of those areas. There are no areas protected from development adjacent to the Subject Parcel. The Comfort Lake Forest Lake Watershed District (CLFLWD) has additional wetland and buffer requirements applicable for certain development projects. It is anticipated that these additional buffer requirements will not apply to the Project because the proposed development does not include rezoning, subdivision of property or a variance for lot hard surface percentage or structure setback from a wetland. 3.4.3 Infrastructure Exhibit 5 depicts the locations of public and private infrastructure and land use constraints in the vicinity of the Subject Parcel. 12 Constraint Analysis —Woolford Community Solar Garden March 28, 2017 A residence and multiple outbuildings associated with a farmstead are located in the northwest corner of the Subject Parcel but outside of the Project footprint. One water well is mapped within the Subject Parcel but located outside of the Project footprint. Numerous other water wells are located within mile of the Project. No gas or oil pipelines are located within one mile of the Project. Three transmission lines are located within one mile of the Project. A Northern States Power Co Arrowhead to Red Rock 230 kV line, Northern States Power Co King to Chisago 345 kV line, and a Northern States Power Co Kohlman Lake to Chisago County 345 kV line are all located within 0.75 mile southwest of the Project. No substations or railroads are located within one mile of the Project. There are two airports within 5 miles of the Subject Parcel; Dupre's Private Airport is located 1.8 miles to the north and the Waldref Private Seaplane Base is located 3.3 miles west of the Project. 3.4.4 Environmental Hazards A search for known environmental hazards and conditions was completed for the Subject Parcel. The MPCA, What's In My Neighborhood (WIMN) online database (Exhibit 5) indicated no sites were recorded within % mile of the Project Area. The closest site is a feedlot associated with Gerald Olson Farms that is mapped as 0.28 miles to the southeast of the Project Area. 3.5 Geotechnical Issues In general, no subsurface conditions that would preclude development of the Project Premises were encountered. According to the USDA Web Soil Survey, the shallow soil on the majority of the Project is classified as fine sandy loam derived from glacial outwash (Exhibit 6). The underlying sandstone bedrock is over a hundred feet below the ground surface. Scattered cobbles or boulders due to glacial till or alluvium parent material could present challenges to driven pile foundations, but alternate pier solutions exist. Sandy overburden has a low to moderate potential for shrink/well. The Project foundations may also be exposed to frost heave. A comprehensive geotechnical investigation is recommended to 13 Constraint Analysis —Woolford Community Solar Garden March 28, 2017 better characterize subsurface conditions and their associated impacts on the project. Refer to Appendix A for the High -Level Geologic Desktop Review Summary for additional details. 4.0 CONSTRAINT ANALYSIS SUMMARY Table 4.1 Constraint Summary Category Items of Note Significant Constraints/Hurdles Floodplain There is no 500- or 100 -year floodplain None identified within the Subject Parcel. Water Resources Potential wetland covers approximately Additional wetland may be 16% of the Subject Parcel overall and present along the west edge of may extend into the southwest part of the Project footprint which will the Project footprint. require additional setbacks than currently anticipated in the Site Plan. Hydrology The Project footprint is located on a The extent and depth of topographic high point with no offsite ponding within the Project drainage. Ponding water from adjacent footprint during storm events wetlands west of the Project footprint should be further evaluated. may encroach onto the Project footprint during large storm events. Water resources Solar project infrastructure such as City 75 -foot wetland setback regulations access roads and transformer requirement. foundations should be sited to avoid water resources to the degree practicable. The city of Scandia requires a 75 -foot setback from delineated wetlands. CLFLWD has additional buffer requirements around wetlands but they will likely not apply to the Project. Sensitive Biological No existing records for sensitive species Low potential for requiring a Resources or native plant communities were sensitive resources survey of identified within the Subject Parcel. Five the site as part