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Home My WebLink About102 CUP 25 LVE 1 MW Solar Array Staff Report Complete 11-5-25102 CUP 25 BCC LINCOLN COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS STAFF REPORT Conditional Use Permit Application HEARING TIME AND DATE: 10:00 a.m., November 5, 2025 LOCATION: Lincoln County Courthouse, Commissioner Boardroom 3rd Floor, 925 Sage Ave., Kemmerer, Wyoming & Via Video Conference Afton Branch Office Building Conference Room, 421 Jefferson St., Afton, Wyoming FILE # 102 CUP 25 (Tabled 10/8/25) APPLICANTS: Lower Valley Energy PROJECT NAME: Lower Valley Energy 1 MW Solar Array COMMUNITY PLAN AREA: Thayne ZONING: Rural Zone REPRESENTATIVE: Jon Hougland PLANNER: Elizabeth Williams PARCEL ID: 3418-322-00-280 _____________________________________________________________________________ PROPOSAL: A Conditional Use Permit to build a one megawatt solar array on seven fenced acres within a 13.03 +/- acre leased property in the Rural Zone. No onsite battery storage will be used for this project. LOCATION: Located two miles southeast of the Town of Thayne, Wyoming in T34N, R118W, Sections 31 and 32. ATTACHMENTS: 1.Vicinity Map, Site Plan with Construction Access, Revised Site Details, and Conditional Use Permit Application Narrative dated June 27, 20252. Traffic Study and Updated Traffic Study Memo, Traffic Management Plan, ConstructionTransportation Plan3.Road Use Agreement and Exhibit A4. Glare Study and Glare Study Summary 5. Emergency Response and Hazardous Waste Plan, Waste Management Plan6. Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) Response Letter discussing weed management,lighting, and erosion control7. Agency Comments and Public Comments PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends that the Board of County Commissioners APPROVE File #102 CUP 25 Lower Valley Energy 1 MW Solar Array, a Conditional Use Permit, with: •Findings of Approval A. through E. •Conditions of Approval 1. through 7. •Recommendation to sign the Road Use Agreement 102 CUP 25 BCC FINDINGS OF APPROVAL: A.The proposed use, with conditions, is consistent with the goals and objectives of the LincolnCounty Comprehensive Plan.B.The proposed use, with conditions, is consistent with the provisions of the Lincoln County LandUse Regulations, specifically: Chapter 3, Section 3.1 Conditional Use Permit Procedures, and Chapter 7, Section 7.1 Definitions, Utility Company Buildings – Buildings and other structures used for housing switches, substation, and other equipment for operation of utilities. Greater than800 square feet requires a Conditional Use Permit approval.C.The proposal, with conditions, is consistent with the provisions of Wyoming Statute 18-5-203providing for Board of County Commissioners authority for zoning regulation of buildings and uses of land. D.The proposal, with conditions, is consistent with provisions of Wyoming Statute 18-5-503 Windand Solar Facilities Application and 18-5-504 Wind and Solar Energy Facilities MinimumStandards; Incorporation Into Other Processes.E.The proposed use, with conditions, will not substantially impair the appropriate use of neighboring property; and will serve the public need, convenience and welfare. CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL: 1. Compliance with agency requirements: The developer/owner shall obtain any and all County,State, and Federal permits, licenses, and other approvals for the construction and/or operation ofthe project. This may include: Local Fire District, Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention andElectrical Safety (State Fire Marshal), Wyoming State Engineer’s Office (SEO), Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT), Wyoming Game and Fish, Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Land Management (BLM),and/or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).2. The applicant must commence construction within two (2) years from the date of approval. Ifconstruction does not commence within that time, a new application will be required. 3. The applicant shall provide verification to the Planning Office prior to construction that their list of “Certified items that will be completed as conditions of the permit” have been met prior toactivation of the Solar Array, including entering into a road agreement with Lincoln CountyBoard of County Commissioners. (See attached list under section IV of the Conditional UsePermit Application Narrative dated June 27, 2025). 4. The only access to the site throughout the entire duration of the project shall be what is identified as the “temporary construction easement” by the applicant. The access will have a 45 foot turnradius, which is in excess of the 30 feet allowed in the Lincoln County Land Use Regulations(6.9.B.5). The 45 foot turn radius is based on the Traffic Study’s recommendation for safety.Access along the western edge of the property is prohibited. 5.The project shall eliminate all occurrences of yellow glare predicted in the Glare Study for all road traffic.6.Buffering shall be provided by a six-foot opaque fence around the solar array project.7. Performance Guarantee Procedures in the Lincoln County Land Use Regulations 6.29 shall befollowed. Performance guarantee measures in the form of a performance bond equal to 120 percent of the total decommissioning cost shall be in place sixty (60) days prior to construction. Interest on the bond shall be payable to Lincoln County, WY. 102 CUP 25 BCC AGENCY CORRESPONDENCE: WYOMING DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (WYDOT): WYDOT has no objections for the proposed solar farm project and offer the attached comments on the traffic study. (Comments attached in packet) LINCOLN COUNTY ENGINEER: June 9, 2025 comments: The western permanent access appears to provide sufficient sight distance for passenger cars (over 600 feet vs. the 495-foot minimum). However, our analysis indicates a potential safety issue. The available sight distance at this access point (600 feet) may not be adequate for vehicles on Strawberry Creek County Road 126 to safely stop if a passenger vehicle enters the site. This is particularly concerning for trucks, which require a 759-foot stopping sight distance. Therefore, the western access is not a viable option for operating the solar farm. March 11, 2025 comments: Regarding the traffic study, it is imperative that it comprehensively addresses the concerns related to Strawberry Creek County Road 126. The following aspects need to be thoroughly reviewed: A Road Use Agreement with Lincoln County to address any necessary post-construction damage repairs… WYOMING GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT (WGF): The staff of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (Department) has reviewed the proposed Bedford Solar Project in Sections 31 & 32 T34N R118W in Lincoln County. The Department is statutorily charged with managing and protecting all Wyoming wildlife (W.S. 23-1-103). Pursuant to our mission, we offer the following comments for your consideration. The Bedford Solar Project is a 1 megawatt solar facility that will include a 13 acre lease area and 6 fenced acres containing solar panels. The location of the proposed facility is an agricultural site and immediately adjacent to a gravel operation. The facility location is not within any big game crucial ranges, sage-grouse core areas, or designated big game migration corridors. The location is near Strawberry Creek, which is within the Lower Salt River Aquatic Conservation Area and is identified by the Department as an Aquatic Connectivity Habitat Priority Area given its location in the Salt River Sub- basin. PUBLIC COMMENT: Attached. £¤89 Thayne 02 0103 33 21 18 20 30 17 29 19 31 16 32 28 0405 3635 27 23 26 34 22 15 14 24 25 13 33N 119W 34N 119W 34N 118W 33N 118W ³±126FLUCKIGER, DALE &LANIS P.READ, MARYL TRUSTEEFLUCKIGER, DALE & LANIS P.READ, MARY L TRUSTEE KRUGER, WILLIAMD & PATRICA L TRUSTEES BEDFORDCEMETERY DISTRICT PIONEERBUILDERS COMPANY, INC BEDFORD WATER AND SEWERDISTRICT FLUCKIGER, EL& KB TRUSTEES FLUCKIGER,DALE A.& LANIS P. AVAIL VALLEYRE-WY, LLC AVAIL VALLEY RE-WY, LLC AVAIL VALLEY RE-WY, LLC FLUCKIGER, DALE & LANIS AVAIL VALLEYRE-WY, LLC BEDFORDCEMETERY DISTRICT BEDFORD CEMETERY DISTRICT READ, MARY LTRUSTEE KRUGER, WILLIAM D & PATRICIAL TRUSTEES FLUCKIGER,DALE A & LANIS P Maxar Conditional Use Permit Application Roads Road_Type US Highways WY Highways Projects Township & Range Sections Municipalities Public Noticing File No 102 CUP 25 Lower Valley Energy 1MW Solar Array Dale A. & Lanis P. Fluckiger Prepared using available data by Katie Gipson on 7 August 2025. Map is for informational purposes only and in no way represents an official survey of land. 4 200' PUBLIC ROW SETBACK 1448' 1674' 360' 100' PROPERTY LINE SETBACK 20' WIDE ACCESS ROAD 7' CHAINLINK FENCE 786' 189' PIN: 3418-322-00-280 GROSS ACRES: 45.28 PIN: 3418-311-00-123 GROSS ACRES: 2.46 LEASE AREA SURVEYED ACRES: 13.03 PROPOSED DRIVEWAY ACCESS. SEE NOTES FOR DETAIL 30' WIDE TEMP CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT 20' WIDE TEMP CONSTRUCTION ACCESS W CRUSHED GRAVEL SURFACE 45' INNER TURNING RADIUS Facility Name: Consultant: Client: Sheet No. Drawn by:Checked by: Approved by: Date: Sheet Revision Scale Drawing Title: PROJECT TITLE: REV. DATE DESCRIPTION LVE COMMUNITY SOLAR CUP SITE PLAN 1"=80' JJW 11/08/24 LOWER VALLEY ELECTRIC & ENERGY CONSERVATION WORKS LVE 1MW COMMUNITY SOLAR ARRAY BLUESTEM ENERGY SOLUTIONS 950 S. 10TH STREET OMAHA, NE 68108 402.933.8291 PROPERTY OWNER: DALE AND LANIS FLUCKIGER PARCEL NUMBERS: 34183220028000 & 34183110012300 OWNER ADDRESS: 630 CO RD 175, AFTON, WY 83110 PARENT PARCEL BOUNDARY ROW LEASE AREA BOUNDARY SETBACKS FENCELINE LEGEND OVERHEAD TRANSMISSION NOTES DRIVEWAY RADIUS IS 12.5', WITH AN AVERAGE SLOPE OF .03%. EXAMPLE OF PROPOSED FENCING AND SCREENING 5 Site Details Total Site Area: The total leased area for the solar array is 13.03 Acres. Current Zoning and Use: The current zoning is Rural, and the current land use is Vacant. Current Zoning and Uses within 300’: The properties within 300’ of the proposed array are zoned Rural and Public. The current uses of these properties are Vacant, Gravel Pit, Cemetery. Proposed Purpose: A 1MW community solar array, to be owned by Lower Valley Electric. Area and Height of Structures: The array and electrical infrastructure will encompass an area of roughly 5 acres, with a maximum height of 15’, depending on the types of panels used. Density: The array will encompass roughly 38% of the leased area. Screening: For screening, LVE is proposing a 6’ chain-link fence, with PVC privacy slats threaded through the links. (See preliminary site plan for fence elevation) Construction Activity: Construction of the solar array will occur Monday-Friday 7A-530P. There may potentially be some weekend activity if pre-drilling or other activities are required to stay on schedule. Weekend hours would be Saturday - Sunday 7A-5P. No artificial lighting will be used during construction. Volume of Customers/Deliveries per day: Once construction is completed, traffic to and from the site will only occur for routine maintenance and repair of the array, and maintenance of the vegetation around and underneath the array during the spring and summer months. Sites visits will equal roughly one a month. Location of Use with Respect to Similar Uses within 300’: Same or similar uses are not located within 300’ of the proposed solar array. Additional Permits or Reviews: Applicant will need to obtain a driveway permit (driveway application included as part of this submittal), a WYPDES permit to ensure proper site drainage is accounted for, and a building permit will be obtained prior to construction of the array. 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 February 20th, 2025 Ms. Allysa Booth, PE Civil Project Engineer Jorgensen Associates, Inc. 58 S. Tyler Ave. PO Box 15194 Pinedale, WY 83001 RE: CUP Solar – Traffic Impact Study Fasching Consulting Project Number 25-01 Dear Ms. Booth: This letter presents traffic impact information associated with the proposed CUP Solar Farm planned on the south side of Strawberry Creek Road (County Road 126) approximately two miles east of US 89 in Lincoln County. The 18-acre site location of the proposed facility is shown in Figure 1, and the site plan is presented in Figure 2. Access to the site will be via a new driveway onto Strawberry Creek Road (SCR). This traffic impact study was prepared to address the impacts of this new facility during its construction planned to occur in 2025 and during its decommissioning which is estimated to take place in the year 2050. While the solar facility is in operation, very few trips are anticipated and this time period is not analyzed in this study. Turning movement data were collected at US 89/SCR intersection, trip generation estimates have been made for the new facility indicative of peak construction and decommissioning times, and analysis of the US 89/SCR intersection have been completed using Highway Capacity Manual procedures applied to projected peak hour turning movement projections in assessing functionality. EXISTING CONDITIONS The SCR intersection onto US 89 is a four-legged intersection with side-street stop control; US 89 traffic is given the right-of-way. A single through lane is provided for the northbound and southbound through movements along US 89, and a center traffic lane is available to serve southbound left turn movements onto SCR. A northbound right turn lane is also provided serving movements from northbound US 89 onto SCR. An unimproved parking area is provided on the southeast corner of the intersection. Paved shoulders exist along both sides of US 89, and the posted speed is 65 MPH at this location. SCR is a county road classified as a rural minor collector according to the 2004 Lincoln County Transportation Plan (which is currently being updated). Its current width is approximately 23 feet accordingly to the County Transportation Plan available on-line, and aerial photography suggests 1 to 2- foot grass shoulders exist as well. The 2004 Transportation Plan further identifies SCR to ultimately be 13 improved to a rural major collector that would ideally provide 22-feet of width and a 6-foot graded shoulder (appropriate for daily traffic volumes of 650 to 2000 vehicles per day according to the County Transportation Plan). Jorgensen staff conducted turning movement counts at the intersection on January 23rd, 2025. The peak hour turning movement data are shown on Figure 3, and the raw information is attached. The AM peak hour occurred from 7:15 to 8:15 while the PM peak hour occurred from 3:45 to 4:45. Approximately 550 vehicles per hour (vph) traveled through the intersection during the AM peak hour and 580 vph traveled through the intersection during the PM peak hour (sum of all movements). The directional traffic flow along US 89 is approximately balanced in both peak hours. The amount of traffic turning into or out of SCR was much less, reaching 82 and 124 vph during the AM and PM peak hours, respectively (both directions combined). Vehicle classifications were also noted during the counts with respect to truck activity. Approximately 6 to 7 percent of the traffic along US 89 was comprised of trucks. Intersection Levels of Service (LOS) were calculating using techniques published in the Highway Capacity Manual (Transportation Research Board, 7th Edition). The worksheets are attached. LOS is a qualitative measure of traffic operational conditions, based on roadway capacity and vehicle delay, described by a letter designation ranging from A to F. A LOS A represents nearly free-flow travel indicative of very little to no delay, while LOS F represents congested conditions and excessive delay. The LOS is defined by the amount of delay drivers endure, on average, during a peak hour, and the Highway Capacity Manual procedures are geared toward calculating the average delay for each movement or lane group (as compared to free-flow condition is the intersection did not exist). LOS results are included in Figure 3. The analysis shows that all movements at the US 89/SCR intersection are operating at a LOS B or better during both peak hours. The daily traffic along the study area roads is also shown in Figure 3. Along US 89, WYDOT data shows that the highway carried 6800 vpd. SCR daily