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December 7, 2022
CPA2022009
Page 1 of 2
Report to the Board of Supervisors
Prepared by the Maricopa County Planning and Development Department
Board Hearing Date:
December 7, 2022
Case #/Title:
CPA2022009 – Hyder Energy Center Project
Supervisor District:
5
Applicant:
Wood Group USA
Owners:
Multiple – See Parcel Exhibit in Planning & Zoning Packet
Request:
Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA) to change
the land use designation in the Vision 2030 Maricopa County
Comprehensive Plan from Rural Development Area to Utilities.
CPA approval is by Resolution.
Site Location:
Generally located between the Yuma County Line to the
west, 555th Ave. to the east, Old Agua Caliente Rd. to the
south, and Butterfield Stage Rd. to the north
Site Size:
Approx. 1,997 acres
County Island Status:
No
Additional
Comments:
The
applicant
seeks
a
Major
Comprehensive
Plan
Amendment to change the land use designation in the
Comprehensive Plan to utilities in order to develop a solar
installation. The subject site is identified as having Rural
Development Area land use designation in the Vision 2030
Maricopa County Comprehensive Plan. All approx. 1,997
acres are designated as Rural Development Area (0-1
d.u./acre). This designation encourages low-density rural
residential and agricultural uses. Staff received three (3)
letters from adjacent/internal jurisdictions (Town of Carefree,
Yavapai County, Pima County) expressing no concerns. AZ
Dept. of Game & Fish commented on the site regarding
wildlife and hydrology. AZSHPO and AZAG had no concerns.
Luke Air Force Base requested that the applicant complete
the DOD Siting Clearinghouse review. The applicant did
contact the DOD and the DOD indicated concerns with the
usage of cranes at the time of construction may impact flying
operations. The applicant agreed to comply with any
comments received by the DOD and the comments will be
considered during a future zone change request. Staff
received no opposition to this case.
December 7, 2022
CPA2022009
Page 2 of 2
Commission
Recommendation:
On 11/3/22, the Commission voted 9-0 to recommend
approval of CPA2022009 subject to conditions ‘a’ – ‘d’:
a.
Development and use of the site shall be in substantial conformance with the
narrative report entitled “Hyder Energy Center Project” dated revised September
30, 2022 and stamped received October 3, 2022, except as modified by the
following conditions.
b.
Development and use of the site shall be in substantial conformance with the land
use exhibit entitled “Land Use Exhibit” dated revised September 30, 2022 and
stamped received October 3, 2022, except as modified by the following
conditions.
c.
The land use designation of ‘Utilities’ approved as part of case CPA2022009 shall
be subject to any applicable time limits set forth in the subsequent zone change.
d.
The applicant is proposing to develop a photovoltaic solar electric generating
facility which, pursuant to the Maricopa County Comprehensive Plan,
necessitates a change in the land use designation from Rural Development Area
to Utilities. The proposal by the applicant represents a comprehensive approach
to the subject property and will allow the applicant to pursue the proper
entitlements pursuant to state law so that they can lawfully operate in
unincorporated Maricopa County. This particular proposal is an appropriate plan
for the property and is consistent with the overall intention of the comprehensive
plan. However, in the event that the zone change or a zone change phase for this
particular proposal is not approved by Maricopa County Board of Supervisors
(BOS) within five (5) years from the date of Board approval of this comprehensive
plan amendment, this amendment shall no longer be effective as the planning
justification for this comprehensive plan amendment will no longer be present. In
such instance, a change of the land use designation from Utilities to Rural
Development Area will occur, and all comprehensive plan land use maps shall be
altered to reflect as such, because this represents superior long-range planning by
Maricopa County.
Presented by:
Adam Cannon, AICP, Senior Planner
Reviewed by:
Darren Gerard, AICP, Planning Manager
Attachments:
11/3/22 P&Z Packet (112 pages)
CPA2022009 Resolution (2 pages)
Note:
11/3/22 Draft P&Z Minutes are not available as of the writing of this report, but can
be provided upon request later when available.
CPA2022009
Page 1 of 11
Report to the Planning and Zoning Commission
Prepared by the Maricopa County Planning and Development Department
Case:
CPA2022009 – Hyder Energy Center Project
Hearing Date:
November 3, 2022
Supervisor District:
5
Applicant:
Wood Group USA
Owners:
Multiple – See Parcel Exhibit in Attachments
Request:
Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA) to change the land
use designation in the Vision 2030 Maricopa County Comprehensive
Plan from Rural Development Area to Utilities
Site Location:
Generally located between the Yuma County Line to the west, 555th
Ave. to the east, Old Agua Caliente Rd. to the south, and Butterfield
Stage Rd. to the north
Site Size:
Approx. 1,997 acres
Density:
N/A
County Island:
No
County Plans:
Vision 2030 Maricopa County Comprehensive Plan – Rural
Development Area (0-1 d.u./ac.)
