2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Transcription

1 2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION California Flats Solar, LLC (the project proponent), a wholly owned subsidiary of First Solar, Inc., is proposing to build and operate a 280-megawatt (MW) alternating current (AC) photovoltaic (PV) solar power facility in unincorporated southeastern Monterey County, approximately seven miles southeast of the community of Parkfield and 25 miles northeast of the City of Paso Robles, near the borders of Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Kings and Fresno counties (refer to Figures 2-1 and 2-2). The proposed project would be built and operated on an approximately 3,000-acre portion of an existing 72,000-acre cattle ranch, known as the Jack Ranch. The proposed project site is located in an area that is optimal for solar energy development, and has been identified as a Competitive Renewable Energy Zone (CREZ) under the State s Renewable Energy Transmission Initiative (RETI). With elevations of around 1,700 feet, the site is situated above the coastal marine layer and, unlike many other inland central California areas, is not subjected to tule fog during the winter. The project site therefore experiences substantial year-round sunlight. An existing 230 kilovolt (kv) transmission line with available transmission capacity, the Morro Bay-Gates line, transects the site. Details about the proposed project are described in the sections that follow. Section 2.1 lists the project proponent and property owner, while Section 2.2 lists the Lead Agency for the project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Project objectives are described in Section 2.3. The project location, including a general site setting and brief history of the Jack Ranch, is illustrated in Section 2.4. Section 2.5 describes the project characteristics, including energy-related infrastructure (Section 2.5.1) and other structures and improvements (Section 2.5.2), such as the O&M facility, access road improvements, internal roadways, water supply infrastructure, and fencing and lighting. Section 2.6 outlines project construction details, including the anticipated schedule, personnel and equipment, and the type of construction activities that would occur. Section 2.7 describes operations and maintenance activities, including fuel management/fire protection, road maintenance, and safety controls. Decommissioning and site restoration activities are outlined in Section 2.8. Section 2.9 describes the Applicant Proposed Measures (APMs) that are proposed as part of the project to minimize and/or avoid potential environmental effects associated with project construction and operation. Finally, the discretionary approvals and permits that would be required are listed in Section PROJECT PROPONENT and PROPERTY OWNER Project Proponent California Flats Solar, LLC 135 Market Street, 6 th Floor San Francisco, California Contact: Scott Dawson 2-1

2 Santa Clara County Merced County Madera County Fresno County San Benito County San Benito County Monterey County Project Location Fresno County Monterey County ^ Kings County San Luis Obispo County Kern County / km mi Scale in Miles Base map source: Denise Duffy and Associates, Project Location Figure 2-1

3 Park fie ld Turkey Flat Dr Project Area ± Miles Imagery provided by ESRI and its licensors Vicinity Map Figure 2-2

4 2.1.2 Property Owner Hearst Corporation 5 Third Street, Suite 200 San Francisco, California LEAD AGENCY Monterey County Resource Management Agency Planning Department 168 W. Alisal St., 2 nd Floor Salinas, California Contacts: Delinda Robinson, Senior Planner and John H. Ford, RMA Services Manager 2.3 PROJECT OBJECTIVES The applicant s objectives for the proposed California Flats Solar project are divided into four categories: Solar Resources, Energy Development, Environmental Awareness, and Land Use Compatibility. The Solar Resources objectives include the following: Develop a state-of-the art PV solar energy facility in an area with high solar resource potential. Solar resource potential is determined by latitude, slope, aspect, elevation, climate, and air quality: o Lower latitudes receive greater exposure to the sun o Solar energy is more readily absorbed at higher elevations where there is a thinner atmosphere o Dry sunny climates that do not experience coastal marine fog or tule fog receive yearround sunlight o Haze from dust generated by intensive agriculture or industrial operations inhibits solar penetration. Utilize a site that will provide highly efficient solar resources, with a Global Horizontal Irradiation (GHI) greater than 5.0 kilowatt hours per square meter (kwh/m 2 ) per day. The Energy Development objectives include the following: Support the State of California and Monterey County renewable energy and greenhouse gas emission goals by constructing and operating a PV solar facility with a minimum generating capacity of 280 MW. Capitalize on the existing solar energy investment tax credit by developing a project that is inservice prior to December 31, 2016 (26 U.S. Code 48). Optimize the delivery of solar-produced energy by locating the facility as near as possible to existing electrical transmission infrastructure with anticipated capacity. Design a flexible PV solar energy facility that is capable of utilizing the best available, efficient, cost-effective, and proven solar photovoltaic technology o To utilize the best available, cost effective, proven technology, the project must be able to respond to rapid changes in PV solar technology and market conditions. 2-4

5 The Environmental Awareness objectives include the following: Utilize existing electrical transmission infrastructure to avoid secondary environmental impacts from new offsite transmission lines and distribution infrastructure. Construct the facility in a location that is readily accessible from existing roads and that would not require the construction of major new roadway improvements. Minimize operational impacts by operating the facility in a manner that is consistent with continued use of the site by wildlife and plant species to the greatest extent feasible. The Land Use Compatibility objectives include the following: Minimize conflicts with existing or planned land uses. Construct the facility on a site that is readily available for this purpose. 2.4 PROJECT LOCATION The proposed project would be located in the southeastern corner of Monterey County; approximately seven miles southeast of the community of Parkfield and 25 miles northeast of the City of Paso Robles, near the borders of Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Kings and Fresno counties (refer to Figures 2-1 and 2-2). Primary access to the project site would be provided from an existing private access road off of State Route (SR) 41, a portion of which is located in San Luis Obispo County, and emergency access would be available from Turkey Flat Road. General site setting information and General Plan and zoning designations on the project site are described below. The total project area encompasses approximately 3,000 acres, and would be comprised of the solar generating facility area, a utility corridor, and improvements to an existing access road. The solar generating facility area would be located on approximately 2,720 acres, and would include an approximately 2,120-acre solar development area (SDA). In addition, implementation of the proposed solar project would require construction and operation of an approximately 155-acre utility corridor and improvements to an existing private access road within an approximately 60-acre area. These proposed project features are described in more detail under Section 2.5, Project Characteristics Setting Project Site Setting. The California Flats project area lies within the interior portion of the South Coast Ranges, a mountain group that runs north and south parallel to the Pacific coast between San Francisco Bay and the Transverse Ranges. This massive system forms much of the western margin of the San Joaquin Valley. The principal geologic structures within the Central Coast portion of the Coast Range province include the Santa Lucia Mountains, the Temblor and Diablo ranges, the Salinas Valley, and the Carrizo Plain. The project site is located within a northeastern extension of the Cholame Valley known as Turkey Flat. The Cholame Valley is an elongate, northwest-southeast trending basin formed by the San Andreas Rift Zone. The small community of Parkfield sits at the northern end of the 2-5