traffic was estimated based on inferences from the peak hour counts as well as older data found on Lincoln County’s website. SCR currently serves approximately 1000 vehicles per day (vpd). A minor collector roadway (which SCR is classified) is more ideally appropriate for daily volumes ranging from 400 to 650 vpd according to the Lincoln County Transportation Plan. CUP SOLAR-GENERATED TRAFFIC Once complete, the CUP-Solar Farm will generate very few trips. The more notable impact will be during its construction prior to full operation and during decommissioning in the future when the solar farm is disassembled and hauled away. The construction of the solar farm is projected to last 18 weeks including site preparation/survey, and it will entail a series of activities, each with its own slightly different trip-making characteristics. A review of each construction phase trip generation components was conducted that included: • Workers • Solar Modules 14 • DC Equipment • Inverters • AC equipment • Racking and Foundations • Aggregate, Sand and Concrete • Various equipment needs Each of the above will not occur simultaneously, and in fact many of the above activities will occur in series. The week or two within the 18 week construction period when the greatest amount of traffic is likely to be generated appears to be when on-site workers are at their maximum (16), the solar Modules and DC equipment is all being delivered, and aggregate/sand/concrete is being delivered; this is estimated to last approximately 1 to 2 weeks. Table 1, attached, was created to estimate the trips to/from the site by hour of the day in itemizing each component and summing the total shown on the right side of the table. At the time construction is most active, approximately 52 trips per day would be generated. The AM peak hour would see 14 trips per hour and the PM peak hour would see 12 trips per hour. Decommissioning is estimated to last approximately 4 months at some point around the year 2050, and trip generation was assessed in the same manner, that being each trip generation component of each phase was assessed and the most active phase was analyzed. The peak time components of this will include 16 workers on site and solar module/DC Equipment removal. Table 2 was developed to illustrate the hour-by-hour trip generation during the decommissioning peak time. On a daily basis, 48 trips per day are projected with the AM peak hour seeing 12 trips per hour and the PM peak seeing 10 trips per hour. The applicant reviewed both Table 1 and Table 2 and offered that the results might be conservatively high, but the numbers are reasonable for capturing the peak moment in conducting this analysis. The site’s trips of Table 1 and Table 2 was then assigned onto SCR and the intersection with US 89. The trip distribution used in this process assumes all site traffic would be oriented to/from the west on SCR in reaching US 89, and then a slightly heavier orientation would occur to/from the south than the north based on the collected counts and information from the applicant as to where material and labor will be originating. Figures 4 and 6 show the resulting site-only daily traffic as well as the AM and PM peak hour turning movements at the US 89 intersection due to the CUP Solar facility’s construction and decommissioning, respectively. An estimated 60 trips per day would be added onto SCR during the busiest week or two of construction and decommissioning. A total of 12 to 15 vehicles per hour would be added through the US 89/SCR intersection due to the site’s construction and decommissioning. FUTURE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AND RECOMENDATIONS This analysis assesses existing impact (for construction assessment) and on the future conditions indicative of 2050 conditions (for decommissioning impact). For year 2050, the background traffic was estimated along SCR and US 89 by increasing existing traffic to account for general area growth. Based on data prepared by the Wyoming Department of Administration & Information, Economic Analysis Division, Lincoln County growth into the future could occur at a rate of approximately 0.65 percent per 15 year. For this analysis, a slightly higher 0.75 percent annual increase (on average) was assumed in developing 2050 background traffic to be conservative. Each movement at the US 89/SCR intersection and the daily traffic along SCR was increased accordingly in creating 2050 background traffic. Existing traffic was summed with construction phase traffic and the year 2050 background traffic was summed with decommissioning traffic. The total results are shown in Figure 5 and 7 for existing and year 2050 conditions, respectively. Both figures show LOS results at the US 89/SCR intersection as well. Existing plus construction traffic conditions would continue to see the intersection functioning at a LOS B or better given its current configuration. By 2050, the east and west approaches’ LOS would reduce to a LOS C, which is still an acceptable condition. No lane additions or traffic control enhancements will be needed. Again, a southbound center left turn lane and a northbound right turn lane already exist. SCR daily traffic would increase modestly to 1100 vpd (which has been rounded up to the nearest 100 vpd) in the short-term and nearly 1300 vpd by 2050, which includes construction and decommissioning activity, respectively. The County’s 2004 Transportation Plan indicates that roadways serving volumes between 650 and 2000 vpd should ideally be major rural collectors with two 11-foot wide travel lanes and 6-foot graded shoulders. The roadway’s traffic loading today is 1000 vpd suggesting that its widening to a major rural collector cross-section is already justified without the CUP Solar Farm construction. The CUP Solar Farm will only add 50 to 60 trips per day, and even this impact will be very short-lived. Normal solar operations may only see a couple of trips per day, on average. As such, the County’s intent to eventually improve SCR to meet the major rural collector standard (as identified in the 2004 Transportation Plan) remains valid. The CUP Solar Farm construction would not warrant the need to do so since it would only add a small increment of traffic for a short period of time. It is recommended, however, that special provisions be undertaken for any site truck that would be hauling an oversized piece of equipment or material such that a state permit be acquired to do so, and that this activity consider vehicular signing/flagging and whether a pilot/escort vehicle should be accompanying the oversized truck. Details are available from WYDOT, if an oversized load is anticipated. If you have any questions, please email me at Chris.Fasching@Outlook.com. Sincerely, Fasching Consulting, LLC Christopher J. Fasching, PE President/Owner 16 May 20th, 2025 Ms. Allysa Booth, PE Civil Project Engineer Jorgensen Associates, Inc. 58 S. Tyler Ave. PO Box 15194 Pinedale, WY 83001 RE: CUP Solar – Traffic Impact Study Fasching Consulting Project Number 25-01 Dear Ms. Booth: This letter presents traffic impact information associated with the proposed CUP Solar Farm planned on the south side of Strawberry Creek Road (County Road 126) east of US 89 in Lincoln County. The 18- acre site location of the proposed facility is shown in Figure 1, and the site plan is presented in Figure 2. Two accesses are planned onto Strawberry Creek Road (SCR) for the site including a temporary construction access located 2.6 miles east of US 89. Upon the facility’s completion, a permanent access for maintenance will be located about 2.1 miles from US 89. Along SCR, the nearest access to the northeast of the permanent site access is roughly 800 feet away, and the to southwest the nearest access is approximately 480 feet away. This traffic impact study was prepared to address the impacts of this new facility during its construction planned to occur in 2025 and during its decommissioning which is estimated to take place in the year 2050. Once the solar facility is in operation, very few trips are anticipated and this time period is not analyzed in this study. Full operations of the solar facility subsequent to construction will generate very few trips. Rather, operational analyses have been conducted during peak times of impact for the US 89/SCR intersection including existing conditions, the peak construction period, and the decommissioning period of year 2050. Turning movement data were collected at US 89/SCR intersection, trip generation estimates have been made for the new facility indicative of peak construction and decommissioning times, and analysis of the US 89/SCR intersection have been completed using Highway Capacity Manual procedures applied to projected peak hour turning movement projections in assessing functionality. Also included in the decommission time frame of 2050 is the reconstruction SCR that will straighten-out its alignment near US 89 and of the nearby rest area such that the rest area would access SCR rather than directly from US 89. This adds turning movements to the intersection which are described later. EXISTING CONDITIONS The SCR intersection onto US 89 is a four-legged intersection with side-street stop control; US 89 traffic is given the right-of-way. A single through lane is provided for the northbound and southbound through movements along US 89, and a center traffic lane is available to serve southbound left turn 17 movements onto SCR. A northbound right turn lane is also provided serving movements from northbound US 89 onto SCR. An unimproved parking area is provided on the southeast corner of the intersection. Paved shoulders exist along both sides of US 89, and the posted speed is 65 MPH at this location. SCR is a county road classified as a rural minor collector according to the 2004 Lincoln County Transportation Plan (which is currently being updated). Its current width is approximately 23 feet according to the County Transportation Plan available on-line, and aerial photography suggests 1 to 2- foot grass shoulders exist as well. The 2004 Transportation Plan further identifies SCR to ultimately be improved to a rural major collector that would ideally provide 22-feet of width and a 6-foot graded shoulder (appropriate for daily traffic volumes of 650 to 2000 vehicles per day according to the County Transportation Plan). Jorgensen staff conducted turning movement counts at the intersection on January 23rd, 2025. The peak hour turning movement data are shown on Figure 3, and the raw information is attached. The AM peak hour occurred from 7:15 to 8:15 while the PM peak hour occurred from 3:45 to 4:45. Approximately 550 vehicles per hour (vph) traveled through the intersection during the AM peak hour and 580 vph traveled through the intersection during the PM peak hour (sum of all movements). The directional traffic flow along US 89 is approximately balanced in both peak hours. The amount of traffic turning into or out of SCR was much less, reaching 82 and 124 vph during the AM and PM peak hours, respectively (both directions combined). Vehicle classifications were also noted during the counts with respect to truck activity. Approximately 6 to 7 percent of the traffic along US 89 was comprised of trucks, and SCR traffic was comprised of approximately 5 to 6 percent trucks during the AM peak and PM peak hours. Intersection Levels of Service (LOS) were calculating using techniques published in the Highway Capacity Manual (Transportation Research Board, 7th Edition). The worksheets are attached. LOS is a qualitative measure of traffic operational conditions, based on roadway capacity and vehicle delay, described by a letter designation ranging from A to F. A LOS A represents nearly free-flow travel indicative of very little to no delay, while LOS F represents congested conditions and excessive delay. The LOS is defined by the amount of delay drivers endure, on average, during a peak hour, and the Highway Capacity Manual procedures are geared toward calculating the average delay for each movement or lane group (as compared to free-flow condition if the intersection did not exist). The amount of heavy vehicle presence as previously cited was incorporated into the analysis as were peak hour factors to account for the busiest 15-minute period within the peak hour. LOS results are included in Figure 3. The analysis shows that all movements at the US 89/SCR intersection are operating at a LOS B or better during both peak hours. The daily traffic along the study area roads is also shown in Figure 3. Along US 89, WYDOT data show that the highway carried 6800 vpd. SCR daily traffic was estimated based on inferences from the peak hour counts as well as older data found on Lincoln County’s website. SCR currently serves approximately 1000 vehicles per day (vpd). SCR is a minor collector roadway which is ideally 18 appropriate for daily volumes ranging from 400 to 650 vpd according to the Lincoln County Transportation Plan. CUP SOLAR-GENERATED TRAFFIC Once complete, the CUP-Solar Farm will generate very few trips. The more robust traffic impact aspect of this proposal is the construction phase prior to full solar farm operation as well as the time of its decommissioning in the future when the solar farm is disassembled and material is hauled away. The construction of the solar farm is projected to last 18 weeks including site preparation/survey, and it will entail a series of activities, each with its own slightly different trip-making characteristics. A review of each construction phase trip generation components was conducted that included: • Workers • Solar Modules • DC Equipment • Inverters • AC equipment • Racking and Foundations • Aggregate, Sand and Concrete • Various equipment needs Each of the above will not occur simultaneously, and in fact many of the above activities will occur in series. The week or two within the 18 week construction period when the greatest amount of traffic is likely to be generated appears to be when on-site workers are at their maximum (16 of them), the solar modules and DC equipment is all being delivered, and aggregate/sand/concrete is also being delivered; this is estimated to last approximately 1 to 2 weeks. Table 1, attached, was created to estimate the trips to/from the site by hour of the day at the peak construction time by itemizing each component and summing the total shown on the right side of the table. At the time construction is most active, approximately 52 trips per day would be generated. The AM peak hour would see 14 trips per hour and the PM peak hour would see 12 trips per hour. Decommissioning is estimated to last approximately 4 months at some point around the year 2050, and trip generation was assessed in the same manner, that being each trip generation component of each phase was assessed and the most active phase was analyzed. The peak time components of this will include 16 workers on site and solar module/DC Equipment removal. Table 2 was developed to illustrate the hour-by-hour trip generation during the decommissioning peak time. On a daily basis, 48 trips per day are projected with the AM peak hour seeing 12 trips per hour and the PM peak seeing 10 trips per hour. The applicant reviewed both Table 1 and Table 2 and offered that the results might be conservatively high, but the numbers are reasonable for capturing the peak moments in conducting this analysis. The site’s trips of Table 1 and Table 2 were then assigned onto SCR and the intersection with US 89. The trip distribution used in this process assumes all site traffic would be oriented to/from the west on SCR in reaching US 89, and then a slightly heavier orientation would occur to/from the south than the 19 north based on the collected counts and information from the applicant as to where material and labor will be originating. Figures 4 and 5 show the resulting site-only daily traffic as well as the AM and PM peak hour turning movements at the US 89 intersection due to the CUP Solar facility’s construction and decommissioning, respectively. An estimated 60 trips per day would be added onto SCR during the busiest week or two of construction and decommissioning. A total of 12 to 15 vehicles per hour would be added through the US 89/SCR intersection due to the site’s construction and decommissioning. SHORT-TERM FUTURE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AND