BP SDEIS Feb 2011 Part 1 of 3 Cape Vincent

8/7/2019 BP SDEIS Feb 2011 Part 1 of 3 Cape Vincent

1/140Delivering sustainable solutions in a more competitive world

Supplemental DraftEnvironmental Impact Statement

BP Wind EnergyCape Vincent Wind Power Project

February 2011

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BP Wind Energy

Supplemental Draft

Environmental Impact

Statement: Cape Vincent Wind

Power Project

February 2011

Project No. 0092352Cape Vincent, New York

Todd H. Hall, P.E.

Partner-in-Charge

Phil Ponebshek

Project ManagerEnvironmental Resources ManagementSouthwest, Inc.206 East 9th Street, Suite 1700

Austin, Texas 78701T: 512-459-4700F: 512-459-4711


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ESI

1.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 1

1.1 PROJECT OVERVIEW AND DEFINITIONS 11.1.1 Proposed Action 71.1.2 Operation and Maintenance 101.1.3 Power Generation 141.1.4 Operational Safety 15

1.2 DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION PLAN 161.2.1 Construction Related Transportation 171.2.2 Site Preparation 181.2.3 Installation of Turbines 191.2.4 Installation of Collection and Transmission System

Components 20

1.2.5 Environmental Management Plan 221.2.6 Complaint Resolution Process 231.2.7 Decommissioning 23

1.3 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES 241.3.1 Project Site Selection 241.3.2 Project Alternatives Evaluated 26

1.4 PROJECT PURPOSE, NEEDS, AND BENEFITS 301.4.1 Project Purpose and Need 301.4.2 Project Benefits 32

2.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING 35

2.1 GEOLOGY: ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING 352.1.1 Regional Geology and Topography 352.1.2 Project Area Geology and Topography 352.1.3 Seismic Activity 382.1.4 Soil Liquefaction 38

2.2 GEOLOGY: IMPACTS 392.2.1 Regional Geology and Topography 392.2.2 Project Area Geology and Topography 392.2.3 Seismic Activity 402.2.4 Design Considerations 40

2.3 SOILS: ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING 41

2.3.1 Soils 412.3.2 Agriculturally Sensitive Areas (Agricultural Districts) 422.3.3 Agricultural Activity 422.3.4 Steep Slopes 42

2.4 SOILS: IMPACTS 432.4.1 Impacts 432.4.2 Drainage Features 462.4.3 Mitigation 46


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2.4.4 Post-Construction Monitoring 502.4.5 Restoration 512.4.6 Complaint Resolution 51

2.5 WATER QUALITY: ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING 512.5.1 Ground Water 522.5.2 Surface Water 532.5.3 Storm Water Runoff 58

2.6 WATER QUALITY: IMPACTS 582.6.1 Ground Water 582.6.2 Surface Water Impacts 592.6.3 Stormwater 632.6.4 Mitigation Measures 642.6.5 Site Restoration 65

2.7 WETLANDS: ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING 662.7.1 Methodology 662.7.2 Results 67

2.8 WETLANDS: IMPACTS 752.8.1 Project Components 752.8.2 Permanent Wetland Impacts 77

2.8.3 Temporary Wetland Impacts 792.8.4 Mitigation Measures 87

2.9 TERRESTRIAL AND AQUATIC ECOLOGY: ENVIRONMENTALSETTING 962.9.1 Vegetation 962.9.2 Wildlife 105

2.10 TERRESTRIAL AND AQUATIC ECOLOGY: IMPACTS 1142.10.1 General Impacts to Local Habitats 1142.10.2 Threatened and Endangered Plant Species and Significant

Ecological Habitats 1172.11 AVIAN RESOURCES: ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING 120

2.11.1 Avian Surveys 1222.11.2 Bat Surveys 1262.11.3 Grassland Birds Northern Harrier, Short-eared Owl,

Upland Sandpiper and Henslows Sparrow 1282.11.4 Comparison to Other Wind Projects 129

2.12 AVIAN RESOURCES: IMPACTS 1322.12.1 Potential Impacts to Migratory Birds 1332.12.2 Potential Impacts to Breeding Birds 1332.12.3 Potential Impacts to Bats 1342.12.4 Potential Impacts to Federal Threatened and Endangered

Species 1362.12.5 Impacts to Grassland Birds 136

2.12.6 Mitigation 1372.13 VISUAL RESOURCES: ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING 1382.14 VISUAL RESOURCES: IMPACTS 143

2.14.1 Visual Impacts Assessment Methodology 1432.14.2 Visual Impacts Study Area 1442.14.3 Visual Mapping 1442.14.4 Overall Visual Impacts 1462.14.5 Turbines and Lighting 151


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2.26 SOCIOECONOMICS: IMPACTS 2392.26.1 Population and Housing 2392.26.2 Local Economy and Employment 2392.26.3 Municipal Budgets and Taxes 2412.26.4 Impact of Project to Local Real Estate Prices 241

2.27 DECOMMISSIONING 2432.28 HEALTH AND SAFETY 243

2.28.1 Emergency Services 2442.28.2 Health and Safety Planning 2452.28.3 Fire Safety Planning 2462.28.4 Design Requirements 2472.28.5 Ice Shed 2472.28.6 Other Safety Considerations 248

2.29 CULTURAL RESOURCES: ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING 2492.29.1 Setting 2502.29.2 Documented Prehistoric and Historic Archeological Sites2502.29.3 Documented Historic Structures/Properties 2512.29.4 Archeological Survey 2512.29.5 Historic Structures/Properties Survey 252

2.30 CULTURAL RESOURCES: IMPACTS 2532.30.1 Impacts to Archaeological Resources 2532.30.2 Impacts to Historical Resources 2542.30.4 Mitigation Measures for Archaeological Resources 2582.30.5 Mitigation Measures for Historic Structural Resources 260

3.0 UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 263

4.0 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE LOCAL SHORT-TERM USE OF MANSENVIRONMENT AND THE MAINTENANCE AND ENHANCEMENT OFLONG-TERM PRODUCTIVITY 265

5.0 IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENT OF RESOURCES 267

6.0 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS AND BENEFITS 269

6.1 CUMULATIVE IMPACT ANALYSIS 2696.2 GEOLOGY 2736.3 SOILS 2736.4 WATER QUALITY 2736.5 WETLANDS 2746.6 TERRESTRIAL AND AQUATIC ECOLOGY 2746.7 AVIAN AND BAT RESOURCES 2746.8 VISUAL IMPACTS 2756.9 IMPACTS TO SOUND 2786.10 IMPACTS ON AIR QUALITY 2816.11 IMPACTS TO COMMUNICATIONS AND AVIATION 2816.12 IMPACTS ON TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION 281


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6.13 LAND USE AND RECREATION IMPACTS 2826.14 SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACTS 2836.15 HEALTH AND SAFETY 2846.16 CULTURAL RESOURCES 284

7.0 IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED ACTION ON THE USE AND CONSERVATIONOF ENERGY 287

8.0 REFERENCES 289


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TABLE OF CONTENTS (Contd)APPENDICES

A AGENCY CORRESPONDENCE

B CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS AND SPECIFICATIONSC TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION PLAN Greenman-Pedersen, Inc.

November 30, 2010

D Complaint Resolution Plan

E PRELIMINARY GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING REPORT - TerraconNovember 19, 2010

F WEST SURVEY REPORTSAvian and Bat Studies November 28, 2007Acoustic Bat Surveys December 23, 2010Raptor Migration Surveys December 15, 2010

Grassland Breeding Bird Transect Surveys December 17, 2010Report on Indiana Bat Sampling at Ten Sites June 2008

G VISUAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT Saratoga Associates January 17, 2010

H BACKGROUND SOUND LEVEL SURVEYS - Hessler March 8, 2008

I LICENSED MICROWAVE REPORT COMSEARCH November 15, 2007

J AVIATION OBSTRUCTION DETERMINATION

K EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN

L SITE SPECIFIC HEALTH, SAFETY, SECURITY, AND ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN

M PUBLIC ARCHAEOLOGY FACILITY REPORT SUNY November 29, 2007


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TABLE OF CONTENTS (Contd)List of Tables1.1-1 Required Permits and Approvals2.1-1 Geotechnical Boring Study Results at Cape Vincent

2.3-1 Dominant Soil Types on the Project Area2.5-1 Water Use for Jefferson County, 20002.5-2 Ground Water Contamination in the Project Area2.7-1 Wetlands Types Within the Cape Vincent Project Boundary2.7-2 Common Vegetation Species Found in Cape Vincent Project Boundary2.8-1 Permanent Wetland Impacts of the Cape Vincent Project2.8-2 Temporary Wetland Impacts of the Cape Vincent Project2.8-3 Avoidance and Minimization Measures Taken for 2010 Access Road, Collection

Line, and Project Facility Layout2.8-4 Summary Comparison of Wetland Impacts: 2008 Project Layout to 2010 Project

Layout2.9-1 State-Listed Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Plant Species and Significant

Ecological Communities in the Vicinity of the Project Area2.9-2 New York State Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Wildlife Species in the

Vicinity of the Project Area2.11-1 Summary of All Rare, Threatened, Endangered, or State Species of Concern Birds

Seen at Cape Vincent Project Area During All Avian Surveys, April 2006- July

20102.11-2 Summary of Sensitive Species Observed During the 2010 Breeding Grassland

Bird Transect Surveys (Trans.) and as Incidental Wildlife Observations (Inc.)Within Cape Vincent Wind Resource Area; May 20 July 9, 2010.

