Page 29 - ESS July 2023

Surveying for a Sustainable Future

By Robert H. Capucilli, LS

The energy transformation is in the process of forever changing where I wasn’t provided the title report to review until just before
the landscape of New York State. And the reality is surveying the due date of the project. Upon inspection, I immediately
is the basis for all of this work being performed. Organizations noticed covenants that prevented the development of the
are leveraging underutilized, or perhaps unwanted, areas to property. If that information had been reviewed sooner, then
develop solar sites with overwhelming public and government it could have saved many thousands of dollars in survey and
support. Professionals planning and designing need quality preliminary planning that all had to be scrapped.
survey data to properly develop these projects. There is huge Our industry needs to be aware of the opportunity in this type
opportunity for the industry. of work. At the end of the day, this work is no different than
We are seeing projects of all shapes and sizes. Despite the any other, but due to tax incentives and the overall direction
emerging industry, the work is consistent with most surveyors’ associated with New York State’s energy goals, we are seeing
experience and skill set, like establishing a preliminary these sites popping up all over the state. The reality is that
boundary/topographic survey (ALTA) to identify easements renewable energy sites will need not only survey work to become
and restrictions so engineering can start making a site plan. We established, but also to maintain, improve, and integrate into
create lease areas and easements to support the site plan created. the next step into the future of green energy. These sites,
Or tree surveys to identify the amount of deforestation and while experiencing a boom of development presently, will also
calculate shade analysis for surrounding trees and their impact on produce work that will go on for many years to come.
planned solar array. We also stakeout the solar array, roadways, About the author: Robert H. Capucilli,
buildings, utilities and stormwater management. In terms of LS of Halfmoon Land Surveying is a
development and maintenance, surveyors conduct drone flights member of NYSAPLS, NSPS and his
periodically throughout the process, and potentially beyond, to local regional, the Mid-Hudson Valley
support maintenance. There is plenty of development at every Land Surveyors Association. He currently
level that any sized surveying company could accommodate. serves on the NYSAPLS Public Relations
Land surveys should be the foundation upon which renewable Committee.
energy projects are built. A little planning can save a lot of
headaches down the road. I once worked on a new solar site

EMPIRE STATE SURVEYOR / VOL. 59 • NO 4/ 2023 • JULY/AUGUST 27