Appendix SRR Application Requirements for Certification of Strategic Reliability Reserve Facili...
20 CA ADC Div. 2 Ch. 5, Art. 4.2 App. SRRBarclays Official California Code of RegulationsEffective: October 24, 2022
Effective: October 24, 2022
20 CCR Div. 2 Ch. 5, Art. 4.2 App. SRR
Appendix SRR Application Requirements for Certification of Strategic Reliability Reserve Facilities
(1) A detailed description, including drawings of the project's major structures, of the design, methods of construction (include depth of excavations and other ground disturbances) and operation of the facilities, specifically including the power generation, energy storage, cooling, water supply and treatment, waste handling and control, pollution control, fuel handling, and safety, emergency and auxiliary systems, and fuel types and fuel use scenarios.
(2) A detailed description of the design, construction, and operation of any electric transmission facilities, such as powerlines, substations, switchyards, or other transmission equipment, that will be constructed or modified to transmit electrical power from the proposed site and related facilities to the load centers to be served by the facility. Such description shall include the width of rights-of-way and the physical and electrical characteristics of electrical transmission facilities such as towers, conductors, and insulators. For each of the following, provide the dimensions, and typical operating data:
(3) Provide documentation from the interconnecting authority, the California Independent System Operator, or the appropriate Transmission Owner, as applicable, that the facility has approval to interconnect to the electrical grid or the status of the application for this formal approval, and an anticipated schedule for final approval.
(4) An explanation of the site selection criteria establishing that the location selected for the proposed site and related facilities is an optimal location based on the potential to improve reliability, reduce the occurrence of public safety power shutoffs, decrease the use of high-emission backup power, minimize air pollution, and avoid impacts on disadvantaged communities, as identified pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 39711.
Proposed dates of initiation and completion of construction, initial start-up, and full-scale operation of the proposed facilities.
A list of all owners and operators of the site(s), the facilities, and, if applicable, any adjacent interest holder such as a thermal host, and a description of their legal interest in these facilities and legal relationship with the applicant.
Cultural resources and tribal cultural resources include objects, buildings, structures, sites, features, areas, places, records, sacred places, cultural landscapes, or manuscripts.
(i) Obtain and submit the results of a records search to identify cultural resources and tribal cultural resources at the appropriate information center(s) of the California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS). The records search shall cover the project site and a 1-mile buffer around the project site and 0.25 mile on each side of any linear facilities. Identify any cultural resources or tribal cultural resources listed pursuant to ordinance by a city or county or recognized by any local historical or archaeological society or museum.
(ii) Provide copies of California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) 523 forms for all cultural resources and tribal cultural resources identified in the records search. A copy of the USGS 7.5-minute quadrangle map of the records search area delineating the areas of all past surveys and noting the CHRIS identifying number shall be provided. Copies also shall be provided of all technical reports whose survey coverage is wholly or partly within 0.25 mile of the area surveyed for the project. Confidential information (archaeological sites, other sensitive resources, or areas of religious significance) shall be submitted under a request for confidentiality pursuant to Title 20, California Code of Regulations, section 2501 et seq.
a. Pedestrian archaeological surveys inclusive of the project site and project linear facility routes, extending to no less than 200 feet around the project site, substations, and staging areas, and to no less than 50 feet to either side of the right-of-way of project linear facility routes, unless this survey has been conducted within the last five years.
b. New historic architecture field surveys in rural areas shall be conducted inclusive of the project site and the project linear facility routes, extending no less than 0.5 mile out from the proposed plant site and from the routes of all above-ground linear facilities. New historic architecture field surveys in urban and suburban areas shall be conducted inclusive of the project site, extending no less than one parcel's distance from all proposed plant site boundaries. New historic architecture field reconnaissance (“windshield survey”) in urban and suburban areas shall be conducted along the routes of all linear facilities to identify, inventory, and characterize structures and districts that appear to be older than 45 years or that are exceptionally significant, whatever their age, unless this survey has been conducted within the last five years.
v. The names and qualifications of the cultural resources specialists who contributed to and were responsible for literature searches, surveys, and preparation of the technical report. New cultural resources and tribal cultural resources surveys must be completed by (or under the direction of) individuals who meet the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Standards for the technical area addressed.