2.14-1 Viewshed Coverage Summary2.14-2 Nighttime Viewshed Coverage2.15-1 Measured L90 Sound Levels at Integer Wind Speeds2.16-1 Construction Equipment Sound Levels by Phase

2.16-2 Sound Power Levels at Integer Wind Speeds (80 meter hub height)2.16-3 Turbine-Induced Sound Pressure Levels Predicted for Participating and Non-

Participating Residences During a 7 m/s or Greater Wind2.16-4 Maximum Turbine-Induced Sound Pressure Levels Predicted for Participating

and Non-Participating Residences at Varying Wind Speeds2.16-5 Predicted Attenuation from Residential Building Walls/Windows


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2.18-1 Estimated Annual Emissions Reductions That Would Result from the ProposedProject

2.19-1 Broadcasting Towers in Vicinity of Cape Vincent Project2.21-1 AADT Volumes for Study Area Highways (2004 Data)

2.22-1 Design Criteria to Accommodate Oversize/Overweight Load Vehicles2.22-2 Description of Highways along Regional Haul Routes2.22-3 Description of Roadways along Local Haul Routes2.22-4 Required Roadway Modifications along Local Haul Routes2.23-1 Land in Farms Jefferson County2.23-2 Land Use within the Project Area2.25-1 Population in the Project Area2.25-2 Housing in the Project Region in 20002.25-3 Project Area Employment by Industry and Class of Worker in 2000

2.25-4 Leading Agriculture Products in Jefferson County, 20022.25-5 Unemployment and Income in the Project Area2.25-6 Municipal Tax Rate and Levy Data2.30-1 Summary of Historic Structures Requiring Additional Evaluation2.30-2 Historic Structure Impacts and Cumulative Impacts6.1-1 Operating and Proposed Wind Power Projects in Cape Vincent Area


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List of Figures1.1-1 Project Location Map1.1-2 Proposed Cape Vincent Wind Power Project Boundary1.1-3 Turbine Lighting Plan2.6 Streams and Waterbodies Map

2.7-1 Wetland Resource Boundary Area Assessment

2.8-1 Delineated Wetland Crossings of the 2010 Project Layout2.8-2 Comparison of 2008 and 2010 Project Layouts2.8-3 Potential Wetland Mitigation Areas2.13-1 Seaway Trail & New York Coastal Zone Boundary2.14-1 Vegetated Viewshed Maximum Turbine Layout 85 WTGs2.14-2 Vegetated Viewshed FAA Lighting Layout 45 WTGs

2.15-1 10 Minute L90 Sound Levels at All Monitoring Positions-Summer 2007Monitoring

2.15-2 10 Minute L90 sound Levels at All Monitoring Positions-Winter 2007/2008Monitoring

2.15-3 Regression Analysis of Sound Levels vs. Wind Speed-Summer 2007 Monitoring2.15-4 Regression Analysis of Sound Levels vs. Wind Speed-Winter 2007-2008

Monitoring2.16-1 Cape Vincent Wind Power Project Noise Impact Modeling, 3 m/s Wind2.16-2 Cape Vincent Wind Power Project Noise Impact Modeling, 4 m/s Wind2.16-3 Cape Vincent Wind Power Project Noise Impact Modeling, 5 m/s Wind

2.16-4 Cape Vincent Wind Power Project Noise Impact Modeling, 7 m/s Wind2.19-1 Microwave Pathways and Radio Transmission Towers in Vicinity of Cape

Vincent Wind Project2.22-1 Proposed Regional Haul Route 12.22-2 Proposed Regional Haul Route 22.22-3 Proposed Regional Haul Route 32.22-4 Proposed Regional Haul Route 42.23-1 Agricultural Districts in Jefferson County2.23-2 USDA NASS Landcover/Landuse

2.23-3 State Managed Lands Map2.23-4 Zoning Designations6.1-1 Active and Proposed Windfarms in Cape Vincent Area6.9-1 Cumulative with Acciona Project Design Condition: 7 m/s Wind


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List of AcronymsC degrees CelsiusF degrees FahrenheitAADT average annual daily trafficAPE Area of Potential EffectAR Agricultural Residential

ASL above sea levelBCA Bird Conservation AreaBMP Best Management PracticeCFR Code of Federal RegulationsCO carbon monoxide

CO2 carbon dioxideCWA Clean Water Actcy cubic yardsdB decibeldB(A) A-weighted decibelsDEIS Draft Environmental Impact Statement

DNL day-night-levelECL Environmental Conservation LawEIA Energy Information AdministrationEMI electromagnetic interferenceEPFPP Emergency Preparedness and Fire Prevention PlanERP Emergency Response PlanFAA Federal Aviation AdministrationFAC Federal Advisory Committee on Wind Energy (USFWS)FEIS Final Environmental Impact StatementFERC Federal Energy Regulatory CommissionFWA Freshwater Wetlands Actg gravity

GHG Greenhouse GasGHSSER Getting HSSE RightHMANA Hawk Migration Association of North AmericaHPI Historical Perspectives, Inc.hrs hoursHSSE Health, Safety, Security and EnvironmentHUC Hydrologic Unit CodeHz hertzIBA Important Bird AreaIH interstate highwaykm kilometers

kV kilovoltkWh kilowatt-hours

Leq average sound pressure levelm/s meters per secondmet meteorologicalMMT million metric tonsMSL Mean Sea LevelMW megawatts


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MWh megawatts per hourNEC National Electric CodeNFPA National Fire Protection AgencyNLCD National Land Cover Data

NO2 nitrogen dioxideNOI Notice of IntentNOx nitrous oxide

NRCS Natural Resources Conservation ServiceNRHP National Register of Historic PlacesNWCC National Water and Climate CentersNWI National Wetlands InventoryNYISO New York Independent System OperatorNYNHP New York Natural Heritage ProgramNYS New York StateNYASS New York Agricultural Statistics ServiceNYSDAM New York State Department of Agriculture and MarketsNYSDEC New York State Department of Environmental ConservationNYSDOH New York State Department of Health

NYSDOS New York State Department of StateNYSDOT New York State Department of TransportationNYSDPS New York State Department of Public ServiceNYSERDA New York State Energy and Research Development AuthorityO&M operations and maintenanceOPRHP Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic PreservationOS/OW oversized/overweightPa pascalPAF Public Archeological FacilityPb leadPILOTs payments-in-lieu-of-taxesPM particulate matter

POI Point-of-InterconnectionPRHPL Parks and Recreation, and Historic Preservation LawPSC Public Service CommissionPWL sound power levelROW right-of-wayRPS Renewable Portfolio StandardRTE rare, threatened or endangeredSC State-listed Species of Special ConcernSCADA supervisory control and data acquisitionSDEIS Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact StatementSE State-listed Endangered Species

SEQRA State Environmental Quality Review Act (New York)SHPO State Historical Preservation Officer (Office)SO2 sulfur dioxideSPCC Spill Prevention, Control and CountermeasuresSPDES Stormwater Pollution Discharge Elimination SystemSPL sound pressure levelSPPP Stormwater Pollution Prevention PlanSRIS System Reliability Impact Study


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ST State-listed Threatened SpeciesSUNY State University of New YorkSWPPP Stormwater Pollution Protection PlanUSACE United States Army Corps of EngineersUSDOE United States Department of EnergyUSDOI United States Department of the InteriorUSDOT United States Department of Transportation

USEPA United States Environmental Protection AgencyUSFWS U.S. Fish & Wildlife ServiceUSGS United States Geological SurveyVRA Visual Resource AssessmentW wattWCFZ Worst Case Freznel ZonesWHO World Health OrganizationWMA Wildlife Management Area


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ERM-Southwest, Inc. 0092352\A4363Texas Registered Engineering Firm F-2393

ES-I

EXECUTIVE SUMMARYBP Wind Energy North America, Inc. (BPWind Energy) proposes to install andoperate the 134 MW Cape Vincent WindPower Project (the Project) in the Town of

Cape Vincent in the western portion ofJefferson County, NY. The proposedProject will be developed entirely on privateland, and will aid the State of New York inmeeting the renewable energy goals of thestate Renewable Portfolio Standard as wellas the 45 by 15 clean energy goals for thestate. The Project will also reduce the needfor construction of new fossil-fueledgeneration within the state, and will result inreduced emissions of air pollutants andgreenhouse gases.

