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Community Benefits

What benefit will this be to the homeowners of Pilesgrove Township?

The Nichomus Run Solar farm will pay over $900,000 in estimated annual property taxes, which will include annual payments of over $500,000 to the Woodstown-Pilesgrove Regional School District. The solar farm will also create 200-300 temporary construction jobs and five to seven full-time-equivalent permanent jobs for the 30 years of operations.

How exactly (in detail) will this help me? I am a Pilesgrove resident.

Dakota is focused on investing in Pilesgrove. Based on the assessed value of the property at completion, the Nichomus Run Solar project is estimated to contribute over $900,000 in property taxes EACH YEAR. Of this amount, approximately $90,000 will go to the Pilesgrove Township and $500,000 will go to the Woodstown-Pilesgrove Regional School District, with the remainder going to Salem County. In total, over the life of the project this will be equivalent to $19,000 per each household in Pilesgrove. Also, Nichomus Run Solar uses almost no municipal resources and will create 200-300 construction jobs and five to seven full-time-equivalent operations and maintenance jobs. 

Decommissioning

Has your company ever actually decommissioned a site? Do you have a track record of that work?

Dakota has never decommissioned a solar site. The first utility-scale solar projects in the US were built approximately 10 years ago and those projects are expected to operate for at least another 10 to 20 years.

Plans after 30 years?

The Nichomus Run Solar farm may be decommissioned and returned to an agriculture-only use, or, if the Township so desires, the solar farm may be updated with new equipment that could extend its useful life beyond 30 years.

A lot of companies make promises to use local people/businesses but do not follow through. What guarantees the use of local?

Dakota has committed to make efforts to hire locally. To that end, Dakota has led a number of discussions with local union representatives that have provided assurances that an adequate amount of skilled labor is available in the area to support this project.

Could you please research the effects for long term effects and post on this Q&A in the future?

Dakota is aware of no long-term negative effects from the planned project.

What's your plan for decommissioning? And what is the estimated cost?

Dakota would expect its approval from the Township of Pilesgrove to include a requirement that Dakota decommission the project if it ceases operations. Additionally, an independent engineer would be engaged to calculate the cost of decommissioning. Dakota would then be required to post a performance guarantee to cover the cost of the decommissioning should Dakota not decommission the project as required.

Will you sign a contract with the township that you will revert the zoning back to agricultural when you are finished with the solar plant?

To ensure that the site is returned to agricultural use, Dakota will post a performance guarantee to cover the cost of removing all solar equipment from the property if the project ceases operations at any time. Dakota is not proposing to change the zoning for the site so there will be no need to revert the zoning in the future.

About Dakota Power Partners

Does Dakota power have wind power facilities in New Jersey?

No

How many solar projects does Dakota currently have in operation?

Dakota and its investors have developed over a dozen utility-scale solar projects that are currently in operations in various states.

Environmental Effects

How much water are you going to use to power the plant?

Dakota does not expect to use water for the operations of the solar farm other than some limited cleaning of the panels. Some water will be used for the sheep farming and egg production operations.

What is the projected water use at the station?

Dakota does not expect to use water for the operations of the solar farm other than some limited cleaning of the panels. Some water will be used for the sheep farming and egg production operations.

Large-scale solar power plants raise local temperatures, creating a solar heat island effect, what is the calculated effect locally?

Limited studies have shown inconclusive results indicating both slight heating as well as slight cooling effects on ambient temperatures. These impacts have been de minimis and in no instance have they suggested that any effect would persist more than a few tens of feet from the panels. Dakota has proposed substantial setbacks between panels and parcel boundaries. Additionally, the conditions of one of the commonly-cited studies was a desert while Nichomus Run Solar will be a vegetated pasture landscape, which would be expected to significantly reduce any potential heat island effect.

The last version of the plan that I had the opportunity to see included clearing trees within the riparian buffer of Nichomus Run. Why is this considered necessary? What percent increase of productivity will this create? Considering the township’s experience in 2019 with harmful algae blooms it seems unwise to infringe upon any water way further than has already been done.

No tree clearing is planned in the riparian areas.

Farming

Why are you taking land out of production? This is some of the best farmland in Salem Co.

The project land will not be taken out of agricultural production. It will continue to be utilized for a new sheep farming operation.

Can it go back to farming? Will it?

The site will continue in agricultural production. With less than 5% impervious surfaces and no land disturbances during the 30 years of operations, the top soils of the site will be well protected.

What subsidies ($) will Dakota receive and by whom?

Dakota will receive some federal tax incentives that are available for most renewable energy power generation in the US.

General Business Questions

Is this a done deal?

