statement of qualifications - arm group...
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Statement of Qualifications• Solar (PV) Energy• Electrical Infrastructure & Substation Design• Battery Storage & Automation/Controls
ARM History
ARM Values
VisionTo be the engineering and consulting employer of choice in the Mid-Atlantic region by staying true to our core values and vision for growth; and to be the #1 civil and environmental engineering and consulting firm in the Mid-Atlantic region as recognized by employee satisfaction, customer experience, quality, and value.
MissionContributing to the revitalization and modernization of American civilization and land use through environmentally responsible and superior project delivery.
SafetyARM is focused on keeping our most valuable asset safe: Our PeopleARM has a full-time Health & Safety Officer (HSO), a Safety Committee, and a Health & Safety Specialist (HSS) who is credentialed to provide virtually every form of training required of the industries that ARM serves. Together with company management personnel, ARM’s HSO, Safety Committee, and HSS ensure that ARM’s employees are performing their jobs in a safe manner and complying with client safety protocols and requirements. Our goal is to achieve an accident-free workplace. We understand that working safely is a habit and that producing an enduring safety culture requires a continuous improvement process. Therefore, we are constantly scrutinizing and enhancing our safety practices. Our safety training includes, but is not limited to the following:
• Employee OSHA Training• Safeland Training• First Aid, CPR, AED Training (American Red Cross)• Behavior Based Safety Program Implementation• Wall-to-Wall Simulated OSHA Health & Safety Inspections• EHS Program Audits• Customized Safety Program Development• Assist with OSHA Inspections• Industrial Hygiene Surveys
PROFESSIONAL TEAM QUALIFICATIONS
Engineers / GeologistsProfessional Engineers — average 19 years of experience
Drafters / Designers — average 18 years of experience
Engineering Staff — average 7 years of experience
Professional Geologists — average 19 years of experience
Geology Staff — average 9 years of experience
Environmental / Natural Resources StaffWetland Biologists — average 15 years of experience
T&E Species Specialists — average 11 years of experience
Environmental Staff — average 4 years of experience
Survey / GIS StaffProfessional Land Surveyors — average 26 years of experience
GIS Specialists – average 11 years of experience
Survey / GIS Staff — average 15 years of experience
Construction Services Staff — average 27 years of experiencee
PRINCIPALS
Bryan M. Wehler, P.E., P.G.President
Hershey Corporate Office717-533-8600
William S. Tafuto, P.E.Chief Executive Officer
Hershey Corporate Office717-533-8600
T. Neil Peters, P.E.Senior Vice President Columbia, MD Office
Stephen B. Fulton, P.E., P.G.Vice President –
Environmental ServicesHershey Corporate Office
Scott A. Wendling, P.G.Vice President – Geophysics
Hershey Corporate Office717-533-8600
Michelle CohenVice President –
Natural Resource ServicesHershey Corporate Office
Daniel N. Fellon, P.E.Vice President –
Solid Waste Management Hershey Corporate Office
Solar Energy Engineering, Design & Consulting Services
Solar Energy Services
Demand for photovoltaic (PV) energy and battery storage continues to grow as energy prices rise, concerns about climate change persist, customer demand increases and due to policy incentives. With the cost of PV and battery storage materials dropping, the economics of solar energy are becoming increasingly competitive with traditional energy sources. Whether you have a commercial, industrial, or municipal site, ARM engineers can make solar energy production a reality by offering a comprehensive ‘one stop shop’ project design and management service; bringing together a team of expert professionals to ensure the successful and cost effective design, permitting, and installation of your PV energy system.
