Chapter 3

Project Description  3.1  Overview  Project Overview  This EIR has been prepared to identify and evaluate potential environmental impacts associated with implementation of the proposed Fremont Solar (Springbok 2 Solar Farm) (proposed project) by 63SU 8ME, LLC (project proponent). The proposed project would develop an up to 350 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) electrical generating facility. More specifically, the Homes Ranch Site would develop an up to 150 MW solar farm, the Sons Ranch Site 1 would develop an up to 100 MW solar farm, and the Sons Ranch Site 2 would develop an up to 100 MW solar farm. The proposed project would be located on approximately 1,350 acres of undeveloped and formerly cultivated and grazed lands and other previously disturbed lands from human activities on two geographically separate sites (Sons Ranch Site 1 abuts Sons Ranch Site 2) encompassing 13 parcels within unincorporated eastern Kern County (Figure 3-1). The project sites and respective acreages per the Kern County Assessor Maps are as follows: 

Homes Ranch Site: 659.2 acres (Figure 3-2)



Sons Ranch Site 1: 288.8 acres (Figure 3-3)



Sons Ranch Site 2: 399.8 acres (Figure 3-3)



Previously Approved Springbok 1 Solar Farm (Figure 3-4)

The project would require approval of Conditional Use Permits (CUP) to allow for the construction and operation of the solar electrical generating facility and a temporary concrete batch plant (Homes) in the A (Exclusive Agriculture) zone district, for each project site. The project also proposes General Plan Amendments (GPA) to the Circulation Element of the Kern County General Plan to eliminate future road reservations along section and mid-section lines; and GPAs for the removal of portions of each site from the Cantil Rural Community Plan. This is shown in Figure 3-5 and Figure 3-6, respectively. In addition, a change in zone district from A-1 (Limited Agriculture) to A (Exclusive Agriculture) for several parcels is requested for consistency with the General Plan. The project would require approval of Williamson Act land use contract cancellations to allow for the construction and operation of the proposed solar facilities in advance of already nonrenewed contracts due to expire on December 31, 2015. The project also includes a modification to the previously approved Springbok 1 Solar Farm (CUP 14, Map 152; CUP 15, Map 152; CUP 2, Map 153; Approved on March 27, 2014) which would allow for O&M facilities at alternative locations on the Springbok 1 Site (Figure 3-4). In addition, the applicant is requesting a GPA to the Circulation Element of the Kern County General Plan to remove section and mid-section lines within the Springbok 1 Site as future road reservations (Figure 3-5). The applicant also is requesting an increase in the amount of construction water from the previously analyzed 50 acre-feet to 200 acre-feet. The proposed solar facility would develop a maximum 350 MW solar PV facility and associated infrastructure including an estimated 1.5 million PV solar modules, transmission lines and towers, interior collection and supply power lines, switchgear pads, above-ground water tanks, meteorological towers, and operation and maintenance (O&M) buildings. The project would also include connections to off-site 230 Draft Environmental Impact Report  Fremont Solar (Springbok 2 Solar Farm)   

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County of Kern

Chapter 3: Project Description

kilovolt (kV) or 345 kV existing and proposed transmission lines that connect to the Los Angeles Department of Water and power (LADWP) Beacon Substation located on the Beacon Photovoltaic Project site, or alternatively to one or more of five potential substations: (1) the LADWP Barren Ridge substation; (2) the proposed Antelope Valley (AV) Clearview Transmission Yeager substation or similar path created by project proponent as a “merchant line”; (3) the Southern California Edison (SCE) Windhub substation; (4) the SCE Randsburg substation; (5) the SCE Kramer substation. Power may first be collected at an offsite shared substation located on a nearby solar project’s site. No expansion of existing utility company substations are anticipated, but some re-routing of transmission lines within the proximity of these substations may be required for interconnection to the utility company substation. Some of the proposed transmission line routes could go through federal lands (Bureau of Land Management [BLM]), but remain within existing roads right-of-way and/or easements. As shown in Figure 3-1, the proposed project area is located approximately four miles north of California City and 17 miles northeast of the unincorporated community of Mojave. The unincorporated town of Cantil is within portions of the project area. State Route (SR) 14 runs along the western portion of the project area, and an existing Union Pacific rail line runs through the project area. The project area is comprised of 13 Assessor Parcel Numbers (APNs), as shown in Table 3-1 and Figure 3-2 through Figure 3-3. The three project sites consist of undeveloped and previously disturbed land, formerly used for agricultural activities. Additionally, approximately 690 acres of the proposed project, located throughout each of the project sites, is under Williamson Act Land Use Contracts. Notices of Nonrenewal were approved on January 10, 2006, but the contracts will not expire until December 31, 2015. Therefore, Williamson Act Land Use Contract cancellations are also requested. Separate encroachment permits would be required for access via public roadways, highways, and railroad rights-of-way. In addition, encroachment permits would be required for any access to LADWP, SCE, or Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) rights-of-way. If BLM lands are used for transmission line routes, further environmental review may be required. Table 3-1. Project Assessor Parcel Numbers, Acres, and Location Parcel APN Homes Ranch Site 1 469-050-08 2 469-010-10 3 469-010-11

Acres

Section/Township/Range

22.8 320.0 316.4

SEC 3 T31S, R37E SEC 11 T31S, R37E SEC 11 T31S, R37E Subtotal:

Sons Ranch Site #1 4 181-190-31 5 181-190-06

659.2

132.1 156.7

SEC 33 T30S, R37E SEC 33 T30S, R37E Subtotal:

Sons Ranch Site #2 6 181-150-01 7 181-150-02 8 181-180-01 9 181-180-02 10 181-180-03 11 181-180-04 12 181-190-20 13 181-210-08

71.1 73.4 59.9 10.00 10.00 80.0 24.0 71.5

SEC 27 T30S, R37E SEC 27 T30S, R37E SEC 34 T30S, R37E SEC 34 T30S, R37E SEC 34 T30S, R37E SEC 34 T30S, R37E SEC 28 T30S, R37E SEC 28 T30S, R37E

Subtotal: Total Project Acreage:

Draft Environmental Impact Report  Fremont Solar (Springbok 2 Solar Farm)   

288.8

399.8 1,347.8

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KERN COUNTY PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FREMONT SOLAR (SPRINGBOK 2 SOLAR FARM)

Substation Fremont Transmission Corridors Project Site Bureau of Land Management

Kern County

Area of Detail

Ä Æ

0

14

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2015

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Figure 3-2: HOMES RANCH SITE EIR

2015

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Figure 3-3: SONS RANCH SITES 1 AND 2 EIR

2015

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Figure 3-4: SPRINBOK 1 SITE EIR

2015

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N AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT KERN COUNTY PLANNING RA 13 18 K FREMONT SOLAR (SPRINGBOK 2 SOLAR FARM) C 14 17 DR

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11

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Figure 3-5: PROPOSED CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT EIR

2015

KERN COUNTY PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FREMONT SOLAR (SPRINGBOK 2 SOLAR FARM)

Ä Æ NEURALIA RD

14

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Sons Ranch Site 1 Sons Ranch Site 2 Cantil Rural Community Plan Area to be Removed from Cantil Rural CP

0

1,200 Feet

Figure 3-6: PROPOSED GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT TO CANTIL RURAL COMMUNITY PLAN EIR

2015

County of Kern

Chapter 3: Project Description

3.2  Environmental Setting  Regional Setting  The proposed project is located in the Fremont Valley, in southeastern unincorporated Kern County, just east of the southernmost portion of the Sierra Nevada mountains, in the northwestern Mojave Desert. The Mojave Desert is classified as a “high desert.” It is a transition between the Sonoran Desert to the south and the Great Basin Desert to the north. Characteristic of a desert climate, the Mojave Desert has extreme daily temperature changes, low annual precipitation, strong seasonal winds, and mostly clear skies. Mean maximum temperatures in July and August exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and low winter temperatures are in the 30s. Average annual precipitation is less than six inches. The Honda Proving Grounds test track facility is located directly adjacent on the north of Homes and on the east of Sons 2. Desert Tortoise Research and Natural Area is located one mile east of Homes. California City is located four miles south and Edwards Air Force Base is located 15 miles south of Homes. The unincorporated community of Mojave is located 17 miles southwest of Homes. The Pacific Crest Trail is located about 12 miles northwest of Sons 1. The Jawbone Canyon Store, a retail and entertainment facility, is located a third of a mile north of Sons 1 on the west side of SR 14. The approved Beacon Photovoltaic Project site is located directly south of Sons 1 and half a mile west of Homes. LADWP-owned Beacon substation is located about two miles south of Homes. The Los Angeles Aqueduct runs southwest, adjacent to State Route (SR) 14 and is located west of the project area. The project sites are located in the northern region of the Mojave Desert Basin, a dry, closed basin area surrounded by mountain ranges. Most of the valleys within the basin are internally drained, resulting in a closed system where all precipitation that falls within the valleys, percolates into the aquifer or drains to salt pan dry lakes and evaporates. The project is located in the northern portion of Fremont Valley, a 14-mile-long broad desert valley region that drains into portions of the eastern slopes of the Tehachapi Sierra Nevada, the southern slopes of the El Paso and the north and western Rand Mountains. Within Fremont Valley, water generally flows east to Koehn Dry Lake, the lowest topographical point in the enclosed basin. The project sites are located in the Koehn Lake Hydrologic Area, a subwatershed of the Fremont Hydrologic Unit or watershed (NRCS, 2007). The Koehn Lake Hydrologic Area is approximately 895 square miles and extends beyond the Kern County line and partly into San Bernardino County. With the exception of the western most reaches of Cache Creek, Pine Tree Creek, and Jawbone Canyon Wash, which can be characterized as having an alpine climate with moderate vegetative coverage, the remaining area of the watershed can be described as high desert with relatively sparse vegetative cover (AquaHelio, 2012). There are no known oil, gas, geothermal, or ore-bearing zones within a 10 mile radius of the project sites. The project sites are not located within a sole source aquifer, as designated by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).

