Green Energy and Green Spaces Renewable Energy Siting in Rhode Island Jeanne M. Boyle Director of Commerce City of Pawtucket Environment Council of Rhode Island

FORBES STREET SOLAR PROJECT East Providence, RI Environment Council of Rhode Island November 15, 2017

FORBES STREET SOLAR PROJECT From dormant, blighted land to green, productive use

FORBES STREET SOLAR PROJECT • The former Forbes Street landfill consists of approximately 70 acres of the 228 acre FORBES STREET SOLAR PROJECT • The former Forbes Street landfill consists of approximately 70 acres of the 228 acre property operating from 1969 to 1979. • During its operation, the landfill accepted household, industrial, and commercial solid wastes. • Wastes were distributed over disposal areas and covered with street sweepings and soil from off-site sources. • Numerous environmental studies have been conducted at the site but it was never formally closed. • The City used the property for its yard waste composting site, but it was otherwise an unused City asset.

FORBES STREET SOLAR PROJECT City Council adopted a Comprehensive Solar Power Project • In January 2010 the East Providence City Council adopted a Comprehensive Plan Update which identified alternative energy as the priority use for the Forbes Street property. • In July 2010 the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for development partners for redevelopment of the energy development and experience in redevelopment of closed landfills. Forbes Street Property. The RFP emphasizes re-use for alternative • Responses were received from several development teams, some with national and international experience.

FORBES STREET SOLAR PROJECT The City selected CME-Hecate NE Solar Power Project • The City selected CME-Hecate NE Solar LLC (formerly Cornerstone), a team with extensive national and international energy development experience, including design of solar installations on closed landfills. • CME-Hecate proposed development of a photovoltaic solar installation of between 6-12 MW with an estimated construction cost of $40 million to $50 million. • The City Council approved a development agreement with CME- Hecate in November 2010 allowing CME-Hecate to begin due diligence and feasibility analysis of the project.

Environmental and other Development Impact Concerns • Visual Impacts – The site development area is set well away from adjacent neighboring properties and will not have any negative visual impacts on the community. • The development will not generate any noise, glare or other physical impacts on neighboring properties. • The site will become a more secure facility and reduce the potential impacts associated with unauthorized activities on the property. • The site will continue to be a significant preserved area for wildlife habitat in the area.

Environmental and other Development Impact Concerns Drainage and Wetlands Impact Concerns • The landfill cover has been planted with grasses to effectively reduce runoff from the landfill and to reduce runoff impacts into the surrounding wetlands. • The ring access road is constructed of deep layer of crushed stone which acts as a stormwater retention feature. • The surrounding wetlands and recharge areas will not be altered as a result of this project. • Best Management Practices were used throughout the entire construction process.

FORBES STREET SOLAR PROJECT Development Process • City worked with developer to obtain several private, State and Federal grants to off-set pre-development costs. • In 2011, RI State legislature enacted Distributed Generation legislation, which significantly improved financial viability of solar projects in RI. • City entered into a long-term solar lease with CME/Hecate which covers ground lease, PILOT and production bonus. • RIDEM closure plan responsibilities remain with City with some duties assigned to developer under lease.

FORBES STREET SOLAR PROJECT Development Process • • • • CME/Hecate applied to National Grid for contract through Distributed Generation offering and prepared necessary engineering, feasibility studies, etc. • CME/Hecate received Planning Board approval for a master plan for a 9 MW solar facility. • Solbright RE constructed the facility for developer. • DE Shaw now owns and operates the solar plant and assumes responsibilities of lease with City.

FORBES STREET SOLAR PROJECT from demolition of the former Route Development Process • The City received 50,000 cubic yards of clean gravel from RIDOT resulting from demolition of the former Route 195 abutments in Providence. There was no cost to the City. • The clean gravel met RIDEM’s Residential Direct Exposure Criteria, with the exception of naturally occurring beryllium, and the clean gravel was determined to be appropriate for use as cover material. • The City worked with RIDEM’s Landfill Closure Program personnel to obtain a final Certificate of Closure in capping the Site.

FORBES STREET SOLAR PROJECT City DPW crews and contractors hired by CME/Hecate worked to cap the landfill and ready it for installation of the solar plant

FORBES STREET SOLAR PROJECT Compost from the City’s on-site yard compost facility was used as the top cover for the project

FORBES STREET SOLAR PROJECT Construction of the Solar Plant • Constructed by Solbright RE over five month period a • Over 13,000 panels installed • Total cost of approximately $10 million • 3.7 MW capacity • Generated electricity 12/2013 • Up to 60 construction jobs • 21,340 construction man-hours • 3 full-time permanent jobs

FORBES STREET SOLAR PROJECT Construction of the Solar Plant Construction progressed quickly in order to meet National Grid contractual requirements

FORBES STREET SOLAR PROJECT

FORBES STREET SOLAR PROJECT

FORBES STREET SOLAR PROJECT

FORBES STREET SOLAR PROJECT Next Steps: • The City is continuing with CME/Hecate to develop the site to its full 9 MW Capacity. Phase II will be operational in 2018. • The City must complete closure of the remaining 30+ acres of the landfill.

FORBES STREET SOLAR PROJECT Aerial photos courtesy of Jason Kechijian, Solbright, RE.