Solar Energy Feasibility Studies, Engineering Design & Engineer of Record (EOR) Services• Conceptual Design / Site Layout• View-shed/FAA glare analyses • Project Funding Due Diligence (Grants, Loans, Tax Credits)• Solar Panel, Inverter, Battery Storage, Energy Management Software (EMS), Medium Voltage and Racking
Technology Evaluation• Assessment of Annual Energy Production Potential (PVsyst) and Shading Analysis• Electrical, Civil, Structural, Environmental and Geotechnical Studies, Design and EOR Services
Site Selection and Optimization• Grid Connection, Interconnection/Electrical Infrastructure Assessment and Substation Design• Structural Integrity of Mounting Surfaces• Ground Mounting Design Engineering• Quantitative Shading Analysis
Economic and Financial AnalysisARM is able to prepare a preliminary financial analysis to assess the potential viability of a proposed solar energy project based on a variety of potential project development scenarios. For net metered projects, ARM will examine the economic viability of a solar system sized to offset the site’s electrical loads. ARM will then develop a unique cash flow model for a variety of financial scenarios for the site that will be used to compute NPV, IRR, return-on-equity, and payback period.
• Solar Energy Feasibility Studies Including: Conceptual Design / Site Layout View-shed/FAA glare analyses Project Funding Availability (Grants,
Loans, Tax Credits) Battery Storage Design and Islanding
Integration Assessment of Annual Energy Production
Potential and Associated Energy and Cost Savings
• Economic and Financial Analysis• Site Selection and Optimization
Grid Connection Issues and Interconnection Assessment
Structural Integrity of Mounting Structures Ground and Rooftop Design Engineering Quantitative Shading and Production
Analysis
• Geotechnical Investigations & Foundation Design
Erosion and Sedimentation Control Considerations Engineering
• Land Development Planning, Zoning, Permitting• Project Management and Coordination • Automation/Controls and SCADA• Construction Cost Estimating • Power Purchase Agreements and Solar Renewable
Energy Credits (SREC) • Electrical Infrastructure and Substation Design• Power Purchase Agreements • Construction-Phase Engineering and Quality
Assurance • Engineer of Record (EOR) and Electrical Design
& Engineering Services
ARM meets the growing demand from a broad and growing client base that seeks integrated renewable energy solutions utilizing advanced and sustainable energy technologies. ARM can provide the following services to the solar energy marketplace.
Renewable Energy Engineering & Environmental Consulting Services
Land Development Planning, Zoning Approval, PermittingARM will evaluate local zoning ordinances, building codes, environmental conservation commission and other regulatory permitting requirements and complete the steps necessary to successfully permit the project.
Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) Contracts and Power Purchase Agreements On behalf of the client, ARM can assist in establishing an equitable SREC contract to ensure that the project developer is maximizing the potential return on investment. ARM can also assist in establishing power purchase agreements with utilities or nearby large energy consumers to ensure the financial viability of the project.
Electrical Infrastructure and Substation Design EngineeringARM and its wholly owned subsidiary, ARM Enertech Associates (AETA), have the combined resources to design all of the electrical features of a solar energy project, including inverter selection, transformer design, switchgear design, battery storage and energy management software design, and substation design for larger systems interconnecting to the grid.
Visual Simulations, Production Analysis, and 3D Shading ARM prepares design drawings of sufficient detail to construct the project. ARM is also able to prepare photo-simulations and visual renderings of the project to assist in the promotion or permitting of the project. Once the solar project layout has been determined, ARM’s electrical engineers perform 3D shading and production analysis (PVsyst) to ensure that our customers are maximizing their energy production and economic output.
Construction Quality Assurance, Project Management and Engineer of Record ServicesOnce the project moves into the design and construction phases, ARM has the resources and expertise to provide construction management, construction-phase engineering and EOR services, and construction quality assurance services to ensure a successful project outcome.
Solar Energy Project Development Services
The 15MW DC AMP Solar community solar portfolio was a series of five projects that ranged in size from 2MW DC to 5MW DC. ARM Group was awarded the geotechnical, electrical, structural and civil engineer of record services in late 2016 and recently completed the IFC drawing plan sets in early 2017. The AMP Solar Portfolio was installed on cleared wooded land at 5 different towns in Massachusetts, which imposed stringent development restrictions on the property. The design and construction of the site were implemented in a manner that would overcome the geotechnical and electrical hurdles presented at the site. The AMP Solar Portfolio was purchased by another solar developer and required a full electrical and civil redesign. ARM coordinated with National Grid and AMP Solar to upgraded each project from central to string inverters, increase the solar module wattage, and change the racking and medium voltage equipment on all the sites. To support the equipment loads, and overcome the geotechnical subsurface conditions ARM designed foundation and racking systems utilizing ground screws. As the Engineer of Record, ARM also performed production and shading analysis, electrical and civil site inspections, arch-flash studies, voltage drop calculations and much more .