Local Setting   The proposed project is located on approximately 1,350 acres of lands previously disturbed by cultivation and livestock grazing comprised by two geographically separate sites (Sons Ranch Site 1 abuts Sons Ranch Site 2). The project area is generally flat with elevations ranging from 1,942 to 2,192 feet above sea level. SR 14 is generally located to the west of the project sites, but also traverses through the westernmost portions of the

Draft Environmental Impact Report  Fremont Solar (Springbok 2 Solar Farm)   

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County of Kern

Chapter 3: Project Description

proposed project. An existing Union Pacific rail line runs through the proposed project; specifically, through Sons Ranch Site 1. The three project sites are described below: 

The Homes Ranch Site (Figure 3-2) – consists of 659.2 acres on three parcels, two of which are adjoining and one which is noncontiguous to the northwest. The two adjoining parcels are bound on the west by Neuralia Road and the former Honda Proving Grounds test track facility is adjacent to the north. The boundary of the unincorporated town of Cantil is approximately 1.5 miles north of Site 1 (Homes) at the mid-section line of Section 34, 30/37. Lands to the east, south, and west are undeveloped. The property was cultivated for agriculture and used for sheep grazing until about 1990. Existing on-site developments include abandoned homesteads, remnants of irrigation systems and well pumps from previous agricultural practices, barn corrals, storage buildings, power lines and telephone poles, and dirt roads. The parcels contained active agricultural uses until 1990 and were then used for sheep grazing through 2011. Barbed wire and sheep fencing surrounds the site, though in some areas the fencing is no longer functional. The noncontiguous parcel of the Homes Site is adjacent to Neuralia Road on the east, and is developed with a non-operational scale house. About half of Homes contains access roads, loops, parking areas and related facilities. The other half of Homes is vegetated with successional desert saltbush. Sons is located north of Homes; the former Honda test track facility is located to the north and undeveloped land is located to the south, east and west of Homes. The Desert Tortoise Research and Natural Area is located one mile east of Homes Ranch Site 1.



Sons Ranch Site 1 (Figure 3-3) – consists of 288.8 acres on 2 parcels that are generally contiguous with one another. Sons site 1 is located west of Neuralia Road and north of Homes, directly west of the town of Cantil and approximately half mile west of the rural community of Rancho Seco. The Jawbone Canyon OHV open use area is to the north of Sons, and the former Honda test track facility is to the east. The Union Pacific Railroad and SR 14 pass through the western parcels of Sons Site 1. Sons site 1 land is disturbed from previous agricultural activities, and was under agricultural production until about 2000, and contains many existing agricultural wells. There are also several abandoned residential structures on the site. Due to wind erosion of the fallow cultivated lands, much of the area is devoid of vegetation, or supports mostly ruderal vegetation. Some scattered salt cedar and mesquite trees line portions of the former alluvial fan drainage to the south of the property. Some desert salt bush is scattered on parts of this property in formerly farmed areas.



Sons Ranch Site 2 (Figure 3-3) – consists of 399.8 acres on 8 parcels, all generally contiguous with one another and located partially within the unincorporated area of Cantil. Sons Ranch Site 1 and sons Ranch Site 2 abut each other. Sons site 2 is located west of Neuralia Road and north of Homes, directly west of the town of Cantil. It is adjacent to the west of the rural community of Rancho Seco. The Jawbone Canyon OHV open use area is to the north of Sons, and the former Honda test track facility is to the east. The Union Pacific Railroad and SR 14 also passes through the western parcels of Sons Site 2. Sons Ranch Site 2 land is disturbed from previous agricultural activities, and was under agricultural production until about 2000, and contains many existing agricultural wells. There are also several abandoned residential structures on the site. Due to wind erosion of the fallow cultivated lands, much of the area is devoid of vegetation, or supports mostly ruderal vegetation. Some scattered salt cedar

Draft Environmental Impact Report  Fremont Solar (Springbok 2 Solar Farm)   

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February 2015

County of Kern

Chapter 3: Project Description

and mesquite trees line portions of the former alluvial fan drainage to the south of the property. Some desert salt bush is scattered on parts of this property in formerly farmed areas. The project would be served by Kern County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement and public safety, Kern County Fire Department for fire protection and Kern County Medical Emergency Services. The nearest sheriff and fire stations are located in the community of Mojave, approximately 17 to 29 miles south of the project sites. The closest hospital with an emergency department is Tehachapi Regional Hospital in the City of Ridgecrest, approximately 25 miles southwest of the Sons sites. The closest school is located in California City, between 7 and 9 miles from the project sites. The project sites are not located within two miles of a private or public use airport or within an area covered by the Kern County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP), and are not located within an airport sphere of influence identified in the ALUCP. The nearest public airports are the California City Airport, which is located between 6 and 8 miles south of the project sites, the Inyokern Airport, located between approximately 30 miles north of the project site, and the Mojave Air and Spaceport, located approximately 15 miles southwest of the project sites. The project sites are partially designated as Zone “A” on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), as issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Zone A indicates a one percent chance of annual flooding. Most of the proposed project is designated as vacant/disturbed land by the Department of Conservation Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program (FMMP). A portion of Homes contain land formerly used for grazing. Sons Site 1 is disturbed from previous agricultural activity. Neither site is under Williamson Act contract, and no Prime Farmland or Farmland of Statewide Importance is located on either site. There are identified state-designated Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones on the Sons project sites, as the Garlock Fault traverses the site. The project sites are located within the Kern County General Plan area; however, portions of Homes and Sons Ranch Sites 1 and 2 are also within the boundaries of the Cantil Interim Rural Community Plan (Cantil ICP). However, no formal text plans for the Cantil IRCP have yet been adopted; therefore, the goals and policies of the Kern County General Plan govern any proposed land use or development. As previously mentioned the applicant has requested approval of GPAs to remove these portions from the Cantil IRCP (Figure 3-6). Figures 3-7 through 3-10 and Table 3-2 provide the existing and proposed Kern County General Plan Map Code designations and Figures 3-11 through 3-14 and Table 3-2 provide the existing and proposed zoning classifications for the project sites.

Draft Environmental Impact Report  Fremont Solar (Springbok 2 Solar Farm)   

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February 2015

KERN COUNTY PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FREMONT SOLAR (SPRINGBOK 2 SOLAR FARM)

5.6

8.1

5.8

PAPPAS RD

8.1

8.1/2.1 5.8

8.1

8.1/2.5

8.1

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5.6

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8.5 8.5/2.5 8.1 8.5 8.5/2.5

8.1

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NEURALIA RD

8.5/2.1

8.5

8.5/2.5 8.5

8.5/2.5

8.5

Homes Ranch Site Boundary 8.5/2.5

Springbok Site 1 8.5

8.5

8.1

8.5 8.1

8.5/2.5

8.5

8.5

Kern County General Plan Map Code Designations 1.1 - State and Federal Land 2.1 - Seismic Hazard 2.4 - Steep Slope 2.5 - Flood Hazard 4.2 - Minimum 2.5 Gross Acres/Unit 8.1 - Intensive Agriculture (Min. 20 Acre Parcel Size) 8.5 - Resource Management (Min 20 Acre Parcel Size)

ANNE AV 1.1 8.5

8.5/2.5

0

3,000

8.5 Feet

Figure 3-7: KERN COUNTY EXISITNG GENERAL PLAN MAP CODE DESIGNATIONS HOMES RANCH SITE EIR

2015

KERN COUNTY PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FREMONT SOLAR (SPRINGBOK 2 SOLAR FARM)