6 valley. The Cholame Hills, a northeastern extension of the Temblor Range, mark the western flank of the San Andreas Rift Zone and overlook Cholame Valley. Turkey Flat is a gently undulating, largely treeless grassland incised by several springs and drainages; it is flanked on the east by the often-steep hills of the Diablo Range. Elevations within the project site range from 1,600 to 2,100 feet above mean sea level (amsl); the access road descends to 1,175 feet amsl where it meets State Route 41. The landscape ascends steeply to the east, reaching heights of 3,500 to 4,500 feet amsl along the crest of the Diablo Range. Portions of the Diablo and Temblor ranges are the most arid landscapes of the interior South Coast Ranges, with precipitation highly variable from year to year. The dry climate is created by the rainshadow effect, as Pacific air masses deliver much of their rainfall to the outer coast and less to the interior. These relatively arid conditions define the hydrology of the region. Several natural springs in the project area and surrounding hills produce limited surface water flows; precipitation accounts for most of the other water. The project area contains one perennial stream, Cottonwood Creek, and several intermittent or seasonal drainages. These flow southward out of the Diablo Range to merge with Cholame Creek, which in turn flows through Cholame Valley along the San Andreas Fault line before turning southwest towards Shandon. There it merges with San Juan Creek and forms the Estrella River, eventually emptying into the Salinas River just north of Paso Robles. The Salinas River empties into the Pacific Ocean at Monterey Bay. The predominant habitat type on the project site is California annual grassland dominated by non-native grasses typical of the region. Other habitats include wildflower field, serpentine bunchgrass grassland, valley needlegrass grassland, grassland riparian, interior coast range goldenbush scrub, willow cottonwood riparian woodland, ornamental non-native woodland, blue oak woodland, valley oak riparian woodland, ephemeral stream, intermittent stream, perennial stream, cottonwood alluvial riparian woodland, alluvial intermittent stream, perennial marsh, seasonal wetland, agricultural land, and developed/ruderal grassland. Representative site photos are shown in Figures 2-3a and 2-3b. Surrounding Land Uses. The site is bordered in all directions by mostly undeveloped grazing land, interspersed with sparse residential settlements and small farms south and east of the site. There are two rural residences located in close proximity to the site (775 feet north), both near the eastern public road terminus of Turkey Flat Road. The locations of adjacent residences are shown in Figure 2-4b General Plan and Zoning The proposed project would be located on all or a portion of 43 assessor parcels. The solar generating facility area would be located on all or a portion of 25 assessor parcels; the private access road is located on portions of 12 assessor parcels; the proposed utility corridor would be located on portions of six assessor parcels; and the proposed Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) switching station would be located on a portion of one assessor parcel. These parcels 2-6

7 California Solar Flats Project EIR Photo 1. View from within the site looking north/northwest. Photo 2. View of Project site looking west from outside of the site. Source: Denise Duffy and Associates, Site Photos Figure 2-3a

8 California Solar Flats Project EIR Photo 3.View of the site looking south/southwest from off-site. Photo 4. View of Project site looking west from outside of the site. Source: Denise Duffy and Associates, Site Photos Figure 2-3b

9 are listed in Tables 2-1 through 2-3, with the PG&E switching station included within Table 2-1. All of the parcels are located on the 72,000-acre Jack Ranch. The project site (including all components) is designated by the Monterey County General Plan as agricultural, and the site is zoned Farmland, 160 acre minimum building site (F/160) and Permanent Grazing, 160 acre minimum building site (PG/160), and is currently used as an active cattle ranch. The approximately 3.3-mile portion of the private access road located in San Luis Obispo County is designated as Agriculture/Geologic Study Area. Table 2-1 Solar Generating Facility Area, Assessor Parcel Numbers, Acreage, & Zoning Assessor Parcel Number APN Acreage Project Acreage Zoning Designation * Farmland & Permanent Grazing Permanent Grazing * Permanent Grazing Farmland Farmland Farmland Farmland/Permanent Grazing Farmland Farmland Farmland Farmland/Permanent Grazing * Farmland/Permanent Grazing * Farmland/Permanent Grazing * Farmland * Farmland/Permanent Grazing Farmland Farmland Farmland Farmland/Permanent Grazing Farmland/Permanent Grazing Farmland/Permanent Grazing Farmland/Permanent Grazing Farmland/Permanent Grazing Farmland/Permanent Grazing Farmland/Permanent Grazing Total 7, , Note: *Includes a new transmission line corridor between the substations. The transmission line corridor is approximately 135 acres. Includes the approximately six acre PG&E switching station. 2-11

10 Table 2-2 Private Access Road Assessor Parcel Numbers, Acreage, & Zoning Assessor Parcel Number Zoning Designation APN Acreage Project Acreage Monterey County Permanent Grazing Farmland/Permanent Grazing Permanent Grazing Permanent Grazing NA NA Permanent Grazing NA NA Farmland/Permanent Grazing Farmland/Permanent Grazing Subtotal: 2, San Luis Obispo County Agriculture/Geologic Study Area Agriculture/Geologic Study Area Agriculture/Geologic Study Area Agriculture/Geologic Study Area Agriculture SR 41 right-of-way n/a (Caltrans Right-of- Way) n/a 1.85 Subtotal: 3, Total: 5, Assessor Parcel Number Table 2-3 Utility Corridor Assessor Parcel Numbers, Acreage, & Zoning APN Acreage Project Acreage Zoning Designation Farmlands, Permanent Grazing Permanent Grazing Permanent Grazing Permanent Grazing Permanent Grazing Farmlands, Permanent Grazing Total 3, PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS The proposed project is a 280-megawatt (MW) alternating current (AC) photovoltaic (PV) solar power facility. Site plans for the proposed project are shown in Figures 2-4a through 2-4x, and road improvements are shown in Figures 2-9 through Proposed infrastructure improvements, including energy-related facilities, operations and maintenance structures, and road improvements are described below. Construction-related activities, ongoing operations 2-12

