BP SDEIS Feb 2011 Part 3 of 3 Cape Vincent

8/7/2019 BP SDEIS Feb 2011 Part 3 of 3 Cape Vincent

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Figure 2.16-2: Cape Vincent Wind Power Project Noise Impact Modeling, 4 m/s wind


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The WHO also considers average sound pressure levels in the 65-70 dB(A) rangeto represent a cardiovascular effects threshold.These thresholds reflect levels of sound which may begin to cause some of themore acute health effects noted above, including speech interference, noise-induced hearing loss, task interference, damage to organs, and detectable body

vibration.It is possible that someone standing directly beneath an operating turbine mightbe subjected to sound pressure levels in the range of 65-70 dB(A). However, themodeling results for the Project demonstrate that operation of wind turbines willnot expose anyone on non-participating properties to sustained sound pressurelevels in excess of 48 dB(A), nor participating landowners to sound pressurelevels in excess of 50 dB(A) at their residences.While not constituting an acute health effect risk, sound pressure levels in the40 50 dB(A) range can be considered a potential nuisance, particularly duringthose times (low wind conditions during the winter) where low backgroundnoises will cause the wind turbine noise to be more noticeable. The NYSDECprovides a goal for non-industrial settings like Cape Vincent of the SPL notexceeding ambient noise by more than 6 dB(A) at the receptor in order to avoidnuisance complaints. The agency does note, however, that There may beoccasions where an increase in SPLs of greater than 6 dB(A) might beacceptable.Nuisance effects can include effects noted above such as annoyance, sleepdisturbance, and stress. One major difference between acute health effects andnuisance effects is that the evidence shows that the perception of the significanceof nuisance effects by an individual are often related to that individuals overall

perception of the project. For example, Guski notes that noise annoyance ispartly due to acoustic factors, and partly due to personal and social moderatingfactors.120 Personal factors that affect whether a noise is perceived as a nuisancemay include: sensitivity to noise; anxiety about the source; personal evaluation ofthe source; and individual coping capacity. Social factors may include:evaluation of the source; suspicion of those who control the source; history ofnoise exposure; and expectations.For this reason, it is likely that a goal of completely eliminating any nuisancecomplaints post-construction would not be practical. Under certain atmosphericconditions, it is a certainty that turbine noise will be audible above background

noises along public byways and outside non-participant residences, and for somelocal residents this nuisance level (triggered by auditory awareness) will beunacceptable.

120Guski, Rainer (1999): Personal And Social Variables As Codeterminants Of Noise Annoyance.Noise and Health 1, 45-56.


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Impacts to Site Specific ReceptorsBased on modeling of the array plan at winds of 7 m/s, operation of windturbine generators will meet the following conditions:

predicted noise levels will not exceed 48 dB(A) at any property lines for non-participating property owners

predicted noise levels will not exceed 47 dB(A) at the current residentialstructures of any non-participating property owners

predicted noise levels will not exceed 50 dB(A) at the current residentialstructures of any participating property owners

Table 2.16-3 provides a count of the number of residences that may be subject tospecific threshold sound pressure levels at worst case (7 m/s or higher windspeed) conditions:

TABLE 2.16-3: Turbine-Induced Sound Pressure Levels Predicted for Participating and Non-Participating Residences During a 7 m/s or Greater Wind

Sound Pressure Levelat 7 m/s wind Number of ImpactedResidences on ParticipatingProperties

(cumulative)

Number of ImpactedResidences on Non-Participating Properties

(cumulative)


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TABLE 2.16-4: Maximum Turbine-Induced Sound Pressure Levels Predicted for Participatingand Non-Participating Residences at Varying Wind Speeds

Maximum Turbine Induced Sound Pressure

Level at Residences on:Measured Background

L90 Sound LevelsWind

Speed at10m Participating

PropertiesNon-Participating

PropertiesWinter Summer

10 m/s 50 dB(A) 47 dB(A) 47 519 m/s 50 dB(A) 47 dB(A) 44 518 m/s 50 dB(A) 47 dB(A) 40 507 m/s 50 dB(A) 47 dB(A) 37 496 m/s 48 dB(A) 45 dB(A) 34 485 m/s 46 dB(A) 43 dB(A) 30 474 m/s 42 dB(A) 39 dB(A) 27 46

Indoor noise levels associated with the Project may be evaluated based on typicalnoise attenuation from building walls with open and closed windows. Differententities have different recommendations for appropriate noise limits andattenuation factors.The WHO recommends that the equivalent sound pressure level should notexceed 30 dB indoors, if negative effects on sleep are to be avoided.121 The EPAdocument Information on Levels of Environmental Noise Requisite to Protect PublicHealth and Welfare with an Adequate Margin of Safety122 recommends that indoorday-night-level (DNL) not exceed 45 dB(A). DNL is a 24-hour average that gives10 dB extra weight to sounds occurring between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., on theassumption that during these sleep hours, levels above 35 dB(A) indoors may bedisruptive.

TABLE 2.16-5: Predicted Attenuation from Residential Building Walls/Windows

Organization/Agency Attenuation with

Windows OpenAttenuation withWindows Closed

WHO (2000) 15 dB(A) --US EPA (1978)(Cold Climates)

17 dB(A) 27 dB(A)

NYSDEC (2001) 5 dB(A) 15 dB(A)

The average Leq measured during operational conditions during the wintermonitoring period was 41 dB(A), so adding 6 dB(A) to this produces an averageof 46 dB(A) (because decibels are on a logarithmic scale, when adding 6 decibelsto background the product is a five decibel increase in the noise meter reading).This result, 46 dB(A), is slightly lower than the


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at 49.5 dB(A), which is higher than the maximum average sound pressure level atany non-participating residences, and roughly equivalent to the maximumaverage sound pressure level at any participating residences.Considering the NYSDEC guidance, during the summer months, the lowerattenuation factor resulting from open windows would indicate that 35 dB(A)could result in negative impacts to sleep. However, 99.9% of the background

readings collected during summer monitoring were in excess of 35 dB(a), and theaverage background reading measured during times when wind speeds were inexcess of an anticipated 3.5 m/s cut-in speed was 49.7 dB(A). It is thereforepredicted that on the average there will be no disruption of sleep during thesummer months for the participating or non-participating landowners due toturbine sound pressure levels.During the winter months, the higher attenuation factor resulting from closedwindows would indicate that sound pressure levels greater than 45 dB(A) couldresult in negative impacts to sleep. Using EPA factors, this threshold would be57 dB(A).Relying on the more conservative DEC attenuation factor of 15 dB(A) forwindows closed, some number of non-participating landowners may be subjectunder wind conditions in the 7-9 m/s range indoor sound pressure levelsincrementally higher (1 dB(A)) than the WHO guidelines, while at the same timebackground levels caused by the higher wind speeds are below the soundpressure levels. At 7 m/s this impact will also be greater than the NYSDECrecommended 6 dB(A) increase in SPL over background.UncertaintyDiscussion of sound pressure levels and their potential nuisance and sleepdisruption effects would not be complete without noting some of the

uncertainties inherent not only in modeling, but in atmospheric conditions. Anyactual post-construction monitoring data would produce a scatter around themodel prediction at different wind speeds. While testing has suggested that themodeling methodologies used in this exercise are conservative (approximately90% of post-construction readings are expected to be below or equal to themodeling prediction), it is likely that there will be times during the operation ofthe Project when noise impacts greater than those described above will beobserved.Greater buffer distances would reduce but not eliminate this possibility ofinfrequent nuisance conditions. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that a

goal of complete elimination of any potential nuisance complaints that couldarise from operation of a wind farm would functionally eliminate the ability todevelop commercial scale wind power projects in the Town of Cape Vincent.


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2.16.3 Pure TonesConcerns about pure tones are commonly expressed for proposed wind turbinefarms. Modern wind turbines do not generate tonal noise to any significantextent. Therefore, the tonal noise from the turbines (if any) is not expected to bean issue for the Town of Cape Vincent. In fact, at the reference measuring pointone times the height of the turbine away from the base of the turbine, the GE 1.6-

100 has a value for tonality less than or equal to 4 dB, irrespective of wind speed,hub height and grid frequency.