5.6

8.1

5.8

PAPPAS RD

8.1

8.1/2.1 5.8

8.1

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8.5 8.5/2.5 8.1 8.5 8.1

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8.1

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Springbok Site 1

Proposed Section and Midsection Line to be Eliminated ANNE AV 8.5 Kern County General Plan Map Code Designations 1.1 - State and Federal Land 2.1 - Seismic Hazard 2.4 - Steep Slope 2.5 - Flood Hazard 4.2 - Minimum 2.5 Gross Acres/Unit 8.1 - Intensive Agriculture (Min. 20 Acre Parcel Size) 8.5 - Resource Management (Min 20 Acre Parcel Size)

8.5/2.5

1.1 8.5

8.5/2.5

0

3,000

8.5 Feet

Figure 3-8: KERN COUNTY PROPOSED GENERAL PLAN MAP CODE DESIGNATIONS (AMENDMENTS) HOMES RANCH SITE EIR

2015

KERN COUNTY PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FREMONT SOLAR (SPRINGBOK 2 SOLAR FARM)

5.8

8.5/2.1

5.6

8.1

8.5

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8.3/2.5

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.1

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5.8

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Cantil Rural Community Plan Kern County General Plan Map Code Designations 1.1and Federal Land 1.1 - State 2.1 - Seismic Hazard 2.4 - Steep Slope 2.5 - Flood Hazard 5.6 - Minimum 2.5 Gross Acres/Unit 5.7 - Minimum 5 Gross Acres/Unit 5.8 - Minimum 20 Gross Acres/Unit 8.1 - Intensive Agriculture (Min. 20 Acre Parcel Size) 8.1 8.3 - Extensive Agriculture (Min. 20 Acre Parcel Size) 8.4 - Mineral and Petroleum (Min. 5 Acre Parcel Size) 8.5/2.1 8.5 8.5 - Resource Management (Min 20 Acre Parcel Size)

8.1/2.1

E QUARTZ RD

8.1 8.1/2.5 5.6

8.5

8.1

8.1 0

8.5

8.5/2.5

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2,500 Feet

8.5/2.1

Figure 3-9: KERN COUNTY EXISTING GENERAL PLAN MAP CODE DESIGNATIONS SONS RANCH SITES 1 AND 2 EIR

2015

KERN COUNTY PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FREMONT SOLAR (SPRINGBOK 2 SOLAR FARM)

5.8

8.5/2.1

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ROGERS RD

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N CA 8.3/2.4

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NORTON RD

5.7

NEURALIA RD

5.6

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MUNSEY RD

5.7

.1

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5.6

8.4/2.4 8.5/2.1

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Sons Ranch Sites 1 and 2 8.4/2.1 Proposed Section and Midsection Lines to be Eliminated

8.1/2.1

E QUARTZ RD

5.8

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Cantil Rural Community Plan

8.1

Kern County General Plan Map Code Designations 1.1and Federal Land 1.1 - State 2.1 - Seismic Hazard 2.4 - Steep Slope 2.5 - Flood Hazard 5.6 - Minimum 2.5 Gross Acres/Unit 5.7 - Minimum 5 Gross Acres/Unit 5.8 - Minimum 20 Gross Acres/Unit 8.1 - Intensive Agriculture (Min. 20 Acre Parcel Size) 8.1 8.3 - Extensive Agriculture (Min. 20 Acre Parcel Size) 8.4 - Mineral and Petroleum (Min. 5 Acre Parcel Size) 8.5/2.1 8.5 8.5 - Resource Management (Min 20 Acre Parcel Size)

8.1/2.5 5.6

8.5

8.1

8.1 0

8.5

8.5/2.5

8.5/2.1

8.5

2,500 Feet

8.5/2.1

Figure 3-10: KERN COUNTY PROPOSED GENERAL PLAN MAP CODE DESIGNATIONS (AMENDMENTS) SONS RANCH SITES 1 AND 2 EIR

2015

KERN COUNTY PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FREMONT SOLAR (SPRINGBOK 2 SOLAR FARM)

E(2 1/2) RS MH

PAPPAS RD

A E(20) RS E(2 1/2) RS

Zoning Classifications A - Exclusive Agriculture A-1 - Limited Agriculture E(2 1/2) - Estate 2.5 Acres E(20) - Estate 20 Acres FPS - Floodplain Secondary Combining GH - Geologic Hazard Combining PL - Platted Lands RS - Residential Surburban Combining RF - Recreation Forestry WE - Wind Energy Combining MH - Mobilehome Combining

E(20) RS

A

MUNSEY RD

A-1 MH

A-1 A-1

A FPS

A

A-1 MH

A-1

A

Homes RanchA-1 Site Boundary

A

NEURALIA RD

A GH

S A FP

A GH FPS

A-1 MH

A GH A

A-1

A A WE

A

A FPS ANNE AV PL RS MH

PL RS MH A

PL RS MH

PL RS MH

A

PL RS MH

A

SM HF PS

PL RS MH FPS

PL R

A

0

3,000 Feet

Figure 3-11: KERN COUNTY EXISTING ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS HOMES RANCH SITE EIR

2015

KERN COUNTY PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FREMONT SOLAR (SPRINGBOK 2 SOLAR FARM)

E(2 1/2) RS MH

PAPPAS RD

A E(20) RS E(2 1/2) RS

Zoning Classifications A - Exclusive Agriculture A-1 - Limited Agriculture E(2 1/2) - Estate 2.5 Acres E(20) - Estate 20 Acres FPS - Floodplain Secondary Combining GH - Geologic Hazard Combining PL - Platted Lands RS - Residential Surburban Combining RF - Recreation Forestry WE - Wind Energy Combining MH - Mobilehome Combining

E(20) RS

A

A-1 MH

A A-1

A FPS

A

A-1 MH

A-1

A

Homes RanchA-1 Site Boundary

A

NEURALIA RD

A GH

S A FP

A GH FPS

A-1 MH

A GH A

A-1

A A WE

A

A FPS ANNE AV PL RS MH

PL RS MH A

PL RS MH

PL RS MH

A

PL RS MH

A

SM HF PS

PL RS MH FPS

PL R

A

0

3,000 Feet

Figure 3-12: KERN COUNTY PROPOSED ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS HOMES RANCH SITE EIR

2015

KERN COUNTY PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FREMONT SOLAR (SPRINGBOK 2 SOLAR FARM)

Sons Ranch Sites 1 and 2

E(20)

E(20)

Zoning Classifications A - Exclusive Agriculture A-1 - Limited Agriculture C-2 General Commercial E(2 1/2) - Estate 2.5 Acres E(5) - Estate 5 Acres E(20) - Estate 20 Acres E(20) RF - Recreation Forestry FPP - Floodplain Primary GH - Geologic Hazard Combining RS - Residential Surburban Combining MH - Mobilehome Combining

A-1

A-1

E(2 1/2) ROGERS RD

A-1 MH

A-1 A-1

A-1

IL NT

A-1

RD

CA

A-1

A A-1

NORTON RD

C-2

A

A-1

NEURALIA RD

E(5)

E(20) RS

E(20) RS

A A

MUNSEY RD

FPP

A

A-1 A

A-1

E(2 1/2) RS MH

E QUARTZ RD

E(20) RS

E(20) RS

E(20) RS

E(2 1/2) RS

A

A-1 MH

RF

A A-1

A-1 MH

A-1

A-1

A

0

A

A FPS

A

A GH

A

2,500 Feet

8.5/2.1

Figure 3-13: KERN COUNTY EXISTING ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS SONS RANCH SITES 1 AND 2 EIR

2015

KERN COUNTY PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FREMONT SOLAR (SPRINGBOK 2 SOLAR FARM)

Sons Ranch Site 1 and 2

E(20)

E(20)

Zoning Classifications A - Exclusive Agriculture A-1 - Limited Agriculture C-2 General Commercial E(2 1/2) - Estate 2.5 Acres E(5) - Estate 5 Acres E(20) - Estate 20 Acres E(20) RF - Recreation Forestry FPP - Floodplain Primary GH - Geologic Hazard Combining RS - Residential Surburban Combining MH - Mobilehome Combining

A-1

A-1

E(2 1/2) ROGERS RD

A-1 MH

A-1 A-1

A-1

IL NT

A-1

A-1

RD

CA A

A-1

NORTON RD

C-2

A

A-1

NEURALIA RD

E(5)

E(20) RS

E(20) RS

A A

MUNSEY RD

FPP

A

A-1 A

A

A

E(2 1/2) RS MH

E QUARTZ RD

E(20) RS

E(20) RS A E(2 1/2) RS

A

A-1 MH

RF

A A-1

A-1 MH

A-1

A-1

A

0

A

A FPS

A

A GH

A

2,500 Feet

8.5/2.1

Figure 3-14: KERN COUNTY PROPOSED ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS SONS RANCH SITES 1 AND 2 EIR

