Wind Energy Services Integrating Environmental, Engineering and Constructability Considerations in Wind Power Development Anntonette Alberti, JD Tetra

Wind Energy Services

Integrating Environmental, Engineering and Constructability Considerations in Wind Power Development

Integrating Environmental, Engineering and Constructability Considerations in Wind Power DevelopmentAnntonette Alberti, JDTetra Tech, Inc.



Goals of the PresentationGoals of the Presentation

Provide an overview of the wind generating facility development process

Describe the inter-relation of environmental, engineering and constructability data on each phase of wind farm development• Site Screening

• Conceptual Design

• Final Design

• Permitting

• Construction

• Operations and Maintenance Stress the importance of designing and

permitting constructable and economic wind projects



Overview of the Development Process

Overview of the Development Process



Site Selection/ScreeningSite Selection/Screening

Two most basic questions:• Is the site windy?

• Is the site near adequate “take away” transmission? If you pass the basic questions then:

• Investigate availability of land

• Investigate public and local government acceptability

• Investigate environmental and engineering considerations

– Critical Issues Analysis– Regulatory Strategy



Critical Issues AnalysisCritical Issues Analysis

Critical Issues Analysis is a study that:• Identifies conditions at the proposed project site

• Identifies likely siting issues

• Projects impacts on schedule/budget

• Provides management strategies to reduce impacts on schedule/budget

Components include:• Phase I - Desktop studies

- Available a la carte (Biological, Cultural, Aesthetics, Geotechnical, Telecommunications, Aviation, Land Use and Permitting, etc.)

• Phase II – Reconnaissance-level Field Studies

• Critical Issues Analysis Report- Documents key issues that warrant special consideration- Provides: permit matrix, recommendations, and schedule



Common Critical Issues Analysis OmissionsCommon Critical Issues Analysis Omissions

Aviation Screening Telecommunications Screening Engineering/Constructability Issues

• Steep slopes

• Unstable geotechnical conditions

• Inadequate work space



Moving on to the Conceptual LayoutMoving on to the Conceptual Layout You now know you have a potential wind site! Client should have an idea of the turbine

technology that should be used in subsequent studies

Move on to the conceptual layout



What is the Conceptual Layout?What is the Conceptual Layout?

Initial layout that includes turbine locations, access roads, electrical collection system, switchyard(s) and substation(s), transmission lines, O&M building, and construction work areas.

Necessary for obtaining land rights, performing preliminary studies, beginning the regulatory process, etc.

Typically the developer or the meteorological firm will take a first cut at the conceptual layout of turbines on a constraint map.



Defining the Conceptual LayoutDefining the Conceptual Layout

Preliminary Selection of Turbine Technology• Important for turbine spacing

• Important for defining setbacks Define Project Constraints

• Wind

• Land

• Setbacks from Homes/Infrastructure

• Engineering/Access

• Environmental

• Cultural

• Political Create Conceptual Layout



Constraints MapConstraints Map



Typical Setbacks and ConstraintsTypical Setbacks and Constraints

Setbacks from sensitive buildings such as residences, schools, hospitals and churches;

Setbacks from outbuildings such as barns, garages, and hunting camps; Setbacks from roads, trails, and recreational areas; Setbacks from transmission lines, oil and gas wells, oil and gas

transmission, gathering and service lines, sub-surface mining operations and other such infrastructure/facilities;

Setbacks from non-participating parcel boundaries; Wetlands, surface waters, and any regulatory buffers around them; Sensitive cultural resources and any regulatory boundaries around

them; Locations of special status wildlife or vegetation species and/or critical

habitat; Areas of known geotechnical instability; Fresnel zones and other communication/radar related constraints; Areas impacted by air traffic (both civilian and military); and Any other environmental and land use constraints identified for the site.



Agricultural Siting ConsiderationsAgricultural Siting Considerations

Locate structures along field edges where possible Locate access roads along ridge tops where

possible to eliminate the need for cut and fill and reduce the risk of creating drainage problems

Avoid dividing larger fields by locating access roads along the edge of agricultural fields

All existing drainage and erosion control structures such as diversions, ditches, and tile lines shall be avoided or appropriate measures taken to maintain the design and effectiveness of the existing structures

Minimize loss production, crop damage and top soil



Engineering Tasks for Conceptual LayoutEngineering Tasks for Conceptual Layout

Perform desktop study to evaluate subsurface conditions and geologic hazards

Desktop Transportation Analysis

Initial Road/collection system Layout

Initial Constructability review



Moving from the Conceptual Layout to the Final LayoutMoving from the Conceptual Layout to the Final Layout

Wind projects have a lot of moving parts: wind resource, property, landowner preferences, setbacks, environmental constraints, cultural resources, engineering constraints, transportation issues, constructability, etc. influence where project facilities will be sited

There must be communication among team members and impact on layout must be understood and incorporated

The best team includes a meteorologist, a land man, an environmental scientist, an engineer, a constructability expert, and a lawyer

Data management with multiple team members can be a challenge



What is the Final Horizontal Layout?

