Excelsior Solar Energy Center's Response to DEC-1 Request

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation directed Excelsior Solar, LLC to provide information regarding potential impacts on threatened and endangered species, specifically bald eagles, in relation to the proposed solar generating facility in the Town of Byron, Genesee County. Excelsior Solar responded to the request, providing details on their observations and mitigation strategies.

Key Takeaways:

• The reported bald eagle nest is approximately 0.71 miles from the Project Area boundary, within the 2-mile Study Area near the Byron-Bergen Swamp.
• Extensive bird studies were conducted in and around the Project Area, documenting no occurrences of bald eagles within the Project Area.
• No project components will be sited within 660 feet of the reported bald eagle's nest, as all components will be contained within the Project Limits of Disturbance.
• The Applicant is still determining if blasting will be required during construction, and if so, will develop a Final Blasting Plan with the NYSDEC and NYSDPS to minimize impacts to the species.
• Helicopter use is not required for construction.
• A map showing the Project Area and Study Area boundaries, as well as the approximate bald eagle nest location, will be provided under trade secret protection.

Statistics:

• 0.71 miles: The distance from the Project Area boundary to the reported bald eagle nest.
• 3,750 feet (0.71 miles): The distance from the reported nest to the closest edge of the Project Area.
• 4,141 feet: The distance from the reported nest to the nearest Project fence.
• 2 miles: The Study Area radius where bird studies were conducted.
• 1: The number of adult bald eagles observed outside of the Project Area during a driving survey.

Sources:

• DEC-1 Request from the New York State Department of Public Service (no date listed)
• Response from Kaitlin McCormick (TRC) dated June 28, 2021 (Case 19-F-0299)