2015

County of Kern

Chapter 3: Project Description

Surrounding Land Uses  The surrounding areas are primarily undeveloped disturbed lands, formerly used for agricultural activities. Table 3-2 identifies the existing land uses on the project sites and adjacent areas. Table 3-2. Project Sites and Surrounding Land Uses Direction from Project Site

Existing Land Use

Existing Map Code Designations

Existing Zoning Classification

Existing Zone Map

Homes Ranch Site Project Site

Undeveloped, Limited Development

8.1 (Intensive Agriculture, Min. 20 Acre Parcel Size), 5.6 (Residential, Min. 2.5 Gross Acres/Unit)

A (Exclusive Agriculture), A-1 (Limited Agriculture)

North

Undeveloped

8.1 (Intensive Agriculture, Min. 20 Acre Parcel Size)

A (Exclusive Agriculture)

East

Undeveloped

5.6 (Residential, Min. 2.5 Gross Acres/Unit), 8.5 (Resource Management, Minimum 20 Acre Parcel Size)

A (Exclusive Agriculture), A-1 (Limited Agriculture)

152

South

Undeveloped

8.5 (Resource Management, Minimum 20 Acre Parcel Size)

A (Exclusive Agriculture),

152

West

Undeveloped

5.6 (Residential, Min. 2.5 Gross Acres/Unit), 8.5 (Resource Management, Minimum 20 Acre Parcel Size)

A (Exclusive Agriculture), WE (Wind Energy Combining), A-1 (Limited Agriculture), MW (Mobilehome Combining)

152

8.1 (Intensive Agriculture, Min. 20 Acre Parcel Size), 8.5 (Resource Management, Minimum 20 Acre Parcel Size), 8.1/2.1 (Intensive Agriculture, Min. 20 Acre Parcel Size/Seismic Hazard), 8.5/2.5 (Resource Management, Minimum 20 Acre Parcel Size/Flood Hazard), 5.6 (Residential, Min. 25. Gross Acres/Unit) 1.1 (State and Federal Land), 8.5/2.5 (Resource Management, Minimum 20 Acre Parcel Size/Flood Hazard), 5.7 - Minimum 5 Gross Acres/Unit

A (Exclusive Agriculture), A-1 (Limited Agriculture)

133

A (Exclusive Agriculture), A-1 (Limited Agriculture), E (5) (Estate 5 acres) (Mobilehome Combining)

133

Sons Ranch Site 1 & 2 Project Sites Undeveloped, Limited Development

North

Undeveloped

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Table 3-2. Project Sites and Surrounding Land Uses Direction from Project Site

Existing Land Use

Existing Map Code Designations

Existing Zone Map

Existing Zoning Classification

East

Undeveloped, Limited Development

8.5/2.5 (Resource Management, Minimum 20 Acre Parcel Size/Flood Hazard), 8.5 (Resource Management, Minimum 20 Acre Parcel Size), 8.1 (Intensive Agriculture, Min. 20 Acre Parcel Size), 5.6 - Minimum 2.5 Gross Acres/Unit

A-1 (Limited Agriculture), E (2 1/2) (Estate 2 1/2 acres), RS (Residential Suburban Combining), MH (Mobilehome Combining)

133

South

Undeveloped

5.6 - Minimum 2.5 Gross Acres/Unit, 5.8 - Minimum 20 Gross Acres/Unit

A-1 (Limited Agriculture), MH (Mobilehome Combining), E (20) (Estate 20 acres) RS (Residential Suburban Combining), E (2 1/2) (Estate 2 1/2 acres)

133

West

Undeveloped

5.6 - Minimum 2.5 Gross Acres/Unit, 8.5/2.1 (Resource Management Min. 20 Acres Parcel Size/Seismic Hazard), 8.5/2.5 (Resource Management, Minimum 20 Acre Parcel Size/Flood Hazard), and 1.1 (State and Federal Land).

A (Exclusive Agriculture), A-1 (Limited Agriculture)

152

3.3  Proposed Project  3.3.1  Solar Facility  The proposed project includes the construction and operation of an up to 350 MW solar PV energy generation facility. Solar cells, also called PV cells, convert sunlight directly into electricity. PV gets its name from the process of converting light (photons) to electricity (voltage), which is called the PV effect. The PV cells are arranged on panels, which can be mounted at a fixed angle facing south, or mounted on a tracking device that follows the sun, allowing them to capture the most sunlight. Many solar panels combined together to create one system is called a solar array. For large electric utility or industrial applications, hundreds of solar arrays are interconnected to form a large utility-scale PV system. Traditional solar cells are made from silicon, are usually flat-plate, and generally are the most efficient. As currently proposed, the project sites would be developed with this traditional technology. Second-generation solar cells are called thin-film solar cells because they are made from amorphous silicon or nonsilicon materials such as cadmium telluride. Thin film solar cells use layers of semiconductor materials only a few micrometers thick. Because of their flexibility, thin film solar cells can double as rooftop shingles and tiles, building facades, or the glazing for skylights. Thin film technology is a viable possibility for this project.

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Third-generation solar cells are being made from variety of new materials besides silicon, including solar inks using conventional printing press technologies, solar dyes, and conductive plastics. Some new solar cells use plastic lenses or mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto a very small piece of high efficiency PV material. Studies have shown that the materials contained within the solar panels are generally not friable or leachable materials, and there is little to no risk of toxic materials being released into the environment, either through the soil or as airborne materials. Insolation is a measure of solar radiation energy received on a given surface area in a given time. The name comes from a portmanteau of the words incident solar radiation. It is commonly expressed as average irradiance in watts per square meter (W/m2) or kilowatt-hours per square meter per day (kW·h/(m2·day)) or hours/day. In the case of PV, insolation is commonly measured as kWh/(kWp·y) (kilowatt hours per year per kilowatt peak rating). As illustrated below, California generally receives anywhere between 5.5 and 7.0 kWh/m2/day of solar radiation energy. The amount of the sun’s heat absorbed by a solar panel is similar to the amount of the sun’s heat absorbed by the earth. On the other hand, solar panels store less heat than the earth. A solar panel is thin - the glass is approximately 3 millimeters (0.12 inches) in thickness - lightweight, and surrounded by airflow (because it’s mounted above the ground). Therefore, heat dissipates quickly from a solar panel. The proposed project includes the development of an up to 350 megawatt MW PV solar generating facility and associated infrastructure that would ultimately cover approximately 1,350 acres over the three project sites as indicated on the site plans for each site locations (See Figures 3-2 through 3-3). The solar facility would include an estimated 1.5 million individual PV solar modules, transmission lines and towers, interior collection and supply power lines, up to three substations, up to three above-ground water tanks, and up to three O&M buildings. The power produced by the proposed project would be conveyed to the power grid via one or more 230 kV or 345 kV generation-tie (gen-tie) lines. The gen-tie lines will be located within designated public right-of-ways and/or private easement areas, and will connect to the LADWP Beacon Substation located on the Beacon Photovoltaic Project site. Alternative or additional interconnection points include the LADWP Barren Ridge Substation located west of SR 14, the AV Clearview Transmission Yeager Substation located at Rosamond Boulevard and SR 58, the SCE Windhub Substation located on Oak Creek Road, west of SR 14 and south of SR 58, the SCE Randsburg Substation located southeast of Randsburg on Butte Avenue, and/or the SCE Kramer Substation located at the southwest intersection of Highway 395 and SR 58. Power may first be collected at an offsite shared substation located on a nearby solar project’s site.

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Chapter 3: Project Description

Source: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), 2008

The solar facility is intended to operate year-round, and would be designed to produce up to 350 MW direct current of solar power at full build-out. The proposed facility would generate electricity during daylight hours when electricity demand is at its peak and provide electricity needs to approximately 170,000 households. The proposed solar facility would include the following components, which are described in more detail below: 

Solar fields on each of the three sites totaling 1.5 million glare-resistant PV solar modules.



Electrical poles or towers, typically 80 to 150 feet tall, located between collector substation(s) and transmission substation(s).



A system of collection and supply power lines, and/or underground distribution cables, located between inverters and substation(s).



Up to three collector substations for collecting solar generation and stepping up voltage to transmission levels (each typically 100,000 square feet).



Up to 350 equipment pads (one per MW, each typically 675 square feet and 15 feet tall).



Up to three O&M buildings (each typically 22,500 square feet and 16 feet tall).



Up to three above-ground water tanks (up to 50,000 gallons each).