(A) In an appendix to the application, list current assessor's parcel numbers and owners' names and addresses for all parcels within 1000 feet of the site and related facilities. Provide the direct mailing addresses for the owners and occupants of properties contiguous to the proposed site and related facilities as shown on the latest equalized assessment roll.
(B) In an appendix to the application, provide maps at a scale of 1:24,000 (1″ = 2000′), (or appropriate map scale agreed to by staff) with an identification of the dedicated leaseholds by section, township, range, county, and county assessor's parcel number, showing the proposed final locations and layout of the facilities.
(C) A description of existing land uses, general plan land use designations, and current zoning districts (including any overlay districts) at the site, land uses and land use patterns within one mile of the proposed site and within one-quarter mile of any project-related linear facilities. Include:
(D) An explanation of the compatibility of the proposed project with present and expected land uses, and conformity with any long-range land use plans and policies adopted by any federal, state, regional, or local planning agencies. The explanation shall identify the need, if any, for land use decisions by another public agency or as part of the commission's decision that would be necessary to make the project conform to adopted federal, state, regional, or local coastal plans, land use plans, or zoning ordinances. Examples of land use decisions include: general plan amendments, zoning changes, lot line adjustments, parcel mergers, subdivision maps, Agricultural Land Conservation Act contracts cancellation, and Airport Land Use Plan consistency determinations.
(A) On the map submitted pursuant to subdivision (e)(2)(B), identify residences, hospitals, libraries, schools, places of worship, or other facilities where quiet is an important attribute of the environment within the area impacted by the proposed project. The area potentially impacted by the proposed project is that area where, during either construction or operation, there is a potential increase of 5 dB(A) or more, over existing background levels.
(B) A description of the existing ambient noise levels at those sites identified under subdivision (e)(3)(A) that the applicant believes provide a representative characterization of the ambient noise levels in the project vicinity, and a discussion of the general atmospheric conditions, including temperature, humidity, and the presence of wind and rain at the time of the measurements. The existing noise levels shall be determined by taking noise measurements for a minimum of 25 consecutive hours at a minimum of one site. Other sites may be monitored for a lesser duration at the applicant's discretion, preferably during the same 25-hour period. The results of the noise level measurements shall be reported as hourly averages in Leq (equivalent sound or noise level), Ldn (day-night sound or noise level) or CNEL (Community Noise Equivalent Level) in units of dB(A). The L10, L50, and L90 values (noise levels exceeded 10 percent, 50 percent, and 90 percent of the time, respectively) shall also be reported in units of dB(A).
(F) The audible noise from existing switchyards and overhead transmission lines that would be affected by the project, and estimates of the future audible noise levels that would result from existing and proposed switchyards and transmission lines. Noise levels shall be calculated at the property boundary for switchyards and at the edge of the rights-of-way for transmission lines.
(A) A regional transportation setting, on topographic maps (scale of 1:250,000), identifying the project location and major transportation facilities used during the construction or operation of the facility. Include a reference to the transportation element of any applicable local or regional plan.
(B) If the proposed project including any linear facility is to be located within four miles of an airport, a planned or proposed airport runway, or an airport runway under construction, discuss the project's compliance with the applicable sections of the current Federal Aviation Regulation Part 77--Safe, Efficient Use, and Preservation of the Navigable Airspace, specifically any potential to obstruct or impede air navigation generated by the project during construction or operation; such as, a thermal plume, a visible water vapor plume, glare, electrical interference, or surface structure height. The discussion should include:
(D) An identification, on topographic maps at a scale of 1:24,000 and a description of existing and planned roads, rail lines (including light rail), bike trails, airports, bus routes serving the project vicinity, pipelines, and canals in the project area affected by or serving the proposed facility. For each road identified, include the following information, where applicable:
(F) A discussion of project-related hazardous materials to be transported to or from the project during construction and operation of the project, including the types, estimated quantities, estimated number of trips, anticipated routes, means of transportation, and any transportation hazards associated with such transport.