2.16.4 Proposed MitigationConstruction NoiseThe impacts of construction noise levels will be of limited duration, but maycreate a nuisance over the time period construction takes place. Mitigationmeasures to reduce the impacts of construction noise include:

scheduling of construction, blasting, and equipment hauling activities todaytime hours so as to avoid sleep disturbance.

Implementing best management practices for noise abatement duringconstruction, including use of appropriate mufflers and limiting the hours ofconstruction; and

Notifying landowners of certain construction noise impacts in advance (e.g.,if blasting becomes necessary).

Substation Operational NoiseStructural elements may be incorporated into substation design, including walls,sound-absorbing panels, or deflectors. Earth berms may also be effective, and BPwill limit the cutting/clearing of vegetation surrounding the proposed substationto the minimum amount necessary in order to maintain a greater sound buffer

due to natural attenuation by vegetation. Since it is difficult to perfectlycharacterize substation noise prior to operation, BP Wind Energy will conductpost-construction monitoring of substation noise, and will design and implementmitigation measures as needed to reduce substation noise to below 46 dB(A) atany non-participating residences.Turbine Operational NoiseMitigation for noise impacts due to turbine operations have already been builtinto the design of the Project. The original array plan was developed in 2008following receipt of comments from the original DEIS, and has gone throughnumerous revisions based in part on reducing the maximum modeled noise

impact throughout the Project. In particular, the number of turbines within thearray has been substantially reduced, down from a maximum of 140 in theoriginal DEIS, to 84 turbines in the most recent version. The smaller number ofturbines allows for greater spacing between turbines, as well as greater distancesboth between turbines and property boundaries with non-participatinglandowners as well as between turbines and residences, reducing the maximumimpacts to both.


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Another mitigation measure is the selection of the newer GE 1.6-100 turbinesover the GE 1.5 sle turbines which had been originally contemplated. The GE1.6-100 produces measurably less noise than the GE 1.5 sle during the majority ofoperational conditions, as shown below:

Sound Power Level at Given Wind Speed in dB(A)10m Wind

Speed (m/s) GE 1.5 sle GE 1.6-1003


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The 30-year annual average precipitation recorded in Watertown is 42.7 inches.September is historically the wettest month of the year, with an average monthlyprecipitation of 4.59 inches and February is the driest, with an average monthlyprecipitation of 2.50 inches. The 30-year average snowfall recorded inWatertown is 111.9 inches annually. January and December are historically thesnowiest months of the year, with monthly averages of 33.6 inches and 29.0inches, respectively.

2.17.2 Air QualityAir quality data for New York State are published annually by the NYSDECDivision of Air Resources. The most recent summary of air quality data availablefor the state is the 2009 Annual New York State Air Quality Report AmbientAir Monitoring System 124. The report also includes the most recent ambient airquality data through 2005, as well as long-term air quality trends derived fromdata that have been collected and compiled from numerous state and private(e.g., industrial, utility) monitoring stations across the state. These trends areassessed by NYSDEC regions. The Project site is located in NYSDEC Region 6.Air quality sampling points for Region 6 occur in Nicks Lake, south of Old Forge(Herkimer County), unspecified locations in Utica (Oneida County), Potsdam (St.Lawrence County), Camden (Oneida County), and along the Perch River northof Watertown (Jefferson County). During the most recent year for which datawere available (2005), all of the Region 6 monitoring stations were within theacceptable levels (i.e. in attainment) established by the National Ambient AirQuality Standards (NAAQS) for all tested parameters: sulfur dioxide (SO2),inhalable particulates (PM10 and PM2.5) and ozone. The 3-year average (2003,2004, and 2005) for ozone (8-hour standard) was 0.08 ppm, which is the limit notto be exceeded. Where some inhalable particulate (PM10) data were not yetavailable for 2005, the 2004 report was checked and compliance was alsoindicated.

The Project site is located immediately upwind of NYSDEC Region 7; therefore,air quality data for that region were also examined. Air quality sampling pointsfor Region 7 occur in East Syracuse (Onondaga County), Camp Georgetown(Madison County), Binghamton (Broome County), Syracuse (Onondaga County),and Fulton/Granby (Oswego County). The most recent data (2005) collectedfrom these sampling points were within acceptable levels established by theNAAQS for SO2, PM2.5, carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone level, with theexception of the Fulton/Granby sampling point, which exceeded the NAAQS for8-hour ozone level (0.08 ppm) by 0.002 ppm.

The EPA Green Book125

lists Currently Designated Nonattainment Areas for AllCriteria Pollutants by county for the entire United States. As of its last update on

124 New York State Ambient Air Quality Report for 2009,http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8536.html125 USEPA. 2007. Green Book: Currently Designated Nonattainment Areas for All CriteriaPollutants website. http://www.epa.gov/airprogm/oar/oaqps/greenbk/ancl.html. AccessedJanuary 2007.


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January 5, 2007, Jefferson County is designated as a moderate nonattainmentarea for the 8-hour ozone standard. The county is in attainment of the NAAQSfor all other criteria pollutants [CO, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone, lead (Pb),PM10, PM2.5, and SO2]. However, the surrounding counties (i.e., St. Lawrence,Lewis, and Oswego) are listed as being in attainment for all criteria pollutants,including the 8-hour ozone level.

It should be noted that the Adirondack region of New York State, which includesJefferson County, is recognized as one of the regions in the United States mostseverely affected by acid deposition from precipitation. Most of the depositionthat occurs in this region originates outside of New York State126127 and hasresulted in the sterilization of approximately 350 Adirondack Lakes128.

2.17.3 Greenhouse Gas EmissionsAccording to the DEC document Assessing Energy Use and Greenhouse GasEmissions in Environmental Impact Statements emissions of CO2 account for89% of the total annual Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in New York State.CO2 emissions result overwhelmingly from the combustion of fuel, and it isestimated that 250 million tons of CO2 per year are emitted from fossil fuelcombustion in the state.

2.18 CLIMATE AND AIR QUALITY: IMPACTS

2.18.1 Construction

During the site preparation and construction phases of the Project, minortemporary adverse impacts to air quality could result from the operation ofconstruction equipment and vehicles. Such impacts could occur as a result ofemissions from engine exhaust and from the generation of fugitive dust during

earth moving activities and travel on unpaved roads. Dust could causeannoyance and impact property at certain yards and residences that are adjacentto unpaved town roads or Project access roads. These impacts are anticipated tobe short-term and localized and will be avoided or corrected quickly, asaddressed below.

2.18.2 OperationsThe operation of this Project is anticipated to have a positive impact on airquality by producing approximately 410,000 MWh129 of electricity every year

126 Driscoll, C.T., Newton, R.M., Gubala, C.P. et al.; Adirondack Mountains; D.F. Charles, Ed. 1991.Acidic Deposition and Aquatic Ecosystems, Regional Case Studies, Springer-Verlag, New York;pp. 132-202.127 Simonin, H. 1998. The Continuing Saga of Acid Rain. The Conservationist. Wild in New York.128 Feyerick, D., 2000. Acid rain still endangers Adirondacks. CNN.com, April19, 2000.http://www.cnn.com/2000/NATURE/04/19/acidrain.adirondacks/index.html129 Proposed annual electric power generated 134 MW project operating at approximately 35% loadfactor over the course of a year.


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with zero emissions to the atmosphere. Power delivered to the grid from theProject would directly off-set the generation of energy at existing conventionalpower plants.Regional ImpactsThe NYSDPS has estimated that achievement of the States renewable portfoliostandards (RPS) goal will reduce in-State emissions of NOx by approximately

4,000 tons per year, and emissions of SO2 by approximately 10,000 tons peryear.130The region is subject to emissions transported from fossil-fuel burning sources.Resource Systems Group, Inc. (RSG) conducted a study for the Flat Rock WindPower Project (now known as Maple Ridge Wind Power Project) in LewisCounty, NY, to assess the effects of that project in reducing air emissions.131 Theanalysis projected potential reductions in contaminants resulting from thatprojects power generation. Since the two projects are not far apart(approximately 100 miles apart), the emission factors determined by RSG basedon the regional average fuel mix are considered representative for the proposedProject and are presented in Table 2.18, along with estimated emissionreductions that would result from the proposed Project.