RECOMENDATIONS This analysis assesses existing impact for construction assessment. As mentioned, normal operations once the facility is complete will generate very little traffic, so this analysis focused on the peak time within the construction period. Existing traffic was summed with construction phase traffic. The total short-term traffic results are shown in Figure 6. The figure also shows LOS results at the US 89/SCR intersection. Existing plus construction traffic conditions would continue to see the intersection functioning at a LOS B or better given its current configuration. No lane additions or traffic control enhancements will be needed. Again, a southbound center left turn lane and a northbound right turn lane already exist. SCR daily traffic would increase modestly to 1100 vpd (which has been rounded up to the nearest 100 vpd) in the short-term. The County’s 2004 Transportation Plan indicates that roadways serving volumes between 650 and 2000 vpd should ideally be major rural collectors with two 11-foot wide travel lanes and 6-foot graded shoulders. The roadway’s traffic loading today is 1000 vpd suggesting that its widening to a major rural collector cross-section is already justified without the CUP Solar Farm construction. The CUP Solar Farm will only add 50 to 60 trips per day, and even this impact will be very short-lived. Normal solar operations may only see a couple of trips per day, on average. Haul routes for larger trucks will tend to have a southern orientation. Solar and electrical equipment will arrive from Salt Lake City with some of the material being temporarily stored in Afton. Racking steel for the facility will originate from Ohio, likely making use of I-80. No oversized vehicles are anticipated. LONG-TERM FUTURE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AND RECOMENDATIONS The future conditions are indicative of 2050 conditions during decommissioning of the facility. For year 2050, the background traffic was estimated along SCR and US 89 by increasing existing traffic to account for general area growth. Based on data prepared by the Wyoming Department of Administration & Information, Economic Analysis Division, Lincoln County growth into the future could occur at a rate of approximately 0.65 percent per year. For this analysis, a slightly higher 0.75 percent annual increase (on average) was assumed in developing 2050 background traffic to be conservative. Each movement at the US 89/SCR intersection and the daily traffic along SCR was increased accordingly in creating 2050 background traffic. 20 An additional component of the 2050 background traffic pertains to the nearby rest area and the reconstruction/realignment of SCR. The Star Valley Rest Area is located approximate one-quarter mile north of SCR on the east side of US 89. Future plans entail a reconfiguration of the rest area and a realignment of SCR such that it would intersect US 89 just south of the rest area. The rest area’s access will then be altered to make use of SCR and not take any direct access onto US 89. As such, turning movements to/from SCR will increase as a result of this configuration. This affects only the 2050 time period. Based on transportation research led by Ahmed Al-Kaisey of Montana State University and published by the Transportation Research Board, rest area trip generation tends to be based on the level of traffic along the adjacent highway. A review of this paper suggests that 10 percent of the adjacent traffic could visit the rest area. As such, 10 percent of the 2050 peak hour traffic was assigned to the turning movements to/from SCR with matching downward adjustments being made to the through movements. In essence, the rest area impact is pass-by traffic stopping at the rest area as a matter of convenience. Year 2050 background traffic is shown in Figure 7. SCR is shown as being realigned, and rest area pass-by trips are incorporated into the intersection turning movements. LOS’s are also shown, and none of the movements are projected to operate worse than a LOS D. The total results are shown in Figure 8 for year 2050 conditions which also show LOS results. By 2050 given background traffic that incorporates the rest area reconfiguration and the peak decommissioning time for the facility, the westbound approach LOS would operate at a LOS D or better. The AM peak hour left turn would reduce from LOS C to LOS D when compared to 2050 background traffic. LOS D is a less-than- capacity condition and would occur during the peak hours of the day as a temporary condition while the facility is being decommissioned. No lane additions or traffic control enhancements will be needed. The new construction will include a southbound center left turn lane and a northbound right turn lane along US 89. SCR daily traffic is projected to serve nearly 1300 vpd by 2050 which includes decommissioning activity. The County’s 2004 Transportation Plan indicates that roadways serving volumes between 650 and 2000 vpd should ideally be major rural collectors with two 11-foot wide travel lanes and 6-foot graded shoulders. The roadway’s traffic loading today is 1000 vpd suggesting that its widening to a major rural collector cross-section is already justified without the CUP Solar Farm construction. The CUP Solar Farm will only add 50 to 60 trips per day, and even this impact will be very short-lived. Normal solar operations may only see a couple of trips per day, on average. As such, the County’s intent to eventually improve SCR to meet the major rural collector standard (as identified in the 2004 Transportation Plan) remains valid. The CUP Solar Farm construction would not warrant the need to do so since it would only add a small increment of traffic for a short period of time. INTERSECTION DESIGN Two site accesses are being proposed onto SCR, one being a permanent access for ongoing operations/maintenance that will be approximately 2.1 miles east of US 85 and the other being 2.6 miles 21 east of US 89 intended to be used during construction. Sight distance was assessed at each one realizing that larger trucks will be using the eastern access and lighter passenger cars/pick up trucks will be using the western access. From aerial mapping, the eastern temporary construction access will be located along an extended straight section of SCR. Driver visibility in looking to the west is 1200 feet, and looking east it is well over half a mile. At the west access, which will be used for maintenance and primarily see passenger car and pick-up truck vehicles, the available entering driver sight distance onto SCR to the southwest is approximately 600 feet and to the northeast it is well over a half-mile. AASTHO standards indicate a need to provide 7.5 seconds worth of travel distance along the major road for passenger cars and 11.5 seconds for combination trucks with respect to entering sight distance. Given a speed limit of 45 MPH, this equates to a need of 495 feet for passenger cars and 759 feet for combination trucks. Trucks will be using the east access and at least 1200 feet of entering driver sight distance will be available, exceeding the required 759 feet needed for trucks. At the west permanent access, entering passenger car sight distance will be met in that at least 600 feet will be provided exceeding the needed 495 feet. Provided that larger construction-related trucks are forced to use the east access, entering sight distance to SCR from this site should be adequate. In addition to sight distance, truck turning templates were assessed at the access intersection and at US 89 and SCR. Jorgensen Associates staff conducted the analysis since they possess key survey and design information to do so. Templates were run for a semi-tractor trailer at both intersections including the future US 89/SCR intersection. The Autoturn templates are attached, and they show that a large truck can be accommodated turning into and out of both intersections (eat access and the US 89/SCR intersection), both directions including the future US 89/SCR intersection. If you have any questions, please email me at Chris.Fasching@Outlook.com. Sincerely, Fasching Consulting, LLC Christopher J. Fasching, PE President/Owner 22 N 23 WB-67 - In te rstate Semi-Tra iler20' WIDE TEMPACCESS W CRUSHEDGRAVEL SURFACE30' WIDE TEMPCONSTRUCTIONEASEMENTR45.0'R45.0'WB-67 - Inters ta te Sem i-Trai ler VEHICLE DRIVE PATH EXHIBITCONSTRUCTION ACCESSSOLAR SITE OFF STRAWBERRY CREEK0SCALE: 1 INCH = FEETTHIS SCALE VALID ONLY FOR PRINTS5011x175010024 WB-67 - Interstate Semi-TrailerWB-67 - Interstate Semi-Trailer20' WIDE TEMPACCESS W CRUSHEDGRAVEL SURFACE30' WIDE TEMPCONSTRUCTIONEASEMENTR45.0'R45.0'VEHICLE DRIVE PATH EXHIBITCONSTRUCTION ACCESSSOLAR SITE OFF STRAWBERRY CREEK0SCALE: 1 INCH = FEETTHIS SCALE VALID ONLY FOR PRINTS5011x175010025 Traffic Management Plan Bedford Community Solar Project – Lower Valley Energy Location: 2047 County Road 126, Bedford, WY Prepared For: Lincoln County Planning Department Date: 06/27/2025 Introduction This Traffic Management Plan (TMP) describes measures that will be implemented to ensure the safety of the public, construction personnel, and equipment during the construction, operation, and decommissioning of the Bedford Community Solar Project. The plan has been developed in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD, 2009 Edition with Revisions 1 and 2), particularly Part 6 – Temporary Traffic Control. Phases of Traffic Activity Construction Phase - Peak Activity: 16 workers on-site, up to 52 trips/day on peak day. The total predicted truck deliveries is 50 for the project construction phase. - Equipment Deliveries: Solar modules, DC/AC equipment, foundations, aggregate. - Access Points: • Temporary Construction Access: 2.6 miles east of US 89. • Permanent Maintenance Access: 2.1 miles east of US 89. Operational Phase - Trips: Approximately 2 passenger vehicle trips per month, limited to routine maintenance and inspections. - Traffic Impact: Negligible; no heavy equipment or deliveries. Decommissioning Phase (~Year 2050) - Peak Activity: 16 workers, material removal via truck. - Estimated Trips: 48/day at peak. - Same access points and traffic control standards as the construction phase. Temporary Traffic Control (TTC) Measures In accordance with MUTCD Part 6, the following TTC devices and methods will be used during all phases with construction activity: Advance Warning Signs - 'ROAD WORK AHEAD' (W20-1) signs will be placed on County Road 126 in advance of both access points. - Placement: ~555 feet in advance (based on 45 mph, per MUTCD Table 6C-1). - 'TRUCK CROSSING' (W11-10) signs with optional 'NEXT XX FEET' plaque will be used. 26 Temporary Signage & Barricades - Type III barricades at temporary access when not in use. Flaggers (If Needed) - Used for large equipment deliveries, concrete pours, or limited visibility. - Flaggers will wear ANSI/ISEA 107 Class 2 or 3 high-visibility clothing. Work Area Protection - Channelizing devices (cones, drums) at construction access points. - Devices will meet MUTCD Section 6F.63 standards. Driveway Access Configuration - Temporary driveway using existing road: 20 ft wide with 45’ turning radii. - Modeled on MUTCD Figure 6H-10 and 6H-15. Haul Routes and Scheduling - Haul routes: US 89 and Strawberry Creek Road. - No oversize/overweight loads expected. - Deliveries scheduled outside AM/PM peak hours. Speed Control - Advisory Speed Plaques (W13-1P) may be used near access points. - No speed limit changes are proposed. Emergency Access & Notifications - Emergency access will be maintained at all times. - Local fire and law enforcement will be notified before construction begins. - On-site signage will include 24/7 emergency contact info. Post-Construction and Restoration - All traffic control devices will be promptly removed. Typical Applications from MUTCD Part 6H Standard MUTCD layout diagrams will guide site-specific setup: - Figure 6H-35: Haul Road or Driveway Intersecting Paved Roadway Responsibility and Oversight - Contractor/site supervisor will appoint a Traffic Control Supervisor (TCS). - Daily inspections will ensure proper TTC device setup. - Changes will be documented and implemented within 24 hours. 27 Transportation Plan for Lower Valley Electric Solar Installation Site Project Overview: Today’s Power, Inc. is providing the following outline regarding expected traffic activities at the solar installation site located at the corner of Strawberry Creek Road. The plan ensures smooth transportation operations, minimizes disruption to local traffic, and accommodates site-specific requirements for efficient project execution. Traffic Details 1. Delivery Schedule: o The project anticipates receiving 15-18 standard truck deliveries using 18-wheelers over the course of the installation. o No oversize or specialized trucking loads are planned, reducing the complexity of transportation logistics and associated road impact. 2. Staff Traffic: o Daily vehicle traffic for project staff is estimated to range between 8-10 vehicles, including cars and light trucks used for on-site operations and supervisory visits. Site Access and Traffic Flow • A gravel entrance and apron will be installed to facilitate safe and efficient access to the solar installation site: o The design will support large trucks turning in from Strawberry Creek Road, ensuring smooth entry to the site. o On-site unloading areas will allow deliveries to be completed without causing delays or blockages to through traffic. o Adequate turning space within the site will enable trucks to safely turn around and exit back onto Strawberry Creek Road, eliminating the need for vehicles to back up or obstruct traffic lanes. Coordination with Adjacent Construction • The solar installation site is located directly next to Avail Valley Construction, which is an active construction zone. o Current traffic from Avail Valley Construction appears to be normalized, with no significant issues reported in terms of congestion or road use. o Careful coordination between the two sites will help ensure that overlapping activities do not negatively impact traffic flow or road safety in the area. This transportation plan is designed to address the unique needs of the project while maintaining safety, efficiency, and minimal disruption to local traffic patterns. The measures outlined will help streamline delivery and staff access, ensuring that all operations are carried out smoothly and effectively. 28 Transportation Plan for Lower Valley Electric Solar Installation Site Project Overview: Today’s Power, Inc. is providing the following outline regarding expected traffic activities at the solar installation site located at the corner of Strawberry Creek Road. The plan ensures smooth transportation operations, minimizes disruption to local traffic, and accommodates site-specific requirements for efficient project execution. Traffic Details 1. Delivery Schedule: o The project anticipates receiving 15-18 standard truck deliveries using 18-wheelers over the course of the installation. o No oversize or specialized trucking loads are planned, reducing the complexity of transportation logistics and associated road impact. 2. Staff Traffic: o Daily vehicle traffic for project staff is estimated to range between 8-10 vehicles, including cars and light trucks used for on-site operations and supervisory visits. Site Access and Traffic Flow • A gravel entrance and apron will be installed to facilitate safe and efficient access to the solar installation site: o The design will support large trucks turning in from Strawberry Creek Road, ensuring smooth entry to the site. o On-site unloading areas will allow deliveries to be completed without causing delays or blockages to through traffic. o Adequate turning space within the site will enable trucks to safely turn around and exit back onto Strawberry Creek Road, eliminating the need for vehicles to back up or obstruct traffic lanes. Coordination with Adjacent Construction • The solar installation site is located directly next to Avail Valley Construction, which is an active construction zone. o Current traffic from Avail Valley Construction appears to be normalized, with no significant issues reported in terms of congestion or road use. o Careful coordination between the two sites will help ensure that overlapping activities do not negatively impact traffic flow or road safety in the area. This transportation plan is designed to address the unique needs of the project while maintaining safety, efficiency, and minimal disruption to local traffic patterns. The measures outlined will help streamline delivery and staff access, ensuring that all operations are carried out smoothly and effectively. 