Nutmeg Solar

Connecticut River Valley, Connecticut

FBE completed a herpetological assessment of a 191-acre piece of land where a proposed 20-megawatt solar photovoltaic electricity-generating facility is proposed in the Connecticut River valley in northern Connecticut. Fieldwork consisted of (1) a vernal pool survey; (2) general herpetological inventory with emphasis on detection of box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) and wood turtles (Glyptemys insculpta); and (3) nocturnal eastern spadefoot toad (Scaphiopus holbrookii) surveys. FBE developed reports synthesizing collected field data and drafted an avoidance and mitigation plan for herpetofauna present on site. FBE also provided testimony to the Connecticut Siting Council on behalf of the project.