What is the Final Horizontal Layout?

This layout depicts all project facilities for permitting and land acquisition purposes

In many cases, permits must be obtained for exactly what will be built, so a certain amount of engineering must be done at an early stage

In a perfect world, micrositing occurs prior to submitting major permit applications and conducting NEPA (or state equivalent) review• Failure to do so often means the need to do permit

modifications, supplemental EISs, and/or variances during construction

In the real world things aren’t that simple.• If possible, permit for flexibility



Studies that Support Final Horizontal LayoutStudies that Support Final Horizontal Layout

Field Studies• Site specific environmental and cultural fieldwork

• Site specific engineering field work

• Constructability considerations

Adjust Horizontal Layout and Review for:• Wind resource

• Constructability

• Engineering

• Environmental/cultural resources

• Land owner acceptability

Final Horizontal Layout



Engineering Tasks for Final LayoutEngineering Tasks for Final Layout

If topo exists, may need to commission a fly-over to perform digital photography from which a topographic base map can be prepared

Perform site walkdown of all project facilities to assess access feasibility (slope and terrain issues, etc.)

Perform geotechnical investigations needed for design of roadway cross-sections, collection system routing and wind turbine foundations



The Timing of StudiesThe Timing of Studies

This is the hardest part of advising a wind client

• Provide enough preliminary study for siting, but not waste money by providing detailed study on facilities that are not in their final location

• If possible, only perform full wetland and cultural delineations on the exact locations of project facilities when they are in their final location

• Consider timing when running visual simulation, shadow flicker analysis, writing up noise study, etc.

• Because siting is an iterative process, there will always be some inefficiency in study



Transportation StudyTransportation Study

Perform traffic and transportation study, for oversized or heavy deliveries, to assess adequacy of existing offsite roadways, bridges, crossings over culverts, overpasses/underpasses, turning radii, utilities, etc.

Within project boundary, determine whether turning radii at existing intersections along the delivery route need to be modified

Assess whether surface replacements or upgrades will be required



Wildlife StudiesWildlife Studies

Typically include:

• Avian use surveys

• Raptor nesting surveys

• Habitat inventory

• Threatened, endangered, sensitive species focused surveys if appropriate

• Bat habitat inventory and/or risk analysis

• State Natural Heritage database/USFWS T&E species inquiries

• Plant and noxious weed surveys, if appropriate

Studies will vary geographically and by state



Wetland StudiesWetland Studies

It often makes sense to start with reconnaissance level study, saving complete delineation until the layout is final

All project facilities must be cleared for wetlands• Public road improvements, especially public road

culvert replacements, are often forgotten Good communication between wetland staff and

design engineers is critical Data management is critical Keep a change log



Cultural Resource StudiesCultural Resource Studies

Consult with State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)

Define the Study Area for Archeology and for Historic Architecture

Define the Area of Potential Effects (in consultation with SHPO) as Project is more precisely defined• Archeology

• Historical Architecture



Transmission Interconnection StudiesTransmission Interconnection Studies Feasibility Study – estimates cost of

interconnection System Reliability Impact Study – determines

cost and equipment for maintaining reliability of existing system

Complete Facility Upgrade Study determines final cost of all interconnection and system upgrade equipment

Negotiate Interconnection Agreement with transmission utility



Other Important StudiesOther Important Studies

Noise Shadow Flicker Visual Assessment Property Values Conduct Phase 1 Environmental Site

Assessment (ASTM AIA Standards) Etc.



Permitting Phase -- LocalPermitting Phase -- Local

Local• At most proposed wind energy project sites, one or

more local approvals will be required.

• The issuing authority may be a local planning commission, zoning board, town, city or village council, county board of supervisors or commissioners, or a similar entity.

• Although some state siting boards are authorized to override local objections, most must first demonstrate that the proposed project would be consistent with local ordinances and that there is no reasonable objection to the development of the project.



Permitting Phase -- LocalPermitting Phase -- Local

Local• Similar to the state regulatory process, the need for

local approvals and the process for obtaining approvals vary throughout the country.

• In some areas, the local approval process will be time-consuming and the project will be subject to close scrutiny. In contrast, some municipalities require only a building permit.

• The development team should assess which local approvals will be required and consult with local counsel.



Permitting Phase -- StatePermitting Phase -- State

State • Numerous state regulatory programs are likely to be

triggered by a proposed wind energy project. While such programs often mirror, implement (through delegated authority), or complement similar federal laws, the state version is typically more stringent than its federal counterpart.

