20170681 Ver 1_WRC Comments_20170712

t North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Gordon Myers, Executive Director
MEMORANDUM
TO: Lyn Hardison, Environmental Assistance and SEPA Coordinator
NCDEQ Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Services
FROM: Gabriela Garrison
Eastern Piedmont Coordinator`�'"`c'"w`'�
Habitat Conservation
DATE: July 12, 2017
SUBJECT: Comments on Birdie Solar Farm in Columbus County; Project Number 2017 0681.
Biologists with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) have reviewed the
proposed project description. Comments are provided in accordance with certain provisions of the North
Carolina Environmental Policy Act (G.S. 113A-1 through 113A-10; 1 NCAC 25) and the Fish and
Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661 et seq.).
Birdie Solar, LLC proposes to construct a solar facility (previously Brandybuck Solar Farm) in Columbus
County. The site would be located at 7288 Red Hill Road, north of Whiteville. A map of the proposed
location (provided with the application materials) suggests the project is sited on primarily cleared land.
If the project footprint is limited to the area as indicated, there should be limited impacts to streams and
wetlands. Solar projects should be sited to avoid impacts to wetlands, streams, riparian buffers and
priority wildlife habitat.
The NCWRC offers the following recommendations to minimize impacts to aquatic and terrestrial
wildlife resources:
1. Maintain or establish a minimum 100 -foot undisturbed, native forested buffer along each side of
perennial streams and 50 -foot undisturbed, native forested buffer along each side of intermittent
streams and wetlands. Forested riparian buffers provide habitat areas and travel corridors for
wildlife species. In addition, forested riparian buffers protect water quality by stabilizing stream
banks and filtering stormwater runoff.
2. The solar facility will connect to existing utility lines; impacts to wildlife habitat will be
minimized by connecting along pathways that do not contain quality wildlife habitat, such as
cleared or agricultural land. If additional overhead transmission lines will be installed, measures
to minimize impacts to birds should be implemented. These can include increasing line visibility,
insulating wires to cover exposed connections and increasing the distance between wires so no
Mailing Address: Habitat Conservation • 1721 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]

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July 12, 2017
Birdie Solar Farm
Project No. 20170681
contact with ground or other energized wire can be made. For more information, see
h!Ltp://www.fws.gov/birds/documents/Towerlines.pdf
Consider planting native, wildflower seed mixes that will create pollinator habitat within the
project boundary. Shade -tolerant plants that are within 12 to 18 inches can be selected for
plantings both underneath and around the solar panels. Pollinator habitat can also be created in
buffer areas outside of the panel region. In addition, consider adding other habitat -enhancing
features, such as permeable fencing, bat boxes and brush piles that will minimize impacts from
habitat loss. Further information and free technical guidance from the NCVWRC is available upon
request.
4. If pesticides or chemicals will be used for site maintenance, stormwater runoff from the site
should be funneled to bio -retention areas prior to discharge to streams or wetlands. Pesticides,
fertilizers and other chemicals should not be used in wetland areas or near streams.
5. Sediment and erosion control measures should be installed prior to any land clearing or
construction. The use of biodegradable and wildlife -friendly sediment and erosion control
devices is strongly recommended. Silt fencing, fiber rolls and/or other products should have
loose -weave netting that is made of natural fiber materials with movable joints between the
vertical and horizontal twines. Silt fencing or similar materials that have been reinforced with
plastic or metal mesh should be avoided as they impede the movement of terrestrial wildlife
species. Excessive silt and sediment loads can have detrimental effects on aquatic resources
including destruction of spawning habitat, suffocation of eggs and clogging of gills.
6. Develop a plan that identifies the party responsible for decommissioning the facility as well as the
conditions under which decommissioning will occur. In addition, the plan should emphasize that
all equipment must be removed from the site, and the land should be restored to pre -construction
conditions.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this project. If I can be of further assistance,
please contact me at [phone] orabr�[e-mail].