NTH has been part of the reclamation of the Detroit Riverfront for many years and our experts have completed several condition assessments on and around Belle Isle over the last three decades. In fact, between the Rouge River and the Detroit River, NTH’s Detroit Office has been involved in more than 40 shoreline and shoreline structure restoration projects. For example, NTH worked with the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy to design the initial 3.5 mile stretch along the East Riverfront in 2007. Four years later, NTH completed the nearby award-winning Port Authority project, a complex project in which NTH rehabilitated a 90-year old wharf structure while maintaining two active CSO outfalls and a raw water pump station and transmission main in a densely developed area. Also, NTH designed temporary shoring and bracing for the award-winning Cobo Arena renovation, and we just began work on the highly-anticipated West Riverfront Park.

In addition, just outside of Belle Isle, NTH performed a condition assessment of the Edison Boat Club in 2015 to identify the capital funding needed to bring the existing facility and appurtenant structures up to current design codes and standards.

NTH has also worked directly on Belle Isle over the years. Some of those projects include:

The Detroit Boat Club: Detroit Boat Club is a well-known landmark located just east of the bridge on Belle Isle in Detroit, Michigan. In 1991, NTH was retained by the City of Detroit Recreation Department to perform a condition survey of the facility. The investigation and recommendations addressed the building, its foundations, the attendant structures on shore and the dock system that existed at the time. In 1996, NTH was again retained to assess the current state of the structure and compare it to the 1991 study. This assessment included roof framing and sheathing, asbestos, lead based paint and the pile foundations. 

The Belle Isle Aquarium and Conservatory: While not directly on the waterfront, NTH was retained to provide a building envelope evaluation of these structures due to our experience in the area. NTH conducted a detailed investigation of structural members to identify evidence of physical deterioration and loss of structural capacity. Our professionals obtained representative samples of structural members for laboratory analysis of yield strength, ultimate strength, and elongation of the structural steel. We also analyzed samples of protective paint coatings on structural members, through atomic absorption spectroscopy, to identify lead content. Finally, NTH performed an evaluation of exterior masonry walls and glass/glazing systems to document conditions of physical distress, deterioration, and suitability for future rehabilitation and prepared a detailed report to document existing conditions for each facility, and included recommendations for long-term restoration of the structural and facade systems.

Belle Isle Intake Dike Inspection: NTH performed dive and above water inspections of the shoreline protection systems at the Belle Isle Intake and the design of repair and restoration measures.  

Belle Isle Shoreline Restoration: NTH provided analysis and design of a shoreline protection system for an eroding portion of the shoreline at the west end of the island.

Our experience with analysis of numerous shoreline systems and with investigating and repairing failed shorelines and shoreline structures affords NTH a unique perspective that allows us to quickly ascertain the critical project elements and pursue appropriate solutions. If you have a waterfront project that requires consultation with industry experts, let us know how we can help.

Why did DWSD Start Charging for Stormwater?
In October 2016, the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) started charging property owners a fee to discharge stormwater generated from each parcel within city limits to sewers. Like many older communities, Detroit has a combined sewer system, meaning the sanitary sewer and stormwater flow to the same piping system and end up at the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) or combined sewer overflow (CSO) control facilities. To offset the fee, DWSD also rolled out a stormwater credit program, encouraging their customers to reduce their monthly stormwater charges by earning volume credits (lowering the volume of stormwater leaving their site), or peak flow credits (retaining their stormwater temporarily after a rain event before releasing it to the sewer). Volume credits are available because DWSD’s portion of the costs associated with running the WWTP are determined based on the amount of wastewater volume generated by parcels in the City of Detroit. Peak flow credits are available because Detroit has to build CSO control facilities to detain and treat the water during large storm events. Reducing the amount of stormwater entering the system would reduce the need to build and maintain more of these facilities.
​
How to Lower the Cost of a Stormwater Bill
DWSD determines the stormwater bill for each customer by calculating the amount of impervious area (parking areas and roofs) on the site and multiplying it by a drainage charge rate. Therefore, the best way to achieve savings is by removing impervious surfaces (unnecessary parking/pavement areas, unused buildings) from the property and replacing them with pervious surfaces (grass, landscaping, gravel), if plausible. Customers can reduce their stormwater fees because they are not billed for pervious areas on their property, only the impervious areas.
Of course, customers cannot remove all impervious areas on their site, and that’s where the stormwater credits and green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) practices provide financial relief. Credits can be achieved through a number of common GSI practices, including bioretention (rain gardens, bioswales, planter boxes), roof drain disconnection (sending gutters to lawn areas or GSI practices instead of the sewer), detention basins, green roofs, rainwater harvesting/ reuse, and permeable pavement. Customers can achieve volume credits with retention, by allowing their stormwater to infiltrate into the ground on their site rather than entering the sewer. They can earn peak flow credits with detention by releasing their stormwater slowly over a period of time. Customers can receive up to an 80 percent reduction of their stormwater charge by implementing practices that achieve both volume and peak flow reduction, or 40 percent for implementing one type of practice (volume or peak reduction). 