TABLE 2.18-1: Estimated Annual Emissions Reductions That Would Result from the ProposedProject

PollutantEmission Factor [pounds

(lbs)/MWh]1

Total AnnualReductions(tons/year)2

Nitrogen oxides 1.363 280

Sulfur oxides 1.765 360

Carbon dioxide 1,274 260,000

Particulate matter less than 10microns in diameter 0.041 8.4

Volatile organic compounds 0.035 7.2

Mercury 2E-06 1 lb/year

1. Emission factors based on the regional average fuel mix.2. Proposed annual electric power generated of 410 GWH/year.

A recent preliminary modeling study conducted by Roy, et al (2004)132 suggeststhat a large scale wind turbine installation (10,000 turbines) in the Great Plainsregion (Oklahoma) may have a slight summertime warming effect (a mean of 0.7degrees Celsius (C) during the 15-day period in July 1995) and drying effect on

130 NYSDPS. 2004.131 RSG. 2003. Resource Systems Group, Inc.: Air Emissions Reductions Analysis for the ProposedFlat Rock Wind Power Project. Prepared for Atlantic Renewable Energy Corporation. October 31,2003.132 Roy S.B., Pacala S.W., and R.L. Walko. 2004. Can Large Wind Turbines Affect LocalMeteorology? Journal of Geophysical Research, 109, D190101, American Geophysical Union.


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the local climate by creating turbulence that brings warmer, drier air down to theground.During the environmental review process for a project in Chautauqua County,NY, a study group analyzed the Roy, et al (2004) study with respect to localconditions to determine its applicability to impacts of wind turbines on vineyardmicroclimates.133 The specific concern addressed was whether the 31 34

proposed wind turbines with rotor diameters of 240 feet would cause localground-level cooling, which has the potential to damage grape vines during thecoldest days. The study group concluded that results of the Roy, et al (2004)study did not apply to the Chautauqua County project due to the much smallernumber of turbines in the proposed installation, and the generally wetter climatein New York State. Additional analysis by the study group concluded that thewind turbines would likely not cause any ground-level cooling, but might have aslight, unquantified ground-level warming effect within one-half mile of theturbines. The final conclusion of DeGaetano,et al (2004) was that theMicroclimate Study Group did not believe the proposed Project would have asignificant impact (adverse or beneficial) on local microclimatic conditions andgrape productions.Based on Degaetano, et al (2004), it is therefore concluded that the operation ofthe Project (with 84 turbines vs. 10,000 turbines used in Roy, et als study) willalso not have any discernable effect on local climate.Climate ChangeIn August of 2009, Governor David A. Paterson signed Executive Order No. 24,setting a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in New York State by 80percent below the levels emitted in 1990 by the year 2050.Project operation has the potential to reduce current emissions from existing

power plants or delay increased use of fossil fuels. A detailed analysis by theDepartment of Energys (USDOE) Pacific Northwest Laboratory in 1991estimated the energy potential of the United States wind resource at 10.8 trillionkilowatt-hours (kWh) annually, or more than three times total U.S. electricityconsumption in 1996. 134135 Every 10,000 MW of wind power generationinstalled can reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 33 million metric tons(MMT) annually if it replaces coal-fired generating capacity, or 21 MMT if itreplaces generation from the United States average fuel mix.136

133 DeGaetano, A., Bates, T., Davenport, T., Hecklau, J., and H. Walter-Peterson. 2004. ChautauquaWindpower Project: Report on Potential Microclimatic Impacts to Vineyards. Report prepared forthe Towns of Ripley and Westfield, New York. December 8, 2004.134 Elliot, D.L., L.L. Wendell, and G.L. Gower. 1991. An Assessment of Windy Land Area WindEnergy Potential in the Contiguous United States. Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratory.135 USDOE. 1997. Total U.S. Consumption for 1996 is estimated at 3.2 trillion kWh. Annual EnergyReview 1996. United States Department of Energy: Energy Information Administration, July 1997.136 San Martin, R. 1989. Environmental Emissions from Energy Technology Systems: The Total FuelCycle. U.S. Department of Energy, spring 1989.


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The NYSDPS has estimated that achievement of the States RPS goal will reducein-State emissions of CO2 by approximately 4.2 million tons per year.137DEC Guidance on Assessing Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in EISs statesthat total annual emissions should be presented as short tons of CO2.Substitution of wind energy generation for fossil fuel combustion is expected toresult in a reduction of approximately 260,000 tons per year of CO2 emissions.

This represents a reduction of 0.1% of the total CO2 emissions from fossil fuelcombustion statewide.

2.18.3 Proposed MitigationExcept for minor, short-term impacts from construction vehicles and operation ofthe temporary concrete batching plants, the proposed Project would have noadverse impact on air quality. The following mitigation measures forconstruction-related air emissions and dust are proposed and will be standardoperating policy for the Project construction contractors:

All vehicles used during construction will comply with applicable federal

and state air quality regulations; Idling time for construction vehicles/equipment engines will be limited, and

this equipment will be shut down when not in use;

Necessary air quality permits or clearances will be obtained for temporaryconcrete batching plants;

The site environmental monitor will identify any dust problems duringconstruction and report them to the construction manager and the contractor;

Active dust suppression will be implemented on unpaved constructionaccess roads, parking areas, and staging areas, using water-based dustsuppression materials in compliance with state and local regulations. In

more severe cases, temporary paving (e.g. oil and stone) may be used tostabilize dusty road surfaces in certain locations;

Traffic speeds on unpaved access roads will be kept to 25 mph or lower tominimize generation of dust;

Carpooling among construction workers will be encouraged to minimizeconstruction-related traffic and associated emissions;

The extent of exposed or disturbed areas on the Project site at any one timewill be minimized;

Disturbed areas will be re-planted or graveled to reduce windblown dust;

Erosion control measures will be implemented to limit silt deposit toroadways; and

The Project will implement a Complaint Resolution Procedure to establish anefficient process by which to report and resolve any construction (oroperational) related impacts.

137 NYSDPS. 2004.


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In addition, by contributing to the success of the New York State Climate ActionPlan through the reduction in the need for fossil fuel consumption within thestate, the Project will have a long-term beneficial impact on climate. This benefitcan be viewed as mitigation for other environmental impacts associated with theProject.

2.19 COMMUNICATION SIGNAL FAA OBSTRUCTION STUDY: METHODOLOGY

AND EXISTING CONDITIONS

Microwave and TV/Radio Transmission Search

BP Wind Energy commissioned Comsearch to evaluate the potential effects ofthe Project on existing non-Federal Government microwave telecommunicationssystems. These systems include:

narrow beam microwaves; and omni-directional broadcast microwaves (AM/FM, TV, Land Mobile Radio,

Mobile Phones, Communication Towers).

Microwave path data were overlaid on topographic basemaps, and 3 microwavepaths were identified that intersect the Project Area (See Figure 2.19-1). A WorstCase Fresnel Zone was then calculated for each microwave path in the ProjectArea. The resulting information plotted graphically shows the portions of theProject Area where microwave pathways could be interfered with due to windturbine placement.The results of the Comsearch study is included as Appendix I.In addition to microwave pathways, FAA databases were consulted in order todetermine what broadcasting takes place in the immediate vicinity of the Project

Area, so that an assessment of potential interferences could be completed. Localbroadcasting towers are included in Table 2.19-1.
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Miles Microwave Pathways and Radio

Chaumont Bay

CANADA

GIS File:Cape Vincent\GIS\projects\microwave_zm.mxd

Lake Ontario

St Lawrence River

Chaum

ontRiver

Ge

La

Cape Vincent


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Table 2.19-1: Broadcasting Towers in Vicinity of Cape Vincent Project

RefFCC

Reg. No.Status Owner Name

Latitude/Longitude

TowerHeight

(ft AGL)

1 1006176 Constructed

ST LAWRENCESEAWAY RSA

CELLULARPARTNERSHIP DBAVERIZON WIRELESS

44-07-03.1N076-20-01.0W

56.1


CAPE ALBROADCASTING INC

DBA = WKGG FM

44-06-58.0N076-20-20.0W

89.0


MARS HILLBROADCASTING CO

INC DBA = MARS HILLNETWORK

44-04-42.0N076-15-25.0W

85.9


SBC TOWERHOLDINGS LLC

44-15-03.2N076-01-49.4W

98.1


ST LAWRENCESEAWAY RSA

CELLULARPARTNERSHIP DBA

VERIZON WIRELESS

44-15-22.2N076-00-11.6W

78.6

FAA Obstruction AnalysisThe nearest public airport to the Project Area is the Watertown InternationalAirport, 10 miles southeast of the Project boundary. The Project is locatedoutside the boundaries of Military Operations Areas and Restricted Areas; andno Long Range Joint Use Radar Sites are within 60 miles of the Project boundary.Aviation Systems Inc. was contracted to perform an initial FAA feasibility studyfor the Project Area, and the study results are included in Appendix J.