Dakota has completed many of the studies and surveys required for the project. However, the project will still require approval of a use variance request from the Planning/Zoning Board.

Is the equipment American made

As is typically done, Dakota will make decisions about specific equipment prior to construction based on market pricing and availability. Dakota would expect to use a combination of U.S. and non-U.S. manufactured equipment.

If all approvals are obtained, what is the proposed start date of the project?

The Nichomus Run Solar farm could enter construction as early as 2022 with commercial operations at the end of the same year.

Would you be willing to contribute to local non-profit organizations such as the Marlton Recreational Association, the Woodstown-Pilesgrove Library, and the Reliance Fire Company?

Yes.

Questions About Health Issues

What are the health risks to people near the plant? Detailed 50 feet? 100 feet? 250 feet? And so on?

There are no documented health risks associated with solar power generation. Smaller installations on home roof-tops throughout the country safely-use the same technologies. Solar power is widely accepted as a safe and reliable source of energy.

Explain the health risks for residents after the 30 yrs.

Dakota is aware of no health risks resulting from the solar farm.

How are you disposing of the hazardous waste that is inherent with solar panels?

The solar panels are not considered "hazardous waste.” Most of the large solar panel manufacturers currently have, or have committed to develop, recycling programs for their panels. All other equipment (wires, steel racking, transformers, concrete foundations, and inverters,) would be recycled to the greatest extent possible, similar to other common electric distribution and transmission equipment.  

Questions About Home Values

What happens to housing values?

The Nichomus Run Solar farm will have no impact on property values. In response to concerns raised by adjacent property owners, Dakota hired a leading national expert on conducting real property value impact studies related to the development of utility-scale solar farms. The consultant, Rich Kirkland of Kirkland Appraisals, evaluated a number of utility-scale solar projects that are currently in operations including the 20 MW project in Pilesgrove. The report concluded that there were no impacts to property values for projects that setback solar panels at least 135' from the closest homes. 

Based on this analysis, Dakota revised its plans to include minimum setbacks of greater than 200' and provide extensive vegetative screening in the areas adjacent to residential properties. The full report will be included with Dakota's variance application to the Planning/Zoning Board. Simulations of the views of the panels with the proposed vegetative screening are available in the presentation provided by William McManus.

Questions About Labor

What company will be doing the ground work?

Dakota will not select a general contractor or subcontractors until after it has received all of the approvals for the project. Dakota has made no commitments to any potential contractors.

So, this is a union project?

Dakota is in discussions with several unions and expects to use primarily union labor.

In the sale contract, does it require Dakota to use the seller's labor?

Dakota has made no commitments to use specific contractors.

Construction for project, will local labor be used?

Dakota has committed to make efforts to hire locally. To that end, Dakota has had a number of discussions with local union representatives, which have provided assurances that an adequate quantity of skilled labor is available in the area to support this project.

Are local sub-contractors used to support area?

Dakota will work with the general contractor it selects to hire subcontractors. Dakota will try to select subcontractors that are in close proximity to the project site.

How do local contractors get on the bid list?

After Dakota has received all of the needed approvals it will plan a jobs fair and establish a process with the general contractor it selects to create bidder lists. Based on the current project schedule, this process will likely begin in Q2 or Q3 of 2021.

Can I have the address and contact information to get on the bid list for RFP?

Please check back with Dakota through the project company site towards the end of 2020.

How do you hire? RFP style or job interview?

Dakota would typically work through the general contractor it selects to select subcontractors and individual workers. Dakota will organize a job fair and subcontractors will likely be selected through an RFP process.

You advertise 200-300 new jobs. Will these be for local residents?

The 200-300 jobs are temporary construction jobs that will be primarily filled by individuals from local communities. The project will also have five to seven full-time-equivalent jobs for the 30 years of operations.

You say local jobs, but will the owner of the land use their own labor force?

Dakota will own the land and would not be using more than two to three of its own employees for construction supervision.

Will you hire local security?

Dakota has not finalized the security design. However, Dakota will not have a full-time security guard at the site.

Are they long term jobs or short term?

200-300 temporary construction jobs and five to seven full-time-equivalent jobs during the 30-year life of the project. Some additional permanent jobs will be created by the sheep farming operations.

The construction jobs are very short term, correct?

The 200-300 construction jobs will be the average number of jobs over the approximately 12-month construction timeline.

Are there any on-going long-term jobs?

The project will create five to seven full-time-equivalent jobs permanent jobs as well as a few jobs associated with the sheep farming operations.

Will local people build the solar field?

The majority of the 200-300 jobs created during construction will be filled by people living in local communities. Dakota has already had discussions with several local unions about securing skilled laborers to support the construction.