AMP Solar15 MW DC Massachusetts Community Solar Portfolio
Joe Jenny, Dudley, Oxford, Sheffield and Charlton, Mass.
The 18MW DC groSolar Community Solar Portfolio consists of is 10 - 2MW AC solar systems all on the Annapolis Landfill. ARM Group was awarded the geotechnical, electrical, structural and civil engineer of record services in 2017. The groSolar portfolio will be installed on the capped landfill and the projects will be part of the Maryland Community Solar Program for brownfield sites. The design and construction of the site were implemented in a manner that would overcome the geotechnical and electrical hurdles presented at the site. The groSolar portfolio was purchased by from another solar developer and required numerous electrical and civil redesigns.
ARM has coordinated with Baltimore Gas and Electric and groSolar to upgrade each project by increasing the solar module wattage, and by changing the racking and medium voltage equipment on all the sites. To support the equipment loads, and overcome the geotechnical landfill membrane conditions ARM specially designed the foundations and racking systems utilizing a pre-cast ballasted racking system. As the Engineer of Record, ARM also has coordinated with the MDE and Township, performed production and shading analysis, electrical, geotechnical and civil site inspections, arch-flash studies, voltage drop calculations and much more.
groSolar18 MW DC Annapolis Landfill Solar Project
Annapolis, Maryland
ARM completed the electrical, civil and structural engineering design for a utility-scale 2409.75 kW ground-mount solar electric system in Newbury, MA for Borrego Solar The project consisted of three adjacent sites that were constructed on undeveloped grassy fields and forestland located just off of U.S. Route 1. The site layout was designed to minimize impacts to coastal wetlands that were mapped throughout the area. A racking system utilizing ground screws was selected to support the solar modules in order to reduce costs and minimize subsurface risks.
ARM’s design services included, but were not limited to, site layout, erosion and sediment control design, construction specifications and details, analysis of wind and snow loading, equipment pad design, foundation layout, reviewing shop drawings, and completion of the electrical design. The final construction drawings were signed and sealed by a Massachusetts-licensed Professional Engineer.
In addition to engineering design services, ARM provided construction-phase engineering services and construction administration oversight. These tasks included conducting site visits, completing observation reports, responding to requests-for-information (RFIs), reviewing submittals, coordinating schedules, and drafting as-built drawings to certify compliance with the design drawings and specifications.
Borrego Solar2.4 MW DC Middle Road Solar Project
Newbury, Massachusetts
ARM was retained by Eaton Corporation to perform engineering services in support of the development of a 1.833 MW solar installation on the closed Range Road Landfill site located in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The site is a 52-acre landfill that was operated from 1981 to 1987 and is located just north of State Line Road, within the limits of the military base.
The capping system on top of the Range Road Landfill consisted of 24 inches (minimum) of clay. Throughout the life of the solar project, the integrity of the soil capping system had to be maintained, which meant the ballasting and racking systems could not penetrate the capping soils. Therefore, a ballasting and racking system was designed to be placed directly above the capping system. ARM was responsible for analyzing the existing soils and determining the allowable bearing capacity of the soils through a field investigation and laboratory testing. ARM also used the soil information to estimate the differential settlement between solar arrays, design the foundation for the ballast and racking system, and assist in the selection of construction equipment.
In addition to providing geotechnical recommendations, ARM also prepared the Stormwater Management and Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan and attained the necessary environmental permits. ARM analyzed the disturbance and increase in impervious area due to the construction of the solar project. The design of the Stormwater Management and Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan provided minimally invasive and cost-effective solutions in accordance with Ft. Campbell’s best management practices (BMP’s).
The Keystone Solar Project is a 6.0 megawatt (MW) solar system, making it the largest “Solar Farm” in Pennsylvania. The Keystone Project was installed on farmland in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, which imposed stringent development restrictions on the property. The design and construction were implemented in a manner that minimized earth disturbance, so the site could later be returned to its preconstruction condition, if desired. No concrete foundations were permitted on the site, presenting complications for the installation of equipment platforms housing inverters and transformers, which are normally installed on concrete spread footings.
