Project Navigator Ltd. (PNL) of Malvern, Pennsylvania and Brea, California
(http://www.pvnavigator.com/projects.htm) has announced that it intends to
execute a Letter of intent with the Township of Ocean (Waretown) to develop a 5.86
Megawatt (586 million watts) photovoltaic project on the Southern Ocean Landfill in
accordance with the Redevelopment Plan that has been adopted by the Township
Committee for that site.
PNL and its team will be responsible for the design, financing, permitting,
construction, and long-term operation of the solar energy facility. PNL as the Project
Integrator will have overall responsibility for the project, Chevron Energy Solutions
will be the Project design and construction oversight firm, Brinkerhoff Environmental, of Manasquan, New Jersey will provide the local environmental
services needed for the project. PNL anticipates that it will use an innovative racking
system manufactured by SunPods Inc., which is specifically designed for closed
landfill applications where protection of the landfill's cap is a high priority.
PNL and the Township of Ocean intend to enter into an Option Agreement that
provides PNL with the time needed to pursue the necessary regulatory permits and
power purchase agreements. Once the necessary permits are in place, a Redeveloper
Agreement of the form contained in the Township's Request for Proposals (RFP) will
be executed and will cover the construction and operation of the facility for the initial
15-year term.
During the operation of the solar energy facility, PNL has agreed to make lease
payments to the Township of Ocean in the amount of $250,000 annually with an
escalation rate of 3% per year plus 2.6% of the annual gross revenue generated by the
project. It is projected that the payments to the Township for the 5.86 MW base
project will be on the order of $6 million for the 15-year lease period or an average of
about $400,000 per year.
PNL will also reimburse the Township for all expenses incurred to date in
bringing the project to fruition as well as certain additional expenses incurred during
the option period for project related activities. It is anticipated that the Township's
out of pocket expenses will be covered by this arrangement.
The ultimate size of the solar energy facility may increase depending upon
various factors including environmental studies of the Project Site and adjacent lands
owned by the Township, as well as the ability to sell the additional power.
Mayor Joseph Lachawiec of the Township of Ocean specifically acknowledged
the work of the Township solar project team in moving this project along in an
expedited manner. Since the Project Team was formed in October of 2010, the
Township has entered into a Lease Agreement with the Owner; has secured minor
subdivision approval to enable the Owner to convey the forested portion of the Site to
the State in accordance with a 2007 Consent Decree; has adopted a Redevelopment
Plan and Ordinance for the Project Site; has supported the efforts of the Pinelands
Commission to modify the Comprehensive Management Plan to permit solar
facilities on closed landfills; has coordinated its activities with the County of Ocean,
the caretaker of the SOLF closed landfill; has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP)
for the Project, and has selected a qualified firm (PNL) to pursue the development of
this important project in accordance with that RFP.
Mayor Lachawiec also praised the work of his fellow Township Committee
Members, Tina Wetter and Dennis Tredy in keeping close tabs on the project and
achieving these important milestones. "Tina and Dennis have been fully supportive
during the project development phase, have kept us focused on the project objectives,
and deserve a share of the credit for this achievement. While much work remains to
be done, it is believed that the work of this Township Committee on this project will
help ensure a bright future for Waretown."
He said the project is a "win-win" for the Developer, for the Township, and all
other stakeholders. The project attributes include returning a closed landfill site to
productive use; helping to achieve the State's renewable energy goals; and providing
a new source of municipal revenue in order to stabilize local purpose taxes.
PNL and its affiliates have extensive experience in the development of solar
energy on closed landfills. The company is pursuing a solar energy development
strategy in the northeastern United States and California.