Lake Ontario Regional Map

Purpose and NeedThe purpose of the Cape Vincent Wind

Power Project is to add significant newcapacity for generation of renewable energyto the New York State power system, togenerate revenue for local landowners andfor residents of the greater Cape Vincentcommunity, and to generate money whichcan be used for PILOT payments to theTown of Cape Vincent, the Thousand

Island School District, the Lyme SchoolDistrict and Jefferson County.

Project DescriptionThe Project will consist of 84 wind turbinesplaced within a 13,400 acre area.

The Project components which areaddressed in this assessment include:

2-3 permanent meteorological towers tobe spaced across the project area;

Temporary ancillary constructionfacilities, including two concrete batchplants, and cleared areas for equipmentlaydown, construction parking, andconstruction management trailers;

84 GE 1.6 MW wind turbines;

A 3-acre permanent operations andmaintenance (O&M) center;

21 miles of access roads; 43 miles of primarily underground

electrical interconnections betweenturbines and a project substation;

A 3-acre substation; A -mile aboveground 115 kV

transmission line to carry power fromthe project substation to the St.Lawrence Wind Project transmissionline, and

115 kV transmission lines to be strungalongside 7 miles of the St. LawrenceProject transmission line to carry powerfrom the project to National Gridsproposed Rockledge Substation.

In addition, project development will alsoinvolve upgrades to local infrastructure toaccommodate the expected weight and sizeof vehicles hauling construction materials.

This Supplemental Draft EnvironmentalImpact Statement (SDEIS) replaces theDraft EIS submitted December 7, 2007, anddescribes existing conditions within theanticipated Project Area and identifiespotential impacts of Project constructionand operation. Existing conditions and thepotential effects (beneficial and adverse)are described in Section 2 along withproposed techniques for impact mitigation.Unavoidable significant adverse impacts


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ES-II

are addressed in Section 3 and cumulativeimpacts are detailed in Section 6.

At the time of the original DEIS filing, BPhad not yet completed the project layout,and no studies of the proposed areas of

disturbance had been completed. Sitingand layout for the facility have now beencompleted, and this SDEIS includes anassessment of the impacts which resultfrom the following levels of landdisturbance:

60 acres for turbine construction sites

104 acres for onsite access roadconstruction and improvement

106 acres for public roadwayimprovements

57 acres for construction of electrical

interconnects 3 acres for a permanent Project

substation site

8.4 acres for a central laydown area,including construction management andparking

13.2 acres for two concrete batch plantsites

3 acres for the permanent O&M facility

4 acres for a - mile long overhead115kV transmission corridor

At the end of the project life cycle, projectequipment will be decommissioned andremoved, and the project site will berestored to its original condition.

Project construction is anticipated to beginin the spring of 2012 and be completed bythe end of the year, and will include thefollowing stages:

Grading and preparation of ancillaryconstruction facilities;

Improvements to local road systems

Construction of access roads;

Construction of turbine towerfoundations and turbine installation;

Installation of the underground electricalcollection system;

Construction and installation of thesubstation and operations andmaintenance facilities; and

Plant commissioning.

Project Layout

Various health and safety, emergencyresponse, public interaction, andenvironmental protection and control planshave either been developed or are in theprocess of development. These plans willbe shared with the Town of Cape Vincentprior to construction. A workforce of 200 willbe required during construction and to theextent possible workers will be hired fromthe local labor pool. During normaloperations, BP Wind Energy will maintain alocal workforce of 10 employees for

operations and maintenance purposes.

The project will generate significanteconomic benefits for the region, includingnot only the economic stimulus generatedby the construction and O&M workforce, butalso through landowner payments, andPILOT payments to the Town of CapeVincent, the Thousand Island and LymeSchool Districts, and Jefferson County.

As noted above, the SDEIS evaluates

existing conditions and the potentialimpacts from project operation andconstruction on specific resources. BPWind Energy commissioned a number ofsite specific studies, including:


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ES-III

Spring and fall avian migration studies;

Migratory raptor point count survey;

Breeding bird point count survey;

Migratory season AnaBat sampling;

Summer resident bat AnaBat sampling;

Summer bat mist netting studies;

Grassland bird survey;

Leaf-on (summer) and Leaf-off (winter)ambient noise monitoring;

Visual impacts analysis;

Flicker analysis;

Wetlands reconnaissance study;

Wetlands delineation study;

Ecological field survey;

Blandings turtle habitat survey;

Archeological Resources Phase 1A andPhase 1B field studies;

Historical/Architectural Resources Areaof Potential Effect analysis;

Microwave Pathway analysis;

Geotechnical survey;

Karst feature survey;

Traffic impact analysis and roadimprovement needs assessment;

FAA and DOD airspace obstructionanalysis; and

FAA lighting study.

Geology and SoilsThe surface geology in the Project Arealargely consists of limestones, shales,sandstones, and dolostones covered by 0-20 feet of silty clays. Much the site hasexposed bedrock, regularly fractured byjoints. No large structural folds or faults inbedrock have been observed in the ProjectArea. The site has a low probability forseismic activity, soil liquefaction orlandslides. Construction, including ifnecessary blasting, is not expected to

cause significant impacts to site geology.

A small amount of soil currently underagricultural production will be occupied bythe placement of turbines and other long-term infrastructure; however, landimmediately adjacent to the turbines will notbe taken out of cultivation. Impacts to soils

will be mitigated by a number of practicesrecommended by the NY State Departmentof Agriculture and Markets, includingprevention of erosion through adherence toa site-specific Stormwater PollutionPrevention Plan, post-construction

restoration and revegetation, wherenecessary topsoil segregation, and locationof construction footprint to minimizeagricultural impacts. As a result, turbinelocations are anticipated to cause apermanent disturbance only to 0.03 acresof USDA Prime Farmland, and 0.45 acresof Farmlands of Statewide Importance.

Water QualitySurface water in the Cape Vincent area willnot be significantly impacted by the

proposed Project. There will be a very smallincrease in impervious cover, and thus theProject should have little impact ongroundwater recharge or surface waterrunoff rates. During construction, erosionand sedimentation control measures wouldbe used to reduce sediment runoff fromconstruction sites, and detailedinvestigations will be conducted prior toconstruction to determine site-specificfeatures (for example, karst sinkholes)which should be avoided or protected

during turbine and infrastructure placement.

Local Wetland Feature


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ES-IV

WetlandsPrior to submittal of the DEIS, fieldreconnaissance studies were conductedover the Project Area, and 12% of the areawas found to be covered by wetlands orwaterbodies, primarily Palustrine Forested

wetlands dominated by trees 20 foot inheight or taller, mainly consist of silver, red,and sugar maples.

Utilizing these studies, a turbine array planwas developed in a way to largely avoidimpacts to wetlands, particularly to forestedwetlands which cannot be practicallyrestored and whose boundaries were easilyidentified via reconnaissance type surveys.Wetlands impacts minimization continuedthrough multiple iterations involving BP

identifying workspace or corridors forturbine construction, access roads, andelectrical transmission, followed bylocation-specific wetland delineationactivities in order to map out any otherwetland impacts often to scrub-shrub oremergent wetlands that could result fromthe Project. As wetland boundaries wereidentified, BP to the extent feasiblerelocated workspaces and corridors outsidethe mapped boundaries, and additionalsurveys were performed.

In total, BP contracted wetland delineationexperts spent over 1500 hours during 2010an effort to map and determine appropriateavoidance measures for wetlands at CapeVincent. This resulted in temporaryconstruction-related wetland impacts beingreduced to a final total of 2.84 acres, whilepermanent impacts were limited to 1.07acres (0.01 acres of Palustrine forestedwetlands).

BP is submitting a complete Joint PermitApplication satisfying the New York StateDepartment of Environmental Conservation(NYSDEC) Article 24 and US Army Corpsof Engineers (USACE) Section 404processes. This application includesproposed BPs strategy for minimizingimpacts to wetlands and waterbodies, aswell as proposals for compensatory

mitigation. The Article 24 and Section 404processes must be completed prior toconstruction taking place on the Project thatwill impact waters of the US or the State ofNew York.

Terrestrial and Aquatic EcologyMost of the land which will be disturbedduring construction of the Project will beopen uplands, primarily in use as thepasture land: hay fields and reverting hayfields which constitute over 50% of the landin the Project Area. These lands havehistorically supported a high level of humanactivity, diminishing the quality of thehabitat for sensitive species.

