RPCA Solar 17, LLC Project (PSP 25-092)

The proposed solar energy generation facility is located in unincorporated Tulare County just north of Porterville on approximately 13.6 acres of three parcels totaling 17.6 acres (APN 243-090-037, 243-090-092, and 243-090-093; Figure 1). The Project area is situated at elevations ranging between approximately 420 to 430 feet above mean sea level (AMSL). Avenue 182 (Ave 182) and State Route 65 (SR 65) bisects the [JW1.1]middle lower third of the Project area, with two parcels situated north of the road and one parcel situated to the south (Figure 2). The two northern parcels are bounded to the west by the Friant-Kern Canal, to the northeast by State Route 65, and to the south by Ave 182Road 232. The southern parcel is bounded to the north Ave 182and east by Road 232, and by rural residential parcels to the south and west. Land surrounding the Project area consists of agricultural land and scattered rural residential properties. The Project area is situated in Section 9 of Township 21 South and Range 27 East within the Porterville, California 7.5-minute U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) quadrangle. The corresponding latitude and longitude at the approximate center of the Project area is 36°07’16.35” north latitude and -119°03’20.95” west longitude. The proposed small-scale utility solar generation project is located in the Exclusive Agricultural “AE” zoning district. RPCA Solar 17, LLC (sponsor/applicant) has entered into a long-term lease agreement with the property owner, the Antoine Bechara Revocable Trust, to facilitate the development and long-term operation of the Project. When complete, the Project will generate up to 3 megawatts (MW) of alternating current (AC) clean, reliable solar energy. The Project will interconnect to Southern California Edison’s (SCE) pre-existing electrical distribution system adjacent to the site. The power generated from this facility is expected to be sold to the Clean Power Alliance through a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The Project will utilize solar modules to convert the sun’s energy into usable (AC) power. Single-axis tracking technology will be utilized to allow the modules to efficiently track the sun throughout the day and maximize the efficiency of solar collection. The rows of modules will be anchored in the ground using driven piles, and the approximate height of the array is 8 feet, and the maximum height of the array will not exceed 15 feet above ground at maximum tilt. The Project will be fenced in with a six-foot chain-link fence with a foot of straight wire on top for a total fence height of approximately seven feet. A minimal opening of no more than 1one foot may be provided at the base of the fence at appropriate intervals as a wildlife-permeable design. The Project sites and panel arrays would be accessed via an all-weather gravel road that surrounds both sections of the Project area and is approximately 20 feet wide and over 5,000 feet in length. Electric power connections will be provided via existing overhead power lines adjacent to Ave 182/Road 232 in the middle of the Project site. Approximately 50 feet from Ave 182/Road 232, these overhead power lines will transition to power pole connections and then underground utility runs adjacent to the access road. Utility connections will be underground from this point to the power station and transformer located in the middle of the project area. The Project will require minimal regularly planned maintenance and will be operated remotely. The Project sponsor will enter into an operations and maintenance contractor[JW2.1] to provide proper operation and maintenance of the facility; and general maintenance of the Project grounds. Native groundcover restoration and maintenance after installation will provide increased site drainage and groundwater percolation and limit sheet flows out of the project area. No firearms or pets will be allowed on the site during construction of the Project or during ongoing operations and maintenance activities. All heavy equipment and vehicles used during Project construction will be washed prior to mobilization to the site to prevent the spread of noxious weeds. Construction equipment will be cleaned of mud or other debris that may contain invasive plants and/or seeds and inspected to reduce the potential for spreading noxious weeds. All mitigation measures will be incorporated into the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program developed for the Project, and the Applicant will implement all monitoring and reporting obligations as detailed in this IS/MND.