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June 24, 2026 generation, the Town Board finds that the Project will not result in a substantial adverse change in existing traffic levels. Noise: Electrical equipment such as power transformers can generate a low-level operational hum. Based on the rural, agricultural character of the surrounding area and the substation's distance from occupied structures, the Town Board finds that the Project is not anticipated to result in a substantial adverse change in existing noise levels. Drainage and Erosion Control: Because the Project will disturb approximately four (4) acres, which exceeds the one-acre threshold under the NYSDEC SPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activity (GP-0-20-001, or successor permit), the Project is subject to that permit and will require preparation and implementation of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) incorporating erosion and sediment control measures and, as applicable, post-construction stormwater management practices. Subject to compliance with the SWPPP and applicable NYSDEC permit conditions, the Town Board finds that the Project will not result in a substantial increase in the potential for erosion, flooding, leaching, or drainage problems. Air Quality and Solid Waste: The Project does not involve any use that will generate substantial air emissions or solid waste. Temporary, localized fugitive dust and construction-related emissions may occur during the construction period but are not anticipated to be significant and will be addressed through standard construction best management practices. Criteria 2: The removal or destruction of large quantities of vegetation or fauna; substantial interference with the movement of any resident or migratory fish or wildlife species; impacts on a significant habitat area; substantial adverse impacts on a threatened or endangered species of animal or plant, or the habitat of such a species; or other significant adverse impacts to natural resources. The Project Site was previously used for agricultural purposes and does not contain mature woodlands. Based on the information currently available, the Project will result in the removal of agricultural vegetation/ground cover on approximately four acres, but this impact is localized and is not anticipated to result in any potentially significant adverse impact to vegetation, wildlife, or natural resources. Criteria 3: The impairment of the environmental characteristics of a critical environmental area as designated pursuant to section 617.14(g) of this Part. The Project Site is not located within a Critical Environmental Area designated pursuant to Section 617.14(g) of the SEQRA Regulations. Criteria 4: The creation of a material conflict with a community's current plans or goals as officially approved or adopted. Public utility substations are a use specifically contemplated and subject to special use permit approval within the Agricultural Priority District. The Town Board finds that the Project will not create a material conflict with the Town's current plans or goals as officially approved or adopted. Criteria 5: The impairment of the character or quality of important historical, archeological, architectural, or aesthetic resources or of existing community or neighborhood character. Historic and Archaeological Resources The applicant has reached out to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and has received a letter of No Impact. Visual and Community Character: The Project Site is located within an agricultural and rural residential area along Gowanda State Road. The substation will introduce a new utility use, including switching and transformer equipment, structures, and a security fence, on a site that is currently in agricultural use. The security fence will be black vinyl coated chain link to be less visible. The lighting proposed for the Project (six fixtures, mounted approximately 31 feet above grade and angled toward the interior of the substation yard) has been designed to direct illumination onto the substation yard and away from adjoining properties and the road corridor, minimizing off-site lighting impacts. The substation is an unmanned, low-profile utility use that is consistent with the pattern of utility infrastructure already present throughout the Town's agricultural and rural landscape. Based on the foregoing, the Town Board finds that the Project will not result in any potentially significant adverse impact on community character. Criteria 6: A major change in the use of either the quantity or type of energy. The purpose of the Project is to increase the capacity, reliability, and resiliency of the electric distribution/sub- transmission system serving the Town and surrounding area. The Project does not involve any use that will result in a substantial increase in energy consumption on the Project Site itself; rather, the Project supports the Town's existing and future electric service needs. The Town Board finds that this represents a beneficial, rather than adverse, change related to energy. 4