BLM approves Mesa Wind Repower Project near Palm Springs
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PALM SPRINGS, Calif. –Today, the Bureau of Land Management Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office (BLM) announced the approval of the Mesa Wind Repower Project, located on public lands 11 miles northwest of the City of Palm Springs in Riverside County.
The right-of-way holder, Brookfield Renewables, proposes to repower the existing 30-megawatt (MW) wind project, which was built in 1983. The repowering of the project involves the removal of approximately 460 older generation turbines, and the installation of up to nine new wind turbine generators.
“The Mesa Wind Repower Project is a good example of how evolving technologies can help meet our energy needs while allowing for more efficient use of our public lands,” said Acting BLM Field Manager Jeremiah Karuzas.
The Environmental Assessment addresses the potential impacts of the wind repowering project and was prepared by the BLM as the lead agency under the National Environmental Policy Act. The EA analyzed three alternatives: the Proposed Action Alternative A, No Action Alternative B and Reduced Alternative C. Through this analysis and after considering public comment, the BLM selected the Reduced Alternative C, which authorizes the removal of the existing wind turbines and the installation of up to nine new wind turbines. This alternative was selected because it meets the energy generation goal of the project while reducing the potential for impacts to visual resources. Reduced Alternate C also reduces ground disturbance.
For copies of the final EA, decision record and finding of no significant impacts, please visit: http://ow.ly/W66v50OevFc.
For further information, contact Dan Ryan, BLM project manager at 530-252-5321, or by email at BLM_CA_PS_MesaWind@blm.gov.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.