Beacon Photovoltaic Solar Project Addendum to Environmental Impact Report

598 Pages·2013·28.68 MB·English

Addendum to the
Environmental Impact Report
for the Beacon Photovoltaic Solar Project
(SCH No. 2012011029)

Springbok Solar Farm I and Oryx Solar Farm (PP13319)
62SK 8ME, LLC by 8minutenergy Renewables, LLC

Conditional Use Permit No. 2 (Springbok Solar Farm I), Map No. 153
Conditional Use Permit No. 14 (Springbok Solar Farm I), Map No. 152
Conditional Use Permit No. 15 (Oryx Solar Farm), Map No. 152

Kern County
Planning and Community Development Department
Bakersfield, California

November 2013
Addendum to Beacon Photovoltaic Solar Project Final EIR
Springbok Solar Farm I Project and Oryx Solar Farm Project November 2013
by 8minutenergy Renewables, LLC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1 Introduction & Overview .............................................................................................. 1-1 
1.1  Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 1-1 
1.2  Project Overview ............................................................................................................. 1-2 
1.3  Addendum Organization .................................................................................................. 1-3 
1.4  Addendum Scope of Environmental Review ................................................................... 1-3 
1.5  Basis for an EIR Addendum ............................................................................................ 1-5 
1.6  Evaluation of Alternatives ............................................................................................... 1-6 
1.7  Adoption and Availability of Addendum ........................................................................ 1-6 
Chapter 2 Modified Project Description ........................................................................................ 2-1 
2.1  Introduction and Background .......................................................................................... 2-1 
2.2  Modified Project Characteristics ...................................................................................... 2-7 
2.3  Entitlements Required ...................................................................................................... 2-7 
Chapter 3 Environmental Analysis ................................................................................................ 3-1 
3.1  Aesthetics ......................................................................................................................... 3-1 
3.2  Air Quality ....................................................................................................................... 3-5 
3.3  Biological Resources ....................................................................................................... 3-9 
3.4  Cultural Resources ......................................................................................................... 3-17 
3.5  Geology and Soils .......................................................................................................... 3-22 
3.6  Greenhouse Gas Emissions ............................................................................................ 3-26 
3.7  Hazards and Hazardous Materials ................................................................................. 3-27 
3.8  Hydrology and Water Quality ........................................................................................ 3-29 
3.9  Land Use and Planning .................................................................................................. 3-35 
3.10  Mineral Resources ......................................................................................................... 3-36 
3.11  Noise .............................................................................................................................. 3-37 
3.12  Public Services ............................................................................................................... 3-40 
3.13  Transportation and Traffic ............................................................................................. 3-41 
3.14  Utilities and Service Systems......................................................................................... 3-45 
Chapter 4 List of Preparers ............................................................................................................ 4-1
4.1 Lead Agency .................................................................................................................... 4-1
4.2 Project Proponent ............................................................................................................. 4-1
4.3 Technical Assistance ........................................................................................................ 4-1
Chapter 5 References ....................................................................................................................... 5-1 

APPENDICES

Appendix A Air Quality/Greenhouse Gas Summary Memorandum
Appendix B Biological Analysis
Appendix C Cultural Resources Impacts Assessment
Appendix D Paleontological CEQA Review Letter Report
Appendix E Preliminary Geotechnical Evaluation
Appendix F1 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment – Oryx Solar Farm
Appendix F2 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment – Springbok Solar Farm I
Appendix G Hydrology Report
Appendix H1 Water Demand Analysis – Oryx Solar Farm
Appendix H2 Water Demand Analysis – Springbok Solar Farm I
Appendix I Traffic Analysis
Addendum to Beacon Photovoltaic Solar Project Final EIR i
Springbok Solar Farm I Project and Oryx Solar Farm Project November 2013
by 8minutenergy Renewables, LLC
LIST OF TABLES

Table 1-1: Project Statistics ............................................................................................................... 1-2 
Table 1-2: Revisions to Mitigation Measures Made via Addendum EIR ......................................... 1-7 
Table 2-1: Proposed Modified Site and Surrounding Uses, Designations, and Zoning .................... 2-4 