of CUP records of rare resources were application process. Project documented within one mile of the may have to incorporate Project. wildlife BMP's into the Project design. Archaeological and No archaeological or historic resources None identified. recorded within 1/4 mile of project 14 Constraint Analysis —Woolford Community Solar Garden March 28, 2017 Historic Resources area. Public Lands There are no federal, state or public None identified. lands mapped within the Project boundary or within % mile of the Project. Zoning and Land Parcel is zoned AG -C, CSG's are allowed Project constraints include a Use in AG -C with a CUP. There are no 75 -foot setback from parcel overlay districts on the parcel that boundaries and delineated prohibit solar development but project wetlands per City ordinances. infrastructure will be subject to setbacks Desktop wetland delineation from parcel lines and wetlands that will indicates there are likely more constrain siting of the Project. CLFLWD wetlands on the site than wetland buffer requirements will likely indicated by mapping not apply to the Project. resources. Infrastructure Outbuildings associated with a None identified. farmstead are located in northwest corner of Project. One well is located in Project. Environmental No WIMN search results listed within None identified. Hazards the Project Area. One feedlot is located 0.28 miles southeast of the Project Area. Geotechnical Glacial deposition could present None identified. Issues installation challenges to driven pile foundations. Frost heave and corrosive soil should be considered in foundation design. 5.o LITERATURE CITED City of Scandia Comprehensive Plan, 2008. http://www.ci.scandia.mn.us/index.asp?SEC=CD15B87F-1A85-49F2-A7B5- C863582143F4&DE=337E12CC-8853-4168-BECB-558A81A211D8&Tvpe=B BASIC City of Scandia Code of Ordinances. http://www.ci.scandia.mn.us/index.asp?SEC=8C29BCA9- 2C17-4668-8FBF-53F039C7ECE3&DE=BF9CE763-6A23-4048-BC51- 2242DC774194&Tvpe=B BASIC City of Scandia Development Code. http://www.ci.scandia.mn.us/index.asp?Type=B BASIC&SEC=f5A328A60-EOAD-4B4B-8958- FD16CO09OD221&DE={B4D307A1-7530-4870-9197-84917634A24A} 15 Constraint Analysis —Woolford Community Solar Garden March 28, 2017 Comfort Lake Forest Lake Watershed District Rules. http://www.clflwd.org/documents/CLFLWD Rules.pdf Local Water Management Plan, City of Scandia, Minnesota. September 18, 2012. http://www.ci.scandia.mn.us/vertical/sites/%7B2FlD9A41-1D4D-4195-A3E4- 159328E3F399%7D/uploads/Approved Local Water Management Plan.pdf Meyer, G.N., Baker, R.W., and Patterson, C.J. 1990. Atlas C-5, Plate 3 of 7 Surficial Geology. Minnesota. Minnesota Geologic Survey. http://conservancy.umn.edu/handle/11299/58492 Minnesota Department of Health. County Well Index Online. http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/cwi/. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 2017. Minnesota's Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern Species, Washington County. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/rsg/­index.html. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 2016(a). Minnesota Natural Heritage Information System (LA -763, May 2016). Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and USFWS. 2016(b). Townships Containing Documented Northern Long-eared Bat (NLEB) Maternity Root Trees and/or Hibernacula Entrances in Minnesota Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) 2017. What's in my neighborhood website: http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/data/wimn-whats-in-my-neighborhood/whats-in- my-neighborhood.html. Mossler, J.H. and Bloomgren, B.A. 1990. Atlas C-5, Plate 2 of 7 Bedrock Geology. Minnesota. Minnesota Geologic Survey. http://conservancy.umn.edu/handle/11299/58492 MPCA Impaired Waters Inventory website: http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/water/water-types-and-programs/minnesotas- impaired-waters-and-tmdls/impaired-waters-list.html. MPCA Construction Stormwater Special Waters Search website: http://pca-gis02.pca.state.mn.us/CSW/index.html. Patterson, C.J., Mossler, J.H., Bloomgren, B.A. 1990. Atlas C-5, Plate 4 of 7 Bedrock Topography. Minnesota. Minnesota Geologic Survey. http://conservancy.umn.edu/handle/11299/58492 16 Constraint Analysis —Woolford Community Solar Garden March 28, 2017 USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2016. Web Soil Survey for Washington County, MN. http://websoilsurvey.nres.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey.aspx. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (a). 