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169 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> Department of Environment, <br /> Agriculture,Parks&Recreation <br /> MEMORANDUM <br /> To: Michael Harvey, Current Planning Supervisor <br /> From: Rich Shaw, Land Conservation Manager <br /> Peter Sandbeck, Cultural Resources Coordinator <br /> Date: June 30, 2016 <br /> Re: Proposed Oakwood Solar Farm — U.S. Highway 70 Mebane <br /> Thank you the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed Oakwood Solar Farm at <br /> 6517 U.S. Hwy 70 in Mebane. DEAPR comments on such developments are generally to <br /> address concerns with respect to potential impacts on important natural or cultural resources. <br /> The solar farm would be located on an interior 25-acre portion of 53-acre property (PIN 9835- <br /> 02-9137) owned by Mr. Carl J. Mace. The parcel is zoned Rural Residential (R-1), Back Creek <br /> Protected Watershed Overlay, and includes land in 100- and 500-year flood zones. The site is <br /> bordered by large- and small-lot rural residential properties, and by one or more commercial <br /> businesses along the southern boundary with access from US 70. <br /> Natural Resources Review Comments There are no known identified or mapped natural <br /> resource areas of significance (e.g., natural heritage sites, proposed wildlife corridors, prime <br /> forest) located on this property. The former pine plantation was clearcut sometime between <br /> 2010 and 2013. There are two wetland areas (ponds) and two streams (draining to Lake <br /> Michael) documented by Headwater Environmental, Inc., but the solar arrays would be <br /> contained within the interior portion of the site, outside of the stream corridors. <br /> Therefore, the plan appears consistent with the County's desire to minimize adverse <br /> environmental impacts with respect to the protection of floodplains, wetlands, natural areas and <br /> wildlife habitat. <br /> The project is also consistent with policies in the Orange County Comprehensive Plan, such as <br /> the goal of"Energy conservation, sustainable use of non-polluting renewable energy resources, <br /> efficient use of non-renewable energy resources and clean air."[Natural and Cultural Systems <br /> Goal 1, Page 6-34] and the County's objective of"Foster[ing] participation in green energy <br /> programs such as installation incentives for solar hot water/solar generation/solar tempering in <br /> residential and commercial construction." [Objective AE-15] <br /> Cultural Resources Review Comments: There are no known identified or mapped cultural <br /> resources or historic cemeteries within the project parcel or on any of the surrounding adjoining <br /> parcels. The project appears to be consistent with the historic preservation goals in the Orange <br /> County Comprehensive Plan, Goal 4: "Preservation of historic, cultural, architectural and <br /> archaeological resources, and their associated landscapes." <br /> If you have questions please contact Rich at x-2514 or Peter at x-2517. <br />