What is the status of the project?
BLM Arizona released the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the project in October 2011. The public has until Nov. 21, 2011, to comment. We anticipate a Record of Decision on the project by the end of 2011.
Who is the developer?
Boulevard Associates, LLC, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy, LLC.
Where is the project site?
It is in Little Rainbow Valley, south of Buckeye, Arizona, and east of State Route 85.
What technology would be used?
The company’s proposal was to build a concentrated solar thermal (CST) plant that would generate up to 375 megawatts (MW) of electricity. Because of public comments concerning water use and because of changes in technology and cost, the BLM evaluated photovoltaic (PV) technology, as well. The PV alternative, identified as Sub-alternate A1, is the BLM’s preferred alternative. The use of PV technology would reduce the amount of land needed and cut the amount of water required by about 98 percent. It would also reduce the electricity generation capacity to 300 MW.
How does PV differ from CST?
PV mirrors convert sunlight directly into electricity. It produces electricity when the sun shines. CST technology uses energy from the sun to heat water or a heat transfer fluid. The water or fluid is used to power a conventional turbine that generates electricity. CST technology allows heat to be stored and used when the sun is not shining to generate electricity. Conventional turbines require water for cooling. The proposed CST project would require up to 3,000 acre/feet of water a year. An acre-foot is the amount of water needed to cover one acre to a depth of one foot, or 325,851 gallons. PV technology requires water only for cleaning the mirrors. The preferred alternative would require about 30 acre/feet of water a year.
How many houses would this project power?
At maximum generation, a 300-MW PV project would provide enough power for about 59,000 residences.
Who will decide whether this project is approved?
The Secretary of the Interior is the decision maker.
What is an EIS?
An Environmental Impact Statement is a document prepared to satisfy the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. An EIS analyzes and discloses the effects of proposed activities on the environment. It is not a decision document. “Environment,” in this case, is defined as the natural and physical environment and the relationship of people with that environment. The “environment” considered in an EIS includes land; water; air; structures; living organisms; and social, cultural, and economic factors. See:
http://ceq.hss.doe.gov/nepa/Citizens_Guide_Dec07.pdf for more information on the NEPA and EIS process.
What is the difference between a draft EIS and a final EIS?
As the name implies, a draft EIS is a preliminary document. It identifies alternatives to the proposed action and establishes the “purpose and need” of the project. The public has the chance, with the publication of the draft EIS, to comment on the findings and to suggest changes. The final EIS responds to all substantive comments received regarding the draft EIS. After the release of the final EIS, the lead agency (BLM Arizona, in this case) must wait at least 30 days before filing a Record of Decision. For this project, because of changes from the draft EIS to the final EIS, the public has a 30-day period in which it can comment on the final EIS.
What are the Alternatives?
Proposed Action | Alternative A: Reduced Water Use | Sub-alternative A1: PV Technology | Alternative B: Reduced Footprint | Brine Concentrator Option | No Action Alternative |
· Fully wet-cooled technology · Uses 3,700 acres of land · Uses 3,003 acre feet per year (afy) of water · Produces 375 MW of power | · Fully dry-cooled technology · Uses 3,700 acres of land · Uses 116 to 151 afy of water · 9% less solar generation | · Photovoltaic technology · Uses 2,013 acres of land · Uses 30 afy of water for panel washing · Produces 300 MW of power | · Fully wet-cooled technology · Uses 2,320 acres of land · Uses 2,003 afy of water · 33% less solar generation (250 MW) | ·Could be used with Proposed Action or Alternative B ·Reduce volume of wastewater ·Overall water reduction: 7% | · Current land use under management plan does not change. |
How are cultural resources being evaluated for the project?
Cultural resources include archaeological sites, historic structures, and places of traditional cultural importance to Indian tribes. By law, the BLM must identify cultural resources that may be affected by a project, determine potential adverse effects, and address means of resolving the adverse effects. The tools to resolve the issues include avoidance, scientific data recovery, monitoring and in-place protection. For the Sonoran Solar Energy Project, the BLM completed an intensive archaeological survey and consulted with eight tribal governments, the Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.
Three prehistoric sites were identified as eligible for the National Register of Historic Places by virtue of their informational value. Two of these sites would be outside the proposed areas of construction and would be protected. One site could not be avoided; the proposed mitigation measure is scientific data recovery. BLM is working with the SHPO, Indian tribes, and the project applicant to develop a memorandum of agreement that will define the mitigation measures to be implemented and the roles and responsibilities of the consulting parties.
How can I get a copy of the final EIS?
Printed copies are available for review at:
- BLM’s Phoenix District Office, Lower Sonoran Field Office, 21605 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix
- BLM Arizona State Office, 1 North Central Ave., Phoenix
- Buckeye Public Library, 310 N. Sixth St., Buckeye
- Gila Bend Public Library, 202 N. Euclid Ave., Gila Bend
- Goodyear Public Library, 250 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear
How do I make a comment?
You may comment by using one of these methods:
· Postal Service: Sonoran Solar Energy Project, Joe Incardine, National Project Manager, BLM Phoenix District Office, Lower Sonoran Field Office, 21605 N. Seventh Ave., Arizona 85027-2929.
Who would I talk to if I have questions about this project?
Joe Incardine, the National Project Manager, is available by mail at the address above; by telephone at (801) 524-3833; or by e-mail at
jincardi@blm.gov.
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