29 ROAD USE AGREEMENT The Road Use Agreement (Agreement) is made and entered this ______ day of ___________ 2025 (Effective Date), by and between Lincoln County, Wyoming, whose address is 925 Sage Ave, Kemmerer, Wyoming, (Grantor) and Lower Valley Energy, whose address is P.O. Box 188, Afton, WY 83110 (Grantee). WHEREAS, Grantee wishes to use Strawberry Creek County Road 126, an existing Lincoln County road, which is owned, in part, by Grantor (“Dedicated Road”). WHEREAS, Grantee’s agents, employees, contractors, subcontractors, and the representatives, affiliates, and related service companies of each of the foregoing may utilize the Dedicated Road for access to Lower Valley Energy 1 MW Solar Array and also as a haul route to deliver materials and components necessary to erect, construct, and operate the Project; WHEREAS, Grantor desires to grant to Grantee a non-exclusive right to utilize the Dedicated Road for the purposes described herein in exchange for Grantee’s reasonable maintenance of and mitigation of impacts to the Dedicated Road caused by Grantee’s use of Dedicated Road; WHEREAS, as referenced in this Agreement, “Vehicles” shall mean any vehicle, tractor, or combination of vehicles operated by Grantee’s agents, employees, contractors, subcontractors, and the representatives, affiliates, and related service companies of each of the foregoing in the course of Grantee’s Project, whether carrying a load or not, having (i) a gross weight greater than thirty thousand (30,000) pounds or (ii) greater weight than ten thousand (10,000) pounds carried on any one axle. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of ten dollars ($10.00) and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Grantor and Grantee agree as follows: 1. ROAD USE Grantee agrees to use its Vehicles only on those sections of the Dedicated Road which are described in Exhibit A, highlighted in green. 2. DAMAGES Grantee shall report any damage of which it may be aware to the County Commissioner within a reasonable time after discovery of same, and Grantee shall repair any such damage as soon as reasonably practical. Should Grantee fail to repair such damage as required herein, Grantor shall provide written notice to Grantee of its failure to repair said damage. If Grantee fails to repair the damages within thirty (30) days after receipt of Grantor’s written notice, Grantee shall reimburse Grantor for the actual cost of repairing said damages. 30 3. INDEMNITY GRANTEE SHALL RELEASE, INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS GRANTOR AND ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNEES FROM ANY CAUSE OF ACTION OR CLAIMS OR DEMANDS ARISING OUT OF GRANTEE’S PERFORMANCE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT SUCH CLAIMS OR DAMAGES ARISE FROM THE ACTIONS OR INACTIONS OF THE GRANTOR AND ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS, SUBCONTRACTORS, SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNEES. 4. NOTICES Any notices or any other communication required or permitted under this Agreement must be in writing and will be made by electronic mail, nationally recognized overnight delivery service by a carrier such as Federal Express or UPS that requires receipt of delivery, or registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested. Said notice or communication will be deemed received on the earlier of: (i) the date of actual receipt (or rejection of delivery) of the notice or communication by the intended recipient, or (ii) the third day after the date mailed. Notices or communications received or delivered after 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time on a given day will be deemed received on the immediately following day. In order for any notice or communication sent by electronic mail to be effective, said notice or communication must also be provided currently by one of the other methods described in this Section 31 (Notices). Notices or communication must be addressed as provided below, but each party may change its address by written notice in accordance with this section. To Grantor: Board of County Commissioners Lincoln County, Wyoming 925 Sage Ave., Suite 302 Kemmerer, WY 83101 Phone: (307) 877-2004 Email: commission@lincolncountywy.gov To Grantee: Lower Valley Energy Attention: Jon Hougland P.O. Box 188 Afton, WY 83110 Phone: (307) 885-6140 Email: jhougland@lvenergy.com 31 5. COUNTERPARTS This Agreement may be executed in identical counterparts, including by electronic means, each of which together shall constitute one and the same document and shall be deemed a fully executed and binding original. 6. TERM This Agreement shall commence upon the Effective Date and shall remain in full force and effect so long as movement of Vehicles is necessary, in Grantee’s sole opinion, to support the Project. Grantee shall have the right at any time during the Term to terminate this Agreement for any reason effective upon thirty (30) days written notice to Grantor. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is executed as of the date of the respective acknowledgements below, but shall be effective for all purposes as of the Effective Date. GRANTOR: BOARD OF LINCOLN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ____________________________ Date:______________________ Kent Connelly, Chairman Attest: ________________________________ April Brunski Lincoln County Clerk 32 GRANTEE: LOWER VALLEY ENERGY _________________________________ Date:______________________ James R. Webb, Chief Executive Officer STATE OF WYOMING ) ) ss COUNTY OF LINCOLN ) The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me by ____________________________, on this _______day of ________________, 2025. Witness my hand and official seal. (SEAL) _____________________________________ Notary Public My Commission expires: ________________ 33 Ulmer Spur White Tail Lane Newell Gardner C o. R d . 1 9 2 Alison CircleSLF County Road Co. Rd. 126AMerica LaneRiverview Ranchettes Co. Rd. 173s Trail Home Astle Co. Rd. 187 Strawberry Hills DrivePine Knoll RoadRiverview Ranchettes Co. Rd. 173sAmi ty Lane U S H i g h w a y 8 9Riverview Ranchettes Co. Rd. 173sAspen Hollow RoadStrawberry C r e e k C o . R d . 1 2 6 02 01 30 29 31 32 0506 36 35 26 25 33N 119W 34N 119W 34N 118W 33N 118W £¤89 WhiteTailLane Alison Circle Merica Lane Trail Home Strawberry Hills Drive Pine KnollRoad Amity Lane Aspen Hollow Road 192 126A 187 173s 173s 126 126 126 126 126 126 Maxar Exhibit A Strawberry Creek Co. Rd. 126 Road Use Agreement for Lower Valley Energy 0 1,000 2,000500 Feet «Map made by Kimberly Guinta on 9/5/25 using the mostaccurate data available for informational purposes only» US Highways County Roads Other Named Roads Parcels (Approximate)34 LVE Community Solar Project Lower Valley Energy Lincoln County, Wyoming Glint & Glare Analysis Analysis by Travis Harrison June 10, 2025 Capitol Airspace Group capitolairspace.com (703) 256 - 2485 35 Introduction Lower Valley Energy is proposing to construct off-airport photovoltaic (PV) arrays in Lincoln County, Wyoming (gray areas, Figure 1). On behalf of Lower Valley Energy, Capitol Airspace performed an independent glare analysis utilizing ForgeSolar’s GlareGauge toolset. The purpose of this analysis was to identify the potential for glare impacts on low-level receptors within one half-mile of the proposed solar area. Specifically, this analysis considered the potential for glare impacts on nearby residences and roadways. Currently, there are no defined federal standards for acceptable ocular impact on residences or roadways. However, many local zoning authorities have established standards for studying the ocular impacts on nearby residences and roadways. Figure 1: LVE Community Solar project PV panel area (gray) with GlareGauge assessment areas (purple outlines) 36 Methodology In cooperation with the Department of Energy, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) developed and validated the Sandia National Laboratories Solar Glare Hazard Analysis Tool (SGHAT), now licensed through ForgeSolar as GlareGauge. ForgeSolar has enhanced GlareGauge for glare hazard analysis beyond the aviation environment. These enhancements include a route module for analyzing roadways and railroads and an observation point module for analyzing residences. However, GlareGauge does not account for physical obstructions between reflectors and receptors, which may mitigate identified glare impacts. GlareGauge analyzes the potential for glare over the entire calendar year in one-minute intervals, from when the sun rises above the horizon until the sun sets below the horizon. The glare hazard determination relies on several approximations including observer eye characteristics, angle of view, and typical blink response time. When GlareGauge identifies glare, the associated ocular impact is quantified into three categories based on the retinal irradiance and subtended angle (size/distance) of the glare source. These three categories are Green – low potential for after-image, Yellow – potential for after-image, and Red – potential for retinal burn (Figure 2). The FAA policy for Review of Solar Energy System Projects on Federally Obligated Airports requires that proposed on-airport solar projects will not result in ocular impacts (no glare of any category) on the airport's ATCT cab. Although not required, the FAA encourages that off-airport solar energy systems in proximity to airports with ATCTs are assessed for potential ocular impact. Currently, there are no defined federal standards for acceptable ocular impact on residences or roadways. Figure 2: GlareGauge glare hazard plot depicting ocular impact as a function of retinal irradiance and subtended source angle 37 Data PV array specifications (Table 1) as well as location and height information were provided by Lower Valley Energy. Based on this data, the PV arrays are fixed-mounted and will not track the sun’s position throughout the day. The PV arrays will maintain a south-facing orientation with a tilt angle of 30- degrees. In collaboration with Lower Valley Energy, Capitol Airspace used aerial imagery to determine observation point and route receptor locations. Capitol Airspace utilized the USGS 1/3 arc-second digital elevation model (DEM) to determine the observation point ground elevations. The GlareGauge toolset calculated ground elevations along the assessed routes using the Google Elevation service. Table 1: LVE Community Solar project PV array specifications Parameter Value Module Height 11.50 feet Axis Tracking Fixed-Mount Orientation/Azimuth Angle 180° Module Tilt 30° Panel Material Lightly-textured, With Anti-Reflection Coating 38 Results Observation Points GlareGauge assessed the potential for glare occurrences at seven discrete observation point receptors (black points, Figure 3). Each observation point was assessed at an eight-foot first story viewing height and a 16-foot second story viewing height. The GlareGauge results predict brief green glare occurrences for two of the seven observation points from mid-March to early-October (Figure 5, Figure 6, & Table 2). Specifically, green glare would emanate from sub-array A01 (faded green areas, Figure 4). These results are based on the application of FAA glare standards in the absence of non-aviation regulatory guidelines. The glare resulting from the proposed fixed-mounted array occurs during early morning when the sun altitude is no greater than 23.2 degrees above the horizon. Further analysis may be conducted to identify effective approaches for mitigating the predicted glare occurrences. Figure 3: Discrete observation point receptors (black points) in proximity to the LVE Community Solar Project 39 Table 2: Predicted glare occurrences for discrete observation point receptors in proximity to the LVE Community Solar project Receptor Glare Date Monthly Frequency Time Daily Duration (Minutes) (HH:MM) Start End Earliest Latest Longest Average OP 1-5 None - - - - - - - OP 6 Green 5-May 8-Aug Continuous 06:39 07:10 17 14 OP 7 Green 11-Mar 1-Oct Intermittent 06:20 06:54 20 14 Figure 4: Discrete observation point receptors (green points) receiving glare 40 Figure 5: Annual predicted glare occurrence plot for observation point 6 Figure 6: Annual predicted glare occurrence plot for observation point 7 41 Routes GlareGauge assessed the potential for glare occurrences along four route receptors. Each of the four roadways (dashed black lines, Figure 7) was assessed at a four-foot car viewing height and an eight-foot truck viewing height. Figure 7: Route receptors (dashed lines) in proximity to LVE Community Solar Project The GlareGauge results predict brief green and yellow glare occurrences for route two from late-March to mid-September (Figure 9 & Table 3). Specifically, green and yellow glare would emanate from sub- array A01 (faded green and yellow areas, Figure 8). These results are based on the application of FAA glare standards in the absence of non-aviation regulatory guidelines. The glare resulting from the proposed fixed-mounted array occurs during early morning when the sun altitude is no greater than 23.2 degrees above the horizon. Further analysis may be conducted to identify effective approaches for mitigating the predicted glare occurrences. 42 Table 3: Predicted glare occurrences for route receptors in proximity to the LVE Community Solar project Receptor Glare Date Monthly Frequency Time Daily Duration (Minutes) (HH:MM) Start End Earliest Latest Longest Average Route 01 None - - - - - - - Route 02 Green 31-Mar 12-Sep Continuous 06:13 07:10 32 18 Yellow 31-Mar 11-Sep Continuous 06:16 07:09 28 15 Route 03 None - - - - - - - Route 04 None - - - - - - - Route 05 None - - - - - - - Figure 8: Route receptors (dashed black lines) receiving glare (green and yellow lines) 43 Figure 9: Annual predicted glare occurrence plot for route 2 44 Conclusion Capitol Airspace performed a glare analysis utilizing ForgeSolar’s GlareGauge toolset to identify the potential for glare impacts resulting from the proposed LVE Community Solar project. Specifically, this analysis considered the potential for glare impacts on nearby residences and roadways. Low-Level Receptors GlareGauge predicts brief green and yellow glare occurrences for nearby residences and roadways from mid-March to early-October. However, the glare resulting from the proposed fixed-mounted array occurs during morning when sun altitude angles are no greater than 23.2 degrees above the horizon. Further analysis may be conducted to identify effective approaches for mitigating the predicted glare occurrences. These results are based on the application of FAA glare standards in the absence of non-aviation regulatory guidelines. As noted in the methodology, this glare analysis does not consider vegetation, fencing, or other natural obstructions. This glare analysis takes the most conservative approach in assessing the possibility of glare occurrences. The GlareGauge component data used to conduct this analysis is available upon request. If you have any questions regarding the findings in this analysis, please contact Travis Harrison at (703) 256-2485. 