Stability Challenges on Solar Sites in the Northeast

This presentation will cover several solar projects in the Northeast and the various challenges that were faced. We will look at a project that was already started and we came in to help and offer up solutions. There will also be projects that were started from scratch and had unforeseen challenges. We won't just look at problems, but also solutions, what worked in these situations and what didn't. With the increasing number of Solar projects in the Northeast, comes an increasing number of soil stabilization challenges. Solar projects are not always in farm fields or open pastures on flat ground. A lot of the projects we are working with are large clearcuts on sloped sites. Which leads to challenges of keeping sediment out of Streams and Wetlands. Some of the challenges are working with developers and contractors that are from different regions in the country and have never seen a mud season before, let alone know how to budget for the various challenges they will face.
This presentation will go through the different challenges of working on sites that have been started and not carried the proper erosion BMP’s. Where to start and focus the work on to get the site stabilized without impacting streams, tributaries and wetlands. We will walk through several projects and show the challenges we faced with budget restraints, seasonal complications, and selecting the correct materials. This presentation will also cover the importance of understanding the soils we were working with and the challenges that were faced with trying to establish vegetation. Then we will look at the different methods used for protecting the soil and seed, what worked and what didn’t work.
People who attend this presentation will leave with a better understanding of the different erosion control solutions available to them. Attending this presentation people will have a greater understanding of the challenges of working on sites with difficult terrain. By addressing these challenges and using the appropriate erosion control methods, solar projects can minimize environmental impact, ensure long-term stability, and optimize cost savings. People will also have a better understanding of the practical application of the solutions discussed in this presentation.