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7 Assessor s Parcels for Project Site Assessor s Parcel Number (APN): Legal Description: Northeast ¼ of Section 15, Township 7 South, Range 21 East

8 Tentative NOP Agency Mailing List California State Clearinghouse (see Notice of Completion form for State Agency distribution) County of Riverside (County to specify County Department distribution) City of Blythe Palo Verde Irrigation District Bureau of Land Management US Fish and Wildlife Service Palo Verde County Library Palo Verde School District Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District Southern California Edison Company California Department of Conservation

9 NOTICE OF PREPARATION ATTACHMENT A DESERT QUARTZITE SOLAR PROJECT 1.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT Project Location The proposed Desert Quartzite Solar Project (DQSP, or Project) is located in the Palo Verde Valley area of eastern Riverside County, approximately 2.8 miles west of the City of Blythe (Figure 1). The overall Project site is located approximately 2.5 miles to the southwest of the Blythe Airport. The community of Nicholls Warm Springs, Mesa Verde is located just to the south of the Blythe Airport, and is the closest community to the Project site. The town of Ripley is located approximately 4.5 miles to the east. The Project would be located south of Interstate 10 (I-10), and west of State Route 78 (SR-78) and Highway 95. The 160-acre private parcel is located within the larger, overall Project site, which encompasses approximately 4,843 acres of public lands administered by the U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The 160-acre private parcel is located generally in the middle of the overall Project site, and was previously the location of a jojoba farm. Project Description The proposed Project consists of construction and operation of a 300 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) electrical generating facility and associated infrastructure on a total of approximately 5,003 acres of public and private land. A transmission line interconnecting the proposed Project to the Southern California Edison (SCE) Colorado River Substation (CRSS) would extend for approximately 2.8 miles, crossing public land. The proposed Project would produce enough energy to power approximately 90,000 households, and consist of the following components: Solar array field utilizing single axis solar PV and fixed-tilt arrays System of interior collection power lines located between inverters and substations One on-site substation (approximately 6.5 acres) One operations and maintenance (O&M) building Two primary off-site access roads and several interior access roads 2.8-miles of 230 kilovolt (kv) double-circuit transmission line between the solar field and Colorado River Substation The portion of the proposed Project to be constructed on the private parcel would contain solar PV arrays, associated electrical collection facilities, and internal array access roads. The solar PV arrays to be installed on the private parcel would generate an estimated 20 MW out of the 300 MW for the overall Project. Desert Quartzite Solar Project NOP Page A-1

10 Project Objectives The fundamental purpose of the Project is to construct, operate, and eventually decommission a clean, renewable source of electricity that helps meet California s growing demand for power and helps fulfill National and State renewable energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals. Solar energy provides a sustainable, renewable source of power that helps reduce fossil fuel dependence and GHG emissions. The proposed Project will help California meet its Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) goal, which is currently 33 percent of electrical power retail sales by 2020 under Senate Bill X 1-2, but may be increased to 50 percent by 2030 in accordance with Governor Brown s 2015 inaugural address. The Project supports Secretary of the Interior Salazar s Orders 3283, 3285, and 3285A1, which make developing renewable energy a top National priority, and the President s June 2013 Climate Action Plan to approve 20,000 MW of renewable energy on public land by The Project will also help the State achieve the 2006 Global Warming Solutions Act (Assembly Bill 32) GHG reduction targets, which require California s GHG emissions to be reduced to 1990 levels by The Project would furthermore support the County s energy policy goal to contribute to California s long-term renewable energy development and GHG reduction goals. Key attributes of the overall Project include: Direct conversion of sunlight to electricity with minimal use of water (i.e., no need for cooling water or water to generate steam) or production of wastes in the power generation process 300 MW of electrical power, a typical capacity for a modern natural gas-fired combined cycle power plant in California, generated from a renewable source and producing fewer carbon (and other air pollutant) emissions and lower noise levels during power generation A project sited within the Riverside East Solar Energy Zone as designated in the BLM 2012 Approved Resource Management Plan Amendments/Record of Decision for Solar Energy Development in Six Southwestern States and within one of the Competitive Renewable Energy Zones identified by the Renewable Energy Transmission Initiative Low-profile PV arrays Minimal water use during Project operation Proximity to existing transmission with capacity at the CRSS Land Use Considerations The proposed Project is situated in the County of Riverside. The Riverside County General Plan (Palo Verde Area Plan) applies the Agriculture land use designation to the Project site. The parcel is currently zoned W-2-10 (Controlled Development Areas) (10 Acre Minimum). The County of Riverside Planning Department has indicated that the proposed Project would be conditionally consistent with the agricultural land use designation, subject to issuance of a conditional use permit. The bulk of the Project acreage, and the proposed transmission line alignment between the Project site and the Colorado River Substation site, is Federal land under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior, BLM. A Right of Way Grant from the BLM is required for construction of the solar facility and 230 kv transmission line on BLM public land. Desert Quartzite Solar Project NOP Page A-2