There are no federally listed plant species

occurring within or in the vicinity of theProject Area, but six state listed specieswere observed during prior ecologicalsurveys in the area, or have beendocumented to be present in the area. Thesingle terrestrial species of concern withinthe site is the Blandings Turtle, a state-listed threatened species for which habitatwas found during ecological surveys at thesite. The Lake Sturgeon is found in watersimmediately downstream of the Project.Project design and work practices are

expected to preclude any impacts to theBlandings Turtle or Lake Sturgeon.

Blandings Turtle

As with wetlands, the Project footprint hasbeen modified throughout the siting processin order to reduce or eliminate impacts tosensitive species or habitat, including four


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state listed Significant EcologicalCommunities - Silver Maple-Ash Swamp,Calcareous Pavement Barrens, LimestoneWoodland, and Sinkhole Wetland foundin the vicinity of the project. Additionalmeasures to further protect these species

may be implemented based on NYSDECsresponse to the BP Article 11 Permitapplication.

Construction activities will disturb the localecology of the site, but adherence to a SiteSpecific Environmental Management Planincluding restoration provisions will mitigatethose impacts.

Avian and Bat SpeciesCape Vincent is near to the Point Peninsula

Important Bird Area which is considered tobe a critical winter concentration area for anumber of species, including the stateendangered Short-eared Owls, and itsshoals are considered an important pre-migratory staging area for species includingthe state-threatened Common Terns. ThePoint Peninsula site and its offshore watershost tens of thousands of waterfowl.Ashland Flats Wildlife Management Areaadjacent to the site is also designated as aNew York Bird Conservation Area, and

supports a number of state listedendangered avian species.

BP is working with the NYSDEC throughthe Article 11 process in order to obtain anIncidental Take Permit Application for state-listed species. This permit will specifymeasures to avoid and minimize impacts tostate-listed threatened and endangeredspecies, including the threatenedHenslows sparrow, upland sandpiper,sedge wren and northern harrier, in addition

to the endangered short-eared owl. Forunavoidable impacts, the Project willcomplete a mitigation plan which results ina net-conservation benefit for the speciesincluded in the application.

Indiana Bat

Multiple studies for bats have also beenconducted as well, and the federally-listedendangered Indiana Bat may be presentwithin the Project Area. Under Section 7 of

the federal Endangered Species Act,Federal agencies that are proposing toauthorize, fund, or conduct an activity(considered a federal action), are requiredto consult with the USFWS to determine ifthe federal action is likely to adverselyaffect species listed under the ESA. TheUSACE issuance of a wetland permit isconsidered a federal action requiringcompliance with the ESA, and BP ispreparing a Biological Assessment forUSACE which will include a thorough

assessment of potential impacts from theproject on the endangered Indiana bat anda conservation plan outlining measures thatwill avoid, minimize, and mitigate potentialadverse impacts to Indiana bat from theproject.

Visual ResourcesThe project area is characterized byagricultural fields, wetland marshes andsmall forested wetlands, with some clustersof residences at crossroad hamlets such as

Rosiere and Saint Lawrence, and otherresidences and farm support buildingsinterspersed throughout the area.Measured from the ground to the tip of anextended blade, each wind turbine will beup to 426 feet high and visible fromnumerous locations in the surroundingarea.


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ES-VII

The current array plan was designed tomeet the following predicted noise levelsthresholds: 48 dB(A) at any property lines for non-

participating property owners

47 dB(A) at the current residential

structures of any non-participatingproperty owners

50 dB(A) at the current residentialstructures of any participating propertyowners

The maximum modeled turbine soundlevels noted above drop off as wind speedsdecrease for example, the maximumpredicted noise level at any non-participating residence during a 5 mps windis 43 dB(A).

Noise Modeling Output

Construction noise is expected to bedisruptive, but comparable to other localnoise sources regularly encountered forshort periods of time in Cape Vincent, andis not considered a significant impact.

Operational noise levels are not predictedto result in any adverse health effects tolocal residents, but may cause a nuisancesituation under certain conditions.Mitigation measures, as noted above, havealready been built into project design,

through the project layout and the selectionof turbines. BP Wind Energy will implementa complaint resolution procedure to assurethat any complaints regarding operationalnoise will be adequately and efficientlyinvestigated and resolved.

Land UseLand use within the Project Area is primarilyagricultural, with some residential clusters.There are a number of recreationalresources in the area of the project, and theVillage of Cape Vincent and the SeawayTrail are popular tourist destinations.Through project design and setbacks theproject should have a minimal impact onthese resources, although they may reducethe potential for future residential

development during the life of the project.The proposed project will require a SitePlan Review by the Cape Vincent PlanningBoard and the combined St. LawrenceWind Farm/Cape Vincent Wind PowerProject transmission line will require reviewby the Lyme Zoning Board. Because ofproximity to the NY Coastal Zone and thestate permit actions required for the Project,BP has documented consistency with theNew York Coastal Zone ManagementPolicy.

Traffic and TransportationBP undertook a significant study oftransportation alternatives for transport ofconstruction equipment and turbinecomponents to the site, both on a regionallevel (evaluating regional haul routes frommajor shipping terminals) as well as on alocal level (evaluating county and townroads within the project area). As a result,BP identified numerous local roadwayswhich will require improvements needed

such as pavement widening andintersection widening (in order toaccommodate oversized loads) as well asimproving the structural integrity of certainroadways through measures like upgradingculverts and increasing pavement thickness( to accommodate overweight loads). BP iscoordinating all planned activities withstate, county, and local transportation


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officials, and has conducted environmentalsurveys to assess any impacts that mayresult during these roadway improvements.Much of the construction will take placeduring the summer season, when tourismsubstantially increases traffic in the Cape

Vincent area, and BP will also work withlocal officials to schedule deliveries andequipment movements in order to minimizenuisance effects to local residents or to thetourist population.

Route 12E through Chaumont

Air QualityElectric power consumption is expected tocontinue to grow in New York in the comingdecades, creating a need for additionalpower generation capacity. The project will

recognize significant benefits to air qualityover its life cycle, as it will reduce the needfor additional fossil fired power generation.This includes annual reductions ofemissions of smog precursors nitrogenoxides (280 tons/year) and sulfur oxides(360tons/year), the greenhouse gas carbondioxide (260,000 tons/year), as well ashazardous air pollutants including volatileorganics and mercury. These benefits areconsidered a form of partial mitigation forother environmental impacts caused by the

project.

Communications and Aviation SafetyFour non-Federal microwave telecompathways cross the site, and the Mars HillFM102.7 Broadcasting Station at Fox CreekRoad and Route 12E may experiencesignal attenuation due to turbines. BP WindEnergy has laid out their turbines in order to

avoid any impacts to microwave telecompathways. An assessment of any impactsto Mars Hill or other broadcasting signalswill be performed post-construction, andappropriate mitigation will be designed. BPhas received clearances from the Federal

Aviation Administration (FAA) certifying thatthe array plan will not interfere with FAAairways, vectoring altitudes, or critical radarinstallations, and there will be no impact toDepartment of Defense operations. Anighttime lighting plan has been approvedby the FAA.

SocioeconomicsThe proposed Project will provide a numberof benefits to the local area. Anticipatedlocal economic benefits include:

temporary and permanent employmentduring construction and operation;

increased local spending by Projectemployees;

increased revenue to the municipalitythrough payments in lieu of taxes; andincreased economic diversification inthe county.

Many of the landowners directly affected byProject development are farmers, who willdirectly benefit from the additional incomethat will be provided through lease

payments for the use of their property forwind turbine sites. The lease payments willprovide some relief from the cashflowfluctuations that are inherent in theagricultural industry by providing thefarmers with steady guaranteed income,while at the same time ongoing currentfarming and grazing activities will beunaffected by wind farm operations.

Cultural ResourcesBP has completed a Phase 1A survey of

the site, and Phase 1B surveys at the siteare approximately 70% complete at thistime. BP is committed to working with theOPRHP in order to develop a schedule forcompletion of surveys and commitments toprotect cultural materials during siteconstruction. In addition, BP hascompleted an assessment of historicallysignificant properties whose character


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could be adversely affected due to theconstruction of turbines in their viewshedand will work with the OPRHP to developappropriate mitigation measures to reduceor compensate for those impacts.

Health and SafetyHealth and safety concerns during projectconstruction and normal operations areaddressed in the site specific health andsafety program, emergency response plan,spill prevention control and countermeasureplan and complaint resolution process,which are included as either appendices tothe SDEIS or will be included in the FEIS.Specific operational health and safetyconcerns, including the possibility of iceshed, blade throw, and turbine collapse, are

addressed by BP Wind Energyscommitment to excellence in project design,construction, and maintenance, and bymaintaining adequate setbacks from localresidents and roadways to further reducethe risk to human health and safety thatcould result from any catastrophic event.