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Chapter 3: Project Description

Infrastructure including driveways and fencing (up to eight-foot-tall chain link and/or wildlifeappropriate wire fencing, potentially topped with barbed wire )

Solar PV Panels   The solar facility would utilize 1.5 million PV crystalline silicon modules, mounted on either south facing fixed-tilt racking system that runs east to west, or on a tracking system that runs north and south and follows the sun from east to west throughout the day. Final design will consider either a tracking system or fixed-tilt system as mounting structures, or a combination of both system types. All panels would be oriented in the same direction to absorb the sunlight and maximize electrical output. If a fixed tilt racking system is utilized, the PV modules would be configured as arrays of east-west oriented rows. The modules would be tilted south to enable maximum capture of sunlight. The metallic racking that supports the PV modules would meet seismic and wind loading requirements. A solar tracking system may be used to maximize the solar energy conversion efficiency by keeping the modules perpendicular to the sun’s energy rays throughout the day. In the event that a solar tracking system is utilized, the PV module rows would be oriented north-to-south based on the mounting structure design. This completed assembly of PV modules mounted on a framework structure is called a “tracker” as it tracks the sun from east to west. If used, single-axis trackers would increase the energy production from the arrays. If trackers are utilized, there are two types of tracker systems that may be chosen for the proposed project; a ganged system or a stand-alone tracker system. A ganged tracker system uses one motor to control multiple rows of PV modules through a series of mechanical linkages and gearboxes. A stand-alone system utilizes a single motor and gearbox for each row of PV modules. The exact tracker manufacturer and model would be determined in the final design. All trackers are intended to function identically in terms of following the motion of the sun. Module layout and spacing is optimized to balance energy production versus peak capacity and would depend on the sun angles and shading, caused by the horizon, surrounding the project site. The spacing between the rows of trackers is dependent on site-specific features and would be identified in the final design. In the current configuration, however, the spacing between the rows is approximately 16 feet. In either case, underground and overhead cabling would be used to transport electricity from the PV panels to the points of aggregation for the system and subsequently to collector substations.

Electrical Collector and Inverters   Individual PV modules would be connected together in series to create a “string” to carry direct current (DC) electricity. Multiple DC strings would be brought together into a combiner box to merge the strings into a single cable and provide overcurrent protection. From the combiner boxes, the cabling would run underground to inverters mounted on small concrete equipment pads distributed across the project sites. The inverters take the DC output from the combiner boxes and convert it to alternating current (AC) electricity. The AC electricity would then be increased to medium voltage with a standard “step-up” transformer. The medium voltage cabling would create a collection circuit that would carry the electricity to the proposed collector substation(s) via cables running underground and/or mounted on poles. Up to three collector substations (each about 100,000 square feet) and their accompanying switchgear pads (each about 10,000 square feet) would collect all the medium voltage circuits and would contain metering equipment, protective relays, and larger transformers to step-up the voltage to match the voltage of the transmission grid at the Draft Environmental Impact Report  Fremont Solar (Springbok 2 Solar Farm)   

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interconnection point. The collector substations and the transmission substations would be linked by a generation-tie line hung on wood or steel poles (typically 80 to150 feet tall). On the Project site, there will be up to three collector substations, each with high-voltage transmission circuits connecting the generated power to one or two Project switching stations also located on the Project site. One or more substations and transmission lines may be oversized up to a capacity of 2,500 MW to accept solar power generated by any nearby projects in the future. Such a “collector hub” would provide a simplified transmission pathway into the utility owned substation, ultimately reducing the transmission line congestion in the area that would result from additional solar power generation projects in the general vicinity. One or more Project substations may also include an Energy Storage System (ESS) capable of storing and discharging between 1% and 10% of its total capacity into the electrical grid. Customer-side load balancing for solar generation may be also be provided by hydro-electric or combine-cycle natural gas, as required by the utility company. The technology of the ESS will be selected based on economic feasibility, acceptance by the customer utility, and as required by California law. 

Interconnection with the Statewide Grid  Due to the size of the solar facility, one or more transmission generation tie-lines are proposed to convey the power generated by the proposed project to the regional electric power transmission grid. The interconnection point would be the LADWP Beacon Substation. Alternative or additional interconnection points include the LADWP Barren Ridge Substation, the AV Clearview Transmission Yeager Substation, the SCE Windhub Substation, the SCE Randsburg Substation, and/or the SCE Kramer Substation. Some of the alternate transmission line routes could utilize federal lands (BLM). These substations are described below: 

Interconnection at the LADWP Beacon Substation: - This interconnect option is located on the Beacon Photovoltaic project site just east of Highway 14 and approximately two miles west of the Project site. Interconnection would require up to two parallel transmission lines approximately two miles long of up to 230 kV double-circuit construction on tubular steel poles. The poles on each line would be spaced up to 1,200 feet apart and would be up to 150 feet tall. The two parallel transmission lines would be approximately 75 feet apart. Power may first be collected at an offsite shared substation located on a nearby solar project's site.



Interconnection at the LADWP Barren Ridge Substation – This interconnect option is located just west of SR-14 and approximately four miles west of the Homes Ranch site. Interconnection would require up to two parallel transmission lines approximately four miles long of up to 230 kV doublecircuit construction on tubular-steel poles. The poles on each line would be spaced up to 1,200 feet apart and would be up to 150 feet tall. The two parallel transmission lines would be approximately 75 feet apart.



Interconnection at the proposed Clearview 345 kV Transmission Line or a “merchant line” by proponent following the same path – This interconnect option is approximately 16 miles south of the project site, at its proposed Yeager Substation, which is located at Rosamond Boulevard and Highway 58, five miles west of North Edwards. Interconnection would require approximately 20 miles of up to 345 kV single-circuit construction on tubular-steel poles. The poles would be spaced up to 1,000 feet apart and would be up to 150 feet tall.



Interconnection at the SCE Windhub Substation – This interconnect option is six miles west of

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Mojave and approximately 22 miles southwest of the Project site. Interconnection would require up to two parallel transmission lines approximately 25 miles long of up to 230 kV double-circuit construction on tubular-steel poles. The poles on each line would be spaced up to 1,200 feet apart and would be up to 150 feet tall. The two parallel transmission lines would be approximately 75 feet apart. 

Interconnection at the SCE Randsburg Substation – This interconnect option is near Randsburg and approximately 20 miles northeast of the project site. Interconnection at this location would require up to two parallel transmission lines approximately 25 miles long of up to 230 kV double-circuit construction on tubular-steel poles. Additionally, interconnection could occur from California City, northeasterly along the 20 Mule Team Parkway to intersect with the transmission lines along US 395 north to Randsburg. Interconnection at this location would require up to two parallel transmission lines approximately 40 miles long of up to 230-kV double-circuit construction on tubular-steel poles. The poles on each line would be spaced up to 1,200 feet apart and would be up to 150 feet tall. The two parallel transmission lines would be approximately 75 feet apart.



Interconnection at the SCE Kramer Substation – This interconnect option is 5 miles east of Boron and approximately 30 miles southeast of the project site. Interconnection would require up to two parallel transmission lines approximately 40 miles long of up to 230 kV double-circuit construction on tubular-steel poles. The poles on each line would be spaced up to 1,200 feet apart and would be up to 150 feet tall. The two parallel transmission lines would be approximately 75 feet apart.

Construction Activities  Construction activities for the solar facilities would be developed simultaneously, as described below.

Solar Facility Construction Activities  The construction activities for solar PV panel installation generally fall into four main categories: (1) site grading and earthwork; (2) solar array assembly; (3) solar plant construction; and (4) electrical construction. The entire process is estimated to take 24 months. The construction workforce would consist of 100 to 600 daily workers that would be present over the 24-month construction period. Workers would gain access to the project sites using existing county and farm roads. Temporary facilities for use during construction of the facility include: 

One or two covered assembly areas (80,000 square feet each, 16 feet tall) for panel and racking assembly;



A temporary concrete batch plant for pouring concrete pads; and



Field project management facilities.

While most of the project sites have nearly level to gently sloping topography, some of the parcels where facilities and module arrays are located would require light grubbing and grading for leveling and trenching. After site preparation, construction of staging areas and related facilities (e.g., assembly areas) would occur. Construction of the PV arrays would be done in repetitive stages throughout the project sites. The construction activities would overlap one another, with grading and access road construction preceding the installation of PV panels and associated equipment within each array area.

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The solar facility includes development of up to three O&M buildings (each approximately 22,500 square feet and 16 feet tall) that would provide assembly and storage space during construction and be used for operational activities after construction is complete. The buildings would include bathroom facilities serviced by a private septic system. A small water treatment facility for panel washing use may be located adjacent to the O&M buildings as well. The water usage for the solar construction activities is anticipated to be up to three hundred acre-feet during the 24-month construction period. Water needed for construction would be supplied from existing or new onsite wells. During earthwork for the grading of access roads foundations, equipment pads and project components, the main use of water would be for compaction and dust control. Smaller quantities would be required for preparation of the concrete required for foundations and other minor uses. Subsequent to the earthwork activities, water usage would be used for dust suppression and normal construction water requirements that are associated with construction of the building, internal access roads, and solar arrays. Water usage during operations is expected to be up to 15 acre-feet per year.

