Wetland Functions and Values Assessment for Watkins Glen Solar Energy Center, LLC

The New York State Department of Public Service has issued a wetland functions and values assessment report prepared by TRC on behalf of Watkins Glen Solar Energy Center, LLC. The report aims to provide a functional assessment of freshwater wetland resources that may be impacted by the construction and operation of a proposed solar-powered wholesale energy-generating facility in the Town of Dix, Schuyler County, New York. The assessment considers 13 functions and values of wetlands, as defined by the USACE Supplement, and evaluates their presence and level of significance relative to providing these services.

Key Takeaways:

• The assessment was conducted in accordance with the Wetlands Functions and Values: A Descriptive Approach, described in the supplement to The Highway Methodology Workbook by the New England Division of the USACE.
• TRC delineated 682 acres of leased private lands within the Project Area, including 34 freshwater wetlands totaling approximately 20.71 wetland acres.
• The wetlands functions and values assessment is used to document wetland features based on their presence and level of significance relative to providing services such as flood control, wildlife habitat, protection of subsurface water resources, and recreation.
• The assessment recognizes eight flood-control values and five protection values, which equate well to the benefits of concern within the applicable New York State ECL.
• The Freshwater Wetlands Act gives the NYSDEC jurisdiction over state-protected wetlands and adjacent areas, and regulations were promulgated by the State under 6 New York Codes, Rules and Regulations Parts 663 and 664.
• There are no NYSDEC-mapped wetlands within the Project Area, and the Class IV rating of wetlands in the Project Area indicates the lowest quality wetland.
• The assessment was developed using a spreadsheet that displays several "Qualifiers" that help identify the functions and values attributed to each wetland.

Statistics:

• 682 acres of leased private lands were delineated within the Project Area.
• 34 freshwater wetlands were delineated within the Project Area, totaling approximately 20.71 wetland acres.
• The assessment considers 13 functions and values of wetlands, as defined by the USACE Supplement.
• Eight flood-control values and five protection values were recognized under Article 24 of the ECL and Regulations.
• Class IV rating of wetlands in the Project Area indicates the lowest quality wetland.

Sources:

• TRC (March 2020) - Wetland Functions and Values Assessment for Watkins Glen Solar Energy Center, LLC
• USACE (1993) - The Highway Methodology Workbook
• USACE (1999) - Wetlands Functions and Values: A Descriptive Approach
• USACE (1999) - Supplement to The Highway Methodology Workbook
• NYSDEC (no date) - Regulations under 6 New York Codes, Rules and Regulations Parts 663 and 664.