Wetland scientists surveyed both sites and delineated wetland and water features, which have been confirmed by both NYSDEC and USACE. The RIC Limberlost I Solar Project parcel contains one wetland and two ditches along Limberlost Road. The area of the proposed solar facility avoids the wetland and the ditches. No streams or open waters were delineated on site.

The RIC Limberlost II Solar Project parcel contains three wetlands and one ditch. No open waters were delineated during the field survey. The area of the proposed solar facility avoids the wetland and the ditches.

The RIC Limberlost Solar Projects areas are agricultural fields that do not support many wildlife species or provide high-value wildlife habitat. Based on consultation with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation they did not identify any occurrences of rare, threatened, or endangered species or critical habitat.

Consultation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service identified the potential for Northern Long-eared Bat (endangered species). We then consulted their Determination key, which provided a conclusion, that there would be No Effect to species expected from this project. The proposed solar facility avoids forested areas and will not impact local wildlife or wildlife habitat. After construction, pollinator friendly vegetation will be planted within the area that will attract pollinating insects, such as bees, which have been declining in population.

The RIC Limberlost Solar Projects areas are composed of existing agricultural fields. The Projects will be sited on the existing farm field and no tree clearing will be required. Within the solar array, a low-growing seed mix will be used. This mix may be comprised of warm- and cool-season grasses that do not typically exceed a height of two feet, thus eliminating any concerns for shading.

The RIC Limberlost Solar Projects will use agricultural land only during the useful life of the Projects (approximately 25 - 30 years) after which it will be returned to a condition that can be farmed. Soils are depleted of nutrients when land is continuously farmed, and fertilizers must be applied on an annual basis to continually grow crops. A common practice in agriculture is to allow fields to rest in fallow periods that can range from one to five years. This allows the land to recover and store organic matter while retaining moisture and disrupting the lifecycles of pathogens by temporarily removing their hosts. The lifespan of a solar farm is essentially a long fallow period and gives soils time to rest and replenish important nutrients.

The RIC Limberlost Solar Projects will not increase stormwater runoff, as existing drainage patterns will be maintained to the maximum extent practicable and minimal grading and impervious surfaces are proposed. Therefore, no significant changes to the rate or volume of stormwater runoff are anticipated as a result of project operations. However, if necessary, precautionary, and appropriate post-construction Best Management Practices (BMPs) will be installed and maintained according to the Project-specific NYSDEC approved stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) for the Project. BMPs include erosion and sediment control methods such as vegetative and structural measures, construction phasing and disturbance limits, waste management and spill prevention, and site inspection and maintenance.

The RIC Limberlost I Solar Project is not located within and will not impact any floodplains. The access road crosses a floodplain so a floodplain development permit will be requested.

The RIC Limberlost II Solar Project parcel is adjacent to a tributary of the Oriskany Creek and a portion of the parcel is within a FEMA designated floodplain. The proposed facility has been designed to completely avoid all floodplains.