11 Project Components Solar Array Field The overall Project will involve the installation of First Solar s thin film cadmium telluride PV modules, or other PV modules, with the capacity to generate a total of 300 MW of power under peak solar conditions. Inverter hardware will be located in each power conversion station (PCS), which will convert the direct current (DC) electric input into grid-quality alternating current (AC) electric output. The Project will be constructed using thin film or other PV solar modules mounted on single axis, horizontal tracker structures, fixed-tilt mounting systems, or a combination thereof. The mounting system for the modules is proposed to be supported by steel posts driven into the ground. Based on the general soil and drainage characteristics of the surrounding area, preliminary estimates are that the posts will be driven between 4 and 7 feet into the ground for fixed-tilt structures, and up to 12 feet for tracker structures. Tilt-brackets, which establish the plane of the fixed-tilt arrays (tilt angle), will be bolted onto the posts (fixed tilt). Steel table frames (tabletops) will then be bolted to the tilt-brackets or tracker structures, and the modules will be mechanically fastened to the tables. Fixed-tilt arrays, which do not track the sun, are positioned in a south-facing orientation at a tilt between 20 and 25 degrees from horizontal (ground surface) to receive optimal solar energy throughout the year. The rows in each array are oriented in an east-west direction. On the single-axis horizontal trackers, the PV modules are mounted horizontally (not tilted to the south). The tracking units are arranged into north-to-south-oriented rows, and are powered by a drive motor to track the east-west path of the sun on a single axis throughout the day. The maximum height for both the fixed-tilt arrays and single axis horizontal trackers is 13 feet above the ground surface. Combiners, Inverters, and Transformers The PV modules will be electrically connected by wire harnesses and combiner boxes that collect power from several rows of modules and feed a PCS via underground DC cables. Inverter hardware located in each PCS converts the DC electric input into grid-quality AC electric output. A transformer then steps up the voltage of the array output for on-site transmission of the power to the PV combining switchgear (PVCS). Overhead lines then collect the electricity to the on-site substation where the voltage is stepped up and routed to the CRSS via the gen-tie line. The PCS and transformer will be located within each PV block, and housed on concrete vaults. The PVCS will collect the power from a group of arrays for transmission to the on-site substation. The PVCS cabinets will be dispersed amongst the arrays. High-capacity collection system lines will connect the power output from the PVCS to the on-site substation. The on-site electrical collection system is designed to minimize electrical losses within the solar facility site prior to delivery to the on-site substation. Substation and Switchgear Pads The on-site substation facility will be located in an approximately 6.5-acre area located in the northwest portion of the overall Project site, roughly 1 mile from the 160-acre privately owned parcel. At the on-site substation, the voltage of the solar facility-generated electricity will be stepped up to 230 kv for transmission and interconnection with the SCE regional grid at the CRSS. Desert Quartzite Solar Project NOP Page A-3