Cumulative ImpactsThe SDEIS addresses potential cumulativeimpacts which will result to the region fromthe potential construction, within a 20 mile

long band, of five commercial wind powerprojects. Along with the Cape VincentWind Power Project, wind farms in variousstages of planning and permitting includethe adjacent St. Lawrence Wind Farm inCape Vincent, the Horse Creek Wind Farmin Clayton, and the Hounsfield Wind Farmon Galloo Island. Already constructed andoperational is the Wolfe Island Wind Projecton Wolfe Island (Canada) in the St.Lawrence River, offshore of the Town ofCape Vincent.

The cumulative effects considered include: Effects to regional and local

transportation networks;

Effects due to construction andoperation of multiple projects withindustrial scale wind turbines;

Effects due to construction andoperation of a 115 kV transmissioncorridor; and

Effects due to upgrading the NationalGrid transmission system if multipleprojects being developed results in

overloading of current grid capacity.

Cumulative impacts occur when theindividual impacts of one project interactwith the impacts of another project in amanner which compounds or increases theextent of an impact that either project wouldhave on its own. Cumulative impacts ofconcern for the Cape Vincent Project alongwith the aforementioned projects include:

avian and bat populations there is a

concern that as more projects areconstructed impacts to avian and batpopulations may be more than additive,particularly if migrating birds lose theability to migrate unimpeded frompotential risk of collision. While this isconsidered unlikely due to the flightaltitude of migrating birds, the additiveimpacts are still a concern for species ofconcern, particularly the Federally ListedIndiana Bat. BP Wind Energy is workingclosely with the USFWS and NYSDEC to

develop a minimization and mitigationplan designed to reduce the likelihood ofadverse impacts and minimize theProjects potential contribution tosignificant cumulative impacts to thesespecies.

visual resources - should all five projectsdiscussed be constructed, the area in anapproximately 13-mile radius of the townof Cape Vincent would include over 350utility scale wind generating turbines eachexceeding 390 feet in height. Traveling

northward on Route 12E (the SeawayTrail) a driver would encounter a view ofturbines while passing through virtuallythe entire route from Brownsville to theVillage of Clayton, with turbines in theimmediate foreground as they passthrough the Cape Vincent Project afterpassing Three Mile Bay. The highestvalue local views (of Lake Ontario and the


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St. Lawrence River) will only be impactedby the offshore Wolfe Island andHounsfield Wind Power Projects, and nocumulative impact will result from additionof the Cape Vincent Project to thesecoastal views. Thus, while the villages of

Cape Vincent, Clayton, and SacketsHarbor all have Local WaterfrontRevitalization Programs that includesubstantial visual components, as thoseprograms primarily focus on views of thewaterfront the addition of the CapeVincent Project will not contribute to anynegative cumulative impacts.

cultural resources - some historicalproperties, particularly those in the vicinityof the boundary of the Cape Vincent andSt. Lawrence Projects, may encounter

some cumulative negative impact,particularly if the radius of visual impact isgreatly expanded due to the two projects.BP is working with the OPRHP to addressvisual impacts to properties with historicalsignificance.

noise - while wind turbine noise may beperceptible at farther distances at levelsslightly over background, from a nuisanceperspective, noise levels approachsignificant nuisance levels at distanceswithin 1,000 feet of a turbine. Therefore,

BPs Cape Vincent Project is onlyexpected to cause potential cumulativeimpacts with the adjoining St. LawrenceWind Farm in Cape Vincent, and onlyalong the border between the two projectswhere some residences may be affectedby turbines from both projects. Modelingof the impacts from both projectsoperating simultaneously indicates that inno case is this expected to result in asound pressure level greater than 45dB(A) at any residential structure on a

property that is not part of either project;therefore, the cumulative impact to anyindividual receptor should not besignificantly greater than the impact fromeither project operating independently.

transportation - Cumulative impacts tolocal transportation networks may result ifboth the St. Lawrence Wind Farm and theCape Vincent Project are constructed

simultaneously, due to the doubling of thevolume of construction traffic. Currentschedules indicate that this will not occur,but if construction overlaps both projectswill coordinate with local officials todevelop schedules that minimize impacts

to local traffic patterns. socioeconomics - Construction of the

five projects will have cumulative benefitsfor the regional economy. Totalconstruction cost for the four U.S. projectsis estimated to be greater than $1 billion.Approximately 15 to 18 percent of thistotal is the expected to be spent locally,providing short-term construction jobs, aswell as a smaller number of long-termoperations and maintenance jobs. Thelocal share of annual operating and

maintenance costs is estimated to rangebetween $1.8 million and $2.5 million,providing an ongoing economic benefit tothe region. Local lease payments toparticipating landowners will enhancetheir ability to purchase additional goodsand services, providing anothersecondary benefit to the local economy.The projects will also have a cumulativebeneficial impact on municipal budgetsand taxes, as the taxing jurisdictions willreceive additional revenues from the

projects in the form of PILOT revenues.This revenue could total over $5 millionper year if all four projects are built, basedon the PILOT agreement entered into bythe Galloo Island project recently.On a long term basis, the potential for acombined addition of almost 600 MW ofcapacity to generate electrical powerwithout the combustion of fossil fuelsbetween the four New York projects willmake a major contribution to the State ofNew York meeting their renewable power

generation goals. Assuming a 30%annual capacity factor these projects willgenerate enough power to meet theelectricity needs of almost 300,000average New York households.


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The turbines will require lighting in accordance with Federal AviationAdministration (FAA) standards to mitigate hazards to aviation. Aviationwarning lights will be limited to those towers that are required to be lighted bythe FAA, which are identified in Figure 1.1-3.There will be no lights during the day and there will be red strobes during thenight with the minimum intensity and duration of time illuminated allowed by

the FAA (see Sections 2.13 and 2.14).1.1.1.2 Electrical System

Electrical power generated by the wind turbines will be transformed andcollected through a network of underground and overhead cables which will allterminate at the Project substation to be located within the Project Area. Eachturbine will have an adjacent pad-mounted transformer, a short newmaintenance road, and underground or aboveground electrical collection cablesand communication lines.Power from the turbines will be fed through a breaker panel located inside thetower at the turbine base and interconnected to a pad-mounted step-uptransformer. The pad transformers would be interconnected to undergroundcables, which would connect all of the turbines together electrically. The 34.5 kVfeeder collection systems will bring the combined power output to a new single115 kV collection substation.The collection cables will connect with larger feeder lines that would tie into themain substation. In locations where two or more sets of lines converge, padmounted three-way junction terminals will be utilized to tie the lines togetherinto one or more sets of larger feeder conductors.

The Project will require approximately 42 miles of underground, and about onemile of overhead, 34.5 kV electrical power lines to collect all of the power fromthe turbines to the Project substation. The electrical power from the all 84 windturbines will be stepped up to a transmission level of 115 kV and fed to anaboveground transmission line at the Project substation. The 115 kV/34.5transformers will have a wye-wye-delta connection with both 115 kV and 34.5kV sides wye-grounded.The Project substation equipment and control house will be contained in agraveled area of approximately 400 feet by 360 feet that is surrounded by asecured chain link perimeter fence. The Project substation will be located near

the corner of Burnt Rock Road and Swamp Road (see Figure 1.1-2). Allsubstation equipment, including instrument transformers, surge arresters,metering equipment, relay equipment, and communication equipment, will beset on concrete pads.An approximately -mile long aboveground transmission line will beconstructed to connect the Project substation to a new 115 kV line which will be
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hung on the transmission towers being constructed to service the St. LawrenceWind Project in Cape Vincent. Via this transmission corridor the Project willinterconnect with the New York State Transmission System at National Gridsproposed Rockledge Substation. The substation and overall electrical system willbe designed and constructed in accordance with the Guidelines of the NationalElectric Code (NEC), National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), and the hostutility (National Grid) requirements.

1.1.1.3 Transportation ComponentsThere are two types of transportation components which will be constructed insupport of the Project access roads constructed within the leased properties,and road improvements within existing public ROWs.Approximately 21 miles of access roads will be improved or constructed withinthe leased properties, creating 104 acres of disturbance (including room for co-located transmission lines and drainage ditches).In addition, local public roads will be used for transportation of equipment, andthere are places where improvements will be required to accommodate the widerturning radii of larger vehicles needed to haul larger turbine and towercomponents. This will create an additional 106 acres of disturbance.

1.1.1.4 Other Project ComponentsIn addition to the facilities noted above, BP Wind Energy will also construct thefollowing facilities to support site construction and operations.

A new permanent O&M building will be constructed on an approximately 3-acre parcel. The building would be used to house the permanent operatingstaff for the facility as well as monitors and other necessary equipment. This

facility will be located on the south side of NY State Route 12E betweenBedford Corners Road and Fox Creek Road.