To support the equipment loads, ARM designed a foundation utilizing driven steel posts. The design utilized the same steel posts that were used as part of the solar panel racking system, so the installation was able to be completed using equipment and materials already available at the site. The driven-post foundation system also provided additional flexibility for wiring connections compared to the traditional concrete foundation. The rapid installation of the foundation kept the project on an accelerated schedule—construction began in June, and the system was operational in September.
ARM also provided construction-phase engineering services throughout the installation of the solar system. The solar system is expected to generate nearly 8,000 MW-hours/year.
Eaton Corporation1.83 MW DC Range Road Landfill Solar Project
Fort Campbell, Kentucky
Keystone Solar ProjectSolar System Foundation Design
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
ARM was the Engineer-of-Record for the design and construction of the Solar Integrated Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) Berm at the South Hadley Landfill, located in South Hadley, Massachusetts. ARM prepared permit level designs of its patented solar support and anchoring technology for this first of its kind solar application. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) approved ARM’s design and permitted the installation of the solar system as part of the Cell 2D landfill expansion at the South Hadley Landfill. ARM subsequently prepared construction level designs for the 85.5 kilowatt (KW) solar system.
ARM also provided construction-phase engineering services throughout the installation of the solar system. The solar system consists of a total of 364 solar modules, which generate nearly 100,000 KW-hours/year. A Solectria PVI-82 inverter was selected to convert the DC output into AC power. The electricity from the solar system is used to offset the electrical consumption from the adjacent South Hadley Department of Public Works.
South Hadley LandfillMSE Berm Solar System Design
South Hadley, Massachusetts
ARM was awarded a contract by the Chester County Solid Waste Authority (CCSWA) to prepare a permit-level design for a solar installation for the outer face of a Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) Berm as part of the Area E Landfill Expansion. This proprietary concept, involving the installation of rigid solar modules mounted to the exterior face of an MSE Berm, is the first of its kind. ARM completed the following project tasks:
• Preliminary solar array layout and orientation optimization • Solar panel evaluation and selection • Anchoring system design • Structural analysis and calculations • Shading analysis • Energy production estimate • GHG reduction estimate and environmental equivalency benefits • Grid interconnection and wiring evaluation • Preliminary design drawing preparation
The proposed system will have a rated capacity of approximately 866 kilowatts and is projected to generate over a million kilowatt-hours per year. This project was completed on time and on budget. CCSWA is currently seeking funding to complete the installation of the project.
Chester County Solid Waste AuthorityLanchester Landfill MSE Berm Solar System Design
Honeybrook, Pennsylvania
ARM performed a preliminary feasibility study to assess the viability of installing a flexible membrane solar system on the surface of the closed portions of the Frey Farm Landfill. The concept for the proposed ground-mounted thin-film photovoltaic (PV) installation was developed by ARM and is considered proprietary.
The solar feasibility study involved identifying the amount of south-facing capped landfill surface that could be used for a solar installation. Based on the area available for a solar installation, ARM determined that an approximately one (1) MegaWatt (MW) rated capacity system could be installed. A preliminary cost estimate for the installation of the proposed solar array was prepared by ARM.
Using solar modeling software licensed to ARM, the amount of electricity the proposed system could generate based on the orientation of the solar sub-arrays distributed across approximately 7.5 acres of the south-facing landfill surface was predicted. Based on the energy production and installed cost estimates, ARM prepared a preliminary economic and financial analysis for the proposed solar installation. The Lancaster County Solid Waste Authority is currently seeking funding to develop the project.