Solar Facility Operations  The solar facility would be monitored during operating daylight hours, even though the solar facility would be capable of automatic start up, shut down, self-diagnosis, and fault detection. The panels may be several times per year to optimize output. Each cleaning would require up to 10 AF of water. The project would utilize native water resources of appropriate water quality during operation, sourced from onsite wells or from a nearby property. The O&M buildings would staff approximately 25 full-time solar employees, which would include a facility manager, engineers, technicians, and security staff. The facility will utilize native water resources of appropriate water quality during operation, sourced from onsite wells or from a nearby property.

Access and Security for the Project Sites   During operation, access to the proposed Project site is anticipated to be from SR 14 and Neuralia Road, a County road. Project fencing would consist of standard chain-link fencing (up to eight feet tall) topped with barbed wire, and/or wildlife-appropriate wire fencing (e.g., Desert Tortoise exclusion fencing) also potentially topped with barbed wire, depending on agency requirements. Fencing would be placed around the perimeter of the project sites to ensure safety of the public and security of the facility. The security fencing would consist of wildlife agency-approved wire fencing topped by barbed wire. Low-elevation (less than 14 feet) motion-activated security lighting would be installed at access gates, around the O&M building, and adjacent to switchyard(s) and substation(s). Lighting would be limited to areas where it is required for safety, security, or operations. All lighting would meet Kern County Dark Sky Ordinance (Zoning Ordinance Chapter 19.81) requirements, be directed on-site and would include shielding downwards as necessary to minimize illumination of the night sky or potential impacts to surrounding viewers.

3.4  Project Objectives  The project proponent has identified the following objectives for the proposed solar facility: 

Establish a solar PV power-generating facility in order to assist the State of California in achieving the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) for 2020 by providing a significant new source of renewable energy.

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Produce and transmit electricity at a competitive cost.



Locate the facility in a low impact part of the Central Valley within Kern County in proximity to an available connection to the existing electrical distribution infrastructure and customer loads.



Minimize environmental effects by:



o

Using existing electrical distribution facilities, rights-of-way, roads, and other existing infrastructure, where practicable;

o

Minimizing impacts on threatened and/or endangered species;

o

Minimizing water use; and

o

Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Use technology that is available, proven, efficient, and easily maintained, recyclable, and environmentally sound.

3.5  Decommissioning   The project proponent expects to sell the renewable energy produced by the project under the terms of a longterm Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The life of the PPA is 25 years, while the life of a solar facility is at least 35 years. Following the expiration of a PPA for the project, the project proponent may, at its discretion, choose to enter into a subsequent PPA, update technology and re-commission, or decommission and remove the system and its components. The solar site could then be converted to other uses in accordance with applicable land use regulations in effect at that time. A collection and recycling program would be executed to promote recycling of project components and minimize disposal of project components in landfills. All decommissioning and restoration activities would adhere to the requirements of the appropriate governing authorities and in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and county regulations. The project proponent expects a secondary market for PV modules to develop over time. Although energy output may diminish, PV modules are expected to continue to have a productive life and can be decommissioned from a prime location or re-commissioned in another location.

3.6  Discretionary Entitlements Required  Construction and operation of the proposed solar electrical generating facility may require the following discretionary actions and approvals:

Kern County  

Consideration and certification of Final EIR with appropriate Findings (15091), Statement of Overriding Consideration (15093), and a Mitigation Measure Monitoring Program (15097) by the Kern County Board of Supervisors



Approval of : o

GPA 4/GPA 5/ZCC 14/CUP 16/CUP 17, Map 133;

o

GPA 6/GPA 7/ZCC 10/CUP 16/CUP 17, Map 152; and

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Chapter 3: Project Description

o

GPA 8 / Mod CUP 14, Map 152; and

o

GPA 4/Mod CUP 2, Map 153



Approval of Conditional Use Permit and Findings in accordance with Kern County Ordinance G-6502 and Zoning Ordinances Sections 19.118.030 and 19.118.050



Approval of Williamson Act Land Use Contract Cancellation Petitions 15-02 and 15-03 (Zone Map 133)



Encroachment permits



Franchise agreements associated with connecting to the local utility grid along County rights-of-way



Grading building, and other construction-related permits/approvalsApproval of Drainage Plan



Issuance of Septic System Permit



Issuance of Water Well Re-activation Permits

Other Responsible Agencies  Other additional permits or approvals from responsible agencies may be required for the proposed project, and may include the following: 

Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board – Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan



Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board – Water Quality Certification, Section 401



U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Jurisdictional Determination and possible Clean Water Act Section 404 Permit



California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Section 1602 – Streambed Alteration Notification and/or Section 2081 Incidental Take Permit or Memorandum of Understanding



California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), District 9



Encroachment Permits for access and transmission lines and possible franchise agreements associated with connecting to the local utility grid along Caltrans, Union Pacific Railroad, SCE, LADWP and/or PG&E easements and rights-of-way



Eastern Kern Air Pollution Control District (EKAPCD)



Kern Council of Governments (KCOG)



U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)



United States Bureau of Land Management (BLM)



State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR)



California Energy Commission (CEC)



California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)



California Air Resources Board (CARB)



Native American Heritage Commission

Other additional permits or approvals from responsible agencies may be required for the proposed project.

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Chapter 3: Project Description

3.7  Cumulative Projects  CEQA requires that an EIR evaluate a project’s cumulative impacts. Cumulative impacts are the project’s impacts combined with the impacts of other related past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future projects. As set forth in the CEQA Guidelines, the discussion of cumulative impacts must reflect the severity of the impacts, as well as the likelihood of their occurrence; however, the discussion need not be as detailed as the discussion of environmental impacts attributable to the project alone. As stated in CEQA, Title 14, Section 21083(b), “a project may have a significant effect on the environment if the possible effects of a project are individually limited but cumulatively considerable.” According to the CEQA Guidelines: “Cumulative impacts refer to two or more individual effects which, when considered together, are considerable and which compound or increase other environmental impacts. (a) The individual effects may be changes resulting from a single project or a number of separate projects. (b) The cumulative impact from several projects is the change in the environment, which results from the incremental impact of the project when added to other closely related past, present, and reasonable foreseeable probable future projects. Cumulative impacts can result from individually minor but collectively significant projects taking place over a period of time” (California Code of Regulations [CCR], Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, Section 15355). In addition, as stated in CEQA Guidelines, it should be noted that: “The mere existence of significant cumulative impacts caused by other projects alone shall not constitute substantial evidence that the proposed project’s incremental effects are cumulatively considerable.” (CCR, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, Section 15064[h][5]). Cumulative impact discussions for each environmental topic area are provided at the end of each technical analysis contained within Chapter 4, under “Impacts and Mitigation Measures.” As previously stated, and as set forth in the CEQA Guidelines, related projects consist of “closely related past, present, and reasonable foreseeable probable future projects that would likely result in similar impacts and are located in the same geographic area” (CCR, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, Section 15355). A list and description of past, present, and reasonably foreseeable projects near the project sites can be found in Table 3-3. Figure 3-15 shows solar projects currently under development in western Kern County and eastern Kern County, respectively—projects that have already completed the County’s CEQA process.

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Chapter 3: Project Description

Table 3-3: Cumulative Projects List Project Name/ CASE ID

Project Location

Project Description

Case Type

Request

Project Site APN

Acreage/ Square Feet

Project Status

SOLAR PROJECTS 1.

Antelope Valley Solar Project by Renewable Resources Group

Between 115th Street West and 190th Street West (Rosamond)

650 MW

SPA, ZCC, CUP

GPA 17, ZCC 34, CUP 28, Map 232; GPA 3, ZCC 13, CUP 8, Map 233

Various

5,698 acres

Approved 6/23/11

2.

Beacon Solar by Nextera

Four miles from California City, less than one mile southwest of the unincorporated town of Cantil/Rancho Seco

250 MW

CUP 11, Map 152

CUP for a 250 MW PV solar facility

Various

2,320 acres

Approved 10/1/12

3.

Champagne Road Solar PV Project by Aurora Solar, LLC (Iberdrola Renewables)

6970 Tehachapi Willow

40 MW

CUP

CUP

346-032-05

320 acres

Project application in suspense

4.

Kingbird Solar

Northwest corner of 170th Street West and Avenue A

40 MW

SPA, ZCC, CUP

SPA 3/ZCC 16 /CUP 9 Map 233

261-196-07

324 acres

Approved 10/9/14

5.

FRV EAFB Solar Holdings LLC (Oro Verde Solar)

Edwards Air Force Base

450 MW

Franchise agreement

Franchise agreement for routing a generation tie (gentie) transmission line from the proposed solar facility to the Southern California Edison Windhub Substation

Various

> 4,000 acres

DEIR in progress

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Chapter 3: Project Description

Project Name/ CASE ID

Project Location

Request

Acreage/ Square Feet

Project Status Approved 6/19/09

6.

GE Energy LLC by URS Corp

13681 Chantico Road

7.

