Studies
To inform project design, environmental management, and responsible implementation, a comprehensive suite of environmental and social studies has been completed. These include an Environmental Site Assessment, Avian Use Surveys, a Bird and Bat Conservation Strategy, a Raptor Nest Survey, archaeological and architectural surveys, wetland delineations, a sound study, and a shadow flicker analysis. These studies support compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and alignment with recognized industry good practice.
The findings from these studies have informed the development and implementation of environmental and social management measures, applied where relevant to the project's construction and operation activities. These measures address considerations related to natural resources, cultural and historic assets, construction activities, and interactions with the surrounding community. Wetland impacts are expected to be minimal, with no permanent impacts anticipated.
Environmental and social mitigation measures are implemented through a Construction Environmental Management Plan (EMP), which is carried out by the balance‑of‑plant contractor. The EMP includes controls and procedures related to erosion and sediment management, dust suppression, spill prevention, traffic safety, and general construction site management.
Stakeholder engagement is guided by a Stakeholder Engagement Plan that provides for ongoing communication with landowners and other stakeholders, including regular meetings during construction. A Memorandum of Agreement with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has been executed to manage effects on historic resources, and on‑site cultural monitoring is conducted during ground‑disturbing activities to support avoidance of impacts to archaeological and cultural resources.
Additional measures include coordination with local and state road authorities to manage construction traffic, implementation of community safety measures, and dust mitigation practices. The Project has also entered into an Agricultural Impact Mitigation Agreement with the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) to protect the productivity and integrity of affected agricultural land. A Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan has been established to manage fuel and hazardous materials handling.
Through the completion of these studies and the implementation of appropriate management and mitigation measures, the project is being developed in a manner consistent with applicable regulations, recognized industry good practice, and relevant national and international standards, including the Equator Principles.