Lancaster County Solid Waste Authority Frey Farm Landfill Solar Energy Feasibility Study
Conestoga, Pennsylvania
ARM conducted a feasibility study to assess the viability of siting a grid-connected, commercial-scale photovoltaic (PV) energy installation for electricity generation at a site near Reading, Pennsylvania. The study included utilization of the ARM-licensed PV-Design Pro to evaluate the energy output of a variety of solar system configurations and technologies. The data was used to assess the size, cost, and energy production implications of developing this ground-mounted solar installation on this 66-acre undeveloped parcel. ARM considered three types of arrays: fixed-tilt PV, dual-axis tracking PV, and thin-film, ground-mounted PV. Based on the alignment of the parcel, topography, and south-facing exposure, preliminary layouts of the proposed fixed-tilt and dual-axis tracking PV arrays were generated.
Fixed-Tilt PV Array The most efficient layout of the fixed tilt PV array was estimated to generate 3,891,914 kWh net power production annually.
Dual-Axis Tracking PV Array The dual-axis tracking PV array design was estimated to generate approximately 3,094,169 kWh of electricity annually. Although a dual-axis tracking PV system will generate more power per kW of rated capacity, the individual dual-axis tracking sub-arrays must be spaced further apart to minimize the shading effects of the rotating sub-array. In addition, the dual-axis tracking systems are more expensive than fixed-tilt systems, and have higher operation and maintenance costs.
Ground-Mounted Thin-Film PV System Since the majority of the subject parcel slopes to-ward the west, a ground-mounted thin-film PV system was not recommended for this site.
Brooklands Financial Group, LLCSolar Energy Feasibility Study
Reading, Pennsylvania
ARM prepared a conceptual design to support a Pennsylvania Economic Development Association (PEDA) grant application for a proposed thin-film solar landfill cap project at the Wayne Township Landfill. If grant funding is secured, this project would provide an innovative, cost-effective, and revenue-generating alternative to traditional landfill cap systems. The current PEDA grant program will provide $21 Million for ‘innovative, advanced energy projects” and could potentially defray much of the costs for design and installation work for the project. The primary purpose of this project will be to evaluate the performance and efficiency of a thin-film PV (solar) installation on the ground surface of a covered landfill. The system will involve applying thin-film solar modules to a thermally compatible synthetic membrane anchored to the intermediate cover surface of the landfill. Generated power would be used to offset the loads of the on-site Recycling Center, and any surplus power will be sold back to the utility grid through a net metering agreement.
The proposed system would cover approximately 11,000-square feet, and will be installed on the lowermost slope with an estimated size of 90-feet wide and 120-feet long. The system will have approximately 372 PV panels and provide a rated capacity of 50 kW. The PV system will produce approximately 57,000 kW-hrs/yr of electricity, or enough power to supply nearly six households with electricity. With a successful grant application, PEDA funding will likely cover 50% of the total project cost. The balance of the total project cost would be defrayed by the electricity costs offset by the PV system and by the sale of solar renewable energy credits (SRECs).
Clinton County Solid Waste Authority Wayne Township Landfill Thin-Film Solar Landfill
In order to facilitate the design, construction, and commissioning of a 2.2-megawatt (MW) alternating current solar photovoltaic system, interconnected to facilities of Green Mountain Power, in Vermont, ARM developed the foundation design for the electrical transformer platforms.
This consisted of two platforms supporting electrical equipment, with the foundation being deigned using the driven galvanized steel posts that were used for the solar panel racking systems at the site. ARM prepared the necessary details for construction and installation of the foundations. The details illustrated the dimensions and properties of the foundations, as well as applicable construction notes. The completed drawings were signed and sealed by a Vermont-licensed Professional Engineer.
The design of the foundations needed to consider significant snow loads, tight spacing of electrical equipment, minimizing ground disturbance, and existing geotechnical information.
Limerick Road Solar ProjectFoundation Design
Shelburne, Vermont
THIN FILM PV SYSTEM CONCEPTUAL DESIGN
ARM provided geotechnical engineering services to supplement the design and construction of two photovoltaic solar systems, a 3.5-megawatt (MW) site at the closed Belmont Landfill, and a 1.5-MW site at the LNG North facility, both in Marion County, Indiana. These “Solar Farms” were designed as fixed ground-mounted solar arrays on concrete ballasts and interconnect to facilities of Indianapolis Power and Light.
