CX-100807 Categorical Exclusion Determination

Energy Efficiency for the Gem of the Yukon - Ruby, Alaska
Award Number: DE-EE0007855
CX(s) Applied: A9, B5.1, B5.16
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Date: 2/8/2017
Location(s): AK
Office(s): Golden Field Office

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing to provide funding to the City of Ruby for energy efficiency and renewable energy activities in Ruby, Alaska. These activities include light-emitting diode (LED) lighting upgrades for private residences, businesses, and streetlights in Ruby; a refrigerator/freezer appliance exchange program for community residents; and the installation of a grid-tied 20 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) array at the newly constructed Ruby Tribal Council office building.

The LED lighting upgrades and appliance exchange would require no modifications to the buildings involved and would not require any ground disturbing activities. There would be no change in the use, mission, or operations of existing facilities. No new permits are required for the proposed activities. The solar PV system would include 5kW of roof mounted panels on the Ruby Tribal Council office building and 15kW of ground/pole mounted panels located due south behind the building. Both would be pointed due south at an approximate 65 degree tilt. The ground mounted system would be approximately 50 by 25 feet in area installed to leave at least five feet from the bottom of the panel to the ground to allow for snow accumulation in front of the racking. Surface disturbance would be minimal with ground penetrations for the racking extending approximately 10 feet below the surface. All waste associated with the proposed activities (bulbs, refrigerators/freezers, gasses, etc.) would be handled and disposed of properly. Florescent tubes would be shipped out of the community and recycled appropriately. Refrigerants inside of the refrigerators/freezers would be evacuated into canisters by trained personnel, shipped out of Ruby, and disposed of properly. All backhaul metal, plastic and other components of the refrigerators/freezers would be shipped out of the community and disposed of with recycling companies. The LED lighting upgrades for existing Ruby homes, businesses, and streetlights as well as the appliance exchange program would not have the potential to cause effects on historic properties. Only one property in Ruby (Ref# 82004898) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and that building is located over a quarter of a mile north-northwest of the solar PV installation location and would not be within view of the installation. Based on the locations, types, scope, and scale of the proposed activities, DOE does not anticipate impacts to integral elements/resources of concern as a result of project activities.