45 Glare Study Summary – LVE Community Solar Project As part of the Conditional Use Permit re-application for the proposed 1MW community solar array near Bedford, WY, Lower Valley Energy commissioned Capitol Airspace Group (CAG) to conduct a professional glare analysis using the industry-standard ForgeSolar GlareGauge toolset. It is important to understand that this is a highly conservative analysis that does not account for any existing or planned visual obstructions, including perimeter fencing, buildings, landscaping, vegetation, or mountain shading. These features—which are either already present or will be added as part of the project—may reduce or eliminate the minimal amount of glare identified in the model for less than 35 minutes a day during part of the year. This memo summarizes the findings of the report and provides technical context to demonstrate that the LVE Community Solar Project will not result in noticeable glare-related impacts to neighboring residences or roadways. Summary of Glare Analysis Findings CAG’s glare study assessed both residences and roadways within one-half mile of the solar array. It found: ● Two residences may experience brief green glare (low potential for after-image) between mid-March and early October, lasting approximately 14–17 minutes during early morning hours (~6:20–7:10 AM). ● One roadway segment (Route 2) may experience green and yellow glare (potential for after-image) between late March and mid-September, also in early morning hours (~6:13–7:10 AM), with a maximum predicted duration of 32 minutes. Importantly, no red glare (retinal hazard) was predicted. The limited glare identified occurs only when the sun is below 23.2° above the horizon—an early morning period with low sun intensity and limited traffic. Again, these predictions do not account for: ● Fencing required around the site ● Residential structures and garages already in place ● Trees and vegetation both existing and planned ● Mountain shading from the steep ridgeline to the west ● Topography that blocks or interrupts line-of-sight in many directions 46 Although the model uses geographic coordinates and elevation data for both the solar array and observation points, it assumes a clear, unobstructed line of sight between them. Consequently, the glare predictions represent a conservative estimate of potential impact. This is standard methodology because some regulatory agencies may prohibit the inclusion of obstructions in formal glare analyses. Actual conditions differ from the perfect, unobstructed visibility to the panels this model assumes because there are existing topographic features and physical obstructions—such as trees, hills, or buildings—between observation points and the proposed solar installation. A terrain-based review by Bluestem Engineering shows that mountain shadows may obscure the site during many of the times when glare is predicted, particularly in the spring and fall. Additionally, the privacy fencing in the included site plan may further block glare. PV Panel Design and Reflectivity The proposed project uses standard photovoltaic (PV) panels that are designed to minimize reflection: ● Fixed tilt at 30°, facing south ● Anti-Reflective Coating (ARC) to absorb sunlight ● Dark, textured panel surfaces that reduce glare and increase energy capture ARC-coated panels typically reflect less than 2% of sunlight, less than many everyday surfaces like metal roofs, car windshields, or even still water. Conclusion The Capitol Airspace glare study confirms that the LVE Community Solar project poses minimal glare risks to nearby residences or roadways. The limited glare identified occurs only under specific early-morning conditions and was predicted using intentionally conservative assumptions that exclude major mitigating factors, such as fencing, vegetation, existing buildings, and the natural shading of the surrounding terrain. These real-world features may reduce the time and intensity of the already minimal glare events identified in the model. When viewed in full context, the analysis demonstrates that the proposed solar array will not create safety concerns, visual nuisances, or unacceptable impacts for the surrounding community. We respectfully urge the Planning Department to evaluate this project based on the full scope of evidence provided and approve the Conditional Use Permit for a project that delivers clear community benefits without posing glare-related harm. 47 Lower Valley Energy Community Solar Emergency Response and Hazardous Waste Plan 48 Emergency Response and Hazardous Waste Plan - VRDG, LLC Solar Project 1. General Information – Operation and Maintenance The purpose of this plan is to discuss the procedures that will be implemented in the event of an emergency during the operation of the solar array. 1.1. Project Description Lower Valley Energy will operate and maintain the 1megawatt-AC solar photovoltaic (PV) system, located in Lincoln County, Wyoming. This solar project is located on approximately 5 acres of agricultural land in Lincoln County – approximately 7-3 miles Southeast of Thayne, and 2 miles east of Highway 89, along Strawberry Creek Rd. The Project’s primary components include approximately 2,350 PV modules mounted on a fixed tilt system and solar inverters. The racking system foundations utilize driven posts and do not require concrete. Other Project components include racking, electrical cables, conduit, electrical cabinets, switchgears, step-up transformers, inverters, SCADA system and metering equipment. 1.2. Operations Lower Valley Energy will own and operate the project. The project team contact information is listed in Table 1. Table 1. Project Team Contact Information [Contacts will be provided prior to construction] Annie Donlay Senior Project Manager 385-386-6023 annie.donlay@cesolar.com Ethan Jordan Field Team Lead 385-386-6003 ethan.jordan@cesolar.com 1.3. Site Access 1.3.1. Site Driveways LVE and their EPC will provide specific access points when the final site layout design is complete. This will be prior to the start date of construction. (See Appendix-A) The access point is a 20-foot-wide security gate. © VRDG, LLC | 950 S 10th Street Suite 001, Omaha NE 68108 | mhyde@bstem.biz Page | 4 49 Emergency Response Plan – LVE Community Solar Project 1.3.2. Site Address The following address has been assigned to the project based on the location of the project: [Site address will be provided prior to construction starting.] 2.Crisis Management 2.1. Emergency Services Authority The project’s Primary O&M Contact (Director of Operations) and Secondary O&M Contact will be responsible for overseeing emergency services compliance. They’re duties will include ensuring that the measures in this plan are complied with, any and all agencies and appropriate stakeholders (including but not limited to emergency response units, utility, and project owner) are properly notified in the event notification is required, and that all required plans and reports are prepared and submitted in a timely manner. The Primary O&M Contact will be the emergency point of contact for the LVE Solar project. The O&M contact information is as follows: Primary O&M Contact Contact Name Toby Schmidt Contact Telephone 385-314-3853 / 801-641-1149 Contact Email toby@cesolar.com Secondary O&M Contact Contact Name Ethan Jordan Contact Telephone 385-386-6003 Contact Email ethan.jordan@cesolar.com Emergency Response Contact(s) Fire/Paramedics/Police 9-1-1 Lincoln County Fire Warden Kelly Hoffman (307)279-3625 Lincoln County Sheriff M. Shane Johnson (307)885-5231 Page | 5 50 Emergency Response Plan – LVE Community Solar Project Lincoln County Emergency Mgmt Coordinator Jay Hokanson (307)885-3626 Star Valley Health – Afton Clinic (307)885-5852 2.2. Communication and Training Procedures All employees and subcontractors will receive safety training before they begin work onsite. This training will include pertinent information regarding hazardous material management and fire prevention. The O&M Primary Contact will be responsible for ensuring that all personnel receive this training. 3.Fire Prevention 3.1. Purpose & Need for Fire Prevention Plan (“FPP”) ●Eliminate the potential risks and/or causes of fires. ●Prevent loss of life and property by fire. ●Educate employees to promote a safe environment. ●Be prepared should a fire occur. ●Outline a procedure to follow for the safety of the individuals on site at the time of the occurrence. ●Identify risk factors and hazards. ●Set up proper storage procedures, training, and identification of personnel responsible for maintaining and servicing the equipment and systems on site that are used to prevent and/or control a fire. 3.2. Responsibilities and Procedures Safety is everyone’s responsibility on site. All employees are to be trained and should know how to prevent and respond to a fire emergency. All employees must: ●Know the protocol and follow emergency procedures should an event occur. ●Review and report potential fire hazards to the O&M Primary Contact. 3.2.1. Understanding Conditions Associated with Photovoltaic Solar Arrays Photovoltaic (PV) solar arrays present a unique challenge for fire fighters. Unlike a typical electrical or gas Page | 6 51 Emergency Response Plan – LVE Community Solar Project utility, a PV array does not have a single point of disconnect. Whereas there are disconnects that will de-energize select parts of the system, if the PV panels are illuminated, the individual strings of PV panels are energized and capable of producing up to 1500 volts dc. This is not just limited to PV panels being illuminated by the sun; illumination by artificial light sources, such as fire department lights, or the light from the fire itself can produce electrical power sufficient to cause a lock-on hazard. Below is a summary of the hazards associated with firefighting activities in photovoltaic solar arrays: ● Shock hazard due to the presence of water and PV power during suppression activities Outdoor rated electrical enclosures may not resist water intrusion from the high-pressure stream of a fire hose. PV panels damaged in the fire may not resist water intrusion. Damaged conductors may not resist water intrusion. ● Shock hazard due to direct contact with energized components No means of complete electrical disconnect. Due to the dangers presented above, it is not typical to practice fire suppression by means of water inundation within solar PV arrays. 3.2.2. Small Stage Fires Small stage fires are small fires that are in the beginning stage and can be controlled with a fire extinguisher. An example would be a small trash can fire. In the event of a small stage fire at the project: ● The person discovering the fire should immediately take action to mitigate the fire. ● All non-essential personnel should be removed from the hazard area. ● All onsite vehicles are required to carry fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishment with a fire extinguisher or other means should be attempted if the person has been trained in the use of fire extinguishers and can do so without placing themselves in danger. ● The O&M Primary Contact will respond to the scene and determine if external resources or an evacuation are necessary. ● At this point, all employees in the affected area will stop work immediately, take steps to safely shut down equipment, exit the evacuation area, and report to the designated meeting area. Page | 7 52 Emergency Response Plan – LVE Community Solar Project ● The O&M Primary Contact will then take steps to ensure that no employee re- enters the evacuated area until the Fire Department arrives and assumes command. ● The O&M Primary Contact will issue an “All Clear” only when the Fire Department informs them that it is safe to do so. 3.2.3. Large Stage Fires In the event of a large stage fire at the project: ● The person discovering the fire should immediately contact 911, then the primary O&M Contact. ● All personnel should be removed from the immediate danger area in anticipation of an evacuation. ● The person discovering the fire is responsible for ensuring that the fire department has been dispatched. They will then determine evacuation needs, recruit/dispatch employees to assist with the evacuation. ● At this point, all employees in the affected area will stop work immediately, take steps to safely shut down equipment, exit the evacuation area, and report to the designated meeting area. ● In this scenario, fire extinguishers are to be used for escape purposes only. ● The site lead will take the necessary steps to ensure that no employee re-enters the evacuated area until the Fire Department arrives and assumes command. ● No employee is required or permitted to place themselves in harm’s way to facilitate extinguishment, evacuation, or rescue. All rescue operations will be performed by trained professionals upon their arrival. ● The O&M Primary Contact will issue an “All Clear” only when the Fire Department informs them that it is safe to do so. 3.3. Vegetation Fire and Procedures The site will be largely free of combustible vegetation with only a ground cover of maintained vegetation adjacent and beneath the solar tracker. Flying embers from off-site fire may inundate the Project area during fire events. Ignition of the ground cover could result in a fast moving, but lower intensity fire that burns in a patchy manner on the site beneath the modules. This type of fire would be relatively short-duration as vegetative fuels are consumed rapidly. There would not be a sustained source of heat and or flame as there would be with surrounding wildfires. In the event of a vegetation fire under or near the modules or inverters: Page | 8 53 Emergency Response Plan – LVE Community Solar Project ● DO NOT attempt to extinguish the flames with water or other chemicals as an electric shock or arc could occur. ● If possible, safely attempt to shut down power at the inverter using the DC disconnect. ● Let the fire burn vegetation and self-extinguish. ● If flames continue away from modules or inverters, attempt to extinguish flames. 3.4. Fire Department Access 3.4.1. Site Access (See Appendix-A) 3.4.2. Internal Site Access Roads The internal site access road will consist of 20 feet wide compacted gravel roads. This access road will be located to provide access to each of the site’s inverters. This is the location where the solar inverters and step-up transformers will be located. Generally, there is an access road that follows the site perimeter of the project site. These internal access roads are provided primarily for use by operations and maintenance personnel vehicles. 3.4.3. Access Aisles From the internal access roads, access to all areas within the solar arrays is provided by access aisles. Access aisles are the clear spaces located between the individual rows of solar panels. These clear spaces range from 14 feet to 23 feet in width. Access aisles consist of unimproved native material and are not suitable for all emergency service vehicles. However, access aisles do provide emergency responders with access routes to all areas of the site via walking from a nearby access road or by using smaller vehicles or UTV’s. 3.5. Controlling Hazards & Prevention Practices For an FPP to be effective, fire hazards need to be identified and controlled. Employees need to be educated on fire hazards associated with a PV power plant and what procedures to follow to prevent and control fire hazards. Employees need to know how to respond to the fires those hazards might cause. 3.6. Welding & Open Flame/Hot Work Cutting, welding, and open flame work are naturally hazardous. Welding processes may use oxy- acetylene Page | 9 54 Emergency Response Plan – LVE Community Solar Project gas, electrical current, electron beams, and heat from fuel gas. It is critical that the highest level of attention be given to these activities to prevent fires at a PV power plant. ● Cutting and welding are to be done only by authorized personnel. ● Torches, regulators, pressure-reducing valves, and manifold are to be UL listed. ● Welders are to wear eye protection and protective clothing as appropriate. ● Oxygen-fuel gas systems are to be equipped with listed and or approved backflow valves and pressure-relief devices. ● Establish a fire watch when required. 3.7. Class A Combustibles These combustibles consist of common materials (wood, paper, cloth, rubber, and plastic) that can function as fuel and are found on most work sites. To manage Class A combustibles safely to prevent fires: ● Dispose of waste daily (i.e., cardboard, wood pallets, packing materials etc.). ● Use trash receptacles with covers. ● Keep work areas clean and free of combustible materials. ● Store materials in the proper storage containers. ● Do a periodic check of the job site to make sure combustibles are being managed correctly. Water, multi-purpose dry chemical (ABC) and halon are approved fire extinguishing agents for Class A Combustibles. 