Receiving Stormwater Credits: The Process
To begin the process, customers first contact DWSD and set up a free site assessment. DWSD representatives will come out to the property, perform a site assessment, and develop a conceptual report and plan, including projected costs, savings, and payback period associated with the installation of GSI practices. During this process, the customer can hire a consulting engineer to move forward with the conceptual plan and perform a full design for the site; a licensed professional engineer (PE) is required to seal the construction drawings. The consulting engineer can complete design and construction plans, finalize the cost estimate, complete the appropriate credit applications and supporting documentation, and help the customer receive approval from DWSD through negotiations. The property owner will need to hire a contractor to install the GSI practices, and after it is built, a PE certifies constructed conditions to receive credits. The credits remain valid for 3 years; afterwards, if a PE or certified stormwater operator confirm acceptable operation and performance, the owner will continue receiving stormwater credits for another 3 years.

​Sources of Funding
DWSD set up the Capital Partnership Program (CPP), in which non-residential customers can receive a grant that covers up to 50 percent of a GSI practice installation project with a maximum grant of $50,000. To receive a grant, the applicant must meet the requirements outlined in the application and sign an agreement with DWSD for ongoing maintenance. Non-profit organizations can earn credits through community outreach by educating residents about the stormwater credit program. Non-profits can receive credits by sharing information with residents, collecting awareness surveys, providing testimonials, and hosting events for DWSD. To be considered for this program, non-profits must submit an application, enter into an Outreach Credit Agreement, and, once approved, submit validation of successful outreach activity. There are other sources of funding available in the area, such as from the Southeast Michigan Resilience Fund, a public-private partnership to improve natural resources in Southeast Michigan.

Summary
GSI practices offer benefits to DWSD due to lower volumes, which help Detroit comply with federal environmental mandates, but also offer benefits to a property owner, as the upfront cost will eventually pay off through savings on the stormwater charge in the future. GSI practices also improve water quality, restore natural features, and reduce flooding concerns and combined sewer overflows attributed with large storms. 

​NTH can help clients with similar challenges through creative GSI design. If you are interested in a consultation with your stormwater project, please contact me at sgrant@nthconsultants.com. 

Links to More Information
DWSD Drainage Guide and Applications
Community Outreach Credit Information
DWSD Capital Partnership Program Application
Southeast Michigan Resilience Fund Information

On October 17, Rob Bates presented our fall webinar, Lifecycle Of Renewable Energy Project Development. Rob covered a lot of information and our audience was very engaged with questions for him. Unfortunately, we were not able to get to all of them in the time we had. As promised, Rob has answered all of the questions - you can see all of the questions and answers below:

Q: For Solar energy, is there an average per State based on how 'sunny' a State is? Being in Michigan, much of winter is cloudy and didn't know how much this affected potential for solar energy.
A: The National Research Energy Lab (NREL) has interactive U.S. State Solar Resource Maps that show Direct Normal Irradiance as well as Global Horizontal Irradiance for the U.S. Michigan’s Resource Range for Direct Normal Solar is 3.4 to 4.4(kWh/m2/Day) and Michigan’s Resource Range for Global Horizontal Solar resource is 3.5 to 4.0(kWh/m2/Day) https://www.nrel.gov/gis/solar.html 

Cloud cover certainly reduces the power generated by a solar panel, as does the length of day as you move North and South in the U.S. These factors are accounted for by the interactive maps described above.

Q: What is included in evaluating the economics? 
A: There are many techniques and models that can be used to evaluate your proposed projects economics, including some free ones available through the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, like CREST (Cost of Renewable Energy Spreadsheet Tool). 

Q: If you were to install solar panels on a landfill, what would be the maximum slope they could be installed on?
A: Ideally, a fixed solar energy system should be at an angle that is equal to the latitude of the location where it is installed. However, pitch angles of the panels between 30 and 45 degrees will work well in most situations. As too how steep of a slope you can install panels on will depend on the type of installation, either a fixed installation (panels do not move) or a tracking installation (panels move to track the sun’s path, and optimize the most exposure), and also if the mounting systems will be installed in foundations or driven into the ground.

Q: What kinds of renewable energy projects will people likely invest in in SE Michigan, SW Michigan, and other parts of Michigan? What will we see in Detroit area for renewables? As a consultant, what will be our roll?
A: With wind projects currently having a more difficult time with siting in Michigan, it looks like the largest growth will be in Solar.

Q: What is considered a sensitive receptor for a renewable project?
A: Sensitive receptors are people or other organisms that may have a significantly increased sensitivity  to a project either during the construction phase (e.g. traffic, noise, dust…) or operational phase (e.g. noise, glare, shadow flicker…) by virtue of their age and health (e.g. schools, day care centers, hospitals, nursing homes), and status (e.g. sensitive or endangered species)
 
Q: What kinds of impacts are you talking about with shadow flicker studies?
A: Impacts associated with shadow flicker are the sensitive receptors, as described in the previous question, and is mostly an impact on quality of life and causes a nuisance effect for receptors that are affected. Some concerns are raised that shadow flicker has the “potential” to cause nausea, dizziness, and disorientation.