2016. Species by County Report, Washington County, MN. https://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/lists/minnesot-spp.html U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (b). 2016. Northern Long-eared Bat Fact Sheet. https://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/mammals/nleb/nlebFactSheet.html U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (c). 2016. Federal Register; Vol. 81, No. 9. Northern Long-eared Bat Final 4(d) Rule. https://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/mammals/nleb/pdf/FRnlebFinal4dRulel4Jan 2016.pdf U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (d). 2016. Rusty Patch Bumble Bee Life History. https://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/insects/rpbb/lifehistory_ssa.html U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2017. Federal Register; Vol. 82, No. 7. Rusty Patch Bumble Bee Final Rule. https://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/insects/rpbb/pdf/FRFinalListingRuleRPBBllJa n20l7.pdf 17 Exhibits Woolford Community Solar Garden City of Scandia, Washington County, Minnesota Multi -Disciplined Surveying & Engineering westwoodps.com © 2017 Westwood Professional Services, Inc. W) .. I N 250th,St N 250th,St250th StID cif _ 250th St _ _ ChlSago .City- _ - rr,ri5pthi'St m I.rrFe' p T _ CIA_ :2 ar .246th St - O 246th ` �' 7�- ;�' St • V CD 245th l St `` `moi.'_ •::,_ - -\3 r - I 3 > - -- g 24t.h St St v3 A2ndln,y '� ►c_`- a�"�rd SZd oc t243rd St ° [nke. I c a 0 �0 ��0 �40th4St 240th Si N 240th St \e o o _— [ 240th $tom St N o o `� SH I�+ TCrr :« --=,� -- ------------- - `�AOr�s _ 4 �9t� i ti •- 23gth st 8th13, 235th St N (?� Giles �Ct '_ �°' z `� ` ' - ? c �`• II ,1 - co - I Ilk T w 1r �ti 4 - _ ti 232nd N 232nd St N 7 Forest Lake �, �; _ . .40 Iz e. _ \ 1 t\1t `' 1.•�`� �' . j�LCf���CCCfff 476 11 230th.St N 230th St N?>rEt _- �' dv Z. _ i; ~ ~ f`- Scandia A a' r CD (. a' L 228th St N 228th St N gs DxF s , VIC Julep Trl_N� ..' (:rrr,rl'e 23rdfStN ry QyyS% J0.La 2t L Ine v &MFN@3MV s .N S' , 14� * N t `r ...-. p vy�oou cd OU = _. �_ _ Y-►" - _N• � - ,yid_ I >_y 61.'11114. � 1 N tisfy'"� i t Feet ac G' !!j — A 0 2, 000 c ' 218th: St N 218th St V 48; .. Wrinea olis Project Location Data Source(s): Westwood (2017); ESRI WMS Legend USA Topo Sasemap Imagery (Accessed 2017); Legend Woolford Community Minnesota DNR -Minerals Division/Section of Wildlife (2015); Census Bureau (2016). City/Civil �CIVII TOwnshl Solar Garden Project Boundary ® Y P Scandia, Boundary _____ Washington County, Minnesota Road County Boundary Westwood �-----1 Project Location & PLS Section USGS Topography TaicrA. r88m1937-57W weskwoodrrs.carr� � Boundary WeAwood Professdonal servl�ces, In,. EXHIBIT 1 assessed waters (2012); U.S. Fish and Wildlife rro)ecl oounuary rssesseu oiream ® em uralnage uitcrl Solar Garde n service (2013); Ducks Unlimited (2013); USGS - NHD Dataset(2013); FEMA (2016). PWI Watercourse 1:2Impaired Lake - NHD Flowline Scandia, PWI Basin Desktop Delineated NHD Waterbody Washington County, Minnesota Wetland ® Shoreland District 100 -Year Floodplain WestwWestwood NWI Wetland Water Resources ood '�ij�` y 500 -Year Floodplain Td FM1 (888)837.5150 westwoodfn.enrn Westwood Professional Services, Inc. EXHIBIT 2 (2016). Project Premises 1 —1�— Onsite Flow Path ® Boundary Offsite Flow Path Project Parcel Boundary F=—] Onsite Drainage Area Westwood 10ft Contour 7G7FI (M)937.515a westwoodiix—, F= Offsite Drainage Area Westwood PvofeMonal SeNkK fine. - 2ft Contour Solar Garden Scandia, Washington County, Minnesota Desktop Hydrology EXHIBIT 3 Survey, MNDNR, Division of Ecological Resources (2015); Project Boundary Regionally Significant National Wildlife Prime Farmland Classifca6on NCED and Penners (2016); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Ecological Area ®Refuge Boundary All areas are farmland Solar Garde n (van Dates); Conservation Biology Institute PAD -US Native Plant prime (2016). ® Community NHIS Rare/Endangered Species Areas Wildlife Management Note: NHIS data included here were pmvitletl by the Vertebrate Animal Area Farmland of statewide importance Scandia, Division of Eccic I and Water Resources, Minnesota MBS Site of Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and= current ®Biodiversity BScienlifc& Not prime farmland Washington County, Minnesota as of May 2016. These data ere not based on an Significance O Terrestrial Communfty Natural Area exhaustive Inventory of the state. The lack of date for any National Invertebrate Animal Waterfowl Production geographic area shall not be c.minued to mean that no Area mConaervatian Biological Resources significant feaWres are present. Easement Vascular Plant esto� PAD Public Land Animal Assemblage &Public Lands Fd Rv (asap 937.51illg EXHIBIT 4 Westwood Professional Servlet Ix © 2017 Westwood Professional Services. Inc. d W bW '' • -f2�' t211117 x . } i �~r;• 0 1 * 4 `1 : )v— „°. '• o :39 i• �"�� • ;���'�"1; ' • n�F'A !y { r > � ' F rt' , i ;,. . c r f�J 01.1 W A A 41'IR' .r?' -"L T t..rf �.. a.. �y _.j• :_ r�-/ �� W� . > or Marr T .