11 and maintenance, and currently anticipated decommissioning activities are described in Sections 2.6, 2.7, and 2.8. The total project area encompasses approximately 3,000 acres, and would be comprised of the solar generating facility area, a utility corridor, and improvements to an existing access road. The solar generating facility area would be located on approximately 2,720 acres, and would include an approximately 2,120 acre solar development area (SDA), an approximately 135-acre (2.8 miles) 230 kv overhead transmission line corridor, an approximately 5-acre high-capacity collection system line corridor, two on-site substations each approximately six acres in size, a switching station to be owned and operated by Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) approximately six acres in size, an operations and maintenance (O&M) facility, and temporary construction staging areas. In addition, implementation of the proposed solar project would require construction and operation of an approximately 155 acre utility corridor (see Figures 2-4h, 2-4l, 2-4o, 2-4s, and 2-4v) and improvements to an existing private access road (see Figure 2-9) within an approximately 60 acre area Energy-Related Infrastructure Solar Modules, Collection Systems, and Inverters. The proposed project would include PV modules mounted on a single-axis horizontal tracking system and/or a fixed tilt system. The mounting system for the single-axis horizontal tracking and fixed-tilt system includes posts driven into the ground, with table frames bolted to the driven posts. The modules are then mechanically fastened to the tables. A single-axis tracking system would entail the installation of PV modules on a rack with a rotating-gear drive that tracks the sun. When the sun is directly overhead, the modules would be at a zero degree angle (level to the ground). The modules would tilt in either direction (east and west), tracking the sun through the course of the day. At a horizontal position, the modules would be approximately six to eight feet off the ground. Tilted to the highest position, the top of the modules would be approximately 13 feet off the ground. The tracking system would involve no spinning machinery, no thermal cycle, and no water use (except for panel washing; refer to the Water Infrastructure discussion in Section 2.5.2). With a fixed-tilt system, the modules would be fixed at an angle between 20 to 25 degrees to the south and would not move. Fixed-tilt modules would be up to ten feet off the ground surface at the highest point of the array depending on the terrain. It is possible the proposed project could include a combination of single-axis tracking and/or fixed tilt systems. Typical single-axis tracking and/or fixed tilt PV systems are shown in Figures 2-5a and 2-5b. The infrastructure described herein would be similar for either a single-axis tracking system and/or a fixed-tilt system. The proposed project would utilize high-efficiency commercially available solar PV modules that are Underwriters Laboratory (UL)-listed or approved by another nationally recognized testing laboratory. Materials commonly used for solar PV modules include monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride (CdTe), and copper indium selenide/sulfide. 2-13

12 The project proponent is considering using First Solar s proprietary thin-film CdTe solar PV modules. The principal materials incorporated into the PV modules include glass, steel, and various semiconductor metals, including CdTe. The PV modules absorb over 90 percent of the light received. The rows of modules on tables would be grouped into arrays. Depending upon soil and hydrologic conditions, the posts would be driven into the soil up to ten feet deep. If the results of detailed geotechnical investigations indicate that driven steel posts are not an optimal foundation, then other embedded foundation designs may be utilized. Each array contains internal and perimeter access ways. Weather stations mounted on steel lattice structures up to approximately 30 feet high with concrete foundations would be placed throughout the arrays. The PV modules would be electrically connected by wire harnesses and combiner boxes that collect electricity from several rows of modules and convey the electricity to a Power Conversion System (PCS) via underground direct current (DC) cables. Each PCS would be mounted on a concrete pad, covering approximately 420 square feet, with a height of approximately 11 feet. Each PCS would contain multiple direct current to alternating current inverters and one step up transformer with an output voltage of 34.5 kv. Each PCS would be equipped with communication equipment to control operation of the tracker units and detect anomalous conditions wirelessly. The PCS could also be equipped with emergency backup power to rotate the tracker units to their stowed position in the event of high winds and a loss of the primary 230 kv electrical connection between the solar array and the electrical grid. A transformer would then step up the voltage of the array for conveyance of the power via underground lines to the PV combining switchgear (PVCS). The PVCS are approximately 33 feet long, 12 feet wide, and 11 feet high. A high-capacity 34.5v collection system line would collect power in the northern and southern areas of the project site from the PVCSs and convey it to the northern and southern substations via overhead circuits. These overhead lines would be supported by up to approximately 350 wooden or steel poles approximately 70 feet high. The southern portions of the project site would also be linked by a high-capacity 34.5v collection system line corridor. This corridor is approximately 150 feet by 1,425 feet (approximately 5 acres). An approximately 2.8-mile long 230 kv overhead transmission line located within a 500 foot wide transmission line corridor (approximately 135 acres) would connect the northern and southern project substations. These overhead lines would be supported by steel monopole or lattice structures up to approximately 130 feet high. From the northern project substation approximately three to five steel monopole structures approximately 130 feet high would connect to the proposed PG&E switching station and connect to the PG&E Morro Bay-Gates line for transmission to California Independent System Operator (CAISO) transmission system. The arrays would be distributed over approximately 2,120 acres of the approximately 2,720-acre solar generating facility area (refer to Figures 2-4a through 2-4x). The precise configuration of the panel arrays within the 2,120-acre solar development area (SDA) may vary to avoid environmental constraints identified over the course of environmental review. For the purpose of this analysis, environmental impacts are assessed for the entire project site, as shown in Figure 2-4a. The solar generating facility area includes the areas needed for the installation of the PV arrays, inverters, internal roadways, fencing, and lighting. 2-14

