Conservation Feb 2011

Feb 1, 2011 by cnps2011

Carrizo Plain Solar Projects

Our chapter submitted comments on the Draft EIRs of both Carrizo Plain solar projects. I was invited to tour the Topaz Project, which is generally north of Highway 58 and centered around the site of the old solar panel site that was torn down years ago. Topaz is composed of low, stationary solar panels bolted to aluminum frames that can easily be removed if necessary. The entire area has been disturbed by agriculture, but there is some grassland in which native species are returning.

CNPS has argued for keeping grassland and using more of the existing ploughed ground, but there is some opposition from those that don’t want to see Williamson Act lands
converted in this way. There are some large protected areas in which scarce listed plants could be increased as part of the mitigation, and the botanic part of the DEIR is one of the best I have seen.

We agree with the developer that this is an excellent site for solar power, given the winter tule fogs in the Westlands area along I-5 that has been suggested as an alternative.The site will not have a large visual impact on the national monument.

The final EIR is out for the Sunpower Project, which will sit south of 58 and reaching to Belmont Trail. Site disturbance will be far greater than for Topaz. Visibility will be higher, impacting the vistas of Soda Lake as seen from the highway. The final EIR has finally produced some decent plant data, and it appears that the Array #8 bank of generators will have a big impact on CNPS 1B plants and significant wildflower fields. Only avoidance and appropriate grassland management will suffice to protect these resources.

The EIR also recommends off-site mitigation, but there is no such program as part of the project at this time. CNPS will argue first for avoidance, but, in the event of approval, that the offsite mitigation will take place in the flower fields immediately west of the project and north of the vernal pool area along Belmont Trail.

At the current time we see no evidence that the take of CNPS listed species can be mitigated to Class 2 (Less Than Significant), based on current project description.

North County Habitat Conservation Plan

CNPS has been asked to join an Advisory Committee on a new North County Habitat Conservation Plan, and I need information on the locations of botanic assets in the areas defined by the Paso Robles zone of influence. I have already suggested adding what is left of vernal pools around the airport, most of which have been obliterated by vineyards.

–David Chipping