Agenda - Council - 09/14/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Trott Brook Crossing EAW August 2021 The proposed project does not include heavy industrial facilities, but the project will still involve some stationary source air emissions. New residences are expected to include heating and cooling systems operated by natural gas and electricity, which will result in direct or indirect sources of stationary greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Emissions from heating and cooling systems are expected to be similar to those from other homes in the surrounding area. The Minnesota Environmental Quality Board is working on a framework for integrating greenhouse gas (GHG) quantification and assessment requirements into the Environmental Review Program. However, standard requirements and assessment methods are not yet complete. In light of this constraint and in the absence of official guidance, the GHG assessment presented here is qualitative. Common GHG greenhouse gas emissions include CO2, CH4, N20. GHG emissions are customarily converted to carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) using global warming conversion factors to represent the global warming potential over 100 years, equivalent to one ton of CO2 derived from fossil fuel. GHG emissions are expected to result from: 1. Operation of petroleum fueled equipment during project construction; 2. Combustion of natural gas used for heating homes; 3. Fossil fuels burned to generate electricity used at the project during construction and in homes; 4. Vehicle and air transportation related to project construction and operation; 5. Transport, treatment, and storage of solid waste and wastewater produced on -site; 6. Loss of carbon sequestration due to conversion of natural vegetation to developed and paved surfaces; and 7. Refrigeration, air conditioning, and the related manufacturing, service, and leakage of equipment. Mitigation and adaption measures could help the project lessen the impacts of climate change and GHG emissions. Such measures may include: 1. Build homes with energy efficient building materials and lighting. 2. Encourage home purchases with energy efficient appliance and equipment. 3. Install programmable thermostats to allow more control over heating and cooling. 4. If irrigation systems are installed, City code requires them to include rain sensors or some other form of water efficient technology, such as a smart controller. 5. In open space areas, plant no -mow or prairie/pollinator mixes to increase carbon sequestration. 6. Plant trees within the development to increase carbon sequestration. 7. Install low -flow toilets and showers to reduce water consumption and natural gas combustion for heating water. 27