27 Feb OWASA Update on Solar Panels and Forest Management
UPDATE: The second drop-in session, scheduled for Berry Andrews Road on March 16, has been canceled as a precautionary measure to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
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OWASA has been working on several initiatives in the area around the Cane Creek Reservoir, and we want to provide you with an update.
Solar Photovoltaic: In support of our commitment to energy management and greenhouse gas emission reductions, OWASA has partnered with Eagle Solar and Light to install two small, ground-mount solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to supply our facilities with renewable energy. One system is proposed to be located at the Highway 54 public entryway to the Cane Creek Reservoir Recreation area; the energy generated at this site will offset energy used by the pump station at the Cane Creek Reservoir. The other system is proposed to be located on a small portion of a field on OWASA land between Orange Grove Road and Highway 54; the energy generated at this site will offset energy used by nearby biosolids mixing tanks. Both systems will be installed on cleared land but will require that we cut some pine trees (approximately 30-40).
We are early in the design phases and would like to invite your questions and feedback before we finalize our plans. We will be holding on-site, drop-in sessions at each site. Please join us for a cup of coffee and the opportunity to discuss each of these projects. We will be on site at the entrance of Cane Creek Reservoir off Highway 54 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11. We will also be on site near the biosolids mixing tank on Berry Andrews Road from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, March 16.
SEE MAPS BELOW
Forest Stewardship: Our work is continuing on developing a forest management stewardship program for the forested acreage owned by OWASA – both in the Cane Creek watershed and in the surrounding community. The program is founded on priorities for forest management that were informed by our engagement with the community. We will keep the community informed about our work, including future meetings with our neighbors.
We value your engagement and will continue to keep you informed of our resource management plans.
Starred: Location of 300 kW (AC) Solar PV Installation and Pop-Up Meeting on March 11, 2020.
Directions: We will meet at the entrance to the Cane Creek Reservoir at 6205 Highway 54 West.
Starred: Location of 100 kW (AC) Solar PV Installation and Pop-Up Meeting on March 16, 2020.
Directions: turn onto Orange Grove Road from Highway 54 West and travel for roughly 1.2 miles, then turn left on Berry Andrews Road. The meeting will take place in an open field at the end of Berry Andrews Road.