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2-1: Regional Location Map ................................................................................................... 2-2 
Figure 2-2: Proposed Modified Project Site Layout ........................................................................... 2-3 
Figure 2-3: Existing Land Use Designations ...................................................................................... 2-5 
Figure 2-4: Existing Zoning ................................................................................................................ 2-6 
Figure 2-5: Oryx Solar Farm Site Plan ............................................................................................... 2-8 
Figure 2-6: Springbok Solar Farm I Site Plan .................................................................................... 2-9 

Addendum to Beacon Photovoltaic Solar Project Final EIR ii
Springbok Solar Farm I Project and Oryx Solar Farm Project November 2013
by 8minutenergy Renewables, LLC
Chapter 1
Introduction & Overview
1.1 Introduction
As Lead Agency, the Kern County Planning and Community Development Department prepared an
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Beacon Photovoltaic project (referred to herein as the
“approved project”) which evaluated a 250 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) development project.
The approved project consists of a solar facility and a three mile transmission line that connects the solar
facility with the nearby Barren Ridge Substation. The total project area is 2,298 acres for the solar facility
and 3.3 acres for the transmission line. The Kern County Board of Supervisors certified the Beacon
Photovoltaic Final EIR (referred to herein as the “certified EIR” or “EIR”) (State Clearinghouse No.
2012011029) and approved the Beacon Photovoltaic project on October 30, 2012, which consisted of
Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. 11, Map 152.
Two additional solar facility sites are now being proposed in proximity to the approved project. These
two additional solar facility sites will be referred to herein as the “proposed modified project” and will be
analyzed under this Addendum to the certified EIR. Similar to the approved project, each of these sites
will be subject to approval of a Conditional Use Permit for the operation of solar facilities, consistent with
the zoning designations for the modified project site. The CUPs are for the 345-acre Oryx Solar Farm
(OSF) and 951-acre Springbok Solar Farm I (SSF-1).
This Addendum also addresses the proposed transmission line route options that would deliver the power
generated by SSF-1 to the approved Beacon Photovoltaic project’s substation. The projects may also
connect at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) Barren Ridge Substation instead,
but the transmission facilities would occur within previously approved routes, or routes analyzed within
this Addendum. The power generated by OSF would be delivered from the substation via one or more
overhead or underground 34.5 kV transmission lines to the adjacent Beacon Photovoltaic project’s
substation. The power generated by SSF-1 would be delivered via an overhead or underground
transmission line of up to 230kV and potentially via a new transformer pad located within the approved
Beacon site, ultimately terminating at the Beacon substation.
This Addendum has been prepared to determine whether the proposed modified project would result in
new or substantially more severe significant environmental impacts compared with the impacts disclosed
in the certified EIR.
Lead Agency Contact Information
Kern County Planning and Community Development Department
Ms. Janice Mayes, Planner II, Advanced Planning Unit
2700 “M” Street, Suite 100
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Phone: [phone]

Addendum to Beacon Photovoltaic Solar Project Final EIR 1-1
Springbok Solar Farm I Project and Oryx Solar Farm Project November 2013
by 8minutenergy Renewables, LLC
Project Proponent
62SK 8ME, LLC
c/o 8minutenergy Renewables, LLC
Mr. Alexander Sundquist
5455 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 2010
Los Angeles, CA 90036
1.2 Project Overview
The certified EIR analyzed the construction and operation of a 250 MW PV solar energy generation
facility located on 2,298 acres, and located about four miles north of California City, 15 miles north of the
unincorporated town of Mojave, and one mile southwest of the unincorporated town of Cantil/Rancho
Seco. The proposed modified project, which includes the 345-acre OSF and 951-acre SSF-1, would
include an additional 1,296 acres. OSF would be capable of generating up to 80 MW, while SSF-1 is
proposed to generate up to 150 MW. Table 1-1 provides the proposed modified project’s statistics.
Table 1-1: Project Statistics
Maximum
Project Component Project Boundary Physical Location
Megawatts
Sections 4, 7, 8 and 9,
Original Beacon Solar Project (2012) 2,298 acres 250 MW
T31S, R37E
SSF-1:

West half of Section 7,
Proposed Additional Solar Projects1 T31S, R38E
1,296 acres 230 MW
(2014)
Section 12, T31S, R37E
OSF:
Section 17, T31S, R37E
TOTAL 3,594 acres 480 MW N/A
1. 951-acre 150 MW Springbok Solar Farm I (SSF-1) and 345-acre 80 MW Oryx Solar Farm (OSF).

