Our Projects
Solar Power
Community- and utility-scale solar installations are becoming more prevalent across the rural landscape. Public perception and acceptance are critical to the approval and successful development of these projects. Without a thorough and accurate assessment of potential visual impacts, projects risk facing delays, opposition, and even outright rejection.
At Saratoga Associates, we understand the critical role that visual impact assessments play in the success of clean energy projects. Our Scenic Resource Management (SRM) and Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) studios specialize in delivering detailed, accurate, and timely assessments that help developers navigate regulatory hurdles and public scrutiny.
Saratoga Associates has extensive experience assisting project sponsors and environmental service professionals in addressing visual impact assessment requirements of New York State’s Article VIII (formerly section 94-c ) of the Public Service Law (PSL).
Project Highlight
Fort Edward Solar Energy Project
Boralex’s Fort Edward Solar project is a 100 MW photovoltaic solar energy generation facility. The project will have an estimated footprint of 530 acres, including solar arrays and other project features such as access roads, substation, and an electrical interconnection to the National Grid 115kV circuit.
Saratoga Associates prepared a visual impact assessment (VIA) report to address requirements of Section 94-c of the New York State Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act. The VIA determined the extent and assessed the significance of the Facility’s visibility. The VIA determined the extent and assessed the significance of the Facility’s visibility. The VIA included identification of VSRs, viewshed mapping, confirmatory visual assessment field work, visual simulations (photographic overlays), cumulative visual impact analysis, and proposed visual impacts minimization and mitigation plan.
LOCATION:
Fort Edward, Washington County, NY
CLIENT:
Boralex
YEAR COMPLETED:
2024
SERVICES:
- Field Photography
- Photo Simulations
- 94c compliant Visual Impact Assessment
- Cumulative Impact Analysis
- Visual Impact Minimization and Mitigation Plan
Project Highlight
Tracy Solar Energy Project 94-C
Saratoga Associates has successfully completed a comprehensive Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) for the Tracy Solar Project, an innovative 119-megawatt (MW) photovoltaic (PV) solar energy generation facility. The proposed facility is strategically located in the towns of Orleans and Clayton, Jefferson County, New York, aiming to generate clean, renewable electricity to power more than 27,000 households.
Saratoga Associates meticulously prepared a range of visual impact assessment components to ensure a thorough understanding of the project’s potential visual effects. These components include sensitive visual resources narratives, an area of potential visibility map, on-site field assessments, landscape similarity zones, photographic simulations, and a comprehensive final report.
The Tracy Solar Project is designed to be a forward-looking, environmentally conscious energy facility. With a proposed capacity of 119 MW, it seeks to contribute significantly to New York’s renewable energy goals while adhering to the highest standards of visual and environmental impact mitigation.
Once operational, the Tracy Solar Project is poised to become a substantial contributor to New York’s clean energy grid. Harnessing the power of the sun, the facility is expected to safely generate enough electricity to power over 27,000 households, substantially reducing the carbon footprint in the region.
The facility will seamlessly integrate with the New York power grid through a new Point of Interconnection (POI) linked to National Grid’s Thousand Island to Lyme 115 kV transmission line. This strategic interconnection ensures efficient energy distribution, fostering a more resilient and sustainable energy network.
The Tracy Solar Project is situated on approximately 600 acres of leased private land. The careful selection of this site reflects a commitment to responsible land use, ensuring minimal impact on local ecosystems while maximizing the project’s renewable energy output.
Saratoga Associates’ expertise in visual impact assessment has played a pivotal role in shaping the Tracy Solar Project, ensuring a harmonious integration of renewable energy infrastructure into the local landscape. The VIA process, from detailed narratives to simulations, has been instrumental in addressing potential visual concerns and fostering transparency in the project’s development.
As the Tracy Solar Project moves forward, Saratoga Associates remains dedicated to the principles of sustainable development, visual harmony, and environmental stewardship. The completion of the VIA marks a significant step toward a greener, more sustainable energy future for Jefferson County and beyond.
LOCATION:
Jefferson County, NY
CLIENT:
WSP
YEAR COMPLETED:
2022
SERVICES:
Visual Impact Assessment