Q: How would you perform a glare study – what is involved in that?
A: The most important aspect of the glare study for commercial and utility solar projects is to ensure that the glare does not cause travel hazards and impair the quality of life of the surrounding residences and businesses (sensitive receptors). The study is completed by running simulations for different observation points around the project using computer modeling, such as the Solar Glare Hazard Analysis Tool.

Q: For biomass, are odor/prevailing wind siting factors?
A: Yes, when looking at siting your project, odor/prevailing wind would be considered, and dependent on what type of biomass you are considering to burn would impact your decision and potential air quality permitting requirements.
 
Q: If you install solar panels, and someone puts a massive billboard or building up shading your investment. Who is responsible for the loss on the return of investments?
A: You would need to consider these possibilities prior to developing your project, either by leaving a sufficient buffer on your property or coming to an agreement with neighboring land owners, likely in the form of a solar easement.
A solar easement is a bit more complicated than a traditional easement for a pipe under your yard or a walkway from your home. A solar easement restricts what your neighbor can build or grow on his property within his or her airspace, because the neighbor cannot block sunlight to your solar panels.

Solar easements are the best method of assuring that you will have solar access, even if your neighbor sells the home, since easements are a permanent part of the parcel’s property record. (While you could ask your neighbor to refrain from planting a tall tree blocking your panels, this promise would not bind a buyer of the house who moves in next year).

Unlike a power company, which can claim an easement under your land by necessity, solar easements are voluntary. This means you can’t force your neighbor agree to a solar easement; you will likely have to provide what's known in contract law as "consideration," meaning some form of payment.

Q: What issues or impacts are generally overlooked while proposing a renewable energy project?
A: Although permitting generally comes to mind first, carefully ensuring that you are considering all potential permits and impacts your project may encounter, the largest delays I have experienced on projects have come from public opposition. Because of the delays I have seen from the public and other interested stakeholders (i.e. non-profit organizations), I highly recommend making public outreach and education a high priority throughout the life of the project.

Q: How do you interrelate AC & DC current?
A: There are some topics that are better suited to be answered by other experts, unfortunately, this is one.

Q: Is shading considered a wetland disturbance for these renewable energy sources?
A: Presuming that this is related to a wind turbine, the impact would most likely be shadow flicker on a sensitive receptor within the wetland, such as a rookery of herons and egrets, or another breeding species. So careful evaluation of potential sensitive receptors is important early on in the projects lifecycle.

Q: At what % design completion is major changes not to be considered? 35%?
A: Final design and changes ultimately are up to the project owner and the projects timeline. The further into the projects timeline, major changes have a higher potential to cause delays, especially with permitting through regulatory agencies.

Q: When do you recommend applying to a utility? Do you account for interconnection fees and system upgrades in your analysis? (Asked by CMS)
A: If your project is going to distribution, the local utilities are a major stakeholder that should be engaged early in the project timeline. 

Q: Does the MDEQ have a required amount of time for review and provide comments?
A: According to MDEQ, “generally it will take from 30 to 90 days from the time we receive a complete application until a decision is made on your permit.” Other factors include:

• The size and complexity of your project.
• The number of corrections and additional information that are required for your original application to be administratively complete. 
• If the project requires a Public Notice or a Public Hearing. 
• The season of the year, with spring and summer being the busiest. 
• Correct application fee paid.

Q: Is the claim that solar is more efficient than wind in MI true?
A: In the United States, wind power is significantly more popular than solar. Out of all the renewable energy produced in the U.S. in 2017, 21% came from wind, while just 7% came from solar power. Utilities and large scale operations prefer to utilize wind energy while homeowners prefer solar energy.

The primary benefit of wind over solar power is that wind turbines aren’t dependent on sunlight. This means that they have the ability to generate power 24 hours a day, whereas solar panels only generate power during sunlight hours. Wind come with a significant caveat, however: in order to be effective, wind turbines need to be situated high above any obstacles that would block the wind.

Q: Is there a typical way these projects are financed?
A: Some examples of financing include loans, third party investors, banks, etc… P3’s are still relatively rare in the U.S., but interest from smaller communities looking to develop a project without the upfront cost.

Q: As public outreach is so important, should a company engage a PR firm prior to embarking on a project?
A: If your development group does not have a dedicated PR group with experience, I would recommend using a PR firm with a good track record on renewable energy projects, and carefully vet any firm you are considering hiring.

Q: What is the best approach to engage the community surrounding project areas?
A: There is no “silver bullet” when it comes to community engagement, and this is where a well-studied and experienced PR group will greatly benefit your project.

If you were not able to attend the webinar, you can click here to view it.