The proposed modified project would contain the same type of general facilities identified in the certified
EIR for the approved project. The project proponent is requesting three individual CUPs: Conditional
Use Permit No. 2, Map No. 153; Conditional Use Permit No. 14, Map No. 152; Conditional Use Permit
No. 15, Map No. 152; to allow the construction and operation of up to 80 MW at OSF and up to 150 MW
at SSF-1. The CUPs also include the construction and operation of transmission lines that would deliver
the power generated by OSF and SSF-1 to a substation. SSF-1 proposes three transmission line route
options, as it has not yet been determined how the project will interconnect at the approved project’s
substation (Beacon Substation) or alternatively the Barren Ridge Substation. The power generated by
SSF-1 would be delivered via an overhead or underground transmission line up to 230kV and potentially
via a new transformer pad located within the approved Beacon site, ultimately terminating at the Beacon
substation. The power generated by OSF would be delivered from the substation via one or more
overhead or underground 34.5 kV lines to the adjacent Beacon Photovoltaic project’s substation.
Addendum to Beacon Photovoltaic Solar Project Final EIR 1-2
Springbok Solar Farm I Project and Oryx Solar Farm Project November 2013
by 8minutenergy Renewables, LLC
Throughout this document, the term “approved project site” consists of the 2,298-acre site evaluated in
the certified EIR, and the term “proposed modified project site” consists of the approved project site and
the additional 1,296 acres that would be developed with implementation of OSF and SSF-1 analyzed in
this Addendum.
1.3 Addendum Organization
This document is organized as follows pursuant to the requirements of the CEQA Guidelines:
 Chapter 1, Introduction and Overview, describes the background of the proposed modified
project; explains the rationale for preparing an Addendum to the EIR as the appropriate form of
environmental review pursuant to CEQA; and explains the purpose, scope, and content of the
Addendum.
 Chapter 2, Modified Project Description, describes the location and details of the proposed
modified project.
 Chapter 3, Environmental Analysis, evaluates whether the proposed modified project would
result in new or substantially more severe significant environmental impacts compared with the
impacts disclosed in the certified EIR.
 Chapter 4, List of Preparers, lists the individuals involved in preparing the Addendum.
 Chapter 5, References, lists the documents and individuals consulted during preparation of the
Addendum.
1.4 Addendum Scope of Environmental Review
This Addendum evaluates whether the proposed modified project would result in new or substantially
more severe significant environmental impacts compared to the impacts disclosed in the certified EIR.
The certified EIR assessed the environmental impacts of the Beacon Photovoltaic project, a 250 MW
solar PV energy generation facility located on approximately 2,298 acres. The project included the
following components:
 Installation of 250 MW of alternating current (AC) solar PV panels on steel support structures
and foundations.
 Direct current (DC) electrical combiners, DC to AC power inverters, and mid-voltage
transformers.
 On-site substation, including circuit breakers and main step-up transformer(s).
 230 kilovolt (kV) overhead transmission line one mile off-site, to connect the solar facility to the
existing LADWP Barren Ridge Substation.
 An operations and maintenance (O&M) building, parking lot, office, and associated septic
system.
Addendum to Beacon Photovoltaic Solar Project Final EIR 1-3
Springbok Solar Farm I Project and Oryx Solar Farm Project November 2013
by 8minutenergy Renewables, LLC
 Solar meteorological station.
 Connection to on-site Southern California Edison (SCE) electric distribution line, to provide
power to the facility during construction and operation.
 Reactivation of on-site water supply wells.
 On-site access roads.
 Perimeter security fencing that meets California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) requirements.
 Temporary construction staging/laydown area.
 Potential solar tracking system consisting of drive motors, drive arms, and possibly organic
hydraulic systems that allow for rotation of solar panels from east to west, tracking the sun’s
position over the course of the day.
For complete descriptions of approved onsite facilities, please refer to the certified EIR. The potential
impacts of these facilities were assessed in the certified EIR and approved in the CUP. The proposed
modified project includes many of the same types of general facilities identified in the certified EIR, but