2.20 COMMUNICATION SIGNAL STUDY: IMPACTS

2.20.1 Types of Potential ImpactsThere are four distinct mechanisms that can potentially cause interference tolocal communications:

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) due to generation and radiation of radiofrequency energy in a frequency band used by a radio service.

Near-Field Effects due to an obstacle located so close to an existing antennathat it modifies the radiation characteristics of the antenna.

Diffraction - partial blocking of radio waves, causing some signal power loss.

Reflection (or Scattering) a result of radio waves being reflected from amoving surface.


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Data has shown that wind turbines are not significant emitters of EMI. Theelectric motors and generators used in the turbine may emit a small amount oflow frequency electromagnetic noise, but this is outside of the high frequencyband used by communication and broadcast systems, so they would not beexpected to cause system interference.138The services most likely to be affected by near field effects are those with mobile

receivers that might be operated a few meters from a tower. The distance of anantenna from a tower that would cause near-field problems is dependent on theoperating frequency and directivity. However, in general, VHF (e.g. landrepeaters) and UHF (e.g. cellular) services more than 10 - 20 meters from thetower structure are unlikely to suffer from near field effects.Obstruction or diffraction occurs when the wind turbine partially or totallyblocks a radio wave. The effect of diffraction is to reduce the amount of energyavailable at the receiving antenna. The distances between the transmitter,turbine and receiver determine the level of loss of the signal strength. Turbineslocated farther than 115 m from the transmitters will not obstruct the signal if thenext receiver is within 40 km of the transmitter.139Scattering occurs as the consequence of the reflection of waves from an objectthat has reflective properties. The wind turbine tower and blades are relativelyslim and curved, so they tend to disperse rather than obstruct the waves.Additionally, typical blades are made from fiber-glass that is essentiallytransparent to electromagnetic waves.Microwave ImpactsTo evaluate the potential for the Project to impact existing microwavetelecommunication signals, Comsearch was retained to conduct a MicrowavePath Analysis to evaluate the potential effect of the Project on existing non-

federal government telecommunication systems. These systems require a clearline-of-sight between transmitting and receiving antennas in order to complete awireless point-to-point link. The report may be found in Appendix I. TheComsearch study identified three microwave pathways currently intersecting theProject area, operated by Border International Broadcasting Co, Mars HillBroadcasting Co, and New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC. The original proposedturbine locations had one turbine that was identified as potentially interferingwith a microwave pathway. The turbine was relocated and all proposed turbinesare now sited such that it is unlikely to interfere with the microwave pathways.

138 Stoilkov, Vlatko, 2008. The Emc/Emf Intrusion Assessment Of Wind Generators, The SecondSymposium on Applied Electromagnetics & PTZE, Zamosc, Poland, June 14, 2008.139 Stoilkov.


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Television ImpactsIn the past, interference of analogue TV signals resulting from wind turbines wasa concern due to: the potential for noise generation at Low VHF Channels; flickercorrelated to turbine blade motion on older television sets; picture ghosting dueto multipath signals caused by reflections from turbine structures; and televisionsignal blockage and reduction in signal strength.

With digital transmissions, television signal will still be attenuated by thepresence of the wind turbines. However the digital modulation can withstandthe attenuation affect to a greater extent because it requires a much lower signallevel to produce excellent video.140The nearest TV transmission tower is located approximately 10.5 miles to thenorthwest of the Project boundary (this is the transmitter for station CKWS-TV inKingston, Ontario); the closest US TV transmission tower is approximately 12miles southeast in Watertown (WBQZ-LP). These stations are both located farenough from the Project that near-field disruption of the broadcast signal is not aconcern.It will be impossible to adequately gauge any impacts to local residents until theProject is constructed and operational. However, as discussed below, impacts todigital TV reception can be mitigated on a site-by-site basis.AM ImpactsThe closest AM broadcasting tower is CKLC AM 1380, located approximately 12miles to the northwest from the Project boundary in Kingston, Ontario. Becausethere are no proposed turbines located within one mile of a non-directional AMbroadcast station or three miles from a directional AM broadcast station, it isunlikely that the Project will disturb existing AM radio transmissions.

FM ImpactsIn order for an FM signal at a given receiver to be affected, it needs to both havea turbine directly between it and the transmission tower and be towards the limitof the signal range. In the worst case, FM signal attenuation can be up to 40%due to the presence of a structure such as a turbine (assuming a normaltransmitting range of 30 miles, a turbine directly in the pathway of atransmission would cut this to 18 miles.)There is little effect from turbines close-in to the transmitter, except for very low-power FM signals. Meanwhile at distances, reception behind a turbine may beimpacted within about a 5 degree wide shadow. These effects may also vary

in degree due to terrain.There are ten FM transmitter towers located within 10 miles of the Project Area,the closest of which is operated by Mars Hill Broadcasting Company, which is

140 Polisky, Lester E. Post Digital Television Transition -The Evaluation and Mitigation Methodsfor Off-Air Digital Television Reception in-and-around Wind Energy Facilities, , COMSEARCH


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located in the Project Area (See Figure 2.19.1). Potential effects to Mars HillBroadcasting and appropriate mitigation measures are discussed below.Cellular/PCS Telephone AnalysisA search of FCC data determined that there currently are three cellular telephoneoperators within approximately six miles of the center of the project array,including an SBC tower and two towers of the St Lawrence Seaway RSA

partnership with Verizon Wireless.PCS and cellular signals are unlikely to be affected unless within less than onemile from a turbine to the transmission tower. For this reason, it is not expectedthat any negative impacts will result to local cell or PCS service.Aviation ImpactsBased on Aviation Systems calculations, a 420 foot tall tower could be builtanywhere within the Project Area without causing an impact to either en-routelow altitude airways, or to minimum vectoring altitudes. There will be noimpact to Department of Defense operations, and the Project is unlikely toimpact Air Defense and Homeland Security radars, although a standard radarimpact study will be conducted.MitigationTo the extent possible, turbines will be located away from existing microwavepathway Worst Case Freznel Zones (WCFZs). The array plan has been designedto include a setback from identified WCFZs of 1.2 x rotor radius to ensure theturbines do not interfere with microwave transmissions.For FM transmissions from the Mars Hill broadcasting site, BP Wind Energy willwork with the station operator after construction to determine if there has beenany impact to their broadcasting range due to the Project. If an impact is noted,

potential available mitigation measures (all would require some form of FCCapproval process) may include:

constructing a taller tower. A transmitter tower which is taller than the tallestturbine will be able to reach receptors at the current edge of the signalstrength which might see reductions in broadcast signal due to broadcastingaround a wind turbine;

increasing the signal strength in order to facilitate providing a stronger signalto receptors at the current edge of broadcasting range; and

using repeaters outside the turbine array. For Cape Vincent, this could meanplacing supplemental antennae both to the northeast and the southeast of thesite, so that signals can travel unimpeded by the Project wind turbines.

BP Wind Energy will also work with local residents following site start-up toassess impacts to local TV reception. These impacts are expected to be verylocalized, potentially different for each local resident. Alternatives will beevaluated to ensure that TV viewing is not restricted due to the Project.


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If there is a claim made by a local cellular or PCS provider that coverage has beenaffected by the presence or operation of the project, this can be mitigated byrestoring the signal through additional cells or sector antennae being positionedin the affected area. This can often be achieved by utilizing project infrastructure(such as utility towers, meteorological towers, or turbine structures themselves)as a platform for additional cellular or PCS base station placement.