LADWP

Jawbone Canyon Road

10 MW

CUP

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

75 acres

Approved 12/16/09

8.

RE Astoria by RE Astoria LLC (Recurrent)

Astoria Dr, 180th St, Ave A, and 205th Str, Willow Springs area

175 MW

CUP 10, Map 233

Info unavailable

Multiple

Approx. 2,000 acres

DEIR in progress

9.

RE Barren Ridge

North of Phillips Road

74 MW

GPA, CUP

Info unavailable

461-150-10

588 acres

Approved 12/6/11

10. RE Columbia

Mojave

20 MW

ZCC 46, CUP 31, Map 196

ZCC, CUP from A1, R-2 PD, and C-2 PD to A

427-030-03

165 acres

Approved 12/6/11

11. RE Columbia Two

Purdy west of Hwy 14

20 MW

CUP 32, Map 196

ZCC, CUP from A1, R-2 PD, and C-2 PD to A

427-030-03

132 acres

Approved 12/6/11

12. RE Columbia 3

Purdy west of Hwy 14

10 MW

CUP 33, Map 196

ZCC, CUP from A1, R-2 PD, and C-2 PD to A

427-030-03

68 acres

Approved 12/6/11

13. RE Great Lakes

NE of Sierra Hwy and Avenue A

5 MW

ZCC 118, CUP 34, Map 230

ZCC, CUP from A1 to A

473-023-10

40 acres

Approved 12/6/11

14. RE Rio Grande

Mojave

47 MW

CUP 30, Map 196

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

5 acres

Approved 12/6/11

15. RE Rosamond One

NW Favorito and 60th

20 MW

SPA 1, ZCC 1, CUP 3, Map 23103

SPA, ZCC, CUP for a PV solar facility, ZCC from 5.4 to A and A FPS

252-013-01

320 acres

Approved 12/6/11

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Case Type

Project Site APN

Project Description 40 MW

CUP

CUP 36, Map 167

Info unavailable

337 acres

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County of Kern

Chapter 3: Project Description

Project Name/ CASE ID

Project Location

Project Description 20 MW

Project Site APN

Acreage/ Square Feet

Case Type

Request

CUP 4, Map 23103

SPA, ZCC, CUP for a PV solar facility, ZCC from 5.4 to A

252-013-01

160 acres

Project Status Approved 12/6/11

16. RE Rosamond Two

Willow Springs

17. Rosamond Solar Array by First Solar/Rosamond Solar, LLC

Two sites; the larger site is located north of the intersection of Rosamond Boulevard and 130th Street West. The smaller site is located south of the intersection of Rosamond Boulevard and 110th Street West

150 MW

GPA 14, ZCC 31, CUP 25, Map 232

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

1,177 acres

Approved 10/9/14

18. Rosamond Solar by SGS Antelope Valley

Portion of Sec 29, 32 and 33 of Sec 9/14

120 MW

GPA, ZCC, CUP

GPA, ZCC and CUP for a PV solar facility

359-350-01

960 acres

Approved 11/9/2010

19. SEPV Mojave West

Oak Creek Rd

20 MW

ZCC/CUP/CUP Map 197

20 MW solar facility

237-054-03

180 acres

DEIR in progress

20. Springbok Solar by 8 Minute Energy Renewables (3 sites)

Sects: 26 & 27 T.30S, R.37E MDB&M; 32 & 33 T.30S, R.38E; 12 T.31S, R.37E

230 MW

CUP Maps 133, 134, 152, 153

CUP for solar facility

Multiple

1296 acres

Approved

21. Willow Springs Solar Array by First Solar

Northwest of Rosamond

160 MW

GPA 15, ZCC 32, CUP 26, Map 232

GPA , ZCC, CUP for a PV solar facility, ZCC from SP to A

359-052-02, 359-031-02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 15, 359-03201, 17

1,402 acres

DEIR in progress

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Chapter 3: Project Description

Project Name/ CASE ID

Project Location

Project Description

Case Type

Request

Project Site APN

Acreage/ Square Feet

Project Status

OTHER NON-SOLAR PROJECTS 22. Addison Energy Wind Project

North of Oak Creek Road, approximately one mile south of Rosewood Boulevard on the east and west sides of 60th Street West, and two miles west of the unincorporated community of Mojave

Proposed wind facility

GPA, ZCC, CUP, CV

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

1,325 acres

Continued to May 13, 2014 Board of Supervisors Hearing

23. Alta East by Alta

South of SR 58, 3 miles northwest of the unincorporated community of Mojave

318 MW wind facility with up to 106 wind turbines

GPA, ZCC, CUP

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

2,592 acres

Approved January 2013

24. Alta Infill II Wind Energy Project EIR

West of Highway 14, east of Tehachapi-Willow Springs Road, south side of Highway 58, and north of Backus Road in the Tehachapi Wind Resource area, west of Mojave, eastern Kern County

530 MW wind facility

GPA, SPA

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

5,185 acres

Approved December 2011; Operational

25. Alta-Oak Creek Mojave Project EIR

North and south sides of SR 58; three miles northwest of community of Mojave

220 kV wind energy generation facility

ZCC, CUP

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

9,120 acres

Operational

26. Avalon Wind Energy Project

Immediately north of the intersection of Backus Road and TehachapiWillow Springs Road, Mojave Desert area, eastern Kern County

300 MW

GPA, ZCC, CUP

ZCC to allow wind turbines onsite, CUP to allow for concrete batch plants

Multiple; 736 privately owned parcels

7,369 acres

Approved; Anticipated to be operational in 2017

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Chapter 3: Project Description

Project Name/ CASE ID

Project Location

Project Description Info unavailable

SPA, ZCC

SPA from 6.2/2.5 to 5.3, or 5.4, 5.45; ZCC from C-2 PD H to R-1 or E (1/2) PD H

472-110-11

Info unavailable

Project Status Info unavailable

Case Type

Request

Project Site APN

Acreage/ Square Feet

27. Barton, Larry by Pinnacle Civil Engineering

N/S Knox Avenue, 250 feet west of 40th Street West

28. 19.Blue Eagle Lode Mining Company

Seven miles north of Willow Springs

Info unavailable

CUP

Reclamation for an underground mine

346-021-04

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

29. California Builders

S/S Poplar Street

Info unavailable

ZCC

ZCC from E (2 1/2) to R-1

251-191-21

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

30. Catalina Renewable Energy Project

Two miles west of Backus Road and TehachapiWillow Springs Road

200 MW wind from 134 wind turbines and 150 MW solar from 2,241,000 panels

ZCC, CUP

ZCC to join WE Combining District, CUP to allow temporary concrete batch plants

Multiple; 345 privately owned parcels

6,739 acres

Approved December 2011

31. Golden Queen Mining Company

Soledad Mountain

Open pit mining with cyanide heap leach processing

CUP

Modification of Surface Mining & Reclamation Plan

342-052-25, 427-130-11, 429-190-03

2,500 acres (905 acre mine site)

Approved April 2010

32. Largent Group, LLC/Cornerston e (10381)

NWC 75th Street West and Edwards Avenue

Info unavailable

ZCC

ZCC from OS to M-1 PD

Various

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

33. Lower West Wind Energy Project

One mile east of Tehachapi-Willow Springs Road and 3 miles south of Oak Creek Road in the Tehachapi Wind Resource Area of eastern Kern County

14 MW from seven wind turbines

ZCC

ZCC to join WE Combining District

237-053-18 through -28, 237-054-38

185 acres

Approved July 2012

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Chapter 3: Project Description

Project Name/ CASE ID

Project Location

Case Type

Request

Project Site APN

Acreage/ Square Feet

Project Description 230 MW from 76 wind turbines

ZCC, CUP

ZCC to join WE Combining District, CUP to allow the use of a concrete batch plant

Multiple, privately owned

3,808 acres

Project Status Approved October 2011

34. Morgan Hills Wind Energy Project

Three miles southwest of the intersection of Oak Creek Road and Tehachapi-Willow Springs Road

35. Pacific Wind Energy

To the north and west of the intersection of Rosamond Boulevard and 170th Street West

140 MW from wind turbine generators

ZCC, CUP

ZCC to incorporate the WE Combining District, CUP to allow the use of concrete batch plants

Multiple; 480 privately owned parcels

8,500 acres

Operational as of August 2012

36. 2PdV Wind Energy Project

The project site is generally bounded to the north and west by the Tehachapi Mountains; to the south by the Los Angeles Aqueduct and beyond that, Rosamond Boulevard; and to the east by Tehachapi Willow Springs Road

300 MW of electricity from wind turbines

ZCC, CUP

ZCC from A to AE, from A-GH to AWE GH, from AFP to A WE FP, from A to A-WE, CUP to allow the use of concrete batch plants

476-010-14; 476-020-13; 476-020-11; 476-030-13; 476-020-14; 476-052-18; 476-110-01; 476-110-05; and 476-11011