ARM conducted site visits to ensure suitable surface and grading conditions; provided recommendations for the bearing pressures of the ballasted solar system; provided allowable bearing pressures for electrical equipment (i.e., transformers, inverters, etc.) pads; access roadway design; and recommendations against frost heave.
As part of the geotechnical consulting for the Belmont Landfill Site, particular consideration had to be given to the protection of the existing geosynthetic landfill cap. Allowable bearing pressures needed to account for potential settlement of the landfill cap so that sufficient transmissivity was maintained within the underlying geocomposite drainage layers. Due to the small vertical loads caused by solar ballast system, geotechnical design recommendations needed to consider the potential for uplift forces acting on the concrete ballast system.
Marion County Solar Project Solar System Geotechnical Evaluation
Indianapolis, Indiana
ARM performed a solar feasibility study in order to evaluate the size and energy production potential of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system that could be installed and utilized at Republic Services, Inc.’s (Republic) Modern Landfill in York, Pennsylvania. The primary objective of the feasibility study was to offset all or some of the electricity consumption of the on-site wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). ARM teamed with Energy Systems and Installation (ESI) of Jonestown, Pennsylvania, a premier solar installation contractor, and Black Bear Capital USA, LLC, a company that specializes in the financing of renewable energy projects (ARM Team), in order to generate three possible development scenarios.
The ARM Team was able to provide a range of potential system sizes, capital costs, and financing options for consideration by Republic. The aspects of the site and potential solar PV system that required analyses during the study primarily included determination of the suitability of the open space area for a ground-mounted system (e.g. soil bearing capacity, accessibility, slope and potential shading, etc.); determination of available roof area and the capability of the roof structure to support the solar array load; determination of the WWTP electrical demand; and system sizing and energy production estimates. Three possible development scenarios were analyzed and included 1) installing a solar array on the rooftops of the WWTP and adjacent buildings; 2) installing a ground-mounted solar array that could generate enough electricity to offset the entire annual energy consumption of the WWTP facility; and 3) installing a combination of roof-mounted and ground-mounted solar arrays that could generate enough electricity to offset the entire annual energy consumption of the WWTP facility. The ARM Team provided an economic analysis that included the installation costs, lease options, power purchase agreements options, equity financing options. The final report also addressed engineering considerations, net metering opportunities, and incentives such as Federal tax credits and Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC).
Modern LandfillSolar Energy Feasibility Study
York, Pennsylvania
Humphreys Creek Substation Substation Design, Construction Support & Commissioning
Sparrows Point, Maryland Tim MillsARM Group Inc.Program Manager
Renewable Energy and Distributed Generation
1129 West Governor RoadP.O. Box 797
Hershey, PA 17033Direct: 717-508-8601 ext. 1112
Cell: [email protected]
www.armgroup.net
Contact Info
ARM EnerTech (AETA) was chosen to design the a power system and substation for Humphreys Creek from the ground up. This included building design support, electrical power system study, construction engineering, on-site installation support relay coordination study and final commissioning.
The electrical system study indicated that AC voltage levels of 7,200, 2,400, 480, 240 and 120 would be required as well as 125 Vdc for a battery system that provided switchgear control power. One of the first tasks was to develop a power single line diagram mapping out the entire power system. Once the power distribution system configuration was finalized, equipment specifications were developed and requisitions were written for customer that included substation building, transformers, 7,200 volt switchgear, 2,400 volt switchgear, 480 volt switchgear, powerline components, raceway materials, cables, battery room equipment, SCADA equipment, building utility equipment, and all construction materials. Complimenting the above, an electrical construction drawing package was developed. Types of drawings included site plans, foundation plans, grounding plans, equipment arrangements, interconnection wiring diagrams, raceway plans, lighting plans, raceway and cable schedules, and power line details.
All construction work was performed by ISG’s in-house craft personnel along with guidance from AETA’s engineers.
Upon completion of construction, the substation was powered up and successfully put into operation. Prior to the commissioning process, the following work had to be done:• Working with testing company to set and test all switchgear protective relays, instrumentation, and breakers • Testing of all power cables• Testing of all transformers• Testing of DC (battery) equipment• Set-up and testing of SCADA controls• Set-up and testing of ancillary controls