(iii) An estimate of the potential temporary and permanent population increase caused directly and indirectly by the project. For those additional persons, describe whether any political subdivisions serving residents and visitors are impacted by the population change. Include applicable impacts to school districts, hospital or ambulance districts, fire districts, parks and recreational districts, and other impacted local entities.
(A) The information necessary for the air pollution control district where the project is located to complete a Determination of Compliance review to determine whether the proposed facility meets the requirements of the applicable new source review rule and all other applicable district regulations.
(i) An analysis of the criteria pollutant impacts of project construction activities, including fugitive dust (PM10) emissions from grading, excavation and site disturbance, as well as the combustion emissions [nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter less than 10 microns in diameter (PM10) and particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5)] from construction-related equipment according to local air district requirements;
(ii) A screening level air quality modeling analysis, or a more detailed modeling analysis if so desired by the applicant, of the direct criteria pollutant (NOx, SO2, CO, PM10, and PM2.5) impacts on ambient air quality conditions of the project during typical (normal) operation, and during shutdown and startup modes of operation. Identify and include in the modeling of each operating mode the estimated maximum emissions rates and the assumed meteorological conditions;
(i) The quantity of offsets or emission reductions that are needed to satisfy air permitting requirements of local permitting agencies (such as the air district), state and federal oversight air agencies, and the California Energy Commission. Identify by criteria air pollutant, and if appropriate, greenhouse gas; and
(A) An assessment of the potential risk to human health from the project's hazardous air emissions using the cancer potency values and noncancer reference exposure levels approved by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment in the document titled Risk Assessment Guidelines: Guidance Manual for Preparation of Health Risk Assessments (February 2015), hereby incorporated by reference.
(D) The protocol that will be used in modeling potential consequences of accidental releases that could result in offsite impacts. Identify the model(s) to be used, and a description of all input assumptions, including meteorological conditions. The results of the modeling analysis can be substituted after the application is complete pursuant to Section 1893.
(A) A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) for the proposed site using methods prescribed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) document entitled “Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment Process” (Designation: E 1527-21, Nov. 2021), hereby incorporated by reference; or an equivalent method agreed upon by the applicant and staff that provides similar documentation of the potential level and extent of site contamination. The Phase I ESA shall have been completed no earlier than one year prior to the filing of the application.
(B) A description of each waste stream estimated to be generated during project construction and operation, including origin, hazardous or nonhazardous classification pursuant to Title 22, California Code of Regulations, section 66261.20 et seq., chemical composition, estimated annual weight or volume generated, and estimated frequency of generation.
(C) A description of all waste disposal sites that may feasibly be used for disposal of project wastes. For each site, include the name, location, classification under Title 23, California Code of Regulations, section 2530 et seq., the daily or annual permitted capacity, daily or annual amounts of waste currently being accepted, the estimated closure date and remaining capacity, and a description of any enforcement action taken by local or state agencies due to waste disposal activities at the site.
