In a remarkable turn of events, the site of the worst environmental disaster involving chemical wastes in U.S. history - Love Canal - may soon be transformed into a large-scale, eco-friendly, solar renewable energy project. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has initiated the process to determine the feasibility of reclaiming and developing the land that was once the infamous Love Canal landfill, owned by the Hooker Chemical Company, into the Vincent Welch Build-Ready Solar project.
Situated on approximately 16 acres of land owned by the city of Niagara Falls, the proposed solar farm area is located south of Colvin Boulevard, north of the LaSalle Expressway, and between 93rd and 95th streets. Previously, this land served as the site for the Griffin Housing Development and the notorious Love Canal.
Gillian D. Black, the director of NYSERDA's Build-Ready program, explained that the project is currently in its early exploratory phase. The Build-Ready program aims to advance large-scale renewable energy projects on challenging sites that the private sector has not yet developed. These sites include brownfields, landfills, existing or abandoned commercial and industrial areas, dormant electric generating sites, former mines, closed prisons, and parking lots.
Once a site is identified for redevelopment, the Build-Ready program takes charge of project design, engineering, permitting, electrical grid interconnection review, and the development of a host community benefit package. Acting as a private developer, NYSERDA negotiates PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) agreements and community benefit agreements to bring these difficult sites back into productive use for renewable energy generation, without competing with the private sector.
After the Build-Ready sites have been de-risked, the program's goal is to involve independent power producers (IPPs), private sector energy companies, in the final development of the projects. NYSERDA plans to auction off the sites through an open and competitive request for proposal (RFP) process for construction and operation.
The Love Canal site was initially proposed to NYSERDA by the Mayor Robert Restaino's administration, and ongoing discussions have taken place between NYSERDA and the mayor's staff regarding the project.
The initial plan for the Love Canal site involves implementing a ballasted solar electric system. This system utilizes concrete weights to anchor the framing that holds the solar panels, eliminating the need for posts or post holes that would penetrate the ground. Such a system is well-suited for contaminated properties like Love Canal where the caps should not be compromised.
To ensure successful integration with the local power grid, the Build-Ready program has engaged in discussions with representatives from National Grid. While this process may take some time, there is optimism regarding the interconnectivity of the proposed solar farm.
If NYSERDA determines the project's viability, negotiations will commence to lease the land from the city, and the regulatory approval process will begin. Additionally, NYSERDA aims to create a host community benefits package which may include discounted electricity for local residents, fostering a win-win situation for all stakeholders involved.
The potential transformation of the Love Canal site into a thriving renewable energy project showcases New York State's commitment to sustainable development and environmental remediation. By repurposing challenging sites for renewable energy generation, NYSERDA and the Build-Ready program are paving the way for a greener future while revitalizing communities and promoting economic growth.