Projects
TRC’s Support Of Renewable Energy Development Spans Many Departments And Sectors
Challenges
Due to the exposure-dependent nature of solar energy production, many utility-scale solar energy projects are sited in open fields and grassland utilized as habitat by a suite of avian species. In New York State, eight grassland bird species are listed as endangered, threatened or special concern, including the Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus), Northern Harrier (Circus hudsonius) and Upland Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda). Renewable energy development corporations consult TRC annually to perform grassland breeding bird surveys (BBS), which help determine the presence and site use by state-listed grassland bird species during the breeding season.
TRC avian specialists are tasked with these surveys to determine the extent to which state-listed grassland birds are present within and using a project site to meet essential life cycle needs (i.e., foraging, nesting, cover). These surveys are vital to helping inform avoidance, minimization and/or mitigation strategies in accordance with state regulations.
Solutions
TRC’s avian specialists follow a comprehensive BBS protocol to support project development and achieve the following objectives:
- Document presence and use of state-listed species
- Summarize and map use of the Project Area by state-listed species
- Characterize the breeding bird community present within grassland habitat in the Project Area
Results
For eight weeks out of the summer, surveyors woke up before sunrise to drive to survey sites across New York State and spent their mornings counting birds. During the 2022 breeding bird season, surveyors:
- Completed work at six different projects
- Recorded over 17,000 observations
- Spotted over 125 different species of birds
TRC’s experienced biologists utilize avian survey resources to meet client needs annually, and to assist with the planning, permitting and licensing requirements of renewable development. TRC staff uses BBS survey results to advise the client, draw case-by-case conclusions regarding project impacts and determine whether more comprehensive studies are necessary to adequately assess potential negative impacts to endangered or threatened grassland nesting bird species.
TRC provides avian services like breeding bird surveys as part of a broad range of environmental assessments to support renewable energy development in the State of New York and beyond.
Sharing Our Perspectives
Our practitioners share their insights and perspectives on the trends and challenges shaping the market.
SEC Rules in Favor of Climate-Related Disclosures
March 8, 2024
In a long-awaited climate ruling, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) ruled 3-2 in favor of the climate-related disclosures on March 6, 2024.
EPA Proposes Rules for IRA-mandated Waste Emissions Charge for Methane
February 6, 2024
EPA proposed rules to implement the Waste Emissions Charge (WEC) program for facilities that exceed a waste emissions threshold
What You Need to Know about the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)
January 19, 2024
January 1, 2024, marks the start of the first reporting timeframe for companies in scope of the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
New Jersey Implements Landmark Environmental Justice Regulations
August 2, 2023
A new landmark Environmental Justice (EJ) law is now effective in New Jersey following a lengthy rulemaking process surrounding the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s (NJDEP) Administration Order (AO) No. 2021-25. It is the first rule of its kind and the strongest EJ regulation in the nation.
EPA Proposes Regulation of Green House Gas Emissions
July 10, 2023
This article highlights the EPA’s proposed rules to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and the potential impact on new and existing fossil fuel-fired facilities.
Organizing for Project Success
June 22, 2023
Many organizations are establishing Project Management Organizations (PMOs) to improve project management within their organizations. While there can be many reasons for establishing a PMO, most are established to improve project management with respect to schedule, cost, quality and risk. This article provides an overview of factors to consider when deciding on which type of PMO is most suitable for your organization and how best to implement a successful and high-performing PMO.
New Executive Order 14096 Broadens Environmental Justice Initiatives
May 9, 2023
Executive Order 14096, Revitalizing Our Nation’s Commitment to Environmental Justice for All, seeks to deepen the Biden administration’s “whole-of-government” approach to environmental justice (EJ) by fully integrating the consideration of unserved and overburdened communities and populations into all aspects of federal agency planning and delivery of services.
Proactive Enforcement is Key in the EPA FY2022-2026 Strategy
October 19, 2022
A core element of the EPA FY2022-2026 Strategic Plan focuses on environmental compliance.