2.21 TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION: ENVIRONMENTAL SETTINGThe Cape Vincent Wind Power Project will require extensive usage of the roadsystems throughout the Town of Cape Vincent, where turbines and supportinginfrastructure will be placed. In addition, transportation patterns are highlyseasonal, affected both by weather and by tourism.Interstate Highway 81 (IH 81) is the primary transportation corridor on aregional level. IH 81s northern terminus is at the Thousand Islands Bridgewhere it connects with Ontario Highway 137 (also known as King's Highway)entering Canada. To the south IH 81 passes through Watertown approximately10 miles east of the Project, and continues through Syracuse and southward. InSyracuse IH 81 intersects with IH 90.Additional transportation resources at a regional level include the Port ofOswego to the south of the Project on eastern shore of Lake Ontario, and the Portof Ogdensburg northeast of the Project on the southern shore of the St. LawrenceRiver. CSX Transportation operates a freight haul rail line which enters JeffersonCounty from the south paralleling IH 81 from Syracuse to Watertown, and fromthe northeast paralleling US Rt. 11 from Massena to Watertown.The primary local transportation route through the study area is NYS Route 12E,which travels north from Watertown to Cape Vincent, then northeast along the

St. Lawrence River to Clayton County.Major local roads include Route 4 (Rosiere Road) which runs east/westbordering the turbine area to the south, and CR 6 (Pleasant Valley Road), CR 8(Millens Bay Road), and CR 9 (St. Lawrence Road) which provide north-southaccess through the Project area. Numerous local roads traverse Cape Vincent.Roads are typically two-lane with asphalt pavement, however some gravelsurfaced seasonal roads exist. Due to the rural location, many roadways withinthe Project area are relatively lightly traveled.The Village of Cape Vincent has developed and maintained a modest grid street

pattern including residential houses, churches, a small hospital, and anassortment of commercial establishments (service facilities and offices). Retailand commercial services are generally located along Broadway (NYS Route 12E),two blocks south of the waterfront. A ferry carries passengers and vehiclesnorthward from the waterfront across the St. Lawrence River to Wolfe Island.


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Table 2.21-1 summarizes the average annual daily traffic (AADT) for NYS Route12E within the study area.

Table 2.21-1: AADT Volumes for Study Area Highways (2004 Data)

Route Section AADT

NYS Route 12E CR 9 (St. Lawrence) to CR 4 (Crystal Spring Rd.) 2,122

NYS Route 12E CR 8 (Chaumont) to CR 57 2,758NYS Route 12E CR 57 to CR 6 (Cape Vincent) 1,355NYS Route 12E CR 6 (Cape Vincent) to CR 9 (St. Lawrence) 1,301NYS Route 12E CR 179 (Chaumont) to CR 8 (Chaumont) 4,729IH 81 NYS Route 382 to NYS Route 12 (Watertown) 19,844

2.22 TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION: IMPACTS

Potential impacts to traffic and transportation will primarily occur during theconstruction phase for the Wind Power Project. Impacts during operation wouldbe minimal.

2.22.1 Design CriteriaThe heavy equipment and materials needed for site access, site preparation, andfoundation construction are typical of road construction and high rise buildingprojects and do not pose unique transportation considerations. The types ofheavy equipment and vehicles required would include cranes, pile drivers,bulldozers, graders, excavators, front-end loaders, compactors, dump trucks,electric line trucks, water trucks, and heavy equipment maintenance vehicles.Typically, the equipment would be moved to the site by flatbed combinationtruck and would remain on site through the duration of construction activities.Typical construction materials hauled to the site would include gravel, sand,

water, steel, electrical cable and components, fencing, and lumber, which aregenerally available locally. Ready-mix concrete might also be transported to thesite. The movement of equipment and materials to the site during constructionwould cause a relatively short-term increase in the traffic levels on localroadways during the 9 month long construction period.Transportation logistics for the project will require modifications to localroadways. The GE 1.6-100 model has a hub height of 262 feet and a blade lengthof approximately 160 feet. Transport will require a 2-axle stretch flatbed, up to186 feet long. Other trailers hauling tower components will be up to 191 foot inlength. As a result, the transportation plan specified access road design criteriawhich exceeded many local roads and intersections, as noted in Table 2.22-1.


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TABLE 2.22-1: Design Criteria to Accommodate Oversize/Overweight Load Vehicles

Element Design Criteria

Maximum Grade 10%Maximum Turning Cross Slope 2%Vertical Curves Max 6 in 50Minimum Vertical Clearance 15-8

Minimum Lateral Clearance 15-0Minimum Turning Radius(steerable rear axles)

145

The weight of the nacelle and certain tower components will require avehicle/load combined weight of up to 232,000 pounds, also requiring specialpermitting.As such, the size and weight of these components will dictate the specificationsfor site access roadways, ROWs and bridges. It is estimated that withcomponents, and foundation and road materials, each wind turbine generatorwould require approximately 100 truck shipments, some of which could be

oversized or overweight. Eleven of these deliveries will include turbinecomponents, while approximately 20 truckloads will be required for assembly ofthe crane at the location.During construction, a peak of 150-200 workers will be working at the site at anygiven time.

2.22.2 Coordination with Transportation OfficialsIssues such as the regular flow of oversized equipment and vehicles on the localroadway network, workforce transportation within the project area, temporary

closure or traffic restrictions on roadways being improved to handle overweightand oversized vehicles, and the temporary closures or traffic restrictions in orderto cross area roadways with utility lines will need planning to minimizedisruptions to motorists and local residents. The movement of equipment andmaterials to the project area during construction will cause a relatively short-term increase in the traffic levels on local roadways during the 9 month longconstruction period.The construction season will coincide with increased seasonal traffic in the area.Therefore, a construction routing plan, road improvement plan, traffic safetyplan and complaint resolution plan will be coordinated and agreed upon prior toconstruction.BPs transportation contractor, Greenman-Pederson, Inc (GPI), has met with theHighway Superintendents from Jefferson County and the Town of Cape Vincentto discuss transportation activities related to the project. The Town and Countyidentified requirements for roadway and intersection improvements, haulingand right-of-way acquisition and the maintenance requirements associated withsuch activities. Town and County representatives expressed concern about


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degradation of the roadways as a result of construction activities and noted thatdamage to the roadways could be accelerated with construction activitiesoccurring during the wet spring and fall seasons. BP Wind Energy will workwith the town on a road maintenance agreement that will ensure that the roadsused are maintained through construction and are left in good condition at thecompletion of construction.

GPI has also met with the NYSDOT to discuss the nature of the project anddetermine possible regional haul routes to the proposed project area.

2.22.3 Regional Transportation IssuesThe exact origin of the turbine components is not currently known, but fourlikely origins were identified for analysis of regional haul routes. The fourassumed origins are:

north from Canada;

south from the Port of Oswego;

east from the Port of Ogdensburg; and

from the south traveling along Interstate 81.A primary regional haul route was established from each origin to the proposedstaging area. The project area is remote in nature so there is not an extensivetransportation network capable of accommodating the oversized loads expected.Several alternate routes, including regional routes which utilized NYS Route 12Efrom the south and NYS Route 12 from the northeast to access the project areawere omitted from this assessment due to posted bridge weight restrictions orvertical clearance restrictions which would require extensive modifications andupgrades to bridges. The regional haul routes established are for use by theoversized/overweight loads expected during construction. Typical constructionvehicles transporting equipment and material loads which are not consideredoversized/overweight will likely use the shortest route to the proposed stagingarea.The regional haul routes selected avoided weight and clearance restrictions andattempted to minimize impacts to the roadway network, intersections, motoristsand local residents while minimizing the scale of the improvements required fortransporting oversized/overweight loads to the project site. Table 2.22-2provides a description of the roadways expected to be used for deliveries ofoversized/overweight components.


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TABLE 2.22-2: Description of Highways along Regional Haul Routes

Shoulder Number of Pavement

Highway Name Width Width Lanes Condition

NYS Route 3 20 24 6-7 2 fair to good

NYS Route 12 24 8 2 fair to good

NYS Route 12E 22 24 4-8 2 fair

NYS Route 12F 24 8 2 fair to goodNYS Route 13 20 6-8 2 fair to good

NYS Route 37 22 24 6-10 2 fair to good

NYS Route 104 20 4 2 2 fair to good

NYS Route 104B 24 10 2 fair

NYS Route 342 24 8-10 2 fair to good

Interstate 81 48 10 4 good to excellent

Figures 2.22-1 through 2.22-4 show the 4 proposed regional haul routes.Improvements to bridges along the proposed regional haul routes are notexpected to be required. NYSDOT provided input on established

oversized/overweight haul routes which avoid bridges along state highwaysthat have size or weight restrictions, and the selection of proposed haul routesand local delivery routes considered bridges that were posted with restrictedcapacities and alternative routes were subsequently chosen.

