Solar power project in Carrizo Plain could get building permit Thursday

Posted: Feb 2, 2011 6:43 PM by Steve Adamson
Updated: Feb 2, 2011 9:52 PM

Planning commission tours proposed solar site

A controversial solar project proposed for eastern San Luis Obispo County could take a big step forward Thursday. Sunpower Corporation is the company behind the California Valley Solar Ranch Project. It wants to build the 250 mega-watt power plant in an area totaling 4685 acres ( 6.8 square miles ) in the Carrizo Plain.

While some people who live in the area are excited about the possibility, others say the project could harm the environment. The San Luis Obispo County Planning Commission traveled to the site on Wednesday to gather more information from Sunpower Company officials who were on hand to answer their questions.

The company says the proposed project would generate some badly needed jobs over the three year construction cycle need to build the facility. "The project itself is going to have about 350 direct construction workers, as well as about 200 or so indirect jobs...Supply, delivery trucks, and such supporting the site," said Greg Blue of Sunpower Corporation. After the plant is completed, about 15 jobs would be needed to run and maintain the power plant.

Residents who live in the Carrizo Plain say the plant is just what the area needs. "I'm all for it, we need it for expansion. Brings in things to the community...You know, we have no store or nothing here anymore," said Albert Cegila.

However, opponents of the plant say it's being built in the wrong place. Biologist Ileene Anderson from the Center of Biological Diversity says "we're certainly for solar energy, but we think appropriate siting is important in siting these projects and this project has just missed the mark." She says rare and endangered species that include the San Joaquin Kit Fox and the Giant Kangaroo Rat would have their habitat harmed by the project placed in this area.

A go ahead by the Planning Commission means construction could begin as early as this summer. If the plan is approved at Thursday's meeting by the commission, a building permit would be issued. Still, before building, some additional permits would be needed before construction gets underway, including a permit from the California Fish and Game Dept.

Also, whatever decision is made, either side can appeal the decision to the Board of Supervisors for further review.