Preparing for EPA Inspections in Environmental Justice Communities
October 4, 2022
The EPA Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Have Expanded Goals to Strengthen Enforcement and Protections Within EJ Communities
TRC Companies Inc. welcomes the Founder and Key Principals of ESG Advisory Firm Enzo Advisors, LLC
September 27, 2022
TRC Companies announces the expansion of its Climate Solutions offering and ESG capabilities with the addition of the Founder and CEO, and key members of Enzo Advisors, LLC
Climate Action and Environmental Justice are at the Forefront of EPA’s Strategic Plan
June 14, 2022
The EPA issued its Fiscal Year 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. Although the strategic plans emphases often change with administrations, we can be reasonably certain that the Plan reflects priorities through 2024.
TRC Companies Pledges to Achieve Net Zero GHG Emissions by 2040
April 26, 2022
TRC Companies, a digitally powered and environmentally focused global professional services firm, announced its commitment to achieve Net Zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its full value chain by 2040, aligning with the most ambitious aim of the Paris Agreement to limit global temperature rises to 1.5 °C.
Why Are ESG Frameworks Important?
April 13, 2022
ESG standards significantly impact long-term growth, leading many companies to integrate ESG reporting into their corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies. ESG frameworks are broad and diverse, and establishing a reporting system that covers your industry’s most relevant metrics can be challenging.
How Does ESG Address Environmental Concerns?
October 22, 2021
When investors consider where to put their money, they may examine environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria, learn about a company’s core values and decide if they align with their own. Young people, in particular, search out this information to make decisions that align with their morals.
What Is Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance?
October 10, 2021
Several key considerations help determine whether an investor decides to support a particular company. While many factors can tip the scales, investors are increasingly seeking out businesses that uphold higher standards. Therefore, companies should openly communicate their standards to make it easier for investors to understand their values.
NJDEP Implements New Jersey Environmental Justice Law Through Administrative Order
October 5, 2021
On September 22, 2021, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Commissioner announced the issuance of Administrative Order (AO) No. 2021-25 to implement New Jersey’s Environmental Justice (EJ) Law. This order is effective immediately, and applicants seeking to site new major source facilities, renew major source permits or expand existing facilities with major source permits (e.g., Title V air permits) in overburdened communities are affected. There are more than 4.5 million people that live within 331 municipalities that are overburdened communities in the state of New Jersey.
Cryptocurrency: The Environmental Threats and Opportunities
August 9, 2021
Cryptocurrency (also known as crypto) is taking the fintech industry by storm, despite the economic experts who still dismiss it as a viable form of currency. Although often criticized for this volatility, whistleblowers are also further shining a light on the severe toll that these digital currencies are taking on the environment.
Managing EHS & ESG Risks Through Integrated Systems Today and Beyond
July 22, 2021
It has been more than 50 years since the development and establishment of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the federal Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) which were formed to protect our environment and workplaces across the United States. Significant laws, policies and regulations followed to establish the “regulatory programs” that all applicable businesses and entities must address and meet to ensure these compliance-driven legislative programs would create a foundation to protect our society.
TRC Announces Collaboration with Greenstone Reinforcing Integrated ESG, Sustainability and Climate Risk Solutions
June 26, 2020
The dominant trend in improving the efficiency and profitability of the logistics and supply chain industry will continue to be achieved through automation. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues can be important considerations for investments in this sector due to potential reputational risks for the acquiring entity. Key issues include negative publicity surrounding the perception of job elimination, as well as the procurement of specialty materials required to produce batteries and other components of autonomous robots. The recycling or responsible disposal at the end of the life of the product is also a key focus especially in Europe. TRC was asked to provide ESG risk screening for a foreign auto manufacturer’s investment in a U.S.-based autonomous robotics company. A two-step approach was taken to access the risks associated with this target. The first step evaluated the inherent risks of the target company’s sector based on its geographical spread and operations using public information like the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and the CDC Investment Works Toolkit. The second step involved deeper analysis of ESG risk assessments & insights based on a review of specific controls that the company uses to manage its risks. This included a questionnaire, reviewing company documents and programs, and interviewing company representatives.
