Agenda - 02-06-2018 5-a - Class A Special Use Permit – Solar Array off US Highway 70 in Cheeks Township

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W. ORANGE COUNTY I* Uogartment of Environmont, Agriculture, Park K & Recreation MEMORANDUM To: Michael Harvey, Cuft -ent Planning .Supervisor From: Rich Shaw, Laid Conservation Manager Peter Sandbeck, CWtural Resources C°ourdlnator Date: .June 30, 2016 Re: Proposed Oakwood Solar Farm — U.S. Highway 70 Mebane Thank you the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed Oakwood Solar Farm at 6517 U.S. Hwy 70 in Mebane. DEAPR comments on such developments are generally to address concerns with respect to potential impacts on important natural or cultural resources. The solar farm would be located an an interior 25 -acre portion of 53 -acre property (PIN 9535 - 02-9137) owned by Mr. Carl J. Mace. The parcel is zoned Rural Residentlail (R -1), Back Creek Protected Watershed Overlay, and includes lard in 100- and 500 -year flood zones. The site is borderers by Large- and small -lot rural residential properties, and by one or more commercial buslnesses along the southern boundary with access from US 70. Natural gesoUM2s Re vie v Co n There are no known identified or mapped natural resource areas of significance (e.g., natural heritage sites, proposed wildlife corridors, prime forest) located on this property. The former pine plantation was clearcut sometime between 2010 and 2G13. There are two wetiand areas (ponds) and two streams (draining to lake Michael) documented by Headwater Environmental, Inc., but the solar arrays would be contained within the interior portion of the site, outside of the stream corridors. Therefore, the plan appears consistent with the County's desire to minimize adverse environmental impacts with respect to the protection of floodplains, wetlands, natural areas and wildlife habltat. The project is also consistent with policies in the Orange County Comprehensive Plain, such as the goal of "Energy conservation, sustainable use of non- polluting renewable energy resources, efficient use of non - renewable energy resources and clean air." [Natural and Cultural Systems Goad 1, Page 6 -341 and the County's objective of "Foster[ing] participation in green energy programs such as installation incentives for solar hot water /solar generation/solar tempering in residential and commercial construction." [Objective AE -151 Cuf rural li?+es Lm s Review 'Ztrar ents:_ There are no 'known identified or mapped cultural resources or historic cemeteries within the project parcel or on any of the surrounding adjoining parcels. The project appears to be consistent with the historic preservation goals In the Orange County Comprehensive Plan, Goal 4: "Preservation of historic, cultural, architectural and archaeological resources, and their associated landscapes." If you have questions please contact Rlch at x -2514 or Peter at x-2517.