Comprehensive Analysis of Cider Solar Farm's Water Resources and Aquatic Ecology

Strategic Insights -

The Cider Solar Farm, a proposed 500-megawatt utility-scale solar project, is set to be built in the towns of Elba and Oakfield, Genesee County, New York. A detailed analysis of the project's water resources and aquatic ecology has been conducted to assess potential impacts on the surrounding environment. The project's applicant, Hecate Energy Cider Solar LLC, has proposed several measures to minimize these impacts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The project's Study Area covers approximately 7,518 acres, with a Project Footprint of 2,452 acres, and a Project Site of 4,650 acres.
  • Groundwater depth at the project site ranges from 0 to 15 feet below the ground surface, with annual minimum water table depth ranging from 0 to 6.5 feet below ground surface.
  • The nearest primary aquifer, a glacial outwash aquifer, is located approximately 3.8 miles south of the project, and the project does not overlay any NYSDEC-listed primary or principal aquifers.
  • The applicant has proposed the use of trenchless technologies, including horizontal directional drilling (HDD) in up to 23 locations, to minimize impacts on private wells and water supply intakes.
  • The project will not impact active water supply wells or water supply intakes located within 1,000 feet of the project due to blasting, as blasting is not anticipated as part of the project.
  • The applicant has prepared an Inadvertent Return Plan for Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) to prevent slurry from leaving the designated bore site.

Statistics:

  • The project's Study Area covers approximately 7,518 acres.
  • Groundwater depth at the project site ranges from 0 to 15 feet below the ground surface.
  • Annual minimum water table depth ranges from 0 to 6.5 feet below ground surface (NRCS 2019).
  • The nearest primary aquifer is located approximately 3.8 miles south of the project (Terry et al. 1984).
  • The project does not overlay any NYSDEC-listed primary or principal aquifers (USGS 2000, 2008).
  • The applicant has proposed HDD operations in up to 23 locations (Figure 13-1a).
  • Two private water supply wells are located within 500 feet of proposed HDD locations (Figure 13-1a).

Sources:

  • NYSDEC (2014) - New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Water Well Records
  • NRCS (2019) - Natural Resources Conservation Service, Soil Survey Geographic digital data
  • USGS (2000, 2008) - United States Geological Survey, Aquifer Maps
  • EPA (2020) - Environmental Protection Agency, Sole Source Aquifer Program
  • Terry et al. (1984) - United States Geological Survey, Geologic Map of the Genesee County, New York
  • Hecate Energy Cider Solar LLC (2020) - Cider Solar Farm Application, Exhibit 13: Water Resources and Aquatic Ecology