3.8. Class B Combustibles These combustibles include flammable and combustible liquids (oil, grease, tar, oil-based paints, and lacquers) flammable gases, and flammable aerosols. To manage Class B combustibles safely to prevent fires: ● Use only approved pumps (with suction from the top) to dispense liquids from tanks, drums, barrels, or similar containers (or use approved self-closing valves or faucets). ● Do not dispense Class B flammable liquids into a container unless the nozzle and container are electrically interconnected by contact or bonding wire. Either the tank or container must be grounded. ● Store, manage, and use Class B combustibles only in approved locations where vapors are prevented from reaching ignition sources such as heating or electric equipment, open flames, or mechanical or electric sparks. Page | 10 55 Emergency Response Plan – LVE Community Solar Project ● Do not use a flammable liquid as a cleaning agent inside a building (the only exception is in a closed machine approved for cleaning with flammable liquids). ● Do not weld, cut, grind, or use unsafe electrical appliances or equipment near Class B combustibles. ● Do not generate heat, allow an open flame, or smoke near Class B combustibles. ● Know the location of and how to use the nearest portable fire extinguisher rated for Class B Fire. Water should not be used to extinguish Class B fires caused by flammable liquids, as it can cause the burning liquid to spread, making the fire worse. To extinguish a fire caused by flammable liquids, exclude the air around the burning liquid. The following fire extinguishing agents are approved for Class B combustibles: carbon dioxide, multi-purpose dry chemical (ABC), halon 1301 and halon 1211. (Halon is no longer being manufactured due to its designation as an ozone- depleting substance). 3.9. Class C Combustibles Class C fires are fires that involve energized electrical equipment. In the event of a Class C fire, ALWAYS de-energize the circuit supplying the fire, and then use a non-conductive extinguishing agent such as carbon dioxide or Halon 1211. A multi-purpose dry chemical (ABC) extinguisher can also be used on Class C fires. Do not use water, foam or other electrically conducive agents when fighting electrical fires. Once the electricity is shut down to the equipment involved, the fire generally becomes a standard combustible fire. 3.10. Electrical Fire Hazards Electrical equipment is a major cause of workplace fires and may result from loose ground connections, wiring with bad insulation, or overloaded fuses, circuits, motors, or outlets. To prevent electrical fires the following measures will be taken: ● Use only appropriately rated fuses per manufacture’s specifications. ● Check all electrical equipment to ensure it is properly grounded and insulated. ● Ensure adequate spacing while performing maintenance. ● Check wiring to ensure no damage to cables or connections. 3.11. Employee Training & Education Personnel shall be trained in the practices of the fire safety plan relevant to their duties. Construction and Page | 11 56 Emergency Response Plan – LVE Community Solar Project maintenance personnel shall be trained and equipped to extinguish small fires to prevent them from growing into more serious threats. Confirm all employees understand the function and elements of the fire safety plan, including types of potential emergencies, reporting procedures, evacuation plans, and shutdown procedures. Review any special hazards that might occur at the Verdigre Solar site, such as flammable materials, fuel storage, toxic chemicals, and water reactive substances. 3.12. Use of Portable Fire Extinguishers ● A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher should be provided within 200 feet of anywhere in the work area during construction or heavy maintenance. ● Fire extinguishers should be inspected monthly. ● Fire extinguishers should not be obstructed and should be in conspicuous locations. 3.13. Site Maintenance & Housekeeping ● Combustible material should not be stored in mechanical rooms, electrical equipment rooms or the SCADA buildings. ● Outside dumpsters should be kept at least 5 feet away from combustible materials and the lid should be kept closed. ● Storage is not allowed in electrical equipment rooms, or near electrical panels. ● Electrical panel openings must be covered. ● Power strips must be plugged directly into an outlet and NOT daisy-chained and should be for temporary use only. ● Extension cords and flexible cords should not be substituted for permanent. 3.14. Emergency Response Project personnel will meet with local emergency response groups to review the Fire Safety Plan, discuss the type of work taking place, duration of project schedule and emergency procedures. The following course of action should be taken if an emergency develops: ● Evacuation procedures and assembly are contained in the Evacuation plan, which will be posted in all office trailers. Maintain site security and control. Page | 12 57 Emergency Response Plan – LVE Community Solar Project ● Notify proper emergency services for assistance. Dial 911 or direct-dial emergency contact numbers if possible. ● Notify O&M Primary Contact and all affected personnel at the site through use of site radio or other communication devices. Once emergency personnel have been notified, an employee will then be designated to meet the emergency personnel at the entrance gate and then guide them to the incident location. 4. Hazardous Materials 4.1. Hazardous Materials on Site LVE and EPC do not anticipate utilizing many hazardous materials for the operation of this solar facility. 4.2. Container Management ● All hazardous substance containers must be in good condition and compatible with the materials stored within. ● All hazardous substance containers must be accessible and spacing between containers must provide sufficient access to perform periodic inspections and respond to releases. ● Empty hazardous substance containers (drums) must have all markers and labels removed and the container marked with the word ‘empty.’ ● Any spills on the exterior of the container must be cleaned immediately. ● Do not overfill waste drums. 4” of headspace must remain to allow for expansion. 4.3. Good Housekeeping ● All hazardous substances must be stored inside buildings or under cover. ● Store hazardous substances not used daily in cabinets, or in designated areas. ● All chemicals that are transferred from larger to smaller containers must be transferred by use of a funnel or spigot. ● All hazardous substance containers should be closed while not in use. ● Use drip pans or other collection devices to contain drips or leaks from dispensing containers or equipment. ● Implement preventative maintenance activities to reduce the potential for release from equipment. Page | 13 58 Emergency Response Plan – LVE Community Solar Project ●Immediately clean up and effectively manage all small spills or leaks. ●Periodically inspect equipment and hazardous substance storage areas to ensure leaks or spills are not occurring. ●Use signage to identify hazardous substance storage or waste collection areas. ●Keep all work areas and hazardous substance storage areas clean and in good general condition. ●Verify weekly that spill control clean-up materials are located near material storage, unloading, and use areas ●Update spill prevention and control plans and stock appropriate clean-up materials whenever changes occur in the types of chemicals used or stored onsite. 4.3.1. Secondary containment ●Store all bulk chemicals (>55 gallons) within appropriate secondary containment, or any sized chemical if there is a potential for release to the environment. ●Secondary containment should be checked periodically, and any spills identified in secondary containment must be immediately cleaned up and removed. 4.3.2. Marking/labeling ●Ensure all hazardous substances, including chemical wastes, are properly marked, and labeled in accordance with all federal, state, and local regulations. ●Ensure that hazardous substances transferred to small containers are marked with the chemicals name (example- “Isopropyl Alcohol”) and hazard (example- “Flammable”). 4.4. Spill Response Plan 4.4.1. Response to Minor Discharges Minor spills typically involve small quantities of oil, gasoline, paint, etc., which can be controlled by the first responder at the discovery of the spill. Below are the steps that should be taken to control minor spills. ●Use absorbent materials on small spills rather than hosing down or burying the spill. ●Remove the absorbent materials promptly and dispose of properly. ●The practice commonly followed for a minor spill is: Contain the spread of the spill. Page | 14 59 Emergency Response Plan – LVE Community Solar Project Recover spilled materials. Clean the contaminated area and/or properly dispose of contaminated materials. 4.4.2. Semi-Significant Spills Semi-significant spills still can be controlled by the first responder along with the aid of other personnel such as laborers and the foreman, etc. This response may require the cessation of all other activities. Below are the steps that should be taken to control semi-significant spills: ● Clean up spills immediately. ● Notify the O&M Primary Contact immediately. The O&M Primary Contact shall notify the appropriate authorities. ● Contain spread of the spill. ● If the spill occurs on paved or impermeable surfaces, clean up using "dry" methods (absorbent materials, cat litter and/or rags). Contain the spill by encircling with absorbent materials and do not let the spill spread widely. ● If the spill occurs in dirt areas, immediately contain the spill by constructing an earthen dike. Dig up and properly dispose of contaminated soil. ● If the spill occurs during rain, cover the spill with tarps or other material to prevent contaminating runoff. If hazardous material cleanup is needed, North Salt Lake Industrial Services out of North Salt Lake, UT will be notified. The solar panels that will be used at this site do not contain hazardous materials. The panels do not have MSDS sheets. Panels that need to be disposed of will be removed by Creative Energies, Solar Recycling, located in Jackson Hole, WY. 4.5. Notification Procedures The Facility O&M Facility Primary Contact has authority to initiate notification activities Page | 15 60 Waste Management Plan for LVE Community Solar Construction Waste Management Plan: During the construction of the solar project, waste will primarily include packaging materials, construction debris, scrap metal, pallets, cable remnants, and concrete washout. To minimize environmental impact, the following procedures will be implemented: ● Waste Segregation: Waste will be sorted on-site into recyclables (metal, cardboard, plastics), construction debris, and general refuse. ● Recycling & Disposal: Recyclable materials will be transported to appropriate facilities. Non-recyclable construction waste will be hauled by a licensed contractor to a permitted landfill or trash trader station. ● Concrete & Aggregate Waste: Any excess concrete or aggregate will be contained and removed from the site per best management practices, preventing discharge into soil or water. ● Contractor Requirements: All subcontractors will be responsible for managing waste in accordance with the project’s Waste Management Plan. A designated waste management coordinator will oversee compliance. ● Hazardous Waste (if any): Minimal to no hazardous waste is expected. Any materials such as fuel, oil, or solvents will be handled per applicable regulations with spill containment measures in place. Type Frequency Examples Location Garbage Dumpster 1 per week Packaging materials, construction scrap, plastic wrap, styrofoam, concrete pier forms, nails/screws, general site waste, concrete waste, glass Local transfer station 61 Recycling Dumpster 1 every 2 weeks Aluminum and steel scrap, pallets, plastic bottles, cardboard, recyclable packaging, steel shipping bands, wood scrap, manuals, copper wire Local recycling center (Teton County) Operation Waste Management Plan: The operational phase of the solar facility will generate minimal waste, mostly limited to maintenance activities. The following plan addresses waste handling during normal operations: ● Routine Maintenance Waste: Waste from inspections and occasional repairs (e.g., packaging from replacement parts, worn components) will be collected and stored securely until disposal. ● Vegetation Management Debris: Organic material from mowing or vegetation trimming will either be left to mulch in place or removed off-site by maintenance personnel. ● Storm Event or Equipment Damage Waste: In the event of storm-related damage, replacement parts and any damaged equipment will be removed from the site and either recycled or disposed of in accordance with manufacturer and regulatory guidelines. ● Waste Minimization: All repair or replacement work will prioritize reuse and recycling wherever possible. Decommissioning Waste Management Plan: Equipment Dismantling and Removal The major components of the Project are PV modules, the steel tracker system, support piles, electrical cabling, and transformer and inverter skids/pads. All electrical equipment above ground and underground (to a depth of four feet below grade) will be removed from the project property upon decommissioning. PV Module and Tracking System Removal and Recycling All modules will be disconnected, removed from the trackers, packaged, and transported to a designated location for resale, recycling, or disposal. Any disposal or recycling will be done in accordance with applicable laws and requirements. The connecting cables and combiner boxes will 62 be de-energized, disconnected, and removed. The steel racking system supporting the PV modules will be unbolted and disassembled by laborers using standard hand tools, possibly assisted by a small portable crane. All steel support structures will be completely removed by mechanical equipment and transported off-site for salvage or reuse. Any demolition debris that is not salvageable will be transported to an approved disposal area. Other salvageable equipment and/or material will be removed from the site for resale, scrap value, or disposal. The steel piles supporting the modules and racking systems shall be removed and salvaged. Electrical Equipment Removal Decommissioning of electrical devices, equipment, and wiring/cable will be carried out in accordance with local, state, and federal laws. Any electrical decommissioning will include obtaining required permits and following applicable safety procedures before de-energizing, isolating, and disconnecting electrical devices, equipment, and cabling. Decommissioning will require dismantling and removal of electrical equipment, including inverters, transformers, and underground/aboveground cables. Electrical equipment will be removed from the Project property upon decommissioning. The equipment will be disconnected and transported off-site. Concrete inverter foundations and support pads will be broken up by mechanical equipment (backhoe-hydraulic hammer/shovel, jackhammer), loaded onto dump trucks, and removed from the site. Smaller pre-cast concrete support pads will be removed intact by cranes and loaded onto trucks for reuse or will be broken up and hauled away by dump trucks. Prior to the removal of the inverter transformers, any oil will be pumped out into a separate industry-approved disposal container and sealed to prevent any spillage during storage and/or transportation. Equipment and materials are expected to be salvaged for resale or scrap value, depending on the market conditions. Decommissioning Phase Type Frequency Examples Location Garbage Dumpster 1 every 2 weeks Same as construction waste, plus circuit breakers and fuses Local transfer station Recycling Dumpster 3 per week Solar modules, steel racking and foundations, aluminum rails, copper wire, steel wiring enclosures, module clamps, metal conduit Recyclables: local transfer station Solar modules: qualifying facility recycling hub in urban center-- Salt Lake City, Denver, Boise etc. 63 WGFD Letter Response Lower Valley Energy (LVE) is committed to developing the Bedford Solar Project in a responsible and environmentally conscious manner that maintains the rural character of the area. Site and construction plans were evaluated by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) to assess potential wildlife and habitat impacts. Their review confirmed that the project site is generally well-suited for solar development, with no significant concerns related to big game crucial ranges, sage-grouse core areas, or designated migration corridors. The WGFD did not identify any requirements for the project but provided recommendations and best management practices to minimize potential impacts on wildlife and habitat further. LVE is dedicated to incorporating these considerations into the project design when possible. The following sections outline how we plan to address the WGFD’s recommendations. Raptor Nesting Protection ● The Bedford Solar Project site is a previously disturbed area adjacent to a gravel pit, with no trees, making it an unlikely location for raptor nesting. ● The site was evaluated using the University of Wyoming's Natural Diversity Database, which compiles data from nest surveys, observations, range maps, and research publications. The evaluation confirmed that there is no recorded raptor nesting activity within the recommended buffer zones. ● As a result, additional raptor nest surveys are not necessary, and no seasonal or spatial construction restrictions are anticipated. Wildlife-Friendly Fencing ● The fenced area for the Bedford Solar Project is small and located within existing livestock fencing, which minimizes potential impacts on wildlife movement. ● The site is not located in any designated big game winter range or migration corridors, which reduces the likelihood of wildlife entrapment. ● Previous communications from the County Planning Department require privacy screening, rendering some of the WGFD fencing suggestions unfeasible. ● WGFD did not require specific fencing modifications, and no significant concerns are anticipated regarding fencing impacts. Lighting Impact Reduction ● Artificial light will not be used during construction, operations, or decommissioning, which eliminates risks associated with light pollution. 