Although the latest construction methods minimize the amount of concretenecessary for the foundation, it will still be necessary to construct one or twotemporary 6.6 acre concrete batching plants within the Project area.Proposed batch plant sites include along Rosiere Road, immediately north of12E, and on the north side of 12E near the intersection with Fox Creek Road(see Figure 1.1-2).

During construction, staging and temporary short-term storage of constructionequipment, cable, foundation parts, components, towers, blades, and nacelleswill occur on site. The 8.4 acre temporary use and lay down area will be utilized

for short-term staging and assembly of tower sections, nacelles, and rotorsduring the erection. This facility will be located along Rosiere Road (CountyRoad 4), just north of the intersection with Favret Road.


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While these sites were selected partially in order to minimize the need forclearing of wooded areas, some surface vegetation will need to be removed,regrading of surface soils will be required, and soils are expected to be heavilycompacted as a result of batching plant activities, including associated trucktraffic. The batching plant and any excess concrete constituents are expected tobe removed at the end of the concrete-pouring phase, and the sites for the batchplants and temporary use and laydown areas will be restored per landowner

specifications post-construction. The O&M facility will be maintained throughthe life of the Project.Table 1.1-1 lists the local, state, and federal approvals and permits required.

1.1.2 Operation and MaintenanceWith the exception of downtime for preventative maintenance and/ormalfunctions, the turbines will operate 365 days a year and 24 hours a day.Downtime for preventive maintenance and/or malfunctions may reduce theoperating hours. The turbines will generate electricity only during times ofsufficient wind.BP Wind Energy plans to operate the Cape Vincent Wind Power Project with 10full-time employees. A facility manager will be responsible for all operations andmaintenance of the site, including administration and direction of turbinemaintenance with technical oversight, as required, by the manufacturer andoperational coordination with the utility grid system and the local landowners.During the first several years, maintenance and repair of the wind turbines willbe performed by GE staff under a warranty contract.Thereafter, seven employees will perform routine and unplanned work on theturbines and other facilities, while two administrative employees will manage

the operations and maintenance office and administration. Large repair taskswill be accomplished using both Project employees and contractors.Routine maintenance for the turbines will include testing of lubricants forcontaminants, changing of lubricants, calibrating and testing electronic systems,and tightening of bolts and components. Routine maintenance is generallycompleted on a scheduled basis by climbing the tower using the internal ladderand doing the work with normal hand tools and electrical testing equipment.Long-term maintenance may include replacement/rebuilding and cleaning oflarger components such as generators and gearboxes, testing of electrical

components, and refurbishing blades.Emergency work also may be required as the result of a system or componentfailure. Certain unplanned work such as blade repairs or repairs to other largecomponents may require the use of a crane to complete the work.


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Wind turbines do not require the use of water during operations. BP WindEnergy does not propose to use herbicides or pesticides to control vegetation orpests. The use of geotextile fabric and gravel construction, as well as the periodicuse of the access roads by vehicles, should be sufficient to prohibit growth ofunwanted vegetation.

TABLE 1.1-1: Required Permits and Approvals

Reviewing Entity Permit/Approval/Consultation RequirementLocal Agencies:Town of Cape VincentPlanning Board

State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA)(Lead Agency) ReviewSite Plan Approval

Town of Cape ZoningEnforcement Officer

Zoning Permit

Town of Cape VincentHighway Department

Highway/Road Work Permits and AgreementsIssuance of Building Permits/Certificates of Compliance

Town of Lyme PlanningBoard

Approval for transmission line routing

Jefferson County PlanningDepartment

Section 239-m Review and issuance ofrecommendations

Jefferson County HighwayDepartment

Highway/Road Work PermitsSpecial Hauling Permit (oversize/overweightcomponents)

County Agriculture(al)Development Authority

Notice of Intent

Other Local Agencies Highway/road work permits New York State Agencies:Department of EnvironmentalConservation (NYSDEC)

Article 17 SPDES General Permit requiringpreparation of construction and operation phaseStormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs), and aSpill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures(SPCC)/Oil Contingency Plan.Clean Water Act 401 Water Quality CertificateNatural Heritage Program ConsultationArticle 24 Freshwater Wetlands Permit if neededArticle 15 Use and Protection of Waters PermitIncidental take of New York listed Threatened orEndangered Species or their habitat under Article 11 ofthe Environmental Conservation LawIssuance of SEQRA Findings as an Involved Agency

Department of State(NYSDOS) Division of

Coastal Resources

Determination of Consistency with coastal policies

NY Department ofTransportation (NYSDOT)

Highway Work PermitSpecial Hauling Permit (oversize/overweightcomponents)

Public Service Commission(PSC)

Interconnection Feasibility StudyPublic Service Law, Section 68, ReviewIssuance of SEQRA Findings as an Involved Agency


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Reviewing Entity Permit/Approval/Consultation Requirement

NY Department ofAgriculture and Markets(NYSDAM)

Notice of IntentIssuance of SEQRA Findings as an Involved Agency

NY Department of Parks,Recreation & HistoricPreservation

Section 106, National Historic Preservation Act, CulturalResources ConsultationParks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law 14.09

Federal Agencies:

US Army Corps of Engineers Clean Water Act 404 Wetlands PermitRiver & Harbors Act, 10 Nationwide Permit (aerialtransmission line crossing the Chaumont River)

US Fish & Wildlife Service Threatened & Endangered Species ConsultationFederal AviationAdministration

Obstruction to Aviation ReviewLighting Review

1.1.3 Power Generation

As discussed in Section 1.1, the units to be installed at the BP Wind Energy WindPower Project will be GE 1.6 MW wind turbine generators. Drawings and

technical specifications for the selected GE 1.6-100 turbines are included asAppendix B.The annual production of energy by the Project is expected to be approximately400 gigawatt hours per year.Power will be transmitted via Project collection lines to the electrical substation,which will be constructed by the Project and will serve to interface the Projectselectrical collection system to the Project transmission line.The Project will connect to the National Grids Rockledge Substation via adedicated 115 kV aboveground transmission line, which will be strung along a

6.5 mile combination of dedicated and shared transmission towers. Thetransmission line will connect with the National Grid transmission system at theproposed Rockledge substation, which is planned to be across County Route 179from the existing Lyme substation.Detailed studies to confirm these preliminary plans meet the grid requirementshave been completed, pursuant to New York Independent System Operator(NYISO) procedures. On January 11, 2006, BP Wind Energy notified the NYISOof its intent to interconnect with the New York State transmission grid, whichtriggered the requirement to perform an Interconnection Feasibility Study, whichwas completed in October 2006.

Following the Feasibility Study, the NYISO recommended the use of an outsideconsultant to lead the development of the System Reliability Impact Study(SRIS). BP Wind Energy retained Seimens PTI to perform the study and a draftSRIS was delivered to the NYISO in March 2007. Following receipt of commentsfrom NYISO, Siemens PTI has performed additional analysis and submitted arevised SRIS to NYISO in December 2007. BP Wind Energy participated in the


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2008 Class Year Facilities Study, which was initiated in March 2008 andcompleted in January 2010. BP Wind Energy is currently pursuing anInterconnection Agreement with NYISO for this Project.

1.1.4 Operational SafetyReported data on ice throws indicates that ice fragments have been found on the

ground from 50-330 feet from turbines and were in the range of 0.2 to 2 lb inmass1. In order to prevent ice from causing any potential danger, turbines will belocated at least 1000 feet from any residences and 650 feet from any public roads.BP Wind Energy has included fire protection in the Projects design, as well as inconstruction and operation procedures (see Section 2.29). Each turbine would belocated on a parcel of cleared land occupying approximately one acre. Thecleared land would be free of combustible materials, thus minimizing thepotential spread of a fire should one start. Fire protection features of the turbinesinclude components within the nacelle that monitor bearing, oil, and nacelletemperatures. These components would be connected to the turbine supervisorycontrol and data acquisition (SCADA) system, which would monitortemperatures and automatically shut the turbine down and send an alarm to thecontrol room if predetermined set points were exceeded. In addition, eachnacelle and each service vehicle would be equipped with a fire extinguisher.Beyond the physical fire protection components of the facility, the Cape VincentProjects operations staff would be required to develop a site-specific EmergencyPreparedness and Fire Prevention Plan (EPFPP) that would specify the actions tobe taken by the site manager and staff should an emergency or fire occur. TheEPFPP would be coordinated with the local fire departments and emergencyresponse organizations and would identify the procedures and lines ofcommunication in the event of a fire or other emergency.