3,373 acres

Approved August 2008

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County of Kern

Chapter 3: Project Description

Project Name/ CASE ID

Project Location

Project Site APN

Acreage/ Square Feet

Project Description Up to 41 wind turbines producing up to 135 MW

Case Type

Request

GPA, SPA, ZCC, CUP

GPA to the KCGP Circulation Element to eliminate road reservations along section and midsection lines, ZCC to include the WE Combining District and EA District, CUP to allow for a temporary batch plant and construction/operati on of WTGs

Multiple

1,535 acres

Project Status Under environmental review (board hearing moved to May 13, 2014)

37. Rising Tree Wind Energy Project

2-miles north of Oak Creek Road and approximately 1.5 miles west of Highway 58; on the east and west sides of 50th Street West; and two miles northwest of Mojave,

38. Royal Investor’s Group, LLC by Cornerstone Engineering

Rosamond Boulevard and 40th Street West

Info unavailable

GPA, ZCC

GPA from 5.3/2.5 to 6.2/2.5, ZCC from E (2 1/2) RS to C-2 PD

375-140-36, 38, 48, 49, 50

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

39. Superior Real Estate, Inc.

Northwest corners 25th Street and Avenue A

Info unavailable

GPA, ZCC

GPA from 5.5/2.5/2.8 to 5.4/2.5, ZCC from A-1 to R-3 CL

473-130-13, 14, 473-14025

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

40. Terra Five, LLC by Hall & Foreman, Inc.

SWC George Avenue and 70th Street West

Info unavailable

GPA, ZCC

GPA from 3.3/2.8 and 8.5/2.8 to 5.6/2.8, ZCC from A FPS to E (2 1/2) RS FPS

374-260-10

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

3 MW solar facility, RR 2.5

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

Approved 9/19/11

CITY OF LANCASTER 41. CUP 11-02

90th Street West between Avenue K-8 and K-12

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County of Kern

Chapter 3: Project Description

Project Name/ CASE ID

Project Location

Project Description

Project Site APN Info unavailable

Acreage/ Square Feet Info unavailable

42. CUP 11-03

Southwest corner of 90th Street West and Avenue H

10 MW solar facility, RR 2.5

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

Approved 9/19/11

43. CUP 11-05

Southeast corner of 80th Street West and Avenue J

20 MW solar facility

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

Approved 9/19/11

44. CUP 11-07

Southeast corner of 110th Street West and Avenue J

30 MW solar facility, RR 2.5, UR, SP

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

On hold

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

In review

Northwest corner of 60th Street West and Avenue J

Residential Planned Development for 68 single family dwellings, drainage channel and park

46. CUP 10-22

Bounded by Ave H, H-8, 80th Street West and 90th Street West

Photovoltaic solar facility comprised of two 19-MW solar fields

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

47. CUP 04-10

Southwest corner of 20th St W and Ave J-8

Marriott Towne Place Suites

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

52,594± SF

Info unavailable

48. CUP 10-20

East side of 30th St W, north of Ave M

Hindu temple, hall and other structures

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

2.48± acres; 2,169± SF Hindu temple, 2,017± SF hall

Info unavailable

45. CUP 11-09

Case Type

Request

Project Status

CITY OF PALMDALE 49. CUP 12-008

Av Mall Ring Road Fresco Ii

Proposed bonafide restaurant/cocktail lounge/nightclub

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

6,000 SF

Approved 6/18/13

50. SPR6-10-1T

S Side Of Ranch Vista, E Of Tilbury Dr

2 year TE to previously approved project for 80 detached condos on 12.3 acres

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

Approved 9/5/13

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Chapter 3: Project Description

Project Name/ CASE ID

Project Location

Project Description

Case Type

Request

Project Site APN Info unavailable

Acreage/ Square Feet 4.9 acres

Project Status Completed 6/18/13

51. PA11-019

SWC Of Lowes Drive And Rancho Vista

Proposal to construct 5 commercial retail buildings and carwash on 4.9 acres to be located at the southwest corner of Lowes drive and Rancho Vista Blvd.

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

52. PA11-021

N Of Auto Center Dr Btwn Trade Center & 5th St W

Industrial use consisting of 1 building totaling approximately 350,640 SF on a 18.99 acre parcel

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

350,640 SF

Completed 6/18/13

53. PA13-001

SWC Of Lowe's Dr And Rancho Vista Blvd.

4.91 acres into retail/commercial totaling 44,400 SF in 5 buildings

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

44,400 SF

Completed 6/18/13

54. PA13-005

S Of Rvb, W Of 10th Stw

Subdivide 34.8 acres into 167 condo lots and a recreation lot

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

34.8 acres

Completed 6/18/13

UNINCORPORATED LOS ANGELES COUNTY 55. R2009-02089 Alpine Solar

0 VAC/VIC B/210 STW Av, Fairmont 11 parcels; Antelope Valley West

A solar generating station (92 MW)

RCUP

Info unavailable

3256015-002, -005, -006, 008, -010, 011, -013, 014, -015

835 acres

Approved; final letter distributed 12/4/13

56. R2011-00798 Western Antelope Blue Sky

0 VAC/110 STW/Vic K Ave, Del Sur

40 MW photovoltaic solar electricity generation facility and a 10,000 gallon water tank located in the A-2-5 zone

RCUP

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

157 acres

Approved 6/11/14

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Chapter 3: Project Description

Project Name/ CASE ID

Project Location

57. R2011-00799 American Solar Greenworks

0 VAC/COR G/70 STW Av, Antelope Acres

58. R2011-00807 Antelope Solar Greenworks

0 VAC/90 STW/VIC I9 Av, Del Sur

59. R2011-00833 North Lancaster Ranch

Project Description 35 MW photovoltaic solar electricity generation facility and a 10,000 gallon water tank located in the A-2-2 zone

Case Type

Request

Project Site APN

Acreage/ Square Feet

Project Status Approved 6/11/14

RCUP

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

135.6 acres

52 MW photovoltaic solar electricity generation facility and a 10,000 gallon water tank located in the A-2-2 zone

RCUP

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

256 acres

Approved 6/11/14

10455 W Avenue B, Lancaster

Proposed 20 MW photovoltaic solar electricity generation facility and a 10,000 gallon water tank

RZC

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

240 acres

Approved 6/11/14

60. R2012-00024 Quail Lake

0 VAC/290TH STE/VIC B Ave, Lancaster

Solar energy generation facility

RCUP

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

Comments received 3/22/12

61. R2013-03397 Antelope Valley Solar

0 VAC/COR F/90 Ste Ave, Redman 3307-016-012 and 3307-016-013

The project is a solar photovoltaic generating facility up to 7.45MW in size

RCUP

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

Info unavailable

Site visit 4/24/14

Avenue D and 170th Street West, Fairmont

240 MW PV Project

RCUP

3257-018-006 to -013; 3257010-033 to 040; 3236001-024 to 039

2,093 acres

Approved 12/7/10

Columbia Way and 20th Street West, Palmdale

4 MW PV Project

RPP

62. R2009-02239 AV Solar Ranch One

63. R2012-00849 Rutan

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Approved 2/19/13

February  2015

County of Kern

Project Name/ CASE ID 64. R2012-01589 West Antelope Solar Project

Chapter 3: Project Description

Project Location Avenue J and 112th Street West, Del Sur

Project Description

Case Type

Request

Project Site APN 3267-004-016 to -018; -025 to -029; -044 to -046; 3267014-017 to 020

Acreage/ Square Feet 263 acres (178.5 for solar array)

Project Status Approved 5/6/14

3258-001001, -024, 025, -028 to 031, -038, 040; 32612001-002 to 004

1,280 acres

Approved 1/3/13

20 MW PV Project

RCUP

Avenue B and 135th Street West, Fairmont

156 MW PV Project

RCUP

Avenue I and 120th Street West, Del Sur

20 MW PV Project

RCUP

160 acres

Approved 6/11/14

67. R2011-00805 Lancaster WAD

Avenue D and 35th Street West, Caliche

5 MW PV Project

RCUP

38.5 acres

Approved 6/11/14

68. R2011-01290

50th St W & W Avenue L Quartz Hill, CA 93536

Construction, operation, and maintenance of an operations and maintenance facility for the Quartz Hill Water District

RCUP

310202690

4.8 acres

Approved 2/5/14

69. Project 91055

Lakeview Dr and El Camino Dr, Palmdale, CA

43 single-family residences on 1 acre minimum lots

RENV

3054022006

65. R2010-00808 Antelope Valley Solar

66. R2011-00801 Silver Sun Greenworks

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Application received

February  2015

KERN COUNTY PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FREMONT SOLAR (SPRINGBOK 2 SOLAR FARM)

Sons Ranch Sites 1 and 2

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FIGURE 3-15: SOLAR PROJECT SITES WITHIN EASTERN KERN COUNTY EIR

2015