(A) A regional overview and discussion of terrestrial and aquatic biological resources, with particular attention to sensitive biological resources within ten (10) miles of the project. In the discussion, include a list of the USGS topographic quadrangle(s) utilized to search records from the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), and a citation that includes the date the CNDDB was accessed. Include a map at a scale of 1:6,000 (under confidential cover) and at 1:350,000 (for public) showing sensitive biological resource location(s) in relation to the project site and related facilities and any boundaries of a local Habitat Conservation Plan or similar open space land use plan or designation. Label the biological resources and survey areas as well as the project facilities. Sensitive biological resources include the following:
(i) Detailed maps at a scale of 1:6,000 or color aerial photographs taken at a recommended scale of 1-inch equals 500 feet (1:6,000) with a 30 percent overlap (provided under confidential cover) that show the proposed project site and related facilities, biological resources including, but not limited to, those found during project-related field surveys and in records from the CNDDB, and the associated areas where biological surveys were conducted. Label the biological resources and survey areas as well as the project facilities;
(ii) Provide an aerial map of the isopleth graphic depicting modeled nitrogen deposition rates. The geographical extent of the nitrogen deposition map(s) should include the entire plume and a radius of 6 (six) miles from the source, specifically identifying acres of sensitive habitat(s) within each isopleth. Modeling parameters and files shall be provided;
(iii) An aerial photo map depicting state and federal jurisdictional aquatic features including waters of the United States and waters of the state, delineated on maps at a scale of (1:2,400). Maps must depict any potential jurisdictional features delineated out to 250 feet past the edge of disturbance if jurisdictional features occur within 250 feet of the project site. Maps shall also depict any related features that would be subject to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers jurisdiction pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, state Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) jurisdiction, or Fish and Game Code section 1600 et seq. (Lake and Streambed Alteration) permit requirements. For projects proposed to be located within the coastal zone, also provide aerial photographs and maps as described above that identify wetlands as defined by the Coastal Zone Management Act and under the jurisdiction of the California Coastal Commission; and
(D) A discussion of the biological resources at the proposed project site and related facilities. Related facilities include, but are not limited to, laydown and parking areas, gas and water supply pipelines, transmission lines, and roads. The discussion shall address the distribution of vegetation community types, denning or nesting sites, population concentrations, migration corridors, breeding habitats, and other appropriate biological resources including the following:
(ii) Nitrogen deposition modeling including the complete citation for references used in determining deposition rates and location. Specify the amount of total annual nitrogen deposition in kilograms of nitrogen per hectare per year (kg N/ha/yr) in special status species, habitats, and vegetation types for wet and dry deposition. Describe habitat and species potentially affected.
(E) A description and results of all field studies and specialized surveys (e.g., focused and protocol) used to provide biological baseline information about the project site and associated facilities. Include copies of the CNDDB records and field survey forms completed by the applicant's biologist(s). Identify the date(s) the surveys were completed, methods used to complete the surveys, and the name(s) and qualifications of the biologists conducting the surveys. Include:
(ii) If the project or any related facilities could impact federal or state jurisdictional-wetland, provide completed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wetland delineation forms and/or determination of wetland status pursuant to Coastal Act or California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) requirements, as applicable to the location, name(s) and qualifications of biologist(s) completing the delineation, the results of the delineation, and a table showing jurisdictional features including state waters and wetland acreage amounts to be impacted.
(F) A discussion of all impacts (direct, indirect, and cumulative) to biological resources from project site preparation, construction activities, plant operation, maintenance, closure, and decommissioning. Discussion shall also address sensitive species habitat impacts from air emissions (e.g., nitrogen deposition).
(I) Submit copies of any preliminary correspondence between the project applicant and state and federal resource agencies regarding whether federal or state permits from other agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the CDFW, and the RWQCB will be required, or would be required but for the exclusive jurisdiction of the commission, for the proposed project.