FIGURE 2.22-1: Proposed Regional Haul Route 1


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2.22.4 Local Transportation IssuesDesignThe proposed staging area for the Cape Vincent Project was selected based on acentralized location within the project area and trying to minimize the number ofvehicles entering the major highways within the area. The staging area selected islocated north of County Route 4 east of the intersection with Favret Road. Thislocation is suitable for the proposed staging area based on the existingtopography, centralized location and other transportation related considerations.

There are two temporary concrete batch plants proposed to serve constructionactivities.Several local town and county roads will be used to transport equipment andmaterials, including oversized/overweight loads, from the staging areas tovarious internal access road locations throughout the project area. Workers willalso utilize local town and county roadways.Some of the local roads may not be wide enough for two-way traffic whenoversized/overweight turbine components are being delivered to individualturbine locations. The vehicles used to transport the lower tower sections areestimated to be approximately 15 feet wide, which would utilize the majority of

the available pavement width on many of the county and local roadways.Roadways which are 18 feet wide or less would require additional roadwaywidth to accommodate two-way traffic or require that flagmen be stationed ateach end of the road to prevent traffic from traveling on the road during theshort period of time it takes for the oversized/overweight (OS/OW) transportvehicle to exit the roadway to the turbine location.


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The roadways likely to be used to transport equipment and materials to turbineaccess roads are as follows:

County Route 4 (Rosiere Road)

Cemetery Road

County Route 8 (Millens Bay Road)

Burnt Rock Road

Swamp Road

Hell Street

Dezengremel Road

Favret Road

Wilson Road

County Route 56 (Bedford Corners Road)

Fox Creek Road

Bates Road

Huff Road Merchant Road

County Route 6 (Pleasant Valley Road)

NYS Route 12ETable 2.22-3 provides a description of the roadways expected to be used fordeliveries of OS/OW components.

TABLE 2.22-3: Description of Roadways along Local Haul Routes

Width Shoulder Number Pavement

Highway Name (feet) Width of Lanes ConditionJefferson County Highways

CR Route 4 20 4 2 poor to fair

CR Route 6 20 4 2 fair to good



Town of Cape Vincent Roadways

Cemetery Road 18 5 2 fair

Burnt Rock Road 18 5 2 fair

Swamp Road 18 5 2 fair

Hell Street (Gravel) 12 - 16 4-5 2 fair

Dezengremel Road 18 5 2 fairWilson Road (Gravel) 10 - 16 5 2 seasonal road

Fox Creek Road 18 5 2 fair

Bedford Corners Rd 18 5 2 fair

Huff Road 18 5 2 fair

Merchant Road (Gravel) 10 16 2-4 2 seasonal road

Bates Road 16 - 18 4-5 2 fair

Favret Road 18 5 2 fair


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Secondary alternatives for local delivery routes were examined which includedmaking upgrades to the Kents Crossing Bridge located along County Route 4(which was recently rebuilt) and creating a temporary construction road betweenBurnt Rock Road and NYS Route 12E which would allow OS/OW vehicles toaccess NYS Route 12E from the proposed staging area without traveling aroundFavret Road. These options may re-emerge as feasible alternatives as the project

progresses and turbine locations are finalized.Local traffic patterns are subject to seasonal influences. During the winter,severe weather conditions can limit road access, as well as functional roadwaywidth. During the summer, the Towns of Lyme and Cape Vincent see asignificant increase in tourism-related traffic.In addition, the main artery through Cape Vincent, NY Route 12E, is also usedextensively for commuting for local residents going into Watertown for work.BP Wind Energy will also work with state, county, and village transportationdepartments to establish schedules for equipment delivery and worker shifts thatminimize the impacts on commuting traffic.The study will address all necessary studies and permits needed for roadwayimprovements and use, including wetland permits, stormwater notification,applications to improve bridges and culverts, and other related issues.Maps of local delivery routes are provided in Appendix C, Transportation Plan.The local delivery routes were selected to minimize weight restrictions andvertical clearance obstructions. Although efforts were also made to minimize theimpacts to intersections and roadways, it is anticipated that several intersectionsand roadways will require improvements and modifications to accommodate theoversize/overweight loads necessary for the construction of the turbines. The

modifications are expected to include: pavement widening;

intersection widening;

flattening short steep vertical curves;

temporary removal of signs and structures;

temporarily lifting overhead obstructions such as utility lines;

improving the structural integrity of certain roadways;

upgrading culverts;

extending culverts in areas of pavement widening;

increasing pavement thickness;

temporarily raising, relocating, or removing overhead utility lines includingelectric, telephone and cable television; and

trimming of trees and vegetation along local roads having a narrow right-of-way


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BP Wind Energy may need to acquire property or easements in certain locationsto perform some of the improvements required to accommodateoversize/overweight vehicles. Table 2.22-4 provides a listing of anticipated localroadway improvements.

TABLE 2.22-4: Required Roadway Modifications along Local Haul Routes

Roadway Town ModificationMerchant Rd

Cape Vincent Additional gravel roadway width, trim vegetation,flatten profile

Wilson Rd Cape Vincent Additional gravel roadway width, trim vegetationHell Street Cape Vincent Additional gravel roadway width, trim vegetationHuff Rd Cape Vincent Flattening steep grade near intersection with NYS

Route 12ESwamp Rd Cape Vincent Flattening short crest vertical curves

The Transportation Plan in Appendix C also provides detailed information,including maps showing areas of impact, for 31 intersection improvements alonglocal roadways. The additional impacts from these improvements, including

potential impacts to wetlands and waterbodies, are included in assessments inindividual resource sections.It is not expected that any improvements to bridges along the proposed localdelivery routes will be required. Jefferson County and the Town of Cape Vincentprovided input on posted or restricted bridges along their roadways within theproject area. The selection of local delivery routes considered bridges that wereposted with restricted capacities and alternative routes were subsequentlychosen, and the proposed local delivery routes do not traverse any bridges thatare posted with weight restrictions.

SchedulingScheduling considerations must consider seasonal influences on local travelpatterns. During the winter months, severe weather conditions can limit roadaccess, as well as functional road width. During the summer months, the regionexperiences a significant increase in tourism-related traffic. In addition,commuting traffic and school bus schedules will be considered to avoid potentialimpacts to these time-sensitive motorists.Construction activities related to the project will coincide with the peak seasonaltravel with some overlap with the school year.It is expected that equipment and materials will be delivered to the site during

normal construction hours. The heavy equipment and materials needed for siteaccess, site preparation and foundation construction are typical of roadconstruction and do not pose unique transportation considerations. The deliveryof oversize/overweight turbine components will create the greatest impact tomotorists as these large transport vehicles will be slow moving and will requireadditional time to navigate turns.


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2.22.5 MitigationThe required improvements including intersection widening, extending culvertsand transporting oversized/overweight loads will require various permits.Permits from NYSDOT, Jefferson County and the Town of Cape Vincent will berequired to complete the improvements and transport the components. Permitswhich will be required are as follows:

Environmental Permits site specific analyses of environmental conditionswill determine the need for permits at a particular location. This will includeexpanding the USACE Section 404 Permit to add anticipated wetland andwaterbody impacts at several locations.

Highway Work Permit a highway work permit will be required forintersection improvements and proposed entrances to State, County andLocal roadways.

Special Hauling Permits special hauling permits will be required fortransporting the oversize/overweight components to the project area.Permits will be required from NYSDOT and Jefferson County.

BP will enter into an agreement to detail the roadway modifications andimprovements required to complete the project. The agreement will include apre-construction and post-construction survey which documents roadwayconditions, and will identify how post-construction roadway repairs will becompleted by BP. In addition, access road entrances to state, town and countyroadways will require highway work permits and right-of-way acquisition.Additional studies which may be required prior to commencing the Projectinclude:

Pavement Evaluation a pavement evaluation could be used to determinethe condition of the existing roadways by establishing a baseline formeasuring impacts caused during construction.