COVID-19 and Implications for ESG Investing
June 3, 2020
This global pandemic has exposed business vulnerabilities and recalibrated material Environmental Social and Governance factors for investors.
Northern Long-Eared Bat: Listing Changed from Threatened to Endangered
December 12, 2022
On November 30, 2022, the United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) published a final rule to the Federal Register to change the listing status of the northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) from threatened to endangered.
TRC Awarded a Yahara WINS Grant
August 28, 2020
TRC was recently awarded a Yahara WINS grant to develop a pilot scale simple aeration method for removing phosphorous from the discharge of manure digesters. The grant application was developed and submitted by: Bob Stanforth, Alyssa Sellwood, Mike Ursin, Ted O’Connell, Ken Quinn, and John Rice, who are members of multiple TRC CORE teams.
Ecological Risk of PFAS from AFFF-Impacted Sites
June 30, 2020
The facts on evaluating exposure to wildlife
NERC Releases Inverter Based Resources Webinar Series
October 19, 2023
As the power delivery system continues to rapidly evolve due to decarbonization policy initiatives, inverter-based resources (IBRs) are playing an ever-more significant role in generation additions to the bulk power system. NERC and other technical organizations have taken numerous actions to support the reliable integration of these resources.
FERC Issues Order 2023 to Resolve Interconnection Process Issues
September 25, 2023
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has approved Order 2023 to facilitate and improve the speed and reliability of adding new energy resources to the power system
Intro to NERC Regulatory Guidance on Inverter-Based Resources
August 29, 2023
As renewable energy proliferates across the US power system, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) continues to actively address reliability risks resulting from the implementation of inverter-based resources (solar and wind generation technology) connected at both transmission and Distributed Energy Resources (DER) levels.
FERC Approves Plan to Register Certain Inverter-Based Resources as part of NERC Mandatory Standards Compliance Program
June 21, 2023
FERC issued an order approving NERC’s compliance filings.
New FERC Orders Will Change Regulatory Process for Inverter Based Resources
January 9, 2023
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) recently proposed actions to keep the regulatory process and requirements ahead of reliability risks resulting from the accelerated deployment of Inverter Based Resources (IBR) based solar, wind and battery storage projects.
NERC Releases Inverter-Based Resource Strategy Plan
October 25, 2022
The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) recently released an Inverter-Based Resource (IBR) Strategy, which details the steps needed to successfully integrate IBR facilities into the planning and operation of the power system. The strategy was put in place due to the rapid interconnection of IBR systems, which are extensively used for solar and wind generating facilities, including new battery-based energy storage systems and are one of the most significant drivers of power grid transformation. Because of control system inconsistencies, IBR facilities pose well-documented risks to power system reliability when this strategy’s practices are not adhered to. NERC’s plan calls attention to the need for thoughtful integration of IBRs and identifies current and future work required to mitigate reliability risks resulting from the deployment of this technology.
NERC’s Revised PRC-024-3 Standard for Inverter-Based Generation Effective in October 2022
May 11, 2022
Changes to PRC-024-3 in support of inverter-based generation performance are going into effect in October of this year. Interconnection programs and documentation procedures may need to be updated in order to maintain compliance.
New NERC Guidance Supports the Implementation of Grid Forming Inverters
March 8, 2022
NERC has issued a new report highlighting the key attributes of various inverter controls to support proper implementation and to protect reliability.
NERC Seeks to Improve GADS Reliability Performance Reporting
August 26, 2021
Under the enabling legislation that created the Electric Reliability Organization, NERC is responsible for assessing the reliable performance of the power system. One way NERC does so is via an industry reporting system for generation and transmission. The Generator Availability Data System (GADS) has been used by NERC and the industry for over 40 years to obtain data on the generation component of the power system[1]. Due to the rapidly changing generating resource mix, it is essential that NERC have comprehensive plant, event, outage and performance data for photovoltaic and wind generation to ensure reliability. As renewable technologies are increasingly deployed, a complete set of generation asset performance statistics is necessary to allow NERC to evaluate the system’s ability to serve load, the performance of the power system and to forecast any potential reliability issues due to resource inadequacy. Therefore, NERC is proposing to make the following enhancements to the GADS data collection process for renewable generation: Add Generator Owners that operate solar photovoltaic facilities of 20 MW or greater to the Generating Availability Data System (referred to as “GADS-PV”); and Expand GADS Wind (“GADS-W”) reporting to include connected energy storage and event reporting.