The substation will be secured within a locked and fenced area. The maintransformer would incorporate an oil spill containment area and a SpillPrevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan will be maintained inorder to protect local waterbodies and soils uncontaminated from anytransformer oil spills. The SPCC will include procedures to address properreporting, cleanup, and documentation of spills.In addition, the pad-mounted transformers located at each turbine site will besituated to provide six feet of clearance between the transformer and any otherProject component. All transformers will be installed in accordance with industry

standards.

1 Morgan, C., Bossanyi, E., Seifert, H., Assessment Of Safety Risks Arising From Wind TurbineIcing, 1998 Part of Wind Energy in Cold Climates developed under contract with UKDepartment of Trade and Industry.


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1.2 DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION PLANProject construction is anticipated to occur in a single phase. It is scheduled tostart in the spring of 2012 and be completed by December, 2012. Constructionwill occur in several stages:

Grading and preparation of ancillary construction facilities;

Construction of access roads;

Construction of turbine tower foundations and turbine installation;

Installation of the underground electrical collection system;

Construction and installation of the substation and O&M facilities; and

Project commissioning.BP Wind Energy anticipates that a maximum workforce of 200 will be requiredfor Project construction. To the extent possible, workers will be hired from thelocal labor pool. All construction associated with the Project is expected to becompleted over a 9 month period.

Various environmental protection and control plans will be developed andshared with the Town of Cape Vincent before construction. These will include aconstruction routing plan, road improvement plan, dust control plan, publicsafety plan, and complaint resolution procedures. These plans and proceduresare described further throughout the Supplemental Draft Environmental ImpactStatement (SDEIS). Actions included in these plans and procedures will bereviewed, coordinated and approved by the Town prior to implementation, inorder to assure that the impacts of Project construction on local residents areavoided, minimized, or mitigated to the extent practicable.A site survey has been performed to stake out the location of the wind turbines,

access roads, electrical cables, substations, and areas for ancillary constructionfacilities such as the batch plants, laydown, and parking. BP has alsocommissioned a preliminary geotechnical investigation to identify subsurfaceconditions and allow development of final design specifications for the accessroads, foundations, underground trenching, and electrical grounding systems.The geotechnical investigation involved a drill rig obtaining 30-45 feet deepborings to identify the subsurface soil and rock types and strength properties.Testing was also performed to measure the soils electrical properties to ensureproper grounding system design. A geotechnical investigation is generallyperformed at each turbine location, at substation locations, along the accessroads, and at the O&M building site. Using all of the data gathered for theProject (including geotechnical information, environmental conditions, sitetopography, etc.), BP Wind Energy is developing a set of site-specificconstruction specifications for the various components of the Project. Thespecifications will comply with applicable codes and construction standardsestablished by various industry practice groups.BP Wind Energy will also hire environmental monitors and conduct specialtraining for contractors to assure that they are aware of all environmental


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1.2.2 Site PreparationPrior to placing fill for crane pads, site access drives, and other site features, BPwill remove vegetation, topsoil, organic subsoils, and other unsuitable materials.Unstable subgrades will be removed and replaced with compacted structural fillor crushed stone as necessary; and the subgrade will be proofrolled with a roller-compactor. Structural or common fill may be placed to reach the required grade;

structural fill will be imported to the site.The construction/access roads for the Project will be 16-foot wide gravel roadsdesigned to meet the load-bearing requirements of truck traffic transportingconcrete, gravel, and turbine components to the wind turbine sites over the life ofthe Project. During construction, an additional 10 feet will be compacted on eachside of the gravel roads to allow for the additional construction traffic and cranemovement. Following construction, these compacted areas will be de-compactedand seeded, leaving permanent 16-foot wide access roads.The required gravel road base section necessary to meet load-bearingrequirements will consist of a sub-base course 6 thick, a base course 6 thick,and a surface course 6 thick. Sieve size and material properties for the coursesare specified in New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT)Standard Specifications Table 667-1. Geotextile fabric will be used to separate thenative soil/fill from the base material to prevent fine soil particles frommigrating into the gravel base material and preserve road base integrity.Roads will be constructed with culverts as needed to maintain a water tableelevation below the base material and to ensure roadbed stability. Roadsideditches will be constructed as dictated by the terrain to convey storm-waterrunoff away from the roadways. Roadway surfaces will be graded to promotedrainage to the side of the road. In addition, where necessary, to meet the

requirements of the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SPPP), the ROW willbe widened an additional 4 feet to accommodate runoff control BestManagement Practices (BMPs) such as swales, hay bales, or silt fences. Duringconstruction periodic maintenance will be conducted such as filling in andgrading eroded areas or low spots and clearing drainage ditches.To prevent access by the general public, construction/access roads will be gatedwhere they intersect public roads and/or at such locations as required protectinglandowner interests (e.g., livestock areas, accessible property lines, etc.).The tower and access roadway locations were developed based on data which

was collected during biological, ecological, geotechnical, and cultural resourcesurveys. The area expected to be permanently disturbed by the Project is basedon using existing roads to the maximum extent possible, and reducing them to a16-foot service road width after construction.


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At the same time, improvements to public roadways which will facilitate thetransport of turbine and construction equipment will take place as detailed in theattached Traffic and Transportation Plan (Appendix C).Clearing and grading of areas for turbine construction and ancillary constructionactivities will be required. These will include the areas noted in Section 1.1.1above:

84 turbine sites totaling 60 acres

104 acres for access road construction and improvement internal to the site

106 acres for public roadway improvements

57 acres for construction of interconnects

8.4-acre central laydown area, plus construction management and parking

two 6.6-acre concrete batch plant sites

3-acre permanent O&M facility

4 acres for aboveground 115 kV transmission corridor

3-acre permanent substation siteThe concrete batch plants will be constructed as soon as their sites are prepared,so that they will be able to produce concrete to support the rest of the sitepreparation process. The batch plant sites will receive batch plant equipmentbrought to the site on skids and set in place, raw materials stockpiles, andconcrete trucks.In addition to tower foundations, foundations for the O&M building and anyother on-site material storage buildings, as well as pads for each electricaltransformer, will be poured. It is expected that all on-site buildings would be ofmodest proportion and require only slab-on-grade foundations, at the most

augmented by frost-resistant perimeter footings.

1.2.3 Installation of TurbinesOnce the roads are complete on a portion of the site, turbine foundationconstruction will commence on that completed access road section. Foundationconstruction occurs in several stages including hole excavation, outer formsetting, rebar and bolt cage assembly, casting and finishing of the concrete,removal of the forms, backfilling and compacting, and site restoration.Excavation and foundation construction will be conducted in a manner that willminimize the size and duration of excavated areas required to install

foundations. Extra care will be used to ensure that topsoil and subgradematerials are kept separated and stockpiled where requested by the landownerso that the land can be returned to its original use. Dewatering is not expected tobe required, but will be used where required to maintain the strength of thesubsurface load-bearing materials.


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Initial activity at each tower site will involve stripping and stockpiling topsoil.Following topsoil removal, backhoes will be used to excavate a foundation hole.In agricultural areas, excavated subsoil and rock will be segregated fromstockpiled topsoil. If bedrock is encountered and it is anticipated to be able to beripped, it will be excavated with a backhoe. If the bedrock is not anticipated to beable to be ripped, it will be excavated by pneumatic jacking, hydraulic fracturing,or blasting. Blasting will be utilized only if the other potentially available

methods of excavation are not practicable. BP Wind Energy anticipates that few,if any, turbine sites will require blasting. If blasting is required, it will beconducted in compliance with a Blasting Plan, and in accordance with allapplicable laws and good engineering practices to avoid impacts to sensitivereceptors. If blasting is proposed at a tower site, the nearest wells will beidentified, and if necessary, pre- and post-blasting inspections of the wells will beconducted.Each foundation is anticipated to be approximately 10 feet deep, approximately50-60 feet in diameter, requiring approximately 300 cubic yards (cy) of concrete.Once the foundation concrete is sufficiently cured, the excavation area aroundand over it will be backfilled with the excavated on-site material. The top of thefoundation pedestal measures approximately 14 feet in diameter, and typicallyextends 6 to 8 inches above grade.During the Project construction phase, the large turbine components (i.e., towersections, nacelle, and rotor blades) will be delivered to each specific turbine site,which will serve as the staging area for the erection of that turbineAll turbine components will be delivered to the Project Site on flatbed orspecialized transport trucks, and the main components will be off-loaded at theindividual turbine sites. A large erection crane will set the tower segments onthe foundation, place the nacelle on top of the tower, and following ground

assembly, place the rotor onto the nacelle. The erection cranes will move fromone tower to another along a designated crane path. It is assumed that cranemovement will utilize existing public roads and Project access roads and willonly traverse open fields without any permanent roads if and where conditionsallow large equipment movement without significant soil disturbance. Exposedsoils at restored tower sites and along roads and crane paths will be stabilized byseeding and/or mulching.