Culvert Evaluation a culvert evaluation could be performed to determinethe existing condition of culverts and ensure the safety ofoversize/overweight loads traveling over the culverts.

Bridge Evaluation a bridge evaluation could be performed to determine theexisting condition of bridges and ensure the safety of oversize/overweightloads traveling over the bridges.

To the maximum extent feasible, BP Wind Energy will construct roadway andintersection improvements along major arterials during the non-recreational

season and establish an equipment staging area that contains enough capacity tominimize the amount of equipment deliveries into the area which would takeplace during the recreational season.The delivery of oversize/overweight components and materials will likelyfollow one of the proposed regional haul routes to access the project area. Theproposed haul routes for oversize/overweight components and materials were


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selected to minimize disruptions to motorists and residents. Local school officialsand emergency response representatives will be notified in advance oftemporary closures or traffic restrictions required to improve intersections toaccommodate oversize/overweight loads or cross roadways with utility lines.The deliveries of oversize/overweight components have the potential to inhibitoperations along the major two-lane highways (NYS Route 12) during peak

hours and deliveries of such oversize/overweight turbine components should belimited to off-peak hours to minimize the disruption to motorists. According toNYSDOT Traffic Count Hourly Reports for NYS Route 12, which is located alongthe regional haul routes, the peak hours occur on weekdays from 7-9 AM and 4-6PM.

2.23 LAND USE AND RECREATION: ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING

2.23.1 Land UseThe Project site is located on the western side of Jefferson County in New YorksNorth Country. With the exception of the City of Watertown, Fort Drum andsome of the larger villages, Jefferson County is primarily rural and characterizedby open spaces, agriculture, and forests. Jefferson County comprises a total areaof 801,878 acres, of which approximately 13 percent is occupied by Fort Drumand 7 percent is managed by the NYSDEC.Forty-one percent of the land in Jefferson County is dedicated to agriculture.Jefferson County ranks 8th in the state for number of farms and 3rd for land infarms.141 The County has three agricultural districts comprising 1,020 farms and164,134 acres of land in 19 towns.142 Agricultural Districts are established underthe New York State Agriculture and Markets Law to provide agriculturallandowners certain benefits and to strengthen the identity of the agricultural

community in which they are located.Figure 2.23-1shows land in Agricultural Districts within Jefferson County. Table2.23-1 lists acreages of farmed land by type of use.

TABLE 2.23-1: Land in Farms Jefferson County

YearNumberof Farms

Land inFarms(Acres)

TotalCropland

(Acres

Permanent Pasture(Acres)

TotalWoodlan

d(Acres)

OtherLand

2007 885 262,331 166,233 27,381 41,177 27,090

2002 1,020 330,600 218,727 25,381 51,682 34,4101992 1,050 330,500 204,700 41,800 52,500 31,500

1982 1,245 368,352 230,089 43,175 54,653 40,435

Source: NYASS, 2007.

141 NYASS. 2007. Jefferson County Farm Statistics. New York Agricultural Statistics Service.www.nass.usda.gov/ny.142 NYASS, 2007.
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Between 1982 and 2007, Jefferson County lost approximately 30 percent of itsland in agricultural production. In a survey of agricultural land owners, about30 percent indicated that it was very likely that they would sell agricultural landwithin five years.143 In an effort to try to preserve and protect agricultural lands,the State and County have developed a number of programs to assist agriculturalland owners including: purchase of developed rights; conservation easements;

Right to Farm Law; Conservation Reserve Program; and tile drainage revolvingloans.Recognizing the importance of agriculture to its economy and lifestyle, JeffersonCounty prepared an Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan in 2002. ThePlan identifies objectives and strategies to protect and conserve viableagricultural land and improve the overall profitability of the agriculture industryin Jefferson County. The strategies include:

Promote agricultural protection programs:-Increase local agency and organization involvement in promoting and

enrolling land owners in Agricultural Districts;

-Have all townships in Jefferson County acknowledge Jefferson CountysRight to Farm Law; and

-Encourage participation in established land resource protection programsand investigate future initiatives that are proven to maintain the viabilityof agricultural land.

Increase educational awareness programming in agriculture:-Develop an educational outreach program using existing resources to

educate agricultural and non-agricultural communities about the socialand economic value of agriculture and natural resources in the county;

-Continue to inform county officials about the economic importance ofagriculture in Jefferson County; and-Educate landowners about agricultural land use programs that are

available.

Support the local dairy industry:- Support the local dairy industry and look for ways to help adopt new

technologies to maintain the viability of the industry.Within the Project Area, the primary land use is agriculture. Pasture landspredominate with some row crops and forested areas intermixed.

Figure 2.23-2 shows land use within and adjacent to the Project Area. Table 2.23-2 identifies land use acreages within the Project Area.

143 Jefferson County. 2006. Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy: A Blueprint forLocal Action. Jefferson County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CDES)Committee.


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TABLE 2.23-2: Land Use within the Project Area

Land Use Classification

Percent of ProjectArea

Agricultural 64

Year Round Residential 16

Seasonal Residential 0

Vacant 18

Commercial 0

Community Services 0

Industrial 0

Public Services 0

Wild, Forest, Conservation 1

As shown on Figure 2.23-1, the Project site includes lands in County-designatedAgricultural Districts. In addition to agricultural activities, residences areinterspersed throughout the Project Area.Located with Lake Ontario and Chaumont Bay to the west and the Saint

Lawrence River to the north, the Towns of Cape Vincent and Lyme each havesubstantial coastline and lands within the designated Coastal Zone.Figure 2.13-1shows the designated Coastal Zone boundary.

2.23.2 RecreationCape Vincent is part of the Thousand Islands Region in the St. Lawrence RiverValley, which contains over 1,800 islands. The region offers numerousopportunities for recreational activities including sport fishing, boating andwinter recreation.

The Seaway Trail, a 518-mile long National Scenic Byway, runs along the banksof Lake Ontario, Lake Erie and St. Lawrence River with termini at theOhio/Pennsylvania border and in Massena, NY. In the general vicinity of theProject Area, the trail follows State Route 12-E through the Village of Chaumont,the Village of Cape Vincent and to the Village of Clayton. Figure 2.13-1 showsthe route of the Seaway Trail relative to the Project Area. The National ScenicByways Program, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, FederalHighway Administration, was established to help recognize, preserve andenhance selected roads throughout the United States. Roads are recognized asAll-American Roads or National Scenic Byways based on one or morearcheological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic qualities.


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6 0 63

Miles Agricu

GIS File:Cape Vincent\GIS\projects\ag_districts.mxd

CANADA


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Miles

CANADA

GIS File:Cape Vincent\GIS\projects\landcover.mxd

Cape Vincent

Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Cropland data layer


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Tourist destinations in the area include the Village of Cape Vincent; Tibbets PointLighthouse; Three Mile Bay and Chaumont Bay, the largest fresh-water bay inthe world; and the only automobile and passenger ferry to Canada in the region.Five state managed properties are located in the vicinity of the Project Area: twowildlife management areas and three State Parks. Figure 2.23-3 shows thelocation of these properties relative to the Project boundary. Resources and

activities within each property include:1.Ashland Flats, a 2,037 acre State WMA is located southeast of the Project site.

Activities allowed in the WMA include birdwatching, cross-country skiing,snowshoeing, hunting and trapping.

2.French Creek, a 2,265 acre State WMA located to the northeast of the Projectsite. Activities permitted within the WMA include birdwatching, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hunting, fishing and trapping.

3.Long Point State Park, named one of the Top 100 Campgrounds in the nationin 2005, is located on a peninsula facing Chaumont Bay to the south of theProject site. The Park is almost completely surrounded by water and

includes campsites, fishing pavilions, boat launch sites, a playground andpicnic areas. Total attendance for the park from 4/1/2009 to 3/31/2010 was27,402.

4.Burnham Point State Park, located on the St. Lawrence River off of StateRoute 12E about 4 miles northeast of the Village of Cape Vincent containslightly-wooded tent and trailer campsites, boat docks, a playground andpicnic areas. Total attendance for the park from 4/1/2009 to 3/31/2010 was11,453.