The Economics of Transitioning to Renewables
May 15, 2021
One of the biggest obstacles involved with the transition to renewable energy is speculation about its economic impact. Some worry that switching to renewables will cause instability in the economy, leading to job losses. Many communities across the United States rely on the economic impact of producing, manufacturing or otherwise taking part in the use of hydrocarbons.
Environmental Impacts of Transitioning to Renewables
May 15, 2021
The transition to renewable energy sources will have notable environmental impacts as well as economic impacts. To understand the possible implications, you’ll need some background knowledge of the ways fossil fuels affect the environment.
Transitioning Away From Hydrocarbons
May 15, 2021
The transition from oil and gas to renewables has involved complicated technological research. Sustainable energy production has become a priority around the world. Although the transition has been slow, technological advancements are promising. When approaching an energy transition, leaders should consider all different possible avenues and their potential impacts. Many alternative energy sources are available, each with its own pros and cons.
NERC Issues Battery Energy Storage Systems Reliability Guidance
April 22, 2021
While NERC has recently published a reliability guideline addressing inverter-based resources generally, they are now giving more attention to the various potential uses of BESS to support effective implementation with newly released guidance.
TRC Talks – Integrated Solutions for Renewable Energy
April 7, 2021
Close coordination when planning the electrical and civil design components of a renewable energy project is critical to development success. Working with a multi-disciplinary team can streamline approval processes and ensure optimum constructability.
TRC Companies Inc. Acquires 1Source Safety and Health
November 11, 2020
TRC Companies (“TRC”), a leading technology-driven provider of end-to-end engineering, consulting and construction management solutions, has acquired 1Source Safety and Health, a firm that provides management consulting services in areas such as indoor air quality, asbestos management, industrial hygiene and safety management systems.
City of Camarillo, California approves moving forward with Hybrid Solar Microgrids at five critical community facilities
November 6, 2020
On October 28, the Camarillo City Council unanimously approved moving forward with the design of Hybrid Microgrids at five City facilities: City Hall, the Corporation Yard, Camarillo Public Library, Police Station, and Wastewater Treatment Plant. The microgrid at the Camarillo Public Library will be designed with solar+storage only, while the other four sites will employ a hybrid design of solar+storage+diesel.
Michigan Utility’s First Brownfield Solar Project Highlights Promise, Challenges
November 7, 2019
TRC’s Doug Kilmer talks to Energy News Network about the benefits of repurposing brownfields as sites for solar arrays: “For some of these properties, this is the best way to get them back on the tax rolls.”
NERC to Modify Standard and Develop Compliance Guidance to Accommodate Inverter-Based Generation Technologies
February 20, 2019
Renewable energy systems have dramatically changed the power generation resource mix. These new generation technologies no longer involve directly coupled rotating generators which were once standard in the industry. Now, inverters that change Direct Current (DC) electricity to the Alternating Current (AC) electricity suitable for delivery via AC transmission systems are becoming more prevalent, raising reliability…
NERC Identifies New Reliability Risk due to Utility Scale Solar Generation Inverter Design
June 13, 2017
NERC has released a report documenting its findings and recommendations related to reliability risks from utility scale solar generation projects with implications for PRC-024 compliance, as well as generation, interconnection and protection system technologies.
Successful Interconnection of Utility Scale Solar Projects – Strategies to Stay on Schedule and on Budget
November 2, 2016
Growth in solar power creates challenges for both project proponents and utilities. TRC has reviewed hundreds of interconnection applications for utility partners, and we’ve learned important strategies for reducing the time and costs associated with interconnecting projects 1 megawatt or greater.