along with the solar arrays of photovoltaic panels, also contains new substations and O&M buildings at
OSF and SSF-1, and transmission lines connecting to the Beacon Substation.
As discussed in the certified EIR, the approved project was determined to have no impact with regard to
the following impact thresholds. Since OSF and SSF-1would have generally the same facilities located in
the same geographic area, the impacts of the proposed modified project would also have no impact with
regard to these impact thresholds. Therefore, these impact thresholds are not further analyzed in this
Addendum.
 Agricultural Resources
 Population and Housing
 Recreation
The certified EIR established that, with mitigation incorporated, the approved project would result in less-
than significant impacts related to the following environmental impact areas:
 Aesthetics (Project)
 Air Quality (Project)
 Biological Resources (Project)
 Cultural Resources (Project and Cumulative)
 Geology and Soils (Project and Cumulative)
 Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Project and Cumulative)
 Hazards and Hazardous Materials (Project and Cumulative)
Addendum to Beacon Photovoltaic Solar Project Final EIR 1-4
Springbok Solar Farm I Project and Oryx Solar Farm Project November 2013
by 8minutenergy Renewables, LLC
 Hydrology and Water Quality (Project and Cumulative)
 Land Use and Planning (Cumulative)
 Mineral Resources (Project and Cumulative)
 Noise (Project and Cumulative)
 Public Services (Project and Cumulative)
 Traffic and Transportation (Project and Cumulative)
 Utilities and Service Systems (Project and Cumulative)
The certified EIR established that the approved project would result in significant and unavoidable
impacts with regard to the following environmental impact areas:
 Aesthetics (Project and Cumulative)
o Significant project-level and cumulative impacts related to scenic vistas and visual
character and quality.
 Air Quality (Project and Cumulative)
o Significant project-level and cumulative impacts related to criteria pollutants.
 Biological Resources (Cumulative)
o Significant cumulative impact related to loss of low-quality foraging habitat for golden
eagles and other special-status raptors
This Addendum will address changes resulting from implementation of the proposed modified project on
each of the environmental resources areas previously analyzed in the EIR.
1.5 Basis for an EIR Addendum
An agency may prepare an addendum to a certified EIR pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164 that
states, in pertinent part that, “if some changes or additions are necessary but none of the conditions
described in Section 15162 calling for the preparation of a subsequent EIR have occurred.” Section
15162 states that a subsequent EIR is required if any of the following conditions exist:
(1) Substantial changes are proposed in the project which will require major revisions to the
previous EIR … due to the involvement of new significant environmental effects or a substantial
increase in the severity of previously identified effects;
(2) Substantial changes occur with respect to the circumstances under which the project is
undertaken which will require major revisions of the previous EIR … due to the involvement of
new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously
identified significant effects; or
Addendum to Beacon Photovoltaic Solar Project Final EIR 1-5
Springbok Solar Farm I Project and Oryx Solar Farm Project November 2013
by 8minutenergy Renewables, LLC
(3) New information of substantial importance, which was not known and could not have been
known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the previous EIR was certified …
shows any of the following:
(A) The project will have one or more significant effects not discussed in the previous EIR;
(B) Significant effects previously examined will be substantially more severe than shown in the
previous EIR;
(C) Mitigation measures or alternatives previously found not to be feasible would in fact be
feasible and would substantially reduce one or more significant effects of the project, but the
project proponents decline to adopt the mitigation measure or alternative; or
(D) Mitigation measures or alternatives which are considerably different from those analyzed in
the previous EIR would substantially reduce one or more significant effects on the environment,
but the project proponents decline to adopt the mitigation measure or alternative.
Based on the evaluation provided in this Addendum, no new significant impacts would occur as a result
of the proposed modified project, nor would there be any substantial increase in the severity of any
previously-identified significant environmental impact. In addition, no new information of substantial