– Little NEPA– State Siting Statutes– Endangered Species– Wetland Permits– Stream Crossing Permits– Use Authorizations for State Owned Aquatic Land– Historic Preservation– Stormwater– Agricultural Protection– DOT (Roadway) Permitting



Permitting Phase -- FederalPermitting Phase -- Federal

National Environmental Policy Act Federal Wetland and Waterbody Laws National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

(NPDES) permits for stormwater during construction and operation

Endangered Species Act and other Wildlife Protection Laws

National Historic Preservation Act Federal Aviation Administration Clearances Federal Land Use Authorizations Federal Transmission Line Interconnections



Final Engineering Design – OutlineFinal Engineering Design – Outline

Establish Design Team including Professional Engineer / (Engineer of Record)

Develop Design Criteria• These should capture design requirements for permits

and plans• Client should review

Preliminary (Draft) Design• Drawings• Technical Specifications• Calculations

Final Design• PE Sealed• Issued for Construction



Design DisciplinesDesign Disciplines

Design Disciplines Capabilities - Civil• Site Civil

– Site civil drawing is a base map which is topographic survey obtained from client, or TtEC commissions a survey to develop the base map

– Usually perform a pre-design “constructability” walkdown of WTG locations and intended access road routes to consider site natural features and landowner impacts

– Roadway design: layout / direction / cross section / radii– Perform stormwater drainage calculations: Size and locate new

culverts and identify soil erosion controls (e.g., silt fencing, stone rip-rap, etc.)

– Geotextile Use

• Structural– Foundation Design– Bridge Improvements




Design Disciplines Capabilities• Geotechnical

– May need to perform a geotechnical investigation, as a pre-design task, to obtain site specific information at WTG locations and some locations along access roads

– Detailed geotechnical investigation report serves as a basis for access road and WTG foundation design

– Field Investigations– Geotechnical Reports as design input




Design Disciplines Capabilities• Electrical

– WTG collector system, – Substation(s) – Transmission Line



Final Engineering Design - PEFinal Engineering Design - PE

Design requires supervision by licensed civil, structural and electrical PEs (if applicable)

PEs typically need to be licensed in State where project is located



PreconstructionPreconstruction

Finalize Turbine and Long-Lead-Time Item Procurement• Identify and requisition long lead time purchased items,

such as wind turbines and transformers Approvals for the later plans and permits (Storm

Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), Spill Prevention, Containment and Countermeasure Plan (SPCCP) and State DOT and US Army Corps wetlands permits)

Final Construction Plans and Drawings Secure Construction Contractor Develop Environmental Construction Compliance

Plan Develop Mobilization Plan



ConstructionConstruction

Mobilization – Make sure you have obtained the right pre-construction permissions:

Construction Trailers

Initial Laydown Areas

Sediment and Erosion Control

Safety and Environmental Training

Send out construction start notifications as required in permits




After the Notice to Proceed --• Clearing and Grading• Access Roads and Public Road Improvements• Foundations• Electrical Collection System• Transmission Line• Substation and Interconnection Facilities• Tower and Turbine Erection• O&M Building/Visitor Kiosks• Commissioning• Mitigation Areas• Reclamation




Engineering support during construction• Provide home office support of construction activities

following construction release of design drawings, to review contractor submittals and administer Field Change Requests (FCRs) and/or issue Design Change Notices (DCNs)

• Provide field engineer, preferably from the design team, to assist with construction activities and ensure compliance with the design



Tetra Tech, Inc.Tetra Tech, Inc.

Tetra Tech, Inc. is a leading, U.S.-based national and international firm delivering solutions in, consulting, construction, engineering, remediation and restoration

Publicly traded company (TTEK)– Chosen by Smart Money magazine as one of the “10

Stocks for the Next 10 Years”

Annual revenues in excess of $1.4 billion; financial strength to stand behind large wind energy projects, including EPC & BOP

Over 8,500 employees in 250 offices world-wide Consistently ranked in Engineering News Record

as one of the top ten



Tetra Tech, Inc.Tetra Tech, Inc.

Acquisition of The Delaney Group – a well-respected leader in renewable energy construction

Experienced energy staff in all disciplines More than 6 million hours without a lost work day over

past two years• Injury rate is ¼ the national average

• 70+ National Safety Council awards

• Employee health and safety perception rating in top 2% nation-wide

ISO 14001 Certification for all services• First major full-service firm to earn certification with such

broad coverage ISO 9001 Certification for Wind Engineering

• Documented quality procedures and systems to meet global standards and expectations



Full-Service Energy SolutionsFull-Service Energy Solutions



Recognized ExpertiseRecognized Expertise

Tetra Tech and Nixon Peabody chosen to write American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) Wind Facility Siting Manual

Frequent speaker on energy topics at AWEA, World Wind Energy Association and other renewable energy industry events

Papers on environmental compliance during construction• Included in New York Energy Research and

Development Authority (NYSERDA) Wind Energy Tool Kit

• Published in North American Windpower Journal Through our Energy Management Services

Supporting Energy Programs at More Than 60 DoD Installations World-Wide



ContactContact

Anntonette Alberti, JD• 518-488-8588

• [email protected]