12 Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Building The O&M facility, located adjacent to the on-site substation, will be designed for parts storage, facility security systems, and Project monitoring equipment. The O&M facility will consist of offices, a restroom, and a storage area. A septic system and leach field will be located at the O&M building and will serve the Project s sanitary wastewater disposal needs. Site Security Fencing The overall Project site boundary will be fenced to facilitate Project and equipment security. The 160-acre private parcel is located entirely within the overall fenced Project site. In addition, a chain link fence will be installed along the northern boundary of the 160-acre private parcel. Site security will be provided through a combination of on-site staffing, security patrols, remote monitoring, and/or electronic security systems. Surveillance methods, such as security cameras, motion detectors, or heat sensors, may be installed at locations along the Project boundary. Gates will be installed at the roads entering or exiting the solar facility site. Limiting access to the Project will be necessary both to ensure the safety of the public and to protect the equipment from potential theft and vandalism. The perimeter of the overall Project site will be fenced with an approximately 6-foot tall chain-link fence topped with approximately 1.3 feet of barbed wire for security purposes. In addition, six-foot chain-link fencing topped with barbed wire will surround the Project s on-site substation, switching station, O&M facility, and the temporary construction staging areas. Shielded area-specific lighting for security purposes will be limited to the O&M facility, the on-site substation, the temporary construction staging areas, and possibly on or near each PCS station. Access Roads The planned primary access to the Project site and the 160-acre private parcel is from the I-10 freeway to SR-78 to S. Neighbours Boulevard to 16th Avenue/Seeley Boulevard. Secondary access (for limited large loads and emergencies only) will be provided by I-10 to Mesa Drive to Orange Drive to 16th Avenue/Seeley Avenue, or I-10 to Mesa Drive to Orange Drive to 15th Avenue to Haig Drive to 16th Avenue/Seeley Avenue. Although not proposed to be utilized for Project site access, the closest Countymaintained road to the 160-acre private parcel is 18th Avenue, located approximately 0.25 mile to the east of the northeast corner of the 160-acre private parcel. 230 kv Transmission Line Interconnect The Project proposes to interconnect to the regional transmission grid at SCE s CRSS. The CRSS was constructed as part of system upgrades that are intended to serve several renewable energy projects in the region, including projects that are further along in the development process than the proposed Project. Construction of the CRSS was completed in September The proposed Project s 230 kv gen-tie line would be located entirely on land administered by the BLM and would be authorized as part of the BLM right-of-way grant (Serial Number CACA 49397). Desert Quartzite Solar Project NOP Page A-4

13 General Construction Process Site Preparation The engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor would utilize site preparation techniques that adequately prepare the site for safe and efficient and operation of PV arrays while allowing water to sheet flow across the site with negligible impact on surface water flow upstream and downstream of the site. Site preparation may include a combination of disc and roll, mowing, and/or localized grading. Desert Quartzite, LLC (the Applicant) will implement site design and protective erosion and drainage control design measures during construction and operation. Storm water flow will be managed to prevent downstream erosion and channelization. Contour grading, erosion control design features, storm water mitigation measures and other protective measures (including avoiding the placement of PV module tables and piles within significant drainages and minimizing disturbance and compaction to the extent possible), will enable historic levels of runoff off-site to be maintained at the overall Project site and in downstream areas. A Project-specific Stormwater Pollution and Prevention Plan (SWPPP) would be prepared, as applicable, to address discharges to Waters of the U.S. The Applicant will design erosion control plans and implement SWPPP Best Management Practices for storm water management and control and to minimize downstream erosion and sedimentation. Construction Activities Included within the overall Project site will be several temporary construction staging areas and an area for construction worker parking. These areas will be utilized throughout the Project construction period and then decommissioned and/or replaced by arrays. None of these temporary construction facilities are proposed on the 160-acre private parcel. The staging areas will include material laydown and storage areas and an equipment assembly area. The Project is not expected to require an on-site cement batch plant. During construction, the area near the location of the O&M facility will also contain a guard shack, construction trailers, construction worker parking, and portable toilet facilities that will serve the Project s sanitation needs during construction. Temporary construction fencing will surround these areas, and the guard shack will be manned to provide security during construction. Graded all-weather roads will be required in selected locations on the overall Project site during construction to bring equipment and materials from the staging areas to the construction work areas, and for long-term Project operation and maintenance. Following preconstruction surveys, construction mobilization, and site preparation, construction of the solar facility and gen-tie line will begin. Work will be completed in blocks moving across the site so that completion of one block is closely followed by the beginning of the next. Construction Sequence, Equipment, and Workforce The Applicant currently plans to construct the Project, beginning in December 2016, over a 24- to 48- month schedule depending on market conditions. Construction of the gen- tie line would take place concurrently with the construction of the solar facility. During overall Project construction, the workforce is expected to average approximately 450 employees with a peak workforce of approximately 750 employees, assuming a 24-month construction period. The Project construction workforce will be recruited from within Riverside County and elsewhere in the Desert Quartzite Solar Project NOP Page A-5