� r 9C�rvt t r _ . W w w w� - tot * +4�•/ ; 'yam• ��drSttiy ry� W � "'� � •vim � _ I k W (! W Alf • •�+: iI fir' ��'.r �� :. �ji'� .F• � �� •°�!'�•'. jr or AI i Feet w r *r. r..� —� . � . r% •,;.. ;� ,.' , 0 600 s '. j =. , r Data Source(s): Westwood (2017); Minnesota Woolford Community NAIP Imagery (Accessed 2017); Census Legend Bureau (2016); Ventyx velocity Suite, ventyx L Energy LLC. (2016); Minnesota Pollution Project Boundary \' Airport Solar Garden Control Agency (2009); Minnesota Geological survey (2014). Scandia, 00o Oil Pipeline O MPCA Site Washington County, Minnesota 00o CO2 Pipeline Substation Westwood --- Natural Gas Pipeline O Approximate Infrastructure Well Location IMF" tasatesv-a1aa wc•awnocltrc.eom Transmission Line Westwood Professional Services, Inc. Railroad EXHIBIT 5 Resources Conservation Servicemap unit Name I Hydric ,O11S CIassnicatlon V %J 1431 %;P43 1 W 61 1 (2016). Soil Unit Boundary N/A 1328 Hayden fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes 17% Hydric Scandia, All Hydric/Predominantly N/A 132C Hayden fine sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes 5% Hydric Washington County, Minnesota Hydric Soil N/A 11698 I Braham loamy fine sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes 17% Hydric /�1 NIA I751 Bluffton loam 1100% Hydric Soils Westwood Qd PT 11055 1 Aquolls and Histosols, ponded 1100% Hydric Td F— 18891857.5160 ws+9.w nndN rom EXHIBIT 6 Westwood Rofesei—1 sea '— I.. Westwood Appendix A Geologic Desktop Review Summary Woolford Community Solar Garden City of Scandia, Washington County, Minnesota Multi -Disciplined Surveying & Engineering westwoodps.com Westwoo �.■ Project Name: Woolford Community Solar Garden Date: 3/3/2017 (,� Project Number: R0011629.00 By: Mitchell Ott High -Level Geologic Desktop Review Summary Source Soil Unit USCS Erodibility (Kw) Depth Range Description / Notes Web Soil Survey Braham Loamy Fine Sand SM, CL Moderate (0.28) >8' Loamy, fine sandy, outwash over till parent material Web Soil Survey Hayden Fine Sandy Loam SC -SM Moderate (0.32) >8' Fine sandy loam, till parent material Surficial Geology Map Till of Mixed Composition Water Depth - Complexly intermixed loam to sandy till, sand and gravel lenses are common Well Logs Sandy Clay, and Gravel 59' - Based on available water well logs Bedrock Source Location Rock Type Rock Unit Depth Description / Notes Well Log 570000 650'W of W Parcel Border Sandrock Jordan Sandstone 165' Based on available water well logs MNGS Bedrock Topography Full Project Site Sandstone Jordan Sandstone 100' to 150' Based on bedrock topographic contour map these areas may need to go quite deep or be pre -drilled and grouted, in order to develop the necessary capacity. The low bearing capacity and high compressibility Peat/Organic Soil Ground Water associated with soft soil will also present challenges to the design of shallow spread footings and slab -on -grad foundations. Access roads may also require a thicker Source Location Water Depth Notes Well Log 138911 250'W of NW Parcel Corner 59' Measured on 12/30/1977 Well Log 412869 Within Parcel Boundaries 64' Measured on 07/08/1988 Well Log 453540 600'W of W Parcel Border 56' Measured on 07/21/1989 Well Log 570000 650'W of W Parcel Border 78' Measured on 11/22/1995 Well Log 705597 250' N of N Parcel Border 60' Measured on 09/01/2004 Well Log 713095 550'W of W Parcel Border 70' Measured on 11/01/2004 Subsurface Risk/Challenges Risk/Challenge Risk Level Description Peat and organic soil typically found in the topographically low areas is soft, exhibiting low strength and high compressibility. As a result, pile foundations located in these areas may need to go quite deep or be pre -drilled and grouted, in order to develop the necessary capacity. The low bearing capacity and high compressibility Peat/Organic Soil Low associated with soft soil will also present challenges to the design of shallow spread footings and slab -on -grad foundations. Access roads may also require a thicker gravel cross section and subgrade