13 On-Site Substations. Two new on-site substations (a northern substation and a southern substation) would convert the electricity generated from the array areas from 34.5kV to 230kV. A conceptual substation plan and elevation is shown in Figures 2-7a and 2-7b. The northern (primary) substation would be constructed on approximately six acres immediately adjacent to the existing PG&E Morro Bay-Gates 230kV line (shown in Figure 2-4h). The PG&E switching station (as described below) would be constructed adjacent to the proposed northern substation and PG&E Morro Bay-Gates 230kV line on approximately six acres (refer to Figure 2-4h). The southern substation would be constructed on approximately six acres in the southern portion of the site (shown in Figure 2-4t). A new 230kV transmission line would convey power from the southern substation to the northern substation. The new 230kV transmission line would consist of approximately 21 steel monopoles or lattice structures spaced approximately 700 to 950 feet apart. As shown in Figure 2-7b, the poles would be approximately 130 feet high. The transmission line which would be approximately 14,800 feet (2.8 miles) long, would extend onto the project site and connect the two substations as shown in Figures 2-4a, 2-4h, 2-4l, 2-4m, and 2-4q. The substations areas would be improved with compacted materials and concrete pads to support electrical equipment and supporting infrastructure. The substations structures would range in height from approximately 20 to 90 feet, as shown in Figure 2-7a. Security fencing consisting of six to eight foot chain link fencing with barbwire would be installed around the perimeter of the new substations. Approximately three to five steel monopole structures would be constructed between the northern substation and the PG&E Switching Station (described below) to tie the project into the PG&E system. These poles would be approximately 130 feet in height. PG&E Switching Station. Near the location of the proposed northern substation, the project proponent would also construct a new 230kV interconnection switching station that would provide an interconnection to the existing Morro Bay-Gates 230kV transmission line and would be owned and operated by PG&E. The PG&E-owned switching station would include a six to eight foot chain link fence with barbwire, electrical equipment and control building, and two to four transmission structures approximately 130 feet in height to reroute the existing 230 kv transmission line into the new switching station. The disturbance area of the switching station would be approximately 6 acres. The switching station area would be improved with compacted materials and concrete pads to support electrical equipment and supporting infrastructure. Three to five steel monopole structures that would be constructed between the northern substation and the switching station would be approximately 130 feet in height, as shown in Figure 2-7b. PG&E would be responsible for inspecting and maintaining the switching station. The PG&E switching station would include separate communication facilities to connect the switching station to PG&E s Gates substation located in Fresno County, approximately 23 miles from the switching station. Two different types of communication (microwave and fiber) are preferred for redundancy. A microwave site approximately 125 feet by 125 feet would be constructed within the switching station footprint which would include a communications building and microwave tower approximately feet high. A relay station would be constructed within an existing disturbed area to provide microwave relay to the Gates substation. In addition, approximately 200 feet of underground fiber would be constructed from the switching station to a Morro Bay-Gates 230kV transmission line tower to connect to the 2-15

14 optical ground wire on that transmission line tower to provide a communication path to the Gates substation Other Structures and Improvements Operations and Maintenance Facility. The proposed project would include the construction of an operations and maintenance (O&M) facility and support infrastructure, located on approximately five acres in the southernmost portion of the proposed project site, as shown in Figure 2-4x. The approximately five-acre O&M site would be located within the southeast portion of a larger 38-acre construction laydown area that would be used as the hub of activities during the construction phase. The activities that would occur within this area during construction are described in greater detail in Section 2.6 (Project Construction). The construction laydown area would be built out with solar arrays with just the five-acre O&M facility remaining. The proposed layout of the O&M facility is shown in Figures 2-8a and 2-8b. As shown therein, it would include an approximately 4,000 square-foot building with office space, storage, conference rooms, restrooms, parking, and receiving/loading areas. The O&M facility would be approximately 30 feet in height. Outdoor storage for road maintenance materials, nonoperational equipment, and maintenance vehicles would be located in a fenced storage area located immediately adjacent to the O&M building. On-site wastewater generated through the use of the O&M facility would be disposed of via an on-site septic system, and sanitary water for the O&M facility would be provided by an existing well, commonly referred to as the Foster Jordan (FJ)-West Well. Operations and maintenance activities would be undertaken by approximately eight to ten onsite staff, who would conduct their operations from the O&M building. Typical activities performed by on-site personnel are described in Section 2.7. Access Road Improvements. Primary access to the project site during both construction and operation would be provided by an existing 5.6-mile existing private ranch road from SR 41 (refer to Figure 2-9). Currently, the private ranch access road is approximately 15 to 20 feet wide, with the narrowest sections near each of the ten (10) existing drainage crossings. The proposed project would include improvements to the existing private ranch road to accommodate an increased volume of traffic, construction vehicles, and large delivery vehicles. These improvements would include: widening the access road from 15 to 30 feet, resurfacing with aggregate material, increasing the size of the existing culverts to better match the existing channel capacity and to accommodate the added width (if needed) of the access road, and providing necessary turnouts to accommodate emergency vehicle access. Turnouts would be constructed within the boundaries of the 30-foot wide access road alignment. In addition, an existing project access gate would be relocated further north from SR 41 (i.e. interior to the site) to accommodate truck queuing outside of the SR 41 right-of-way while the gate is being unlocked and opened. 2-16

15 Scale in Miles! Wells / Proposed 230kV Overhead Overhead Cable Existing Transmission Line Turkey Flat Road Private Residence!! Private Residence A1 B1 A2 B2 Potential Source Well! C1 C2 C3 C4 B3 Revised Site Plan (December 2013) Project Data Summary Table Project Area 2,716.6 Acres General Plan Land Use Designation Farmlands/Permanent Grazing Solar Development Area 2, Acres Utility Corridor Acres 230kVTransmission Line Corridor Acres New High-Capacity Collection System Line 3.4 Acres Corridor Zoning Designation F/160/PG/160 Lot (Building) Coverage Required < 5% Proposed < 1% Floor Area Ratio Required N/A Proposed < 1% Grading Cut ~880,000 Cubic Yards Fill ~880,000 Cubic Yards Import/Export 0 Cubic Yards Tree Removal Number 0 Type Oaks Impervious Coverage Area Covered by Structures (O&M Building ~ 1 Acre and Loading Dock) Area Covered by Major Electrical ~ 11 Acres Equipment (Inverters, Transformers, Substation) Impervious Area ~ 12 Acres Parking Required N/A Proposed 14 Existing Paved Road Existing Unpaved Road New High-Capacity Collection System Line Corridor Access Road/Highway 41 Improvements Project Site Access Road Utility Corridor Solar Development Area Parcels Project Site Facilities Leach-Field/Septic Tank Loading Dock O&M Facility Substation Switching Station Water Storage Construction Laydown Chalome Road Ag Well #2 (existing)! D1 D2 D3 D4 E1 E2 E3 E4 F1 F3 F4 NOTE: The new utility corridor identifies the general location where potential utility improvements would be located for preliminary planning and environmental review purposes. The actual location of site improvements would generally be located within an approximately 20 wide area within the utility corridor. The entire utility corridor would not be impacted as part of the project, but the actual siting and design of improvements within the corridor will be based on design-level detail. As a result, a larger corridor has been identified for planning purposes. G1 G3 G4 FJ-West Well (existing)! Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, USGS, Intermap, ipc, NRCAN, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri (Thailand), TomTom, 2013 Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community Base map source: Denise Duffy and Associates, Inc., Site Plan: Index Figure 2-4a

