Calico Solar, LLC submitted a right-of-way (ROW) grant application to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to construct, operate and maintain a solar energy plant and related facilities on federal land in San Bernardino County, Calif. just north of Interstate 40, about 37 miles east of Barstow. The original proposal called for SunCatcher dish-engine technology. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar approved the 663.5-megawatt solar project on 4,613 acres of BLM land on October 20, 2010.

Following approval, the Calico Solar right-of-way grant was assigned to K Road Power with the BLM's approval. K Road has applied to the BLM for a right-of-way grant amendment to change portions of the approved facility for construction of a solar facility comprised of 85% photovoltaic (PV) technology and 15% SunCatchers, instead of 100% SunCatcher technology. Phase 1 would consist of 275 MW of PV panels, a main access road, a central services complex, an on-site substation, a well with underground waterline to main services complex. Phase 2 would consist of 288 MW of PV panels and 100.5 MW of SunCatcher technology and related facilities.

The Applicant has submitted a new Plan of Development. The BLM is preparing a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement to analyze any additional site-specific impacts resulting from the change in technology and additional ancillary facilities or relocation of facilities.   

For more information, contact Joan Patrovsky, BLM Project Manager, by e-mail at jpatrovs@blm.gov.