Questions About Land Ownership

Who owns the land?

The land is currently owned by three parties. Dakota will purchase 100% of the land prior to the commencement of construction.

Who owns the land for proposed plant?

The land is currently owned by three parties. Dakota will purchase 100% of the land prior to the commencement of construction.

If Julie owns and runs the sheep farm but Dakota is owning the land? I'm confused.

Dakota will own the land and Julie Bishop will own the sheep farming business.

When did Dakota purchase the land?

Dakota will purchase 100% of the land prior to the commencement of construction.

Is Dakota Power leasing or purchasing the property for the solar facility?

Dakota will purchase 100% of the land prior to the commencement of construction.

Questions About Power Generation

How much of this power will be used to power Pilesgrove homes?

The power will be sold into the 13-state PJM wholesale market.

Is wind energy calculated in the renewable plan?

The 2019 New Jersey Energy Master Plan sets a target of 100% renewable energy supply for the state with the largest single component - 34% - being generated by solar that is located in New Jersey. The Plan also contemplates significant contributions from offshore wind, land-based wind outside of New Jersey, and utility-scale solar outside of New Jersey. The 2019 Energy Master Plan is available at https://nj.gov/emp/docs/pdf/2020_NJBPU_EMP.pdf

Questions About Benefits to Schools

Can you give a detailed explanation of how this will help the school?

In addition to municipal taxes and county taxes, the Nichomus Run Solar farm will contribute more than $500,000 in estimated taxes EACH YEAR to the Woodstown-Pilesgrove Regional School District while adding no children to the schools.

How many dollars of property taxes per year will this generate for the Woodstown-Pilesgrove Regional School District and the County of Salem?

Over $500,000 in estimated tax payments, each and every year, for 30 years.

Assuming that Pilesgrove and the Woodstown-Pilesgrove Regional School District budget stays the same in the year after the construction is finished and the property taxes are paid, how many $ per year will the average Pilesgrove taxpayer save in property taxes per year?

Dakota can only estimate the quantity of taxes that will be paid each year once the solar and sheep farm are operational. The decision about what to do with these additional funds will be made by the Woodstown-Pilesgrove Regional School District, the Town of Pilesgrove, and Salem County. However, based on approximately 1,500 households in Pilesgrove, this is the equivalent to $333 per year per household being paid to the school system, and $19,000 per household in total taxes paid (school, town and county) over the 30-year life of the project.

Questions About the Sheep Farming Operation

Who pays for new barn for sheep?

Dakota will pay for the barn and construct it.

Does Julie pay for use of land?

Commercial lease terms between the solar operation and the sheep operation reflect the savings in vegetation management costs being passed on to the sheep operation to enhance the commercial viability of the sheep raising operation.

How do the sheep drink water?

Frost free hose hydrants and or portable water tanks will be deployed to support water for the animals.

I hope DPP will allow members of the American Solar Grazing Association to visit the site after its constructed. Do you plan to allow visitor tours?

Yes. Dakota would be happy to host visits given adequate notice.

And do you plan to follow the best management practices found at www.solargrazing.org?

Yes.  

What if relationship with sheep farmer goes south?

If that were to occur, Dakota would find another party to operate the sheep farming operation at the site.

So, you won't be mowing the property?

The sheep will take care of the majority of the vegetative management maintenance within the perimeter fence. Some mowing or haying within the fence may be required to supplement the grazing. Areas outside of the fence will require mowing.

What happens when the ground gets worms in it and sheep can't graze on it?

Parasites can be an issue for sheep. One of the benefits of rotational grazing is to manage the parasite loading on the pasture. With rotational grazing the animals are moved to fresh areas and the parasites loading falls off while the grasses recover from being grazed and the animals return after sufficient rest for regrowth and parasite die-off.

Won't the sheep be eating the grasslands?

Yes, the sheep will rotationally graze meaning they will be kept in an area only long enough for the animals to partially graze the grasses leaving enough of the vegetation to quickly recover after the animals are moved on to the next grazing area.

Meat sheep or wool sheep? Building and feed in the winter for the sheep?

Dakota will use Katahdin sheep, which is a meat breed. The breed is actually a hair sheep - no shearing required. The sheep will be wintered in the new barn Dakota is building on the site.

How do you grow grass without irrigation in a dry summer months?

Native grasses will be planted that do not require irrigation to survive. The panels actually help with moisture retention due to their shading.

Questions About Project Design

What is planned to improve County House Rd.? Will it include a walk/bike path?

