West Stanislaus Irrigation District 4.8 AC megawatt photovoltaic solar energy farm

The West Stanislaus Irrigation District, in partnership with White Pine Solar, LLC, is implementing a project to construct, operate, and maintain a behind-the-meter photovoltaic solar energy farm. The facility, with a capacity of approximately 4.8 to 4.9 megawatts, will be located on a 27.4 acre portion of a 57.97 acre parcel identified as APN 016-025-043 in Westley, Stanislaus County, California. The solar farm is designed for the exclusive use of the District's existing infrastructure, providing power to its main canal system, pumping station, and operations and maintenance facility located on APN 016-025-042. The project is governed by a Solar Power and Services Agreement (SPSA) with a third party. From a regulatory standpoint, the project has been granted a statutory exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Section 15268 for ministerial projects, as it does not require discretionary approval. While the project requires a building permit, this is classified as a non-discretionary action. Administrative oversight is managed by General Manager Robert Pierce.