14 surrounding region, to the extent practicable. The proposed work schedule (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.) would result in minimal or no construction worker contribution to the a.m. peak traffic period but would contribute up to 750 trips to the p.m. peak traffic period (4-6 p.m.), assuming a 24-month construction period. The typical construction work schedule is expected to be from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, to meet schedule demands, it may be necessary to work early morning, evening, or nights and on weekends during certain construction phases. The work schedule may be modified throughout the year to account for changing weather conditions (e.g., starting the workday earlier in the summer months to avoid work during the hottest part of the day for health and safety reasons). In the event that construction work takes place outside these typical hours, activities will comply with Riverside County standards for construction noise levels. For safety reasons, certain construction tasks, including final electrical terminations, must be performed after dark when no energy is being produced. Operation and Maintenance Activities Project maintenance activities will generally include all-weather road maintenance; vegetation restoration and management; scheduled maintenance of inverters, transformers, and other electrical equipment; and occasional replacement of faulty modules or other site electrical equipment. The Project s all-weather access roads will be regularly inspected, and degradation due to weather or wear and tear will be repaired. Dust palliatives will be applied on dirt access roads, as necessary. This is expected to be needed only once every 2 to 5 years. Washing of solar panels is expected to occur up to twice per year. After the construction period, the workforce for O&M and security purposes is estimated to be up to 15 full time workers. Typical work schedules are expected to be in two 8-hour shifts. During operations, potable water will be trucked into the site (one truck a week from Blythe) or on-site groundwater will be utilized, including treatment, as necessary. The O&M workforce will generate small amounts of sanitary wastewater that will be handled by an onsite septic system and leach field. Only limited deliveries will be necessary for replacement PV modules and equipment during Project operation. Up to 10 truck deliveries per day are anticipated during the operational phase of the Project. Desert Quartzite Solar Project NOP Page A-6