Dakota has included setbacks along County House Road and will be installing vegetative screening. Simulations of the views of the panels with the proposed vegetative screening are available in the presentation provided by William McManus.

Why arborvitae?

Dakota has proposed using a variety of plant species. However, Dakota is willing to work with the neighbors and other interested parties in adjusting the plant species that are selected.

Why not cedar or something else with value to local wildlife?

Dakota is willing to work with the neighbors and other interested parties in adjusting the plant species that are selected.

Why is there not proposed berm surrounding the project? The landscape screen seems insufficient.

Dakota has proposed extensive vegetative screening along the edges of the project site with particular attention given to the screening adjacent to residential properties.

Why does the substation need to be set by County House Rd? What prevents it from being set back from the road?

The substation must be located adjacent to the existing high-voltage lines. Dakota has created setbacks that are sufficient to ensure there is no noise at the property edge. The exact design of the substation will be worked in coordination with Atlantic City Electric, which will ultimately own and operate the substation.

What is the setback distance on County House Road?

The proposed setbacks from County House Road are 30' to the fence line and the panels would be set back an additional distance beyond the fence line.  

How many megawatts are proposed?

150 MWac.

What percentage of the proposed property is covered with photovoltaic panels?

The fenced area of the solar farm is approximately 80% of the total acres. Within this 80% area, less than 50% of that (40% of total acres) will have solar panels on it.

Pennsville-Deepwater station was recently demolished, why not use this land? It has an existing substation for access.

Dakota is developing a number of sites throughout New Jersey. The Nichomus Run Solar farm property is ideally suited for a utility-scale solar farm as a result of the direct access to multiple high-voltage lines onsite, the proximity to large electric loads, and the forested stream corridors that create natural screening on the east and west sides of the site.

How about downsizing to only the south side land tract?

Dakota is not currently considering downsizing the project, although it has had to decrease the size somewhat to allow for the significant setbacks on the south and north sides of the project as well as retention of the egg production facility and construction of the new barn to house the sheep.

Who really wants to see 800 acres of beautiful farm land turned into solar panels?

The Nichomus Run Solar farm will incorporate 200' setbacks from adjacent residential properties as well as extensive vegetative screening.

With many solar companies leasing other farmland in Pilesgrove, will the character of our communities be changed from agricultural to electrical panels?

The Nichomus Run Solar farm will be a hybrid solar and sheep farming operation that will retain the agricultural use of the land. Additionally, the Nichomus Run Solar farm will incorporate 200' setbacks from adjacent residential properties as well as extensive vegetative screening.

Why does Pilesgrove need another solar plant. We already have one large enough to supply electricity to all houses around the general area, why not put the plant at a different location- like some other community or better yet like on the dredge spoils near Fort Mott? There is plenty of land there, no one around, open to the sun and easily tied into the grid. Your project takes farmland that could be used to produce a much more valuable source of energy-food.

The Nichomus Run Solar site is an ideal location for a utility-scale farm based on its access to multiple high voltage lines, proximity to large electric loads, and the existence of the forested stream corridors that provide natural buffers along the east and west sides of the property. The Nichomus Run Solar farm will also pay an estimated $900,000 in property taxes each and every year while placing no additional burden on local and county services.

Questions About Solar Panels

Can you tell me the type (chemistry) of the panels?

There are a few chemistry formulations depending on the manufacturer. Generally speaking, the panels consist of two layers of silicon each layered with a different element - such as boron or gallium, for example. Dakota will not make final selection of panels until closer to the commencement of construction.

How many panels will be there at this site?

At 150 MWac, the project would have more than 350,000 individual panels - depending on the DC to AC ratio used in the final design.

How many watts each are the panels rated?

Each panel is around 430 watts, depending on the specific model and manufacturer.

Questions About Solar Business

How many SRECS are you projecting?

Under current law, the Nichomus Run Solar farm will not qualify for SRECs.

What is your projected dilution of the SRECS because of your quantity of production of SRECS in the state?

Under current law, the Nichomus Run Solar farm will not qualify for SRECs.

Once the solar farm is operational will it create a black out on the grid so private residents will no longer be able to obtain solar privately?

The Nichomus Run Solar farm will interconnect to a 138 kV high-voltage line. This will have no impact on the ability of small-scale solar and rooftop solar to interconnect to the distribution system. Most limitations on interconnection of small solar systems in the Atlantic City Electric territory are caused by limitations in specific distribution lines and distribution substations, and are unrelated to the high-voltage transmission system.

Will the electricity be sent to other communities?

The power from the project will be sold into the 13-state PJM wholesale electricity market. 

What is the NJ RPS #?