16 A1 A2 B1 B2 B3 C1 C2 C3 C4 D1 D2 D3 D4 E1 E2 E3 E4 F1 F3 F4 G1 G3 G Private Residence Private Residence!! ! Wells Proposed 230kV Overhead Overhead Cable Existing Transmission Line Existing Paved Road Existing Unpaved Road New High-Capacity Collection System Line Corridor Access Road/Highway 41 Improvements Project Site Access Road Utility Corridor Solar Development Area Parcels Project Site Facilities Leach-Field/Septic Tank Loading Dock O&M Facility Substation Switching Station Water Storage Construction Laydown ,000 Feet / Meters Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, USGS, Intermap, ipc, NRCAN, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri (Thailand), TomTom, 2013 Base map source: Denise Duffy and Associates, Inc., Site Plan: Sheet A1 Figure 2-4b

17 A1 A B1 B2 B3 C1 C2 C3 C D1 D2 D3 D4 E1 E2 E3 E4 F1 F3 F4 G1 G3 G ! Wells Proposed 230kV Overhead Overhead Cable Existing Transmission Line Existing Paved Road Existing Unpaved Road New High-Capacity Collection System Line Corridor Access Road/Highway 41 Improvements Project Site Access Road Utility Corridor Solar Development Area Parcels Project Site Facilities Leach-Field/Septic Tank Loading Dock O&M Facility Substation Switching Station Water Storage Construction Laydown ,000 Feet / Meters Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, USGS, Intermap, ipc, NRCAN, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri (Thailand), TomTom, 2013 Site Plan: Sheet A2 Figure 2-4c

18 A1 A2 B1 B2 B3 C1 C2 C3 C4 D1 D2 D3 D4 E1 E2 E3 E4 F1 F3 F4 G1 G3 G Turkey Flat Road! Wells Proposed 230kV Overhead Overhead Cable Existing Transmission Line Existing Paved Road Existing Unpaved Road New High-Capacity Collection System Line Corridor Access Road/Highway 41 Improvements Project Site Access Road Utility Corridor Solar Development Area Parcels Project Site Facilities Leach-Field/Septic Tank Loading Dock O&M Facility Substation Switching Station Water Storage Construction Laydown ,000 Feet / Meters Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, USGS, Intermap, ipc, NRCAN, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri (Thailand), TomTom, Base map source: Denise Duffy and Associates, Inc., Site Plan: Sheet B1 Figure 2-4d

19 A1 A2 B1 B2 B3 C1 C2 C3 C4 D1 D2 D3 D E1 E2 E3 E4 F1 F3 F4 G1 G3 G4! Wells Proposed 230kV Overhead Overhead Cable Existing Transmission Line Existing Paved Road Existing Unpaved Road New High-Capacity Collection System Line Corridor Access Road/Highway 41 Improvements Project Site Access Road Utility Corridor Solar Development Area Parcels Project Site Facilities Leach-Field/Septic Tank Loading Dock O&M Facility Substation Switching Station Water Storage Construction Laydown ,000 Feet / Meters Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, USGS, Intermap, ipc, NRCAN, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri (Thailand), TomTom, Base map source: Denise Duffy and Associates, Inc., Site Plan: Sheet B2 Figure 2-4e

20 A1 A2 B1 B2 B3 C1 C2 C3 C4 D1 D2 D3 D4 E1 E2 E3 E4 F1 F3 F4 G1 G3 G ! Wells Proposed 230kV Overhead Overhead Cable Existing Transmission Line Existing Paved Road Existing Unpaved Road New High-Capacity Collection System Line Corridor Access Road/Highway 41 Improvements Project Site Access Road Utility Corridor Solar Development Area Parcels Project Site Facilities Leach-Field/Septic Tank Loading Dock O&M Facility Substation Switching Station Water Storage Construction Laydown ,000 Feet / Meters Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, USGS, Intermap, ipc, NRCAN, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri (Thailand), TomTom, Base map source: Denise Duffy and Associates, Inc., Site Plan: Sheet B3 Figure 2-4f

21 A1 A B1 B2 B3 C1 C2 C3 C4 D1 D2 D3 D4 E1 E2 E3 E F1 F3 F4 G1 G3 G ! Wells Proposed 230kV Overhead Overhead Cable Existing Transmission Line Existing Paved Road Existing Unpaved Road New High-Capacity Collection System Line Corridor Access Road/Highway 41 Improvements Project Site Access Road Utility Corridor Solar Development Area Parcels Project Site Facilities Leach-Field/Septic Tank Loading Dock O&M Facility Substation Switching Station Water Storage Construction Laydown ,000 Feet / Meters Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, USGS, Intermap, ipc, NRCAN, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri (Thailand), TomTom, Site Plan: Sheet C1 Figure 2-4g

22 A1 B1 A2 B2 B C1 C2 C3 C4 D1 D2 D3 D E1 E2 E3 E4 F1 F3 F4 G1 G3 G4 Potential Source Well! ! Wells Proposed 230kV Overhead Overhead Cable Existing Transmission Line Existing Paved Road Existing Unpaved Road New High-Capacity Collection System Line Corridor Access Road/Highway 41 Improvements Project Site Access Road Utility Corridor Solar Development Area Parcels Project Site Facilities Leach-Field/Septic Tank Loading Dock O&M Facility Substation Switching Station Water Storage Construction Laydown ,000 Feet / Meters Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, USGS, Intermap, ipc, NRCAN, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri (Thailand), TomTom, 2013 Base map source: Denise Duffy and Associates, Inc., Site Plan: Sheet C2 Figure 2-4h

23 A1 A2 B1 B2 B3 C1 C2 C3 C4 D1 D2 D3 D4 E1 E2 E3 E4 F1 F3 F4 G1 G3 G ! Wells Proposed 230kV Overhead Overhead Cable Existing Transmission Line Existing Paved Road Existing Unpaved Road New High-Capacity Collection System Line Corridor Access Road/Highway 41 Improvements Project Site Access Road Utility Corridor Solar Development Area Parcels Project Site Facilities Leach-Field/Septic Tank Loading Dock O&M Facility Substation Switching Station Water Storage Construction Laydown ,000 Feet / Meters Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, USGS, Intermap, ipc, NRCAN, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri (Thailand), TomTom, 2013 Base map source: Denise Duffy and Associates, Inc., Site Plan: Sheet C3 Figure 2-4i