(B) A detailed description of the hydrologic setting of the project. The information shall include a narrative discussion and on maps at a scale of 1:24,000 (or appropriate scale approved by staff), describing the chemical and physical characteristics of the following nearby water bodies that may be affected by the proposed project:
(ii) The expected physical and chemical characteristics of the source and discharge water(s) including identification of both organic and inorganic constituents before and after any project-related treatment. For source waters with seasonal variation, provide seasonal ranges of the expected physical and chemical characteristics. Provide copies of background material used to create this description (e.g., laboratory analysis);
(v) For all water supplies intended for industrial uses to be provided from public or private water purveyors, a letter of intent or will-serve letter indicating that the purveyor is willing to serve the project, has adequate supplies available for the life of the project, and any conditions or restrictions under which water will be provided. In the event that a will-serve letter or letter of intent cannot be provided, identify the most likely water purveyor and discuss the necessary assurances from the water purveyor to serve the project;
(vi) For all water supplied that necessitates transfers and/or exchanges at any point, identify all parties and contracts/agreements involved, and provide the status of all appropriate agencies' approvals for the proposed use, environmental impact analysis on the specific transfers and/or exchanges required to obtain the proposed supplies, a copy of any agency regulations that govern the use of the water, and an explanation of how the project complies with the agency regulation(s);
(viii) For all projects that have a discharge, provide a copy of a will-serve letter, permit, or contract with the public or private entity that will be accepting the wastewater and contact (oil-contaminated) storm water from the project. The letter, permit, or contract, if possible, shall identify the discharge volumes and the chemical or physical characteristics under which the wastewater and contact storm water will be accepted.
In the event that a will-serve letter, permit, or contract cannot be provided, identify the most likely wastewater/storm water entity and discuss why the applicant was unable to secure the necessary assurances to serve the project's wastewater/storm water needs. Also, discuss the term of the wastewater service to the project, whether the wastewater entity has adequate permit capacity for the volume of wastewater from the project and has adequate permit levels for the chemical/physical characteristics of the project's wastewater and storm water for the life of the project, and any issues or conditions/restrictions the wastewater entity may impose on the project.
(i) The effects of project demand on the water supply and other users of this source, including, but not limited to, water availability for other uses during construction or after the facility begins operation, which includes preparation of a water supply assessment by the water supplier if the project meets any of the criteria described in California Water Code, sections 10910-10915; consistency of the water use with applicable RWQCB basin plans or other applicable resource management plans, and any changes in the physical or chemical conditions of existing water supplies as a result of water use by the facility;
(ii) If the project will pump groundwater, an estimation of aquifer drawdown, including the estimated drawdown at neighboring wells within 0.5 mile of the proposed well(s), based on mathematical or numerical modeling analysis conducted by a professional geologist, and an assessment of any effects on the migration of groundwater contaminants, and the likelihood of any changes in existing physical or chemical conditions of groundwater resources shall be provided;
(iv) Unless the facility will use a zero liquid discharge system for cooling and process waters, include an assessment of the effects of the proposed wastewater disposal method on receiving waters, the feasibility of using pre-treatment techniques to reduce impacts, and beneficial uses of the receiving waters. Include an explanation why a zero liquid discharge process is environmentally undesirable or economically unsound;
(v) If using fresh water, include a discussion of the cumulative impacts, alternative water supply sources and alternative cooling technologies considered as part of the project design. Include an explanation of why alternative water supplies and alternative cooling methods are environmentally undesirable, or economically unsound;
(A) Identification of the Geomorphic Province, as defined by the California Department of Conservation, California Geological Survey Note 36, dated December 2002, hereby incorporated by eference, and a brief summary of the geologic setting, formations, and stratigraphy of the project area. The size of the paleonotological study area may vary depending on the depositional history of the region.
(B) A discussion of the sensitivity of the project area described in subdivision (e)(14)(A) and the presence and significance of any known paleontologic localities or other paleontologic resources within or adjacent to the project. Include a discussion of sensitivity for each geologic unit identified on the most recent geologic map at a scale of 1:24,000. Provide rationale as to why the sensitivity was assigned.
(C) A summary of all local museums, literature searches and field surveys used to provide information about paleontologic resources in the project area described in subdivision (e)(14)(A). Identify the dates of the surveys, methods used in completing the surveys, and the names and qualifications of the individuals conducting the surveys.
(D) Information on the specific location of known paleontologic resources, survey reports, locality records, and maps at a scale of 1:24,000, showing occurrences of fossil finds, if known, within a one-mile radius of the project and related facilities shall be included in a separate appendix to the Application and submitted to the Commission under a request for confidentiality, pursuant to Title 20, California Code of Regulations, section 2501 et seq.
