Solar energy coming to Cedar Creek

Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano announced the selection of a firm to construct, operate and manage a two-to-three megawatt solar energy project at the Cedar Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The project is estimated to generate $100,000 annually for 20 years in lease revenue for Nassau County while providing green energy to Long Island’s power grid.

“This public-private partnership establishes green production, generates revenue for taxpayers and provides clean energy to our power grid,” Mangano said. “Nassau County is a leader in green energy projects and this partnership further greens our County.”

SunEdison has been chosen to complete the work. The competitive bid contract now moves to the Nassau County Legislature for consideration. This initiative is part of the LIPA/PSEG’s Feed in Tariff (FIT II) program. The County will make available a 12.5-acre site at the southern tip of Cedar Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant in return for annual lease payments over a term of 20 years. SunEdison also proposed plans to provide a development rent to the County during the design and construction period.

The Cedar Creek site contains unobstructed year-round southern sky exposure and is well buffered from the residential areas to the east. The project will have no impact on Cedar Creek Park.  Park visitors will be able to observe the facility through an existing access road and the County will install solar energy production informational kiosks at various park and cultural venues that display real-time information regarding the output of the photovoltaic arrays at Cedar Creek.  Informational signage will also be installed at Cedar Creek Park to educate the public on the benefits of solar energy.

According to Mike Martino, a spokesperson for the County, the money for the project will be paid by the contractor. There will be no cost for Nassau County. He added that SunEdison will be leasing the land from the County and constructing the solar field.

“Provided the installation is on public works property, and not open space or park land, the proposal is promising,” Legis. David Denenberg, D-Merrick, said. “Solar power and other green energy initiatives should be promoted.”

Denenberg added that the legislature must make sure that the taxpayers are getting appropriate value for the use of taxpayer property.

“Ultimately, the legislature must ensure that the taxpayers benefit from the project and there is no effect on parkland or preserved open space,” he added.