Cedar Creek, NY - May 6, 2014 - Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano today announced the selection of a firm to construct, operate and manage a two-to-three megawatt solar energy project on the grounds of the Cedar Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. The project is estimated to generate $100,000 annually, for 20 years, in lease revenue to Nassau County while providing a green energy to Long Island’s power grid.
“This public-private partnership establishes green production, generates revenue for taxpayers and provides clean energy to our power grid,” stated County Executive Mangano. “Nassau County is a leader in green energy projects and this partnership further greens our County.”
SunEdison, a nationally recognized leader in the industry, has implemented successful green energy programs throughout the globe. This competitive bid contract moves to the Nassau County Legislature for consideration. This initiative is part of the LIPA/PSEG’s Feed in Tariff (FIT II) program. The County will make available a 12.5-acre site at the southern tip of Cedar Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant in return for annual lease payments over a term of 20 years. SunEdison also proposes to provide a development rent to the County during the design and construction period.
The Cedar Creek site is well-suited to accommodate solar energy production as it contains unobstructed year-round southern sky exposure and is well buffered from the residential areas to the east. The project will have no impact on Cedar Creek Park. Park visitors will be able to observe the facility through an existing access road and the County will install solar energy production informational kiosks at various park and cultural venues that display real-time information regarding the output of the photovoltaic arrays at Cedar Creek. Informational signage will also be installed at Cedar Creek Park to educate the public on the benefits of solar energy.