1. 2014 International Conference on Sustainable Infrastructure Long Beach, California Session 223
Impacts and Mitigation Strategies for Solar Array Systems Within Highway Right of Way Areas Art Hirsch TerraLogic Sustainable Solutions November 8, 2014
Sustainability based rating systems have become quite numerous over the past few years. It is estimated that there are over 200 individual rating systems for civil engineering projects. I thought it would be informative to share a summary of some rating systems that are or are currently being planned to be used by transportation agencies. It is hard to determine if these rating systems will eventually be consolidated into just a few credible rating systems or programs. Many programs that have been developed are specific to an organization’s operations, environmental needs, local context and sustainability philosophy

2. Right of Ways As a Resource
Acres of undeveloped land
Follow utility corridors
Secured by fencing
Access
Maintained

3. Presentation Overview of solar projects in ROW
Overview of CDOT ROW-Solar Studies
Risk Factors
Safety
Environmental
Operation and Maintenance
ROW Resource Issues

4. Acknowledgements
Colorado Department of Transportation; Applied Research and Innovation Branch
Colorado State University-Pueblo; School of Engineering

6. Oregon Solar Highway Project

7. Baldock Rest Area- Oregon

8. Carver, Massachusetts

9. Astoria-Megler Bridge, Oregon

10. Veteran's Glass City Skyway Bridge, Ohio DOT

11. Germany

12. Aschaffenburg, Germany

13. Belgium- Solar Power Train Tunnel

14. CDOT ROW Alternative Study 2011
Solar
Wind
Biofuel
Geothermal
Hydroelectric

17. ROW Alternative Energy CDOT
Alternative ROW Source
Giga-Watt Hours/Year-
Solar
554,700/55,500 (10% efficiency)
Wind
380
Biomass 5
Geothermal
8,530 acres
Hydropower
Very limited
Colorado 2007 Energy Demand 5,547,000 GWh/year

18. CDOT Solar Study 2013-2014 Leasing land to energy developer
Identify impacts and mitigation strategies
Safety
Environmental
Operation and Maintenance
Solar array generated energy
Interstates 76 and 70 model locations
Guidance document to management

19. Interstate 76
Interstate 70

20. R&D Approach Task 1- Literature review/communication
Task 2- Impact and risk identification
Task 3- Solar array design and criteria
Task 4- Report development/presentation

21. Risk Factors Severity of Consequence Probability of Occurrence
Regulatory non compliance
Environmental impacts
Safety impacts
Highway operations
Probability of Occurrence
Low
Medium
High

22. Low Risk Elements Environmental Wildlife attraction Bird migration
NEPA process
Hazardous waste
Safety
Driver awareness
Traffic controls
Operation/Maintenance
Mowing alterations/Security fencing

23. Medium Risk Elements Environmental
General wildlife habitat impact (migration)
Prairie dog colonies
Noxious weeds
Safety
Glint/glare
Working in the ROW
Solar array framework integrity (wind)
Solar array access
Theft
Operation/Maintenance
Snow blowing/plowing

24. Higher Risk Elements Environmental Stormwater management/revegetation
T&E habitat
Community acceptance
Safety
Immovable structure
Traffic controls
Panel security
Operation/Maintenance
Snow drifting and deposition
Magnesium chloride

25. Environmental Permitting Considerations
Coordinate with CDOT Regions for NEPA requirements (Categorical Exclusion)
Stormwater Management Plan and Construction Stormwater Permit (greater that one acre)
Phase I and Phase II Hazardous Waste Assessment
Local government permitting identified
Public outreach and education
ROW permitting

26. ROW Accommodation of Alternative Energy
Federal Requirement- Facility does not impede the safe and efficient operation of the highway
Policy Options
Utility Accommodation
Meets definition of a utility technology
In an FHWA approved state DOT Utility Plan
Air Space Lease

27. ROW As A Viable Resource
Significant amount of energy available
Solar energy applications
Lease land to energy developers
Use energy (lighting, signaling)
Sell on the grid
Solar energy becoming cheaper per KWH
Impacts can be mitigated
DOT reluctance/ROI
FHWA restrictions

28. TerraLogic Sustainable Solutions
Art Hirsch
TerraLogic Sustainable Solutions