Stony Creek Wind Farm
Project Description
Stony Creek Wind Farm
Somerset County, Pennsylvania
WHM performed wetland delineation and environmental permitting for the development of a wind farm in southwestern Pennsylvania by the international corporation Airtricity.
The initial phase of this project was the delineation of 3,500 acres of reclaimed and forested land along the Allegheny Plateau. We then completed grading and plans for control of erosion and sedimentation. In addition, WHM coordinated studies of endangered species and cultural resources of the project area.
We obtained necessary approvals for the 35-turbine Stony Creek Wind to Energy Project, including permits for highway occupancy, national pollution discharge elimination system and land development. An FAA airspace obstruction analysis was included because the towers proposed for the wind turbines were greater than 200 feet in height.
WHM performed a preliminary desktop analysis utilizing up-to-date Geographic Information Systems data layers to identify potential wetland locations. Based on this review, we performed a series of field investigations that identified the size, extent and classification of water resources present within the project area.
Wetland delineations were performed on 1,500 acres of project area and 1.85 miles of transmission line, in accordance with methods outlined in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Manual and other documents.
Wetland and watercourse boundaries were marked with blue and pink flagging and numbered accordingly. During our on-site investigation, wetland data forms and photographic documentation were completed for each identified wetland and adjacent upland area. The delineation phase of the project took 20 field days to complete.
The wetland boundaries were surveyed concurrent with the delineation. Each wetland flag was surveyed with a Trimble GeoXH GPS receiver in a coordinate system specified by Airtricity, a renewable-energy company.
Following the completion of the fieldwork, wetland findings were presented in a report that included wetland descriptions, mapping, data forms, photographic documentation and resumes. This documentation was presented in a format in accordance with review standards of the Corps of Engineers and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. We also coordinated with Airtricity engineers in the selection of access roads in attempt to avoid and minimize wetland impacts.
WHM prepared a Water Obstruction and Encroachment Joint Permit application for the Stony Creek wind farm. Key elements of the application included Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory coordination, cultural resources notice, project description, environmental assessment form, erosion and sediment control plan and approval letter, and written narrative and figures detailing practicable alternatives to the proposed activities.
One of the strengths of WHM is a network of associates. One of these companies prepared a summary of the known permits and notifications that were assumed to be required in order to support development of the Stony Creek wind farm. Our partner determined that two land development permit applications were required for the project. In particular, a land development application was prepared for Stony Creek Township that was reviewed by the Somerset County Planning Commission. The remaining land development application was prepared for review by Allegheny Township.
Due to the scale, time constraints and significant topographic relief associated with the project, our associate recommended that a preliminary site plan development drawing be provided to representatives of the county and township. The purpose of the drawing was to present an overall plan and to identify potential concerns so they could be addressed prior to submission of the permit applications.
An application was filed with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for an individual national pollution discharge elimination system permit. Individual status was required because a portion of the proposed development occurred within the Breastwork Run watershed, which is considered a high-quality coldwater fishery.
Due to the use of heavy equipment in building the wind farm, a plan was prepared regarding how spills were to be addressed. Potential long-term storage of chemicals associated with maintenance activities also was addressed.
Supporting calculations for the channels, crossings, culverts and basins were prepared to meet requirements of the erosion and sedimentation control and stormwater management systems.