1.2.4 Installation of Collection and Transmission System ComponentsIn general, electrical interconnects (collection lines) will follow access roads, but

will also follow field edges and cut directly across fields in places.Approximately 95% of the interconnecting lines are expected to be buried.Materials such as cable reels will be staged at the 8.4-acre central laydown area.Direct burial methods via cable plow, rock saw and/or trencher will be usedduring the installation of underground interconnect lines whenever possible. In


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general, cable may be buried 36 to 48 inches deep depending on soil conditions,depth to bedrock, and land use. A temporary footprint of vegetation and soildisturbance of up to 15 feet will result due to machinery dimensions andbackfill/spoil pile placement. Agricultural topsoils within the work area will bestripped and segregated from excavated subsoil. Subgrade soil will be replacedaround the cable, and topsoil will be replaced at the surface, immediately afterinstallation of the cable.

A cable plow can be used in areas of deep, usually tilled soils, installing bundledcable directly into the ground via a rip created by the plow blade. This disturbsan area approximately 24 inches wide and does not involve excavation of thesoil. Generally, no restoration of the rip is required, as it closes in on itselffollowing installation. Surface restoration can be achieved with a Bobcat or smallbulldozer, which will ride over the rip, smoothing the area.Direct burial via a trencher involves the installation of the interconnect cable in asimilar fashion to cable plow installation. The trencher or rock saw uses a largeblade or saw to excavate an open trench that is approximately 24-inches wideand has a sidecast area immediately adjacent. The site is returned to pre-construction grades, as sidecast material is replaced via a Bobcat or smallbulldozer. Where three or more cables run parallel through active agriculturalfields, the topsoil will be stripped and stockpiled prior to cable installation, andreplaced, regraded, and stabilized by seeding and mulching.Open trench installation may be required where there are unstable slopes,excessive unconsolidated rock, or standing or flowing water. Open trenchinstallation is performed with a backhoe and will generally result in a disturbedtrench 36 inches wide. Similar to a trench cut by a trencher or rock cutter, aBobcat or small bulldozer will be used to replace soils and restore the grade.

In order to avoid or minimize impacts to specific environmental orarchaeological features, directional drilling may be used at specific locationsfollowing discussions with the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE),the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and the State HistoricalPreservation Officer (SHPO).At certain locations within the Project the 34.5kV interconnects may be routedaboveground due to engineering or environmental constraints. In these cases thecollection cables will be strung along either wooden or steel pole structures.Above ground line wooden poles will be delivered from the staging area andinstalled in augured holes, backfilled with gravel, guyed where needed and

anchored.The -mile long 115 kV transmission line connecting the Project substation to thenewly constructed St. Lawrence Wind 115 kV transmission line will also bestrung aboveground on wooden poles, which will be approximately 43 to 56.5feet high. The ROW will generally be clear cut to a width of up to 100 feet, andadditional trees which could damage the line will be removed as appropriate. It


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is assumed that no concrete foundations will be required, and that no permanentaccess roads will be built on the ROW. However, during construction,construction equipment will disturb up to a 20 foot wide corridor within theROW. Miscellaneous hardware (ground rods, line vibration dampers, etc.) willbe installed to complete the line construction.

1.2.5 Environmental Management Plan

An Environmental Management Plan will be prepared to identify key projectenvironmental information, instructions, and mitigation measures specific to theProject. This Plan will ensure that permit obligations, environmental mitigationand enhancement measures identified in this SDEIS and in the FinalEnvironmental Impact Statement (FEIS), and requirements of any legalagreements (including landowner agreements) are established and implementedin the pre-construction, construction, and ongoing operation and maintenancephase of the Project.The Plan will include sections on:

environmental protection measures during site preparation and construction;

a post-construction restoration plan;

environmental protection measures during turbine maintenance activities;and

post-construction environmental monitoring and inspection.Environmental protection measures for use during site preparation andconstruction will include a construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan,which will also be included in the FEIS, as well dust suppression measures, solidwaste disposal, invasive species control, and hazardous materials handlingprocedures. BP Wind Energy will appoint an Environmental Monitor to ensurethat all site permits and mitigation measures required by local, state, or FederalLaw or by contract are adhered to during the construction process.The Restoration Plan will describe re-grading and stabilization of temporaryimpacts to wetlands and streams, restoration of disturbed habitat, including re-planting suitable species in wetlands, adjacent areas and streams, wetlandmitigation project construction, stabilization of disturbed areas subject to theSPDES Stormwater General Permit, removal and proper disposal of temporaryroad materials, and regrading of soil in agricultural and forested areas inaccordance with NYSDAM guidelines3 or other Best Management Practices, aswell as post-construction restoration practices aimed at preventing invasive

species.BP Wind Energy will prepare an O&M Plan for the Project including anenvironmental management component. The environmental management

3New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM), Guidelines for AgriculturalMitigation for Wind Power Projects.


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component will include considerations necessary as part of the ongoing Projectmaintenance. Measures applicable to turbine maintenance will include structuremaintenance and cleaning, access road maintenance, and snow removal. Theplan will also provide procedures to assess and minimize environmental impactsduring major repairs, emergencies, and decommissioning.Post-construction environmental monitoring will include avian and bat

monitoring programs, as well any ongoing conservation efforts related towetland and species habitat restoration or creation included as commitments inthe FEIS.

1.2.6 Complaint Resolution ProcessBP Wind Energy has prepared a Draft Complaint Resolution Process (seeAppendix D) which documents BPs commitment respond to communityconcerns in a timely and effective manner via a structured process. Issue orcomplaints will be classified as Level 1 or Level 2, depending on whether theyrepresent an emergency which poses an immediate and substantial risk tohuman health and the environment. This classification system is intended toenable responders to follow a set procedure appropriate to the risk posed by anissue to environmental and human resources.In addition, the process provides a method for addressing disputes, includingestablishment of a local Complaint Resolution Committee to act as arbiter ofissues that are not resolved to the satisfaction of a complainant. Issues that maygo before the Complaint Resolution Committee may include but not be limited totechnical considerations, responsiveness on the part of BP, and standing on thepart of the complainant. Any issues not resolved by the committee may bereferred to the full Planning Board to determine if further measures are necessaryto resolve the issue, or may be resolved through the legal system. Nothing in this

process will preclude the Town of Cape Vincent from enforcing applicable localregulations or preclude any party from seeking due process through the courtsystem.

1.2.7 DecommissioningThe life expectancy of the Project is at least 30 years. Prior to construction, BPWind Energy will establish a financial instrument which will ensure theavailability of sufficient funds for removal of all Project components upon theend of the Project's operational life. While the current trend in the wind energyindustry is to replace or re-power older wind energy projects by upgrading

older equipment with turbines that are more efficient, it is BP Wind Energysintent that the turbines will be decommissioned. This will require the followingsteps.All turbines, including the blades, nacelles and towers will be disassembled, andtransported off site for reclamation and sale. The transformers will also betransported off site for reuse or reclamation. Oils and hazardous materials will be


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properly disposed of or recycled. Unless otherwise requested by the Town ofCape Vincent, the overhead transmission line will be removed and reclaimed,and the poles will be cut off at grade. All underground infrastructure at depthsless than 36 inches below grade will be removed. All underground infrastructureat depths greater than 36 inches below finished grade (including the subsurfacecollection conductors, and foundations) will be abandoned in place.

Areas where reclamation takes place will be graded to match adjacent contours,stabilized with an appropriate seed mix, and allowed to re-vegetate naturally. Allroad materials will be allowed to remain in place, unless directed otherwise bythe individual landowners.

1.3 PROJECT ALTERNATIVESThis section discusses Project alternatives and describes the processes whichwere used to select the Project site and the locations of turbines, roads, andinterconnect and transmission lines within the Project Area. Project alternativesevaluated in this section include: alternative Project sizes; alternative turbinetechnologies; alternative road and interconnect designs; alternative transmissionline routes and the no-action alternative.BP Wind Energy selected a Project Site through a systematic process thatconsidered wind resources, existing roads and utility interconnections, willinglandowners, community support, environmental constraints, and zoning anddraft zoning land use constraints. BP utilized the selection process to evaluateboth different potential project sites and different turbine locations within thechosen site as needed to develop an economically viable wind power project.

1.3.1 Project Site Selection

Preliminary ScreeningA number of potential wind power sites in northern and western New York Statewere identified and evaluated as discussed below. Region of Interest. A region of interest for siting the Project was identified basedon the suitability of wind characteristics including adequate speed, frequencyand duration to make the project viable. Potential project sites were evaluatedusing topographic maps and the New York State Wind Resource Map producedby TrueWind in 2001 and updated in 2005. Generally, wind speeds averaging atleast 7 meters per second (m/s) are needed for project viability. Based on thewind data, a region of interest along

BP SDEIS Feb 2011 Part 1 of 3 Cape Vincent

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