stabilization/reinforcement. The potential for peat and organic soil to be present below topsoil is low based on published information. Expansive clays have the potential to swell when saturated and shrink when dry, which can cause differential heave and settlement to foundations if not property Expansive Soil Low to Medium accounted for in design. The clay and granular soils at this site has low to moderate shrink/swell potential. Frost susceptible soils in cold climate regions include clay, silt, and fine sand. Coarse grained soils that are well drained are less -susceptible to frost heave action in the absence of soil saturation. Frost heave occurs when frozen soil adheres to the pile surface and heaves due to the formation of ice lenses. Frost heave may be a Frost Heave Medium controlling factor in pile foundation design, requiring embedment well below the frost depth so that sufficient capacity can be acquired from non -frozen soil. Access roads may require additional maintenance and gravel placement during the spring thaw. Shallow spread footings should bear below frost depth. Although the groundwater at this site is relatively deep, there is potential for perched groundwater due to the interbedded sand, clay, and gravel layers. Shallow and perched groundwater will present challenges to open excavations and trenches by destabilizing sidewalls and subgrade if dewatering systems are not Shallow/Perched implemented. Drilled pier foundations will also suffer from hole collapse if not effectively cased, and concrete may need to be placed using tremie method. Shallow Groundwater Low to Medium groundwater will also soften access road subgrade and increase the chance of flooding/ponding on site. Although water well logs suggest that the water table is relatively deep, there is potential for perched groundwater due to the interbedded sand, clay and gravel layers. Erratic cobbles and boulders found in the shallow subsurface are commonly associated with glacial till material. Dense soil and cobbles/boulders may inhibit pile Subsurface Obstructions Medium driving activities. Glacial till is noted on the premises and the overburden consists mainly of layers of clay, sand, and gravel. Gravel may include larger cobble size rocks and may inhibit pile driving activities. The potential for subsurface obstructions is considered moderate. Due to the presence of sandy loam soil with high moisture there is a low potential for corrosive conditions. Steel piles will likely not require additional protective Corrosive Soil Low measures (e.g., galvanization or sacrificial steel). Electrical trenches and shallow foundation excavations will likely remain above bedrock; however, pile foundations could encounter cobbles/boulders. Rock -drilling Shallow Bedrock Low is not likely to be needed, which is more costly and slower than soil drilling or driven piles. Shallow bedrock is not expected at this site. Erodible soils typically have a high silt content leading to low infiltration rates and easily detached particles. Highly erodible soils and significant topographic relief Soil Erodibility Medium increase the potential for scour around piles and the demand for access road maintenance. The granular soils have a moderate potential for erosion, and consideration should also be given to the grades on site when evaluating erosion potential. Summa Frost heave in the cold climate of Minnesota may present challenges to foundations. Glacial deposition may present challenges to driven pile and helical foundations. Corrosive soils may require additional protective measures on steel piles. The potential for topsoil erosion is moderate. A comprehensive geotechnical investigation is recommended to better characterize subsurface conditions and their associated impacts on the project. References USDA NRCS. Web Soil Survey. http://websoilsurvey.nres.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey.aspx Minnesota Department of Health. County Well Index Online. http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/cwi/ Meyer, G.N., Baker, R.W., and Patterson, C.J. 1990. Atlas C-5, Plate 3 of 7 Surficial Geology. Minnesota. Minnesota Geologic Survey. http://conservancy.umn.edu/handle/11299/58492 Mossler, J.H. and Bloomgren, B.A. 1990. Atlas C-5, Plate 2 of 7 Bedrock Geology. Minnesota. Minnesota Geologic Survey. http://conservancy.umn.edu/handle/11299/58492 Patterson, C.J., Mossler, J.H., Bloomgren, B.A. 1990. Atlas C-5, Plate 4 of 7 Bedrock Topography. Minnesota. Minnesota Geologic Survey. http://conservancy.umn.edu/handle/11299/58492