SAK Environmental served as a subcontractor to The Cadmus Group in providing technical assistance to municipalities across the state to develop solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays to offset traditional electricity costs and generate renewable energy. SAK’s role was to assess feasibility, conduct site and environmental reviews, investigate MEPA/NEPA, MADEP, and local/other permitting requirements, and assist in preparing bid documents and in reviewing submitted bids.
SAK’s projects included feasibility/fatal flaws assessment of several ground mounted PV arrays to be procured and constructed through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), including sites in Methuen, Carver, and Dalton, MA. SAK also assisted in writing the RFP, attending pre-bid conferences, and working with local conservation boards regarding permitting.
In Methuen, the capped and closed Huntington Avenue landfill was selected as the best location for a 1.2MW system. SAK calculated the maximum, potential size of system (given slopes and solar exposure),and investigatedcurrent landfill conditions and regulatory status. The identification of any wetland areas or endangered species are also issues to assess when performing a feasibility analysis for PV solar array sites. SAK worked with MA DEP and DOER on Post Closure Landfill Use permitting requirements, as well as obtaining a formal MEPA advisory opinion exempting the project from ENF review.
In Carver, the 112kW system was to be located along a MADOT Highway Easement on Route 44 and interconnect to a new water supply plant in a wooded conservation area adjacent to the highway. SAK determined that possible issues of concern were historic and culturally significant cranberry bogs, endangered species, wetlands, and erosion control on a state highway embankment. Detailed information was submitted to DOER for evaluation by US DOE for NEPA exclusions.