24 A1 A2 B1 B2 B C1 C2 C3 C4 D1 D2 D3 D4 E1 E2 E3 E4 F1 F3 F4 G1 G3 G ! Wells Proposed 230kV Overhead Overhead Cable Existing Transmission Line Existing Paved Road Existing Unpaved Road New High-Capacity Collection System Line Corridor Access Road/Highway 41 Improvements Project Site Access Road Utility Corridor Solar Development Area Parcels Project Site Facilities Leach-Field/Septic Tank Loading Dock O&M Facility Substation Switching Station Water Storage Construction Laydown ,000 Feet / Meters Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, USGS, Intermap, ipc, NRCAN, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri (Thailand), TomTom, Base map source: Denise Duffy and Associates, Inc., Site Plan: Sheet C4 Figure 2-4j

25 A1 A2 B1 B2 B3 C1 C2 C3 C4 D1 D2 D3 D4 E1 E2 E3 E4 F1 F3 F4 G1 G3 G ! Wells Proposed 230kV Overhead Overhead Cable Existing Transmission Line Existing Paved Road Existing Unpaved Road New High-Capacity Collection System Line Corridor Access Road/Highway 41 Improvements Project Site Access Road Utility Corridor Solar Development Area Parcels Project Site Facilities Leach-Field/Septic Tank Loading Dock O&M Facility Substation Switching Station Water Storage Construction Laydown ,000 Feet / Meters Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, USGS, Intermap, ipc, NRCAN, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri (Thailand), TomTom, Base map source: Denise Duffy and Associates, Inc., Site Plan: Sheet D1 Figure 2-4k

26 A1 A2 B1 B2 B3 C1 C2 C3 C4 D1 D2 D3 D4 E1 E2 E3 E4 F1 F3 F4 G1 G3 G4! Wells Proposed 230kV Overhead Overhead Cable Existing Transmission Line Existing Paved Road Existing Unpaved Road New High-Capacity Collection System Line Corridor Access Road/Highway 41 Improvements Project Site Access Road Utility Corridor Solar Development Area Parcels Project Site Facilities Leach-Field/Septic Tank Loading Dock O&M Facility Substation Switching Station Water Storage Construction Laydown ,000 Feet / Meters Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, USGS, Intermap, ipc, NRCAN, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri (Thailand), TomTom, Base map source: Denise Duffy and Associates, Inc., Site Plan: Sheet D2 Figure 2-4l

27 A1 A2 B1 B2 B3 C1 C2 C3 C4 D1 D2 D3 D4 E1 E2 E3 E4 F1 F3 F4 G1 G3 G ! Wells Proposed 230kV Overhead Overhead Cable Existing Transmission Line Existing Paved Road Existing Unpaved Road New High-Capacity Collection System Line Corridor Access Road/Highway 41 Improvements Project Site Access Road Utility Corridor Solar Development Area Parcels Project Site Facilities Leach-Field/Septic Tank Loading Dock O&M Facility Substation Switching Station Water Storage Construction Laydown ,000 Feet / Meters Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, USGS, Intermap, ipc, NRCAN, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri (Thailand), TomTom, Base map source: Denise Duffy and Associates, Inc., Site Plan: Sheet D3 Figure 2-4m

28 A1 A2 B1 B2 B3 C1 C2 C3 C4 D1 D2 D3 D4 E1 E2 E3 E4 F1 F3 F4 G1 G3 G ! Wells Proposed 230kV Overhead Overhead Cable Existing Transmission Line Existing Paved Road Existing Unpaved Road New High-Capacity Collection System Line Corridor Access Road/Highway 41 Improvements Project Site Access Road Utility Corridor Solar Development Area Parcels Project Site Facilities Leach-Field/Septic Tank Loading Dock O&M Facility Substation Switching Station Water Storage Construction Laydown ,000 Feet / Meters Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, USGS, Intermap, ipc, NRCAN, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri (Thailand), TomTom, Base map source: Denise Duffy and Associates, Inc., Site Plan: Sheet D4 Figure 2-4n

29 A1 A2 B1 B2 B3 C1 C2 C3 C4 D1 D2 D3 D4 E1 E2 E3 E4 F1 F3 F4 G1 G3 G ! Wells Proposed 230kV Overhead Overhead Cable Existing Transmission Line Existing Paved Road Existing Unpaved Road New High-Capacity Collection System Line Corridor Access Road/Highway 41 Improvements Project Site Access Road Utility Corridor Solar Development Area Parcels Project Site Facilities Leach-Field/Septic Tank Loading Dock O&M Facility Substation Switching Station Water Storage Construction Laydown ,000 Feet / Meters Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, USGS, Intermap, ipc, NRCAN, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri (Thailand), TomTom, 2013 Base map source: Denise Duffy and Associates, Inc., Site Plan: Sheet E1 Figure 2-4o

30 A1 A2 B1 B2 B3 C1 C2 C3 C4 D1 D2 D3 D4 E1 E2 E3 E4 F1 F3 F4 G1 G3 G ! Wells Proposed 230kV Overhead Overhead Cable Existing Transmission Line Existing Paved Road Existing Unpaved Road New High-Capacity Collection System Line Corridor Access Road/Highway 41 Improvements Project Site Access Road Utility Corridor Solar Development Area Parcels Project Site Facilities Leach-Field/Septic Tank Loading Dock O&M Facility Substation Switching Station Water Storage Construction Laydown ,000 Feet / Meters Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, USGS, Intermap, ipc, NRCAN, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri (Thailand), TomTom, 2013 Base map source: Denise Duffy and Associates, Inc., Site Plan: Sheet E2 Figure 2-4p

31 A1 A2 B1 B2 B3 C1 C2 C3 C D1 D2 D3 D4 E1 E2 E3 E4 F1 G1 F3 G3 F4 G ! Wells Proposed 230kV Overhead Overhead Cable Existing Transmission Line Existing Paved Road Existing Unpaved Road New High-Capacity Collection System Line Corridor Access Road/Highway 41 Improvements Project Site Access Road Utility Corridor Solar Development Area Parcels Project Site Facilities Leach-Field/Septic Tank Loading Dock O&M Facility Substation Switching Station Water Storage Construction Laydown ,000 Feet / Meters Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, USGS, Intermap, ipc, NRCAN, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri (Thailand), TomTom, 2013 Base map source: Denise Duffy and Associates, Inc., Site Plan: Sheet E3 Figure 2-4q

