The Laurel Hill Wind Energy project is a 69 megawatt (MW) wind powered electric generating, transmitting, and interconnecting facility that consists of thirty (30) individual 2.3 MW Siemens wind turbines within a seven (7) mile long lease corridor located along Laurel Hill Ridge.
A new two (2) mile long, 34.5 kV overhead electric collector line conveys electricity from the turbine corridor to a new switch yard and substation. The switch yard and substation were designed and constructed in accordance with First Energy’s specifications. The substation was turned over to First Energy for operation and maintenance after project commissioning.
LDG’s design responsibilities included: topographic and boundary survey; Geographic Information System (GIS) base mapping; zoning application assistance; public hearing testimony; subdivision and land development; erosion and sediment control; post-construction stormwater management design; individual NPDES permitting; hydrologic and hydraulic reports; culvert design; site re-vegetation plans; alignment studies; and Highway Occupancy Permits (HOP).
LDG developed construction plans and specifications for the civil work. This included site clearing, heavy earthwork, access drives and roadways, pipe crossings and concrete box culverts, turbine pads, erosion control measures, and stormwater management facilities associated with wind farm construction. Ancillary structural and water/wastewater services were provided for retaining walls and an on-lot septic system to support the Operations and Maintenance building along Marshall Road./
During construction, LDG offered daily support to the operations in the field by way of survey stakeout, construction observation, underground utility marking while providing continual construction administration back in the office. LDG gained tremendous experience and insight into the development of a Wind Energy Facility while offering multi-faceted support to Duke Energy from concept design through commercial operation.
During the construction phase LDG consistently provided first-class engineering support. They were always quick to respond as issues arose and came up with excellent resolutions to the issues. Larson Design Group understands what we needed and how we do business. We are both committed to doing business in a safe, high quality, and ethical manner, and they have demonstrated it on this project.