Solar Permitting Training for Planners, Solar Project Developers and Installers

The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, in partnership with the Vermont Public Service Department and the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets will offer a day-long training and informational session on Ground-Mounted Solar Electric Generation Permitting and Siting.

The technical training is intended for solar project installers and developers, including environmental consultants and attorneys who work with solar project developers. Regional and municipal planners, community energy committees and other groups or individuals interested in learning more about solar siting best practices are welcome to attend.

The training will be offered on July 22, 2013 at the Green Mountain Club Headquarters in Waterbury Center, VT and will be free of charge. The day-long session will cover a broad range of topics, with a particular focus on the State’s wetlands and storm water rules and regulations as they relate to solar project siting – including information and resources related to wetland identification, delineation and avoidance.

In addition to the wetlands and stormwater technical training, the day’s agenda will include guidance for the consideration of:

• floodplains and river corridors,
• river and stream buffers,
• wildlife habitat,
• rare, threatened and endangered species,
• perimeter fencing and safety,
• secondary containment,
• aesthetics,
• decommissioning,
• primary agricultural soils, and
• the conservation or current use status of a parcel

The training will provide an overview of the Section 248 Public Service Board permitting process, as well as the other collateral permits projects may require from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The session will conclude with a discussion of technical assistance, grants and other incentives available to solar projects.

To register or for a complete agenda contact Billy Coster at billy.coster@state.vt.us or 802-595-0900.

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