importance shows that mitigation measures or alternatives that were previously found not to be feasible or
that are considerably different from those analyzed in the certified EIR would substantially reduce one or
more significant effects on the environment. Therefore, none of the conditions described in Section
15162 of the CEQA Guidelines has occurred. For this reason, an addendum is the appropriate document
to comply with CEQA requirements for the proposed modified project.
1.6 Evaluation of Alternatives
CEQA requires a comparative evaluation of a proposed project and alternatives to the project, including
the “No Project” alternative. The certified EIR addressed a reasonable range of alternatives for the
approved project. There is no new information indicating that an alternative that was previously rejected
as infeasible is in fact feasible, or that a considerably different alternative than those previously studied
would substantially reduce one or more significant effects on the environment.
1.7 Adoption and Availability of Addendum
In accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15164(c), an addendum to an EIR need not be circulated
for public review but can be included in or attached to the certified EIR. The decision-making body must
consider the Addendum with the certified EIR prior to making a decision on the project (CEQA
Guidelines Section 15164(d)). Although not required, this Addendum is available for public review at the
Kern County Planning and Community Development Department, 2700 “M” Street, Bakersfield,
California 93301.
Addendum to Beacon Photovoltaic Solar Project Final EIR 1-6
Springbok Solar Farm I Project and Oryx Solar Farm Project November 2013
by 8minutenergy Renewables, LLC
Table 1-2: Revisions to Mitigation Measures Made via Addendum EIR
Level of Level of
Significance Significance
Impact Mitigation Measures
before after
Mitigation Mitigation
Biological Resources
Impact 4.3-1: The Significant MM 4.3-11 Less than
project would have a In the event ground disturbance does not commence on the transmission line corridor within two (2) Significant
substantial adverse years of the last rare plant surveys (May 2011), project operator and/or contractor shall conduct
impact, either directly transmission line preconstruction rare plant survey(s) along the Beacon Photovoltaic Project
or through habitat transmission line, Springbok Solar Farm I site, Oryx Solar Farm site, and alternative gen-tie routes
modifications, on any during the appropriate blooming period in accordance with the guidelines established by California
species identified as a Department of Fish and Game (2009), for all required sensitive species; including but not limited to:
candidate, sensitive, or Red Rock tarplant, Red Rock poppy, Alkali mariposa lily, Charlotte’s phacelia and creamy blazing
special-status species in star or other special status plant species. If no special-status plant species are observed during the
local or regional plans, focused surveys, no further actions would be required.
policies, or regulations,
If any of these plant species is found during the preconstruction surveys, project operator and/or
or by the California
Department of Fish contractor shall delay ground disturbance activities and contact CDFG for consultation. If required,
and Game (Now in consultation with CDFG, a Habitat Mitigation Plan shall be prepared that includes, at a
California Department minimum, the following:
of Fish and Wildlife) or
a) If Red Rock tarplant, Red Rock poppy, Alkali mariposa lily, Charlotte’s phacelia and
U.S. Fish and Wildlife
creamy blazing star or other special status plant species are observed within the proposed
Service.
project footprint, the proposed project shall be designed by the Lead Biologist, to reduce
impacts to the species through the establishment of preservation areas and buffers. If
avoidance or minimization measures are implemented onsite, a Habitat Mitigation Plan
shall be developed to ensure adequate management and conservation of botanical resources
on‐site over the long term. A copy of the Habitat Mitigation Plan shall be submitted to the
Kern County Planning and Community Development Department.
b) If the proposed project would eliminate more than 10 percent of the local population of
Red Rock tarplant, Red Rock poppy, Alkali mariposa lily, Charlotte’s phacelia and creamy
blazing star or other special status plant species, the Habitat Mitigation Plan would also
include the following:
i. The area of occupied habitat to be preserved and removed;
Addendum to Beacon Photovoltaic Solar Project Final EIR 1-7
Springbok Solar Farm I Project and Oryx Solar Farm Project November 2013
by 8minutenergy Renewables, LLC