64 Noxious Weeds and Invasive Species Control ● The Bedford Solar Project will incorporate a gravel cover and an annual maintenance routine to proactively manage noxious weeds and invasive species. ● This protocol, which has been successfully implemented at LVE’s other facilities, has proven effective in controlling weeds. Erosion Control and Aquatic Protections ● The project will undergo a DEQ Stormwater Pollution Protection Permitting process to ensure that all necessary erosion control measures are implemented during construction and operation. ● The introduction of aquatic invasive species is not considered a risk in this project. 65 Elizabeth Williams <elizabeth.williams@lincolncountywy.gov> Fwd: Traffic Study Darin Kaufman <darin.kaufman@wyo.gov>Mon, Mar 3, 2025 at 8:57 AM To: Jon Hougland <jhougland@lvenergy.com> Cc: Zach Isler <zisler@energyconservationworks.org>, Amy Butler <amy.butler@lincolncountywy.gov>, Elizabeth Williams <elizabeth.williams@lincolncountywy.gov> Jon, WYDOT has no objections for the proposed solar farm project and offer the attached comments on the traffic study. I also included Lincoln County in this email to keep in the loop. If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know. Thank you. Darin Kaufman, P.E., PTOE WYDOT District 3 Traffic Engineer 3200 Elk Street Rock Springs, WY 82902 Office: 307.352.3034 Cell: 307.389.0235 [Quoted text hidden] Feb 2025_Bedford Solar Farm TIS_WYDOT Comments.pdf 402K 3/21/25, 12:14 PM LINCOLN COUNTY WYOMING Mail - Fwd: Traffic Study https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=8e4afe6fc8&view=pt&search=all&permmsgid=msg-f:1825589127126612618&simpl=msg-f:1825589127126612618 1/1 66 Bedford Solar Farm Traffic Impact Study - WYDOT Comments February 2025 1. Page 1, Second Paragraph – Please quantify and perform operational analyses during opening year of full operations. 2. Page 1, Existing Conditions – The Strawberry Creek Road at US 89 intersection should represent the future existing conditions. 3. Page 2, Third Paragraph – Should provide existing truck count/percentage along Strawberry Creek Road. 4. Page 2, Fourth Paragraph, Last Sentence in parenthesis – Grammar? Please clarify. 5. Page 4, Last Paragraph – a. Study should identify the proposed haul route(s). b. Study should include a geometric review (Auto-turn analysis) of oversized vehicles at major intersections, such as the site access and Strawberry Creek Road at US 89. 6. Page 4, Last Paragraph, Last Sentence – The applicant must provide oversized vehicle details. 7. Page 13 – It appears Figure 5 (Total 2050 Traffic) should be labeled Figure 7. 8. Page 13 – Please provide 2050 Background Traffic figure. 9. Generally, this study is acceptable. However some basic items are missing that are provided in a typical traffic study: a. Must include the proposed site access (access spacing, sight distance…). 10. In addition to the traffic study, consider including the submission of the following: (the items listed below must not be construed as WYDOT requirements; however, these may be potential local conditions to anticipate). The following items are typically included with similar projects and may not be entirely inclusive: a. Inventory/Review of surrounding local roads infrastructure and road sections, b. Traffic Management Plan that addresses construction traffic controls, c. Oversized Vehicle Loads potential impacts and structural capabilities, d. Previously mentioned, evaluate oversized vehicles Roadway/Intersection geometrics, e. Construction work hours/duration, f. Road Use Agreement with the local roadway authority to address post-construction damage repairs, g. Glare Study on surrounding properties and travel corridors. 67 Elizabeth Williams <elizabeth.williams@lincolncountywy.gov> Solar Farm Amy Butler <amy.butler@lincolncountywy.gov>Mon, Jun 9, 2025 at 12:47 PM To: Elizabeth Williams <elizabeth.williams@lincolncountywy.gov> Hi there, I was reviewing the Traffic Study and had a few questions or concerns: The western permanent access appears to provide sufficient sight distance for passenger cars (over 600 feet vs. the 495-foot minimum). However, our analysis indicates a potential safety issue. The available sight distance at this access point (600 feet) may not be adequate for vehicles on Strawberry Creek County Road 126 to safely stop if a passenger vehicle enters the site. This is particularly concerning for trucks, which require a 759-foot stopping sight distance. Therefore, the western access is not a viable option for operating the solar farm. Additionally, I have not yet located a Traffic Management Plan for the construction phase. Considering the expected large truck movements, could you please provide details on proposed traffic control measures and how these maneuvers will affect traffic flow and the condition of Strawberry Creek County Road 126? Regarding our previous discussion about the CUP Solar Farm project, could you also provide the anticipated daily work hours for both the construction and operation phases, as well as the total 18-week construction duration? Finally, has there been any update regarding the Glare Study? Thank you for your time and attention to these matters. Amy Butler, P.E. County Engineer Lincoln County Engineering Office 520 Topaz Street, Suite 110 Kemmerer, WY 83101 amy.butler@lincolncountywy.gov (307)877-2104 68 Engineering Department Lincoln County, Wyoming 520 Topaz Street, Suite 110 Kemmerer, Wyoming 83101 (307) 877-2104 Agency Comment To: Elizabeth Williams From: Amy Butler March 11, 2025 RE: CUP Bedford Solar Farm Regarding the traffic study, it is imperative that it comprehensively addresses the concerns related to Strawberry Creek County Road 126. The following aspects need to be thoroughly reviewed: • A Road Use Agreement with Lincoln County to address any necessary post- construction damage repairs. • Geometry Data, including auto-turn analysis, horizontal and vertical analysis, as well as stopping and site distance. • An evaluation of the roadway and intersection geometrics in relation to oversized vehicles, as mentioned previously. • The potential impacts of oversized vehicle loads and the structural capabilities of the road. • A Traffic Management Plan that specifically addresses construction traffic controls and adheres to MUTCD standards. • The anticipated work hours and duration of the construction project. • A Glare Study that assesses the impact on surrounding properties and travel corridors. 69 January 27, 2025 WER 15340.00 Energy Conservation Works Bedford Solar Project Lincoln County Zach Isler Program Manager Energy Conservation Works P.O. Box 7879 Jackson, WY 83002 zisler@energyconservationworks.org Dear Mr. Isler, The staff of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (Department) has reviewed the proposed Bedford Solar Project in Sections 31 & 32 T34N R118W in Lincoln County. The Department is statutorily charged with managing and protecting all Wyoming wildlife (W.S. 23-1-103). Pursuant to our mission, we offer the following comments for your consideration. The Bedford Solar Project is a 1 megawatt solar facility that will include a 13 acre lease area and 6 fenced acres containing solar panels. The location of the proposed facility is an agricultural site and immediately adjacent to a gravel operation. The facility location is not within any big game crucial ranges, sage-grouse core areas, or designated big game migration corridors. The location is near Strawberry Creek, which is within the Lower Salt River Aquatic Conservation Area and is identified by the Department as an Aquatic Connectivity Habitat Priority Area given its location in the Salt River Sub-basin. The Department has Guidelines for Wind and Solar Energy Development (Guidelines) however the recommendations within those guidelines are specific to utility-scale wind and solar facilities. The Bedford Solar Project is not utility-scale and is sited in a relatively low impact area regarding wildlife and wildlife habitat. Thus, we do not recommend the extensive pre- and post-construction surveys or major siting considerations in our Guidelines but we do offer the following considerations and Best Management Practices (BMP) to avoid and minimize unnecessary project-related impacts. Terrestrial Recommendations: Protect nesting raptors – Federal law prohibits the take of raptors, which includes causing the destruction or abandonment of eggs and young. Raptors can require up to a 1-mile spatial buffer from construction activities during nesting. To avoid losses of birds or occupied nests: 70 • Conduct raptor nest surveys prior to new surface disturbing activities if activity is occurring during the breeding season and in previously undisturbed habitat. • Implement the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) seasonal and spatial buffers for occupied raptor nests. • The Service’s breeding season dates and recommendations are found at: https://www.fws.gov/project/wyoming-ecological-services-field-office-raptor-guidance Minimize Impacts of Fencing to Wildlife – Fences can be significant barriers to wildlife that hinder movements across the landscape and, at solar facilities specifically, fences may also create situations where animals become entrapped. The Department recommends minimizing the installation of fences to those areas required by law or for human safety. We also recommend installing wildlife-friendly fencing in areas where fencing is required and wildlife-friendly specifications are permissible. General characteristics of wildlife-friendly fence include: • Smooth bottom wire set 16-18” above the ground. • Smooth top wire or rail preferable no higher than 40”, with a maximum of 42” above the ground. • At least 12” between the top 2 wires. • Gates, drop-downs, or other passages where wildlife concentrate and cross. For the Bedford Solar Project, the Department recommends gates be placed near each corner of the fenced area surrounding the solar panels. The gates should be easily opened to allow for safe and immediate egress of any big game animals which enters the facility and become entrapped. Department personnel are available to discuss fencing and gates in more detail if desired. Minimize Excessive Artificial Lighting – Artificial lighting can have negative impacts to wildlife, including changing behavior and habitat use, disorienting wildlife, and potential increases in risk of mortality. Facilities should minimize light pollution whenever feasible by using BMPs and the best available technologies: • Use only fully shielded, dark-sky friendly fixtures, so lights shine down towards the ground. • Use warmer-colored lights (<2200 Kelvin) versus cooler-colored light on the white-blue end of the spectrum (≥2200 Kelvin; Longcore et al. 2018). • Use only the amount of light needed. • Install timers, motion sensors, or dimmer switches. Turn off lights when not in use. • Limit the use of artificial lighting during peak migration periods. • Bury power lines to eliminate risk of collision or electrocution for birds. If burying power lines is not feasible, please follow the Avian Power Line Interaction Committee’s guidelines for mitigating electrocution and collision risk for birds, which simultaneously minimizes power outages and fire risk associated with bird use. Guidelines are available at http://www.aplic.org. 71 Prevent Establishment and Spread of Noxious Weeds and Invasive Annual Grasses – Noxious weeds and invasive annual grasses (IAGs) can cause significant harm to the ecosystem when introduced. Ground-disturbing activities can create an environment that facilitates establishment by unwanted plants. They significantly reduce the quality of wildlife habitat and their presence increases the probability of catastrophic wildfire. The potential economic impacts to the State of Wyoming are severe, and once these species become established, eradication is difficult and costly. Prevention of establishment remains the best way to keep Wyoming's habitats free of noxious weeds and IAGs. The most significant known threat to Wyoming is from cheatgrass, medusahead, and ventenata. To prevent the spread of noxious weeds and IAGs, we recommend the following: • Prevent introduction and establishment by cleaning vehicles and equipment prior to movement to a new location in order to minimize the potential for transporting seeds. • Use certified weed-free gravel, rock or soil products for landscaping or post-construction restoration efforts. Contact your local Weed and Pest district for more information and to locate area suppliers of weed-free products. Weed and Pest district contact information can be found at https://wyoweed.org/offices/. • Work with land managers to develop and implement a plan to assess, treat, and monitor for noxious weeds and invasive plants at the project scale and in the adjacent landscape where they are present. • Work with the local Weed and Pest district to implement and fund long-term plans for successful restoration of disturbed sites. Additional information on prevention and treatment options for these grasses can be found at https://www.invasivegrasses.com/. Aquatic Recommendations: Maintain Water Quality and Riparian Area Function – Sediment, untreated water, and various pollutants can negatively impact water quality and habitat for aquatic wildlife. The Department recommends that BMPs be used to control erosion and prevent these materials from reaching water bodies, in order to minimize impacts to aquatic resources. • Site all development at least 500 feet from riparian or wetland habitat. • Ensure that all sediments and other pollutants are contained within the boundaries of the work area. • Store or deposit pollutants (e.g., topsoil, silt, sand, gravel, solid wastes, slash, debris, fuels, lubricants, or chemicals) outside the active flood plain, areas immediately adjacent to riparian areas, or natural drainages (e.g., draws, land surface depressions or other areas where overland flow could concentrate materials and carry pollutants directly into surface waters). • Clean, fuel, and maintain vehicles and equipment at designated off-site staging areas located at least 500 feet from riparian or wetland habitat. 