15 Figure 1: Location Map Desert Quartzite Solar Project NOP Page A-7

16 Figure 2: Site Plan Desert Quartzite Solar Project NOP Page A-8

17 Figure 3: Typical Solar Array Desert Quartzite Solar Project NOP Page A-9

18 2.0 ENVIRONMENTAL TOPICS TO BE ADDRESSED Introduction The County of Riverside has determined that an EIR shall be prepared to address the potentially significant impacts of the proposed DQSP. The EIR will involve research, analysis, and study of the following environmental topics: Aesthetics/Visual Resources Agricultural and Forestry Resources Air Quality Biological Resources Cultural Resources Geology and Soils Greenhouse Gas Emissions Hazards and Hazardous Materials Hydrology and Water Quality Land Use and Planning Mineral Resources Noise Population and Housing Public Services Recreation Traffic and Circulation Utilities and Service Systems The EIR will include all topical areas of content required by CEQA, including cumulative impacts, alternatives to the proposed Project, and growth-inducing impacts. For each resource topic, environmental impacts relating to construction, operations, and decommissioning phases of the Project will be identified; however, the level of analysis to be included may vary based on the complexity of the issues, public and agency input to the Notice of Preparation (NOP), and/or refinements to the Project that may occur subsequent to the publication of this NOP. For impacts that are significant, mitigation measures will be proposed to alleviate or avoid the significant impact(s). Aesthetics Placement of PV solar panels, transmission line, and other Project facilities may alter the views of the Project area. Potential visual impacts of this Project on sensitive receptors and scenic resources will be further evaluated in the EIR. Photo simulations of the proposed Project from key observation points will be provided to assist in the evaluation. The EIR will also analyze possible impacts of reflection of the sun off the solar modules and night lighting of portions of the solar facility. Agriculture and Forest Resources The Project s potential impact on prime and unique farmlands, forest lands, timberland, and lands zoned as such will be evaluated in the EIR; as well as the potential impact of converting agricultural lands to non-agricultural use and forest land to non-forest use. Air Quality The Project site is located in the Mojave Desert Air Basin, and air emissions are regulated by the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (MDAQMD). The EIR will address consistency with regional and local air quality plans and evaluate and quantify the short-term and long-term sources of air pollutants generated by the Project, including mobile, stationary, and area source emissions. Biological Resources A biological resources assessment will be provided to evaluate the Project s effects on the vegetation communities, wildlife habitats, wildlife movement, wetlands and waters, and/or listed species in the Project area, as well as to identify potential conflicts with applicable habitat conservation plans/protection ordinances. Desert Quartzite Solar Project NOP Page A-10

19 Cultural Resources Cultural resource effects will be analyzed in the EIR, including a query of the Northwest Information Center of the California Historical Resources File System, analysis of sacred lands identified through consultation with the Native American Heritage Commission, and consultation with Native Americans and other interested parties (e.g., local historical societies). The evaluation will also address the potential impacts to historic resources and the occurrence of paleontological (fossil) resources. Geology and Soils The EIR will assess soil and geologic conditions of the Project area and address hazards related to seismic activity, including the potential for liquefaction, ground shaking, soil failure, soil stability and erosion potential. Greenhouse Gas Emissions The EIR will address the potential construction and operation related impacts relative to greenhouse gas emissions. Hazards and Hazardous Materials The EIR will evaluate the presence of hazards or hazardous conditions that may affect construction and operation of the Project, including the location of nearby or on-site hazardous waste sites included on State or Federal databases, airport and airstrip hazard zones, emergency response routes, and wildfire hazards. Hydrology and Water Quality The proposed Project will include an analysis of existing drainage systems, and will evaluate potential impacts to water resources. Land Use and Planning The proposed Project may affect the use of the Project property. The EIR will evaluate potential environmental effects to land use that include compatibility with land use and zoning designations, and consistency with land use plans, policies or regulations of the applicable jurisdictions (that include the Riverside County General Plan, and the BLM s Northern and Eastern Colorado Desert Coordinated Management Plan). Mineral Resources The Project s impact on mineral resource policies from local land use plans will be identified in the EIR. Project demand for mineral resources, including need for sand and gravel, will be identified within the context of local supply. Noise The EIR will determine noise levels due to construction and operation of the proposed Project and will evaluate impacts for consistency with applicable laws, regulations, ordinances and guidelines. Population and Housing The EIR will address the short-term and long-term population and housing impacts that would result from the construction workforce. These effects may include physical and service related changes within area communities associated with demand for temporary housing. Desert Quartzite Solar Project NOP Page A-11

20 Public Services With the accommodation of the construction workforce, there may be temporary increased demand for public services, including community facilities and schools, and an increased need for police and fire protection services. The EIR will evaluate the potential for impacts on these public services Recreation The temporary workforce may increase the demand for recreation facilities, including local and community parks in the Project area. The EIR will evaluate the changes to existing recreation services and parks that may result from Project implementation. Traffic and Circulation The EIR will include a traffic study that evaluates changes in circulation that may result from the proposed Project, focusing on effects during Project construction. Utilities and Service Systems Similar to the discussion under Public Services, the proposed Project will be evaluated to determine the impact of increases in the demand for public utilities, including demand for electricity and natural gas, increased demand for water, increased generation of wastewater requiring treatment, and increased generation of solid waste. Desert Quartzite Solar Project NOP Page A-12