CEQA MitigationMeasures forRenewable EnergyProjectsFrom Paper to Implementation

APA CONFERENCE • OCTOBER 22, 2012

• What makes renewable energy projects different?

• Key approaches

• Mitigation measure development

• Tools for success

• Discussion

Overview

What Makes Renewable Projects Different?

• Technology – new and evolving

• Agency Processes – programs andpolicies may lag

• Scale – variability of site characteristicson mega-projects, site location

• Greenfields – more often thanbrownfields

• Transmission – new and upgraded

• Timeline – political pressure to fast-track

Three Key Things We CAN Do as Planners:

1) Engage construction engineersand vet constraints (planningconsultants)

2) Develop plans and guidingdocuments early, with resourceagency consultation and buy-in

3) Expect, plan for, and embraceadaptive management

CEQA mitigation must be magical: specific but flexibleCEQA mitigation must be magical: specific but flexible

Photo source: SunPower, 2012

Engaging Construction Engineers

• Permitting phase –

• Conceptual design subject torefinement

• Construction schedule,sequencing

• Constructability review

• Construction phase –

• Adapt construction processesbased on changing conditions

Build flexibility into plans and planningdocuments

• Acknowledge potential for change

• Seek early buy-in from lead agency

• Develop flexible mitigation measures

• Establish system for processing minorchanges with agencies early on

Adaptive Management

Mitigation Measure Development

• Feasible

• Achieves intent

• Contingencies

• Iterative mitigation design based onfield experience

Tools and Solutions

Photo source: KCOY, December 2011

• Constructability workshop

• Relationship building

• Proactive agencyengagement

• Establish process up front

Agencies embrace adaptive management

Procedure for project changes (major,minor)

• Communication/public outreach(innovative, continuous, proactive)

Planning forchanges fosters arobust CEQAdocument andavoids vulnerability

Photo source: SunPower, 2012

Shiloh III Project – wind turbine foundationconstruction, Solano County

Open Discussion

Photo source: Reuters 2010

• Other ideas?

• Unique renewablesscenarios/considerations?

• Examples of effective mitigationmeasures?

Thank you!

• Karen Ladd – E&E

• Jennifer Siu – E&E

• Christy Herron – E&E

• Trevor Thor – SunPower

(415) 398-5326