32 A1 A2 B1 B2 B3 C1 C2 C3 C D1 D2 D3 D4 E1 E2 E3 E4 F1 F3 F4 G1 G3 G4! Wells Proposed 230kV Overhead Overhead Cable Existing Transmission Line Existing Paved Road Existing Unpaved Road New High-Capacity Collection System Line Corridor Access Road/Highway 41 Improvements Project Site Access Road Utility Corridor Solar Development Area Parcels Project Site Facilities Leach-Field/Septic Tank Loading Dock O&M Facility Substation Switching Station Water Storage Construction Laydown ,000 Feet / Meters Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, USGS, Intermap, ipc, NRCAN, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri (Thailand), TomTom, 2013 Base map source: Denise Duffy and Associates, Inc., Site Plan: Sheet E4 Figure 2-4r

33 A1 A2 B1 B2 B3 C1 C2 C3 C4 D1 D2 D3 D4 E1 E2 E3 E F1 F3 F4 G1 G3 G4! Wells Proposed 230kV Overhead Overhead Cable Existing Transmission Line Existing Paved Road Existing Unpaved Road New High-Capacity Collection System Line Corridor Access Road/Highway 41 Improvements Project Site Access Road Utility Corridor Solar Development Area Parcels Project Site Facilities Leach-Field/Septic Tank Loading Dock! Ag Well #2 (existing) O&M Facility Substation Switching Station Water Storage Construction Laydown ,000 Feet / Meters Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, USGS, Intermap, ipc, NRCAN, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri (Thailand), TomTom, 2013 Base map source: Denise Duffy and Associates, Inc., Site Plan: Sheet F1 Figure 2-4s

34 A1 A2 B1 B2 B3 C1 C2 C3 C D1 D2 D3 D4 E1 E2 E3 E F1 F3 F4 G1 G3 G ! Wells Proposed 230kV Overhead Overhead Cable Existing Transmission Line Existing Paved Road Existing Unpaved Road New High-Capacity Collection System Line Corridor Access Road/Highway 41 Improvements Project Site Access Road Utility Corridor Solar Development Area Parcels Project Site Facilities Leach-Field/Septic Tank Loading Dock O&M Facility Substation Switching Station Water Storage Construction Laydown ,000 Feet / Meters Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, USGS, Intermap, ipc, NRCAN, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri (Thailand), TomTom, Base map source: Denise Duffy and Associates, Inc., Site Plan: Sheet F3 Figure 2-4t

35 A1 A2 B1 B2 B3 C1 C2 C3 C D1 D2 D3 D4 E1 E2 E3 E F1 F3 F4 G1 G3 G ! Wells Proposed 230kV Overhead Overhead Cable Existing Transmission Line Existing Paved Road Existing Unpaved Road New High-Capacity Collection System Line Corridor Access Road/Highway 41 Improvements Project Site Access Road Utility Corridor Solar Development Area Parcels Project Site Facilities Leach-Field/Septic Tank Loading Dock O&M Facility Substation Switching Station Water Storage Construction Laydown ,000 Feet / Meters Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, USGS, Intermap, ipc, NRCAN, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri (Thailand), TomTom, Base map source: Denise Duffy and Associates, Inc., Site Plan: Sheet F4 Figure 2-4u

36 A1 A2 B1 B2 B3 C1 C2 C3 C4 D1 D2 D3 D4 E1 E2 E3 E4 F1 F3 F4 G1 G3 G ! Wells Proposed 230kV Overhead Overhead Cable Existing Transmission Line Existing Paved Road Existing Unpaved Road New High-Capacity Collection System Line Corridor Access Road/Highway 41 Improvements Project Site Access Road Utility Corridor Solar Development Area Parcels Project Site Facilities Leach-Field/Septic Tank Loading Dock O&M Facility Substation Switching Station Water Storage Construction Laydown ,000 Feet / Meters Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, USGS, Intermap, ipc, NRCAN, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri (Thailand), TomTom, 2013 Base map source: Denise Duffy and Associates, Inc., Site Plan: Sheet G1 Figure 2-4v

37 A1 A2 B1 B2 B3 C1 C2 C3 C4 D1 D2 D3 D4 E1 E2 E3 E4 F1 F3 F4 G1 G3 G ! Wells Proposed 230kV Overhead Overhead Cable Existing Transmission Line Existing Paved Road Existing Unpaved Road New High-Capacity Collection System Line Corridor Access Road/Highway 41 Improvements Project Site Access Road Utility Corridor Solar Development Area Parcels Project Site Facilities Leach-Field/Septic Tank Loading Dock O&M Facility Substation Switching Station Water Storage Construction Laydown ,000 Feet / Meters Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, USGS, Intermap, ipc, NRCAN, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri (Thailand), TomTom, Base map source: Denise Duffy and Associates, Inc., Site Plan: Sheet G3 Figure 2-4w

38 A1 B1 A2 B2 B C1 C2 C3 C D1 D2 D3 D4 E1 E2 E3 E F1 F3 F4 G1 G3 G ! Wells Proposed 230kV Overhead Overhead Cable Existing Transmission Line Existing Paved Road Existing Unpaved Road New High-Capacity Collection System Line Corridor Access Road/Highway 41 Improvements Project Site Access Road Utility Corridor Solar Development Area Parcels Project Site Facilities Leach-Field/Septic Tank Loading Dock O&M Facility Substation Switching Station Water Storage Construction Laydown FJ-West Well (existing)! ,000 Feet / Meters Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, USGS, Intermap, ipc, NRCAN, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri (Thailand), TomTom, Base map source: Denise Duffy and Associates, Inc., Site Plan: Sheet G4 Figure 2-4x

39 California Solar Flats Project EIR SOLAR PANEL PANELS ROTATE TO FOLLOW SUN GROUND PILE FOOTING TYPICAL SIGNAL AXIS TRACKER SYSTEM ARRAY OF PANELS INDIVIDUAL PHOTOVOLTAIC PANEL INVERTER MAINTENANCE ACCESS ROAD SOLAR PANEL PILE FOOTING GROUND ^! Title: TYPICAL 1 MW PANEL BLOCK Source: Denise Duffy and Associates, 2012; RBF, Feet File: Typical Photovoltaic Systems Exhibit 12 Typical Photovoltaic Systems.pdf Typical Photovoltaic Date: Systems Scale: N/A Project: TYPICAL FIXED AXIS RACK SYSTEM Monterey San Jose Denise Duffy and Associates, Inc. Environmental Consultants Resource Planners 947 Cass Street, Suite 5 Monterey, CA (831) Exhibit Figure 2-5a Potential Photov 12