5.Cedar Point State Park, one of the oldest state parks in New York. Locatedon the St. Lawrence River about 6 miles west of Clayton, this Park offerscamping, fishing, boating, and swimming. Facilities include boat docks, a

fishing pier and campsites. Total attendance for the park from 4/1/2009 to3/31/2010 was 67,701.

The only federal land in Jefferson County is the property occupied by Fort Drum.Fort Drum is a U.S. Army military base, which is home to the 10th MountainDivision and encompasses 107,265 acres of land.

2.23.3 ZoningThe Project Area includes properties in the town of Cape Vincent. Figure 2.23-4shows zoning designations within and adjacent to the Project boundaries.

All land within the Project boundaries in the town of Cape Vincent is zonedAgricultural Residential (AR). The stated intent of this zone is to promote alltypes of development in the interior portions of the Town in a manner thatpreserves the rural character and promotes active farming operations.144 There

144 Town of Cape Vincent. 1998. Zoning Law, 1989. As amended 1998.
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are no regulations inhibiting wind energy developments or turbines within theTowns Zoning Ordinance. Under the Towns zoning law, utilities withinAgricultural Residential Districts must undergo a Site Plan Review by the TownPlanning Board prior to receipt of a Zoning Permit and Certificate of Complianceis required from the Code Enforcement Office. A Building Permit from JeffersonCounty is required after finalizing all permits with the Town.

2.23.4 Coastal Zone Management

The NY Coastal Management Program serves as both an advocate for specificdesired coastal actions and as a coordinator of existing State programs, activitiesand decisions that affect the coastal area. Areas of specific attention include:promoting waterfront revitalization; promoting water dependent uses;protecting fish and wildlife habitats; protecting and enhancing scenic areas;protecting and enhancing historic areas; protecting farmlands; protecting andenhancing small harbors; enhancing and protecting public access; and providingsolid and useful data and information on coastal resources and flood hazards.Figure 2.13-1 shows the boundaries of the Coastal Zone relative to the Projectboundaries.The lands abutting Lake Ontario, Chaumont Bay and the Saint Lawrence River inthe Towns of Cape Vincent and Lyme are within New York States Coastal Zoneand protected under the States Waterfront Revitalization of Coastal Areas andInland Waterways Act. While these are in the vicinity of the Project Area, theyare outside the Project boundaries. As evident inFigure 2.13-1, all turbines,support facilities, access roads, and 34.5 kV electrical interconnects for the Projectwill be outside the New York Coastal Zone boundary.A small portion of the 115 kV transmission line which BP Wind Energy will co-locate with the St. Lawrence Wind Project transmission line will be suspended

across the Chaumont River, which at that location is included in the New YorkCoastal Zone.

2.24 LAND USE AND RECREATION: IMPACTS

2.24.1 Land UseDevelopment of the Project will directly affect existing land use within theProject Area and indirectly affect uses of adjacent and proximate properties. Asnoted in Section 2.23.1, agriculture is the predominant land use within the Projectboundaries and comprises 64 percent of the Project Area. Approximately 36

percent of the Project site is within a Jefferson County designated agriculturaldistrict.


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Ashland Flats State Wildlife Management Area

French Creek State Wildlife

Ashland Flats State Wildlife Management Area

Cedar Point State Park

Long Point State Park

Burnham Point State Park

1 0 10.5

Miles

Chaumont Bay

CANADA

GIS File:Cape Vincent\GIS\projects\state_managed_lands.mxd

Lake Ontario

St Lawrence River

ChaumontR

Cape Vincent

Tibbets PointLighthouse


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1 0 10.5

Miles

Chaumont Bay

CANADA

GIS File:Cape Vincent\GIS\projects\zoning.mxd

Lake Ontario

St Lawrence River

ChaumontR

Cape Vincent

Tibbets PointLighthouse


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Farmland within the Project boundary is used primarily for grazing, althoughsome of the land is used for crops. Impacts from Project construction andoperation in areas used for grazing will be minimal, with access to cattle allowedto all but the immediate wind turbine footprint when construction is completed.Construction in croplands, however, has the potential to have long-term adverseeffects on production if not managed properly.

Recognizing that construction activities can damage and compact soils, as notedin Section 2.4 of this SDEIS, BP Wind Energy has generally followed theGuidelines for Agricultural Mitigation for Wind Power Projects, issued by theNew York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. Modifications to thesemeasures may be made in consultation with the individual landowner(s).The soil conservation practices described in Section 2.4 are designed to reduceimpacts to normal farming operations during construction and operation of theProject.

2.24.2 Recreation

No state parks are located within the Project boundaries. As a result, the Projectwill have no direct effect on the use of state parks in the Project region. SeeSection 2.14 for a discussion of visual impacts associated with Projectdevelopment.The Seaway Trail, a National Scenic Byway, follows Route 12E through theTowns of Lyme and Cape Vincent and will be within or adjacent to the ProjectArea for much of its length in these towns. While as described in Section 2.14.12there will be a visual impact to those passing through the area on the SeawayTrail, the primary focus of the trail is the views of Lake Ontario and the St.Lawrence River and not the lands more inland of the coast. Therefore, the

Project should not result in a significant impact to the primary recreational valueof the Seaway Trail. Figure 2.13-1 shows the location of the Seaway Trail.Figure 2.23-3 shows the other State managed recreation resources in the vicinityof the Project. As noted in Section 2.23.2, in addition to the Ashland WMA, threestate parks and the French Creek State WMA are located in close proximity to theProject Area. None of these resources will be directly impacted by the Project,although views facing toward the Project from these areas will change. SeeSection 2.14 for a discussion of visual impacts.

2.24.3 Zoning

The Project will require Site Plan Reviews by the town of Cape Vincent prior toreceiving a zoning permit for turbine construction. BP Wind Energy willdevelop and submit a detailed Site Plan application if and when the Final EIS isapproved by the Lead Agency.


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2.24.4 Coastal Zone ConsistencyThe Project Area lies outside of the NY Coastal Zone. However, the transmissionline crossing of the Chaumont River (co-located on the transmission towersconstructed for the St. Lawrence Wind Project) will enter into the Coastal ZoneBoundary. In addition, The NY Department of State will complete a CoastalZone Consistency Review as part of its participation in the USACE Section

404/Section 10 process.Therefore, in accordance with agency requirements, a Coastal Assessment Formhas been completed and will be submitted to the NY Department of State,Division of Coastal Resources at the time of submittal of the Joint Application forimpacts to waters of the US and of New York.

2.25 SOCIOECONOMICS: ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING

2.25.1 Population and HousingThe Power project site is located within the town of Cape Vincent, in JeffersonCounty, New York. Figure 1.1-1 shows the general location of the project site.Table 2.25-1 lists populations of the County, Cape Vincent, and the adjoiningtown of Lyme from 1980 through 2005.

TABLE 2.25-1: Population in the Project Area

Place

EstimatedJuly 2005

Population2000

Population1990

Population1980

Population

New York State 19,254,630 18,976,457 17,990,455 17,558,165

Jefferson County 116,384 111,738 110,943 88,151

Cape Vincent Town 3,014 3,345 2,768 1,823

Lyme Town 2,096 2,015 1,701 N/A

Source: U. S. Census Bureau, 1990, 2000a; Jefferson County Job Development Corporation,2007.

Jefferson County was the fastest growing County in New York State from 1980-1990. The County population grew from 88,151 to 110,943, a 26% increase,largely due to the assignment of the U.S. Armys 10th Mountain Division (Light)at Fort Drum. Between 1990 and 2000, the Countys population has grown byabout 4%, representing the 8th largest percentage gain among all 62 counties inNew York State. The addition of the 3rd Brigade at Fort Drum, starting in 2004,

added 6,000 additional military personnel and 6,000 military dependents to theCountys population in this decade.The recent military population growth in the County has triggered privatehousing market changes. No new on-base units are being built to accommodatethe growth. As a result, market supply and demand have depleted the existingcommunity housing stock and driven up sale and rental costs, with public and


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private sectors working to create new opportunities for single and multi-familyhousing construction and rehabilit

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BP SDEIS Feb 2011 Part 3 of 3 Cape Vincent

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