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Our quarterly newsletter captures project spotlights, conferences and events attended, and recent staff updates.
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ISSUE NO. 30 / April 2020
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Epsilon is Here Through the COVID-19 Pandemic
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During this COVID-19 pandemic, our number one priority is the health of our staff, clients, friends and their families. That said, Epsilon's long standing commitment to technology has really paid off. While the firm's staff are working remotely, we have been able to remain responsive to client and project demands across the board. We thank all the workers who, everyday, make our lives healthy and convenient.
Please stay well!
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 Epsilon Supports New York State's Renewable Energy Industry
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Eight Point Wind Project in Steuben County.
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As renewable energy generated from natural sources, such as sunlight and wind, continues to grow in importance, Epsilon has been busy supporting these projects particularly in New York State. New York is actively developing wind and solar projects throughout the state and any new project must comply with New York's Article 10 permitting regulations. Epsilon's noise experts have been working with clients on New York State wind farm and solar projects as they proceed through the Article 10 permitting process. For example, Epsilon completed the noise portion of the Article 10 permit application which secured Certificates to Operate from the NY Siting Board for NextEra's Eight Point Wind and Calpine's Bluestone Wind energy projects.
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Deer River Wind Project in Lewis and Jefferson counties.
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In addition, we are working through the Article 10 process on 20 other wind energy and solar projects. These Projects include NextEra's
East Point Solar, Avangrid Renewables'
Deer River Wind, and Apex Clean Energy's
Heritage Wind. Our work involves writing the noise section of the Preliminary Scoping Statement, negotiating Stipulation 19 (Noise) criteria, participating in Certificate Condition negotiating sessions with New York State Department of Public Service (DPS), attending open houses, and providing expert testimony in public hearings. As a result of this experience, Epsilon has established good working relationships with the regulators at the New York State DPS and Department of Health.
New York remains very active with renewable energy development and Epsilon's intrinsic knowledge of the Article 10 process has been instrumental in guiding developers through these regulations.
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Two Epsilon Projects Win Worcester Preservation Award
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Abby's House
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Epsilon recently received a 2020 Worcester Preservation Award for the Stewardship of Abby's House located on 52 High Street as well as for the Commercial Rehabilitation for the Central Building located on 332 Main Street. The awards recognize outstanding preservation, rehabilitation and restoration projects that bring new life to historic buildings and foster exciting development within the City of Worcester.
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Central Building
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With historic preservation consulting services provided by Epsilon, both projects were able to secure both state and federal historic tax credits to assist with financing the projects. The Abby's House was constructed in 1924 by the Sisters of Mercy as the Saint Joseph's Home for Working Girls and was rehabilitated to continue to serve as affordable housing and supportive services for women. The Central Building involved the rehabilitation of this early 20th century structure that served as a commercial office and retail property. It reopened in late 2019 as a seven-story mixed-used building that contains 55 apartments all of which are occupied.
We are excited to be playing a role in bringing new life to historic buildings in the City.
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Woburn to Wakefield Transmission Line Project Begins Construction
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 We are excited to share that National Grid's Woburn to Wakefield Line Project is moving forward with construction. This key step will ensure a reliable source of energy to the area for years to come. The project, a new 8.5-mile 345 kV XLPE underground electric transmission line between the Eversource Substation 211 in Woburn and the National Grid Wakefield Junction Substation in Wakefield, is one of numerous regional transmission upgrades associated with the Greater Boston Solution.
Epsilon, the lead licensing and permitting consultant for the project, has been instrumental in providing siting and route analysis services, EFSB Petition preparation, and expert witness testimony. Epsilon also managed the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act review process and provided comprehensive environmental analyses, local and state permitting, and public and agency outreach support for this challenging project along with continuing construction oversight and regulatory compliance reporting. Further, our acoustics group provided sound level measurements and modeling support to substation improvements, including analysis of new equipment to ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
Epsilon would like congratulate National Grid on moving forward with this important project.
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| Where We've Been |
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We spoke at, attended and exhibited at a several events throughout the region recently.
Exhibited
- Epsilon exhibited at the NECA Renewable Energy Conference on March 5. This one-day conference is always a great opportunity to learn about the latest developments taking place within the renewable energy sector as well as to connect with colleagues and clients. Attending on behalf of Epsilon was Founding Principal Ted Barten, Principal Dale Raczynski, and Associate Holly Johnston.
 Presented
- Epsilon recently participated in MACC's Annual Environmental Conference on February 29. Principal Mike Howard (and Immediate Past President of MACC) presided over the Business Meeting and co-instructed two workshops: Plan Review and Site Visit Procedures Fundamentals Unit for Conservation Commissioners and Reviewing Wetland Replication Plans. In addition, Marc Bergeron and Alyssa Jacobs moderated sessions during the conference and many of our ecological and coastal sciences colleagues attended the conference.
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What's New At Epsilon
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Congratulations. As a Principal-owned firm, transitioning ownership to the next generation is essential to the company's vision and growth. With that, we are excited to announce that
Richard Lampeter,
Geoff Starsiak and
Marc Bergeron have all been promoted to the role of Principal. Congratulations Rich, Geoff and Marc!
Kudos. In March, Senior Consultant
Dorothy Buckoski received her Professional Engineering license for the State of New Hampshire. She is now a Registered Professional Chemical Engineer in three states - Massachusetts, New York and New Hampshire. Dorothy has been a key member of the
air quality group since joining Epsilon in 2016 assisting clients in meeting the ever-changing air quality standards and regulatory requirements.
Welcome.
We are pleased to announce that Anthony Savino has joined the acoustics group as the newest Staff Scientist. At Epsilon, he will complement our acoustics group providing a range of services including environmental impact assessments as well as on-site measurement programs. Anthony recently graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with Master of Science in Architectural Sciences: Architectural Acoustics. We are excited to have him join the Epsilon team and are quickly getting him up to speed on projects.
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