Providing Wind Farm Siting at a Former Mining Site

Tetra Tech is providing engineering services for the development of a 65- to 70-MW wind farm located in an area of previous mining activities in western Pennsylvania.

Work included a desktop geotechnical evaluation of the project area and a conceptual design for turbines, access roads, an operation and maintenance building, laydown areas, and construction entrances.

Since the extent of mining operations on the project site was unknown, Tetra Tech engineers gathered information and not only understood the previous strip mining activities, but also identified several underground deep mines that had not been identified by the developer. Determining the extent and reclamation of these former mine areas was critical for project facility siting.

Tetra Tech also conducted a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) of the proposed project site in accordance with American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards.

Highlights:

• Performed a desktop geotechnical evaluation of a complex former mining site
• Identified previously unknown underground deep mines beneath the project site
• Conducted wildlife, avian, and bat assessments to determine potential project impacts to these species, including state-listed species
• Performed a Noise Impact Assessment to verify that the project would operate within limits required by local ordinance
• The wind farm will generate energy to power about 20,000 homes