The "NJ RPS" is the New Jersey Renewable Portfolio Standard. This is the common term used to describe the mandate procurement levels each year that are set by the NJ Legislature and apply to most of the retail electricity sales in the state.  More information on the RPS may be found at the NJ Board of Public Utilities Clean Energy Office website - https://njcleanenergy.com/renewable-energy/program-activity-and-background-information/rps-background-info

Questions About Taxes

How did you determine the tax figure?

The tax estimate was based on the expected purchase price of the land plus improvements to the land associated with the solar and sheep operations. The estimate utilized the 2019 tax rate and the revenue allocation formula between Town, County and Schools that was in place in 2019.

How did Dakota estimate property taxes? Con-ed solar facility in Pilesgrove at Williams Rd taxes are $108,817.24 as per tax records for 2019.

The tax estimate was based on the expected purchase price of the land plus improvements to the land associated with the solar and sheep operations. The estimate utilized the 2019 tax rate and the revenue allocation formula between town, county and schools that was in place in 2019.

How much of that goes to the township, the school and the county?

Dakota is estimating that it will pay approximately $900,000 per year in total property taxes, of which $100,000 would go to the Town, $500,000 to the Woodstown-Pilesgrove Regional School District, and the remaining $300,000 to the county.

Your projection of $60 million revenue, where did you get those figures?

The $60 million figure is the estimate of the total economic benefit resulting from the construction and operations of the solar farm. This figure includes property taxes, wages, and services procured from vendors. The model is a common model used by the federal government and is called the Jobs and Economic Development Impacts ("JEDI") model.

Show how revenue for local taxes was determined. What will be land assessment?

The taxes were calculated based on a total future estimated assessed value of the land and the improvements of $31.8MM. This includes both the purchase price of the land and improvements related to the solar farm and the sheep and egg production operations. The detailed tax calculation will be included with the use variance application that Dakota intends to file with the Planning/Zoning Board.

Questions About the Project’s Relationship with Pilesgrove

If you don't get local approval, are you going to sue the township?

Dakota looks forward to working in collaboration with the Township and other interested parties.

If residents have a problem, do we go to Dakota or the township?

Residents should feel free to contact Dakota with any questions or concerns in the same way they might contact other local businesses. If residents do not feel Dakota is complying with a law or regulation, they are always free to contact the Town or other governmental entities.

Any new septic lines?

No.

Questions About Wildlife

How are you protecting the raptors by covering the land with solar panels?

Nichomus Run Solar farm will utilize native grasses, which will create a new grassland habitat. This habitat will attract various rodent, reptile and insect species. The presence of these species in this new habitat will tend to attract raptors and other larger predators.

What problems have you incurred with the coyotes attacking the sheep?

While this can be an issue, it has not occurred within the perimeter fencing of the solar project that Julie Bishop has managed over the past seven years in NJ.

There are coyotes in Salem County. Do you worry about them getting into the farm with the sheep?

While this can be an issue it has not occurred within the perimeter fencing of the solar project that Julie Bishop has managed over the past seven years in NJ.

Will deer be able to graze on the property?

Deer will be able to graze outside the perimeter fence and along the transmission corridor

What are the studies done on the effects this may have on your animals, the eggs already on the property and animals around it?

Dakota is not aware of any health impacts from the installation of the solar panels and associated equipment.  Sheep have been utilized for grazing at many similar solar developments in NJ and elsewhere.

Questions About Zoning

Is this property zoned for solar panels?

The property is zoned for agricultural. Dakota will maintain an agricultural use that is permitted under current zoning, but will require a variance to permit the addition of solar panels to that agricultural use.

What are the steps needed to change the zoning?

Dakota is not seeking a change in zoning - it will be seeking a use variance.

So, zoning does not change??

Correct, the zoning will not change.

I really want to know about zoning. If it can stay ag and if so, why would you change?

Dakota is not seeking a change in zoning.

What has the local planning board said about your change of zoning?

Dakota has not yet applied to the Planning/Zoning Board.

Will the project be satisfied with a temporary zoning variance as opposed to a permanent zoning variance to industrial, to which the township citizens are considerably opposed because it leaves the property vulnerable to unwelcome future uses?

Dakota will seek a use variance that allows solar to be added to the ongoing agricultural use. The variance will only permit the addition of solar panels to the agricultural use (and no other uses) and is requested only for the useful life of the parcels.

Why must this change the zoning? If this is a farm why can it not stay agricultural?

No zoning change will be required. The project will be a hybrid solar and sheep farming operation, so the site will remain in agricultural use throughout the life of the solar project. A use variance will be requested to allow solar panels to be permitted in addition to a livestock farming operation.