40 California Solar Flats Project EIR Source: First Solar, Inc., 2014 Typical Photovoltaic Systems Figure 2-5b

41 California Solar Flats Project EIR [ Title: Source: Denise Duffy and Associates, 2012 California Flats Solar, LLC., 2012 Representative Electrical Collection Infrastructure Representative Date: Electrical Equipment Infrastructure File: Project: Exhibit 13 Representative Electrical Collection Infrastructure.pdf Scale: N/A Monterey San Jose Denise Duffy and Associates, Inc. Environmental Consultants Resource Planners 947 Cass Street, Suite 5 Monterey, CA (831) Exhibit Figure

42 California Solar Flats Project EIR Not to Scale Source: First Solar, Inc., 2014 Conceptual Substation Plan Figure 2-7a

43 California Solar Flats Project EIR Not to Scale Source: First Solar, Inc., 2014 Conceptual Substation Elevation Figure 2-7b

44 California Solar Flats Project EIR Source: First Solar, Inc., 2014 Conceptual Weather Station Elevation Figure 2-7c

45 California Solar Flats Project EIR 6/8/12 JN M:MDATA\ \Plots\CUP\Ex7_OM Elevation.pdf LS Source: Denise Duffy and Associates, 2012; RBF, 2012 Conceptual Operations and Maintenance Facility Layout CALIFORNIA FLATS SOLAR Conceptual Operations and Maintenance Facility Layout & Elevation Figure 2-8a 6/8/2012 Exhibit 7

46 California Solar Flats Project EIR Source: First Solar, Inc., 2014 Conceptual Operations and Maintenance Facility Elevations Figure 2-8b

47 Where the existing access road intersects with State Route (SR) 41 in San Luis Obispo County, several improvements are proposed to provide safe ingress and egress and sufficient turning pockets for construction traffic. A conceptual improvement plan for SR 41 is shown in Figure As shown therein, improvements would include the construction of one new northbound left turn lane and one new southbound right turn lane, vehicle storage space, lane taper striping, and lighting. The project also includes a four-acre temporary construction and material staging area north of SR 41, as shown in Figure This area would be used throughout construction for vehicle queuing and deliveries. An additional 0.5-acre temporary construction staging area would also be located south of SR 41, as shown in Figure This area would be used during construction of SR 41 improvements. Emergency access to the project also would be provided from Turkey Flat Road, an existing paved local County road that terminates at the northwestern edge of the project site (refer to Figure 2-4d). Turkey Flat Road provides the most direct route to the site from the CalFire Parkfield Fire Station, and is anticipated to be the primary route for this first responder during emergencies. On the project site, the road becomes a gated, private, ranch road. Turkey Flat Road is currently used in support of existing ranch operations, and would continue to be used for this purpose after project construction. Project construction and operation would not use Turkey Flat Road for access, except for emergencies and one or two project construction trips (to deliver large equipment), and there are no improvements proposed to this access. Internal Roadways. The existing internal roadway network, which consists of graded ranch roads, stream crossings, and limited drainage improvements, would be improved and partially reconfigured to accommodate the proposed project and reduce stream/creek crossings. The internal roadway network would continue to be used for ranching purposes to the extent possible. Improved (earthen or gravel) roads, approximately 16 to 30 feet wide, would also be constructed throughout the site and primarily between arrays to provide access to the solar equipment and accommodate on-going maintenance of the solar facilities and emergency vehicles. Because the final panel configuration would not be determined until final design and prior to construction, the precise locations of these roads are currently unknown. Stream crossings would be constructed, modified or upgraded, and the roads would be located within the SDA (as depicted on Figure 2-4a). The specific type of stream crossings would be determined at the time of project design, but may include low water crossings, low water crossings with culverts, and high capacity culvert crossings. Vegetative rock slope protection would also be used with most high capacity culvert crossings. Internal roadways would conform to three basic types: 1) the main ranch road currently used as primary access for ranching activities on the site and would form the main route between arrays on the project site, 2) array perimeter roads, which would encircle each individual array between the panels and the array security fence, and 3) internal array roads, which would form interpanel aisle ways to access in between modules for construction and maintenance during the operations phase of the project. The main ranch or main project road would be a continuation of both the private access road in the southeast of the project site and continue through the project site to become Turkey Flat Road at the northwestern boundary of the project site. As this road would form the main project travel route between arrays and would be a continuation of the access road from SR 41, this main project road would also be approximately 30 feet wide and would be improved with an aggregate base 2-73

48 Revised Site Plan (November 2013) Project Data Summary Table Project Area 2,708.4 Acres* General Plan Land Use Designation Farmlands/Permanent Grazing Solar Development Area 2, Acres Utility Corridor Acres 230kVTransmission Line Corridor Acres New High-Capacity Collection System Line 3.4 Acres Corridor Zoning Designation F/160/PG/160 Lot (Building) Coverage Required < 5% Proposed < 1% Floor Area Ratio Required N/A Proposed < 1% Grading Cut ~470,000 Cubic Yards Fill ~470,000 Cubic Yards Import/Export 0 Cubic Yards Tree Removal Number 0 Type Oaks Impervious Coverage Area Covered by Structures (O&M Building ~ 1 Acre and Loading Dock) Area Covered by Major Electrical ~ 11 Acres Equipment (Inverters, Transformers, Substation) Impervious Area ~ 12 Acres Parking Required N/A Proposed 14 *Project area includes the approximately acre project site, 3.4 acre new overhead transmission line corridor, and acre transmission line corridor for the proposed 230kV overhead line MONTEREY COUNTY Existing Paved Road Existing Unpaved Road SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY Parcels County Border State Highway Route Improvements Refer to Figure 2-11 for Detail Existing Private Access Road Construction Laydown Mile Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, USGS, Intermap, ipc, NRCAN, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri (Thailand), TomTom, 2013 Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community Base map source: Denise Duffy and Associates, Inc., Access Plan Figure 2-9

49 California Solar Flats Project EIR Private Access Road (Project Access) SR 41 Source: Denise Duffy and Associates, 2012; RBF, 2012 Conceptual State Route 41 Improvements Figure 2-10