(E) A discussion of any educational programs proposed to enhance employees' awareness of potential impacts to paleontological resources, measures proposed for mitigation of impacts to known paleontologic resources, and a set of contingency measures for mitigation of potential impacts to currently unknown paleontologic resources.
(B) A map at a scale of 1:24,000 and description of all recognized stratigraphic units, geologic structures, and geomorphic features within two (2) miles of the project site and along proposed linear facilities. Include an analysis of the likelihood of ground rupture, seismic shaking, mass wasting and slope stability, liquefaction, subsidence, tsunami runup, and expansion or collapse of soil structures at the facility site. Describe known geologic hazards along or crossing linear facilities.
(B) An estimate of the existing electric and magnetic fields from the facilities listed in subdivision (e)(16)(A) above and the future electric and magnetic fields that would be created by the proposed project, calculated at the property boundary of the site and at the edge of the rights of way for any transmission line. Also provide an estimate of the radio and television interference that could result from the project.
(A) A discussion of the need for any additional electric transmission lines, substations, or other equipment, the basis for selecting principal points of junction with the existing electric transmission system, and the capability and voltage levels of the proposed lines, along with the basis for selection of the capacity and voltage levels.
(A) Laws, regulations, ordinances, standards, adopted local, regional, state, and federal land use plans, leases, and permits applicable to the proposed project, and a discussion of the applicability of, and conformance with each. The table or matrix shall explicitly reference pages in the application wherein conformance, with each law or standard during both construction and operation of the facility is discussed; and
(B) Each agency with jurisdiction to issue applicable permits, leases, and approvals or to enforce identified laws, regulations, standards, and adopted local, regional, state, and federal land use plans, and agencies that would have permit approval or enforcement authority, but for the exclusive jurisdiction of the commission to certify sites and related facilities.
(i) Show on a map the pinpoint location of the key observation point(s) (KOP) for the project. A KOP is a fixed position in a publicly accessible location where a public view of the project is analyzed and/or evaluated in the landscape. Objects of aesthetic significance are the primary focus in the KOP selection. You may look to local government planning thresholds for guidance when defining the visual standard (e.g., city/county General Plan, zoning);
(ii) If an object of aesthetic significance is not in the vicinity of the project, a KOP is to be selected based on importance to stakeholders, visibility, direct public selection, worst-case scenario, or other reason. Explain the reason the KOP was chosen. At a minimum, two KOPs are to be selected; and
(iii) Provide a color photograph(s) showing an actual line of sight at eye level during daytime and clear weather from the KOP to the project site prior to any alteration (existing condition). The photographer at the KOP is to use a standard lens. For each photograph, provide the following information: camera type, lens focal length, viewing angle, date and time the photograph was taken, and the distance from the KOP to the project site.
(iii) An explanation if the project's forecasted visible plume emitted in the atmosphere by the cooling tower would eliminate or obstruct an existing public view of a designated or recognized scenic vista, or scenic resource, and the existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings.
Credits
Note: Authority cited: Sections 25213, 25216.5(a), 25218(e) and 25793(e), Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 21080.5 and 25794.2, Public Resources Code.
History
1. New Appendix SRR filed 10-24-2022 as an emergency; operative 10-24-2022 (Register 2022, No. 43). Pursuant to Public Resources Code section 25793(e), this action is a deemed emergency and shall remain in effect for three years or until replaced by nonemergency regulations, whichever is sooner. A Certificate of Compliance must be transmitted to OAL by 10-24-2025 or emergency language will be repealed by operation of law on the following day.
This database is current through 4/12/24 Register 2024, No. 15.
Cal. Admin. Code tit. 20, Div. 2 Ch. 5, Art. 4.2 App. SRR, 20 CA ADC Div. 2 Ch. 5, Art. 4.2 App. SRR
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