Laserfiche WebLink
Decatur Northwest 1, LLC <br /> Decatur Northwest 1 Commercial Solar Energy Facility, Decatur, IL <br /> Construction <br /> The following discussion provides a general description of the construction schedule and activities <br /> associated with the Project. <br /> Schedule <br /> Construction would begin in 2027.Construction would be anticipated to occur over a period of 5 to 6 <br /> months.Delays outside of the Applicant's control may cause changes to this schedule. Such delays may <br /> relate to required utility interconnection upgrade work. <br /> Activities <br /> Construction activities will consist of the placement of the PV panels and associated equipment(e.g., <br /> excavation of trenches and equipment pads;installation of racking,solar modules/inverters,and electrical <br /> equipment),development of access roads and fencing,and restoration. <br /> Restoration <br /> Topsoils will not be removed from site so that they may be used as native fill during and following <br /> construction, as needed.At the completion of earth disturbing activities associated with construction of <br /> the Project,all disturbed portions of the parcel will be permanently seeded.A native grass mix of low- <br /> growth seeds and wildflowers will be planted as determined at the pre-construction meeting. Perennial <br /> vegetative ground cover and/or farm crops will be established and maintained in setback areas to further <br /> prevent erosion and to manage run-off as outlined in the Agricultural Impact Mitigation Agreement <br /> (AIMA,see below). When practical,seed and plantings will be sourced from local nurseries and vendors. <br /> Operation <br /> The facility is anticipated to operate for up to 35 years.The Applicant intends to be the long-term owner <br /> and operator of the Project. Once in operation,no on-site employees are needed on a permanent,day-to- <br /> day basis.Personnel will consist of those conducting maintenance activities in accordance with the <br /> operations and maintenance plan schedule.Maintenance work will be conducted in accordance with <br /> zoning ordinance(e.g.,hours of work and requirements established as part of the design and installation). <br /> Agrivoltaics <br /> As part of the operations plan,the Applicant is considering the use of sheep grazing for vegetation <br /> maintenance. This grazing management is an effective way to integrate agrivoltaics(sheep grazing)into <br /> the project.The sheep farmer will be responsible for the vegetation maintenance of the site and <br /> transportation of the sheep. The Applicant will be responsible for providing and maintaining a permanent <br /> and secure perimeter fence to ensure the sheep will not escape the facility.In the event additional <br /> vegetative maintenance is required,landscaping services will be subcontracted. <br />