72 • Preserve existing vegetation wherever possible. • Promptly revegetate disturbed areas that could contribute sediment to surface waters, and/or stabilizing all exposed surfaces with mulch or soil binders. • Utilize rolled erosion control products, temporary slope drains, fiber rolls, compost socks, and/or silt fences where appropriate. Prevent the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species – Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are organisms that are not native to Wyoming and can cause significant harm to an ecosystem when introduced. Harmful impacts can occur to municipal water supplies, fishing and boating-related recreation, agriculture, aquaculture, and other commercial activities. The potential economic impacts to the State of Wyoming could be severe if these non-native species are introduced into our water systems. Once these organisms become established in a waterbody, there is very little that can be done to remove them. Prevention is the best way to keep a water body safe from AIS. The most significant known threat to Wyoming is from zebra and quagga mussels based on their proximity and demonstrated impacts in neighboring states. Other AIS include New Zealand mudsnail, Asian carp, rusty crayfish, and several species of aquatic plants. The spread of AIS from one body of water to another is a violation of Wyoming state statute (WS § 23-1-102 & §§ 23-4-201 through 205) and Wyoming Game and Fish Commission Regulation. To prevent the spread of AIS, the following is required: • Equipment that was in contact with a water positive for zebra/quagga mussels (currently none in Wyoming) within the last 30 days is required to undergo inspection by an authorized inspector prior to contacting a Wyoming water. • From March through November, all water hauling equipment and watercraft entering the state by land must be inspected before contacting a water of the state. • Equipment used in any Wyoming water that contains AIS, must be Cleaned, Drained and Dried before use in another water. Wyoming waters with AIS can be found at: https://wgfd.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=935acbec194f4d42823af3db59272409. When equipment that has been in contact with any Wyoming water is moved from one 4th level watershed (8-digit Hydrological Unit Code) to another within Wyoming, it must be Cleaned, Drained and Dried. Specific guidance is available at: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/watercraft-inspection-information. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Ross Crandall, Habitat Protection Biologist, at (307) 367-5615. 73 Sincerely, Will Schultz Habitat Protection Supervisor WS/rc/kgb cc: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Chris Wichmann, Wyoming Department of Agriculture Anita Rehner, Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality Katy Sprouse, Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality 74 Elizabeth Williams <elizabeth.williams@lincolncountywy.gov> Lower Valley Energy Community Solar Project Kip Hanich <kiphanich@gmail.com> To: planning@lincolncountywy.gov Kip Hanich <kiphanich@gmail.com>9:46 AM (42 to melvin.shumway Dear Commissioners: I support the Lower Valley Energy Community Solar Project near Bedford. Please approve this innovative project that will diversify our sources of energy. Th Kip Hanich Thayne, WY 75 Dear Lincoln County Planning Commission, I am writing in strong support of the Lower Valley Energy’s Community Solar project. This project represents a forward-looking investment that honors Wyoming’s values of private property rights, land stewardship, and energy independence. I’d like to outline a few key reasons for my support: Energy Affordability & Stability The Community Solar project will help stabilize energy bills for all Lower Valley Energy members over the long term. The Specific Purpose Excise Tax (SPET) revenue, federal incentives, and subscriptions ensure there are no additional costs to non-subscribers - making it a win for everyone. Respect for Land & Wildlife I appreciate the project’s respect for land and wildlife. The solar array was sited to avoid critical habitat, migration routes, and raptor nesting areas. Privacy fencing and screening will further reduce visual impacts while preserving the valley’s scenic character and natural environment. Support for Ranching Families I strongly support the opportunity this project provides for ranching families to sustain their livelihoods. By diversifying income through renewable energy, families like this can better withstand rising property taxes, labor, and operating costs without needing to sell or subdivide. Stable lease income helps ensure the next generation can continue Wyoming’s ranching legacy and keep our rural communities thriving. Community-Wide Benefits Beyond financial and environmental benefits, this solar project will strengthen the grid and provide reliable, affordable energy for the entire cooperative. It reflects a balanced, community- oriented approach that protects wildlife, supports local landowners, and secures long-term energy stability. For these reasons, I respectfully urge you to approve the Lower Valley Energy’s Community Solar project. Thank you for considering this important opportunity to benefit our community and future generations. Sincerely, Colby Cox CEO/Founder Pure Madness From: RM McKim <rm2prestonlands@yahoo.com> Date: Tue, Oct 7, 2025 at 3:30 PM Subject: Proposed Solar Energy Facility - Bedford WY Dear County Commissioners, We are writing to you in opposition to the proposed Solar Energy Facility for Bedford, WY. Even though this is a viable project, the location is detrimental to our community, and to us personally. Our concerns include:  The west end of Bedford already has a gravel pit, a junk yard , a welding shop, and an animal shelter.  This area has become an "eyesore" to our community. The County has failed the community by not initiating the necessary regulations when needed for these businesses. Why would this be any different for this proposed new solar venture?  Home values and property values will be impacted. We already have property taxes that are astronomical. This project will impact land and home values detrimentally.  The solar project may be feasible, but it needs to be off of the main highway, in a well secluded area, and not visible to the public. If initiated, a field of solar panels will be the first impression one sees upon entering Bedford.  The County should at all times be in partnership with our community for the best possible options to preserve the beauty and uniqueness we currently enjoy. My wife's great grandfather, William B. Preston, founded and laid out the community of Bedford. This has produced five generations of contributing citizens in Bedford. We want to preserve this for posterity.  We therefore oppose this project in it's current format. Thank You, Ronald L. & Marsha Preston McKim Bedford, WY Ken Kuluski <ken.kuluski@lincolncountywy.gov> Fwd: Solar farm Mel Shumway <mel.shumway@lincolncountywy.gov>Thu, Oct 23, 2025 at 11:47 AM To: Commissioners <commission@lincolncountywy.gov>, Ken Kuluski <ken.kuluski@lincolncountywy.gov> Mel Shumway Lincoln County Commissioner Begin forwarded message: From: Jim Hinesley <jhinesle@gmail.com> Date: October 23, 2025 at 7:05:08 AM MDT To: mel.shumway@lincolncountywy.gov Subject: Solar farm I’m in objection to the location of the current plans for the solar farm in Bedford. That area is a corridor for wildlife during the winter months. Solar farms do not belong on agricultural land which is used a lot by wildlife Thank you Herschel Hinesley Ken Kuluski <ken.kuluski@lincolncountywy.gov> Fwd: Proposed Solar Facility in Bedford Mel Shumway <mel.shumway@lincolncountywy.gov>Thu, Oct 23, 2025 at 11:43 AM To: Commissioners <commission@lincolncountywy.gov>, Ken Kuluski <ken.kuluski@lincolncountywy.gov> Mel Shumway Lincoln County Commissioner Begin forwarded message: From: rbclark@silverstar.com Date: October 23, 2025 at 10:53:44 AM MDT To: mel.shumway@lincolncountywy.gov Subject: Proposed Solar Facility in Bedford Dear County Commissioner Shumway, We are contacting you concerning the proposed planned solar facility in Bedford, Wyoming. We want you to know that we are VEHEMENTLY opposed to this project being built in our community. We already have the county sanitation, gravel pit, animal shelter, and a welding shop that should never have been allowed in our community in the first place. We are not against building a solar facility, but there must be somewhere else in Lincoln County where this can be built without affecting the residents and their property. There are other places in the county, for example out near Kemmerer, where there are no residential properties that would be affected and where facilities of this type would receive more sunlight to ensure its success. Bedford is one of the most beautiful communities in Star Valley, and we feel this will be an eyesore and also lower property values here. Please consider our request. We appreciate your attention in this regard. Sincerely, Robert Brandt Clark Gloria Best Clark Ken Kuluski <ken.kuluski@lincolncountywy.gov> Fwd: Solar panels Stephen Allen <stephen.allen@lincolncountywy.gov>Mon, Oct 27, 2025 at 10:35 AM To: Ken Kuluski <ken.kuluski@lincolncountywy.gov> ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Mel Shumway <mel.shumway@lincolncountywy.gov> Date: Mon, Oct 27, 2025 at 10:30 AM Subject: Re: Solar panels To: Leslie Heiner <leslieheiner@yahoo.com> Cc: Commissioners <commission@lincolncountywy.gov> Thanks for your input, Mel Shumway Lincoln County Commissioner > On Oct 27, 2025, at 7:27 AM, Leslie Heiner <leslieheiner@yahoo.com> wrote: > > I do not feel solar power panels are beneficial in the Bedford area. If you insist on doing it I would ask they be placed on the ground by the landfill. There is more light and the beauty of the location is already compromised. > Your proposed location is next to the Bedford water and sewer well. > Contamination from the chemicals sprayed to control weeds under the solar panels will leach into the well. > Thank you, Evan and Leslie Heiner Sent from my iPhone ROAD USE AGREEMENT The Road Use Agreement (Agreement) is made and entered this ______ day of ___________ 2025 (Effective Date), by and between Lincoln County, Wyoming, whose address is 925 Sage Ave, Kemmerer, Wyoming, (Grantor) and Lower Valley Energy, whose address is P.O. Box 188, Afton, WY 83110 (Grantee). WHEREAS, Grantee wishes to use Strawberry Creek County Road 126, an existing Lincoln County road, which is owned, in part, by Grantor (“Dedicated Road”). WHEREAS, Grantee’s agents, employees, contractors, subcontractors, and the representatives, affiliates, and related service companies of each of the foregoing may utilize the Dedicated Road for access to Lower Valley Energy 1 MW Solar Array and also as a haul route to deliver materials and components necessary to erect, construct, and operate the Project; WHEREAS, Grantor desires to grant to Grantee a non-exclusive right to utilize the Dedicated Road for the purposes described herein in exchange for Grantee’s reasonable maintenance of and mitigation of impacts to the Dedicated Road caused by Grantee’s use of Dedicated Road; WHEREAS, as referenced in this Agreement, “Vehicles” shall mean any vehicle, tractor, or combination of vehicles operated by Grantee’s agents, employees, contractors, subcontractors, and the representatives, affiliates, and related service companies of each of the foregoing in the course of Grantee’s Project, whether carrying a load or not, having (i) a gross weight greater than thirty thousand (30,000) pounds or (ii) greater weight than ten thousand (10,000) pounds carried on any one axle. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of ten dollars ($10.00) and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Grantor and Grantee agree as follows: 1. ROAD USE Grantee agrees to use its Vehicles only on those sections of the Dedicated Road which are described in Exhibit A, highlighted in green. 2. DAMAGES Grantee shall report any damage of which it may be aware to the County Commissioner within a reasonable time after discovery of same, and Grantee shall repair any such damage as soon as reasonably practical. Should Grantee fail to repair such damage as required herein, Grantor shall provide written notice to Grantee of its failure to repair said damage. If Grantee fails to repair the damages within thirty (30) days after receipt of Grantor’s written notice, Grantee shall reimburse Grantor for the actual cost of repairing said damages. 30 3. INDEMNITY GRANTEE SHALL RELEASE, INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS GRANTOR AND ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNEES FROM ANY CAUSE OF ACTION OR CLAIMS OR DEMANDS ARISING OUT OF GRANTEE’S PERFORMANCE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT SUCH CLAIMS OR DAMAGES ARISE FROM THE ACTIONS OR INACTIONS OF THE GRANTOR AND ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS, SUBCONTRACTORS, SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNEES. 4. NOTICES Any notices or any other communication required or permitted under this Agreement must be in writing and will be made by electronic mail, nationally recognized overnight delivery service by a carrier such as Federal Express or UPS that requires receipt of delivery, or registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested. Said notice or communication will be deemed received on the earlier of: (i) the date of actual receipt (or rejection of delivery) of the notice or communication by the intended recipient, or (ii) the third day after the date mailed. Notices or communications received or delivered after 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time on a given day will be deemed received on the immediately following day. In order for any notice or communication sent by electronic mail to be effective, said notice or communication must also be provided currently by one of the other methods described in this Section 31 (Notices). Notices or communication must be addressed as provided below, but each party may change its address by written notice in accordance with this section. To Grantor: Board of County Commissioners Lincoln County, Wyoming 925 Sage Ave., Suite 302 Kemmerer, WY 83101 Phone: (307) 877-2004 Email: commission@lincolncountywy.gov To Grantee: Lower Valley Energy Attention: Jon Hougland P.O. Box 188 Afton, WY 83110 Phone: (307) 885-6140 Email: jhougland@lvenergy.com 31 5. COUNTERPARTS This Agreement may be executed in identical counterparts, including by electronic means, each of which together shall constitute one and the same document and shall be deemed a fully executed and binding original. 6. TERM This Agreement shall commence upon the Effective Date and shall remain in full force and effect so long as movement of Vehicles is necessary, in Grantee’s sole opinion, to support the Project. Grantee shall have the right at any time during the Term to terminate this Agreement for any reason effective upon thirty (30) days written notice to Grantor. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is executed as of the date of the respective acknowledgements below, but shall be effective for all purposes as of the Effective Date. GRANTOR: BOARD OF LINCOLN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ____________________________ Date:______________________ Kent Connelly, Chairman Attest: ________________________________ April Brunski Lincoln County Clerk 32 GRANTEE: LOWER VALLEY ENERGY _________________________________ Date:______________________ James R. Webb, Chief Executive Officer STATE OF WYOMING ) ) ss COUNTY OF LINCOLN ) The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me by ____________________________, on this _______day of ________________, 2025. Witness my hand and official seal. (SEAL) _____________________________________ Notary Public My Commission expires: ________________ 33 Ulmer Spur White Tail Lane Newell Gardner C o. R d . 1 9 2 Alison CircleSLF County Road Co. Rd. 126AMerica LaneRiverview Ranchettes Co. Rd. 173s Trail Home Astle Co. Rd. 187 Strawberry Hills DrivePine Knoll RoadRiverview Ranchettes Co. Rd. 173sAmi ty Lane U S H i g h w a y 8 9Riverview Ranchettes Co. Rd. 173sAspen Hollow RoadStrawberry C r e e k C o . R d . 1 2 6 02 01 30 29 31 32 0506 36 35 26 25 33N 119W 34N 119W 34N 118W 33N 118W £¤89 WhiteTailLane Alison Circle Merica Lane Trail Home Strawberry Hills Drive Pine KnollRoad Amity Lane Aspen Hollow Road 192 126A 187 173s 173s 126 126 126 126 126 126 Maxar Exhibit A Strawberry Creek Co. Rd. 126 Road Use Agreement for Lower Valley Energy 0 1,000 2,000500 Feet «Map made by Kimberly Guinta on 9/5/25 using the mostaccurate data available for informational purposes only» US Highways County Roads Other Named Roads Parcels (Approximate)34