Municipal Plan:
N/A
Commenting Agencies:
Yavapai County, Pima County, Town of Carefree, Luke Air Force
Base (LAFB), Department of Defense (DOD), Arizona Game & Fish
Department (AZGFD), AZSHPO, Tohono O’odham Nation
Support/Opposition:
None received
Recommendation:
Approve with conditions
CPA2022009
Page 2 of 11
Project Summary:
1.
Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc. is requesting a Major Comprehensive
Plan Amendment (CPA) to change the land use designation in the Vision 2030 Maricopa
County Comprehensive Plan from Rural Development Area to Utilities to allow phased
development of a utility-scale solar electric generating project. This site represents Phase
2 of a larger site in which Phase 1 received a Major CPA for approx. 3,619 acres in 2021.
Together, both phases would generate approximately 800 megawatts (MWs) of
electricity along with a battery energy system storing and discharging up to 3.2 gigawatt
hours. Due to the size of the project at 1,997 acres, a Major CPA is required. The applicant
will subsequently be required to obtain a Zone Change with Overlay (including a precise
Plan of Development) to IND-2 IUPD as part of the entitlement process within five (5) years
(on a phase or for the entirety of the development).
2.
The site is comprised of thirty-seven (37) private parcels in five non-contiguous areas.
Most properties in the immediate vicinity of the project are privately owned and nearby
the small, sparsely populated town of Hyder, AZ which once served as a rail outpost and
training area for the military during World War II. The applicant’s narrative states that site
control options are secured for all of the parcels.
3.
Nearly all land used for solar energy projects are developed for the large fields of solar
collectors that capture the energy through photovoltaic technology. While a majority of
the topography is flat and allows for the development of solar energy with little or no
additional grading, there are a number of elevated areas particularly along the southern
boundary of the site where the Agua Caliente Mountains reside which are expected to
naturally screen the site. Development of the hillside areas is not expected as hillside
areas are generally unsuitable for panel placement. This matter will be addressed more
thoroughly in a potential Zone Change and Plan of Development application. A majority
of the site is vacant, native desert land with some large agricultural parcels utilized for
row crops. The Gila River is located east of the site and various washes are present
throughout the site. In addition, the general area contains significant local electrical
infrastructure including a battery energy storage facility in Yuma County. The proposal is
expected to include a substation to be utilized for the site.
4.
Adjacent land uses include vacant, agricultural, and very limited rural residential uses.
There is also an inoperable railroad line controlled by Union Pacific. Previous CPAs for the
Verma Solar Project and the original Hyder Phase 1 were approved in 2021 adjacent to
the site. Within Yuma County there is a nearby APS battery storage farm and substation
that the Hyder development is not expected to connect to. The project will connect to
an interconnect line owned by San Diego Gas and Electric and controlled by the
California Independent System Operator.
5.
The narrative asserts that the proposed development meets the Comprehensive Plan
Amendment criteria in the following manner:
Whether the amendment constitutes an overall improvement to the Comprehensive Plan
and is not solely for the good or benefit of a particular landowner or owners at a particular
point in time.
CPA2022009
Page 3 of 11
The narrative states that the Hyder Energy Center Project is an improvement to the
Comprehensive Plan due to the benefits to the state, county, local and regional
economy. According to the narrative, a future solar and battery storage development
will provide employment for approximately 250-350 construction employees per 18-24
month construction phase for up to 5 construction phases. The applicant will make efforts
to hire individuals from the local area and region. The narrative also states that the
proposal is intended to support future electrical loads in the absence of coal and hydro
generators (i.e. Lake Mead), to secure renewable and storable power for Arizona and
the greater southwest and provide “reasonably priced” electricity to the regional grid.
Additionally, there will be little transportation infrastructure or water resources required to
serve the site. Therefore, the amendment constitutes an overall improvement to the
Vision 2030 Maricopa County Comprehensive Plan and is not solely for the good or
benefit of a particular landowner/owners at a particular point in time.
Whether the amendment will adversely impact all or a portion of the planning area.
A.
Altering acceptable land use patterns to the detriment of the plan – According to
the narrative, the amendment will not alter any surrounding land uses or land use
patterns. The land is currently vacant or agricultural. While this land will be
unavailable during the life of the project, the land can return to its agricultural
function when the project ceases. Moreover, this site is situated in the vicinity of
other utility uses in both Yuma and Maricopa Counties and comprises a key use-
sector of unincorporated Maricopa County including utilities (solar and electric
generating stations), agriculture and rural-residential.
B.
Requiring public expenditures for larger or more expensive infrastructure - The
narrative states that the project would not require public expenditures for larger
or more expensive infrastructure. The costs of the project’s infrastructure needs
shall be borne by the developer.
C.
Requiring public improvements to roads, sewer, or water systems that are needed
to support the planned land uses – The narrative states that the project would
require improvements to roads (underground cabling and access), septic and a
potable water system associated with the O&M building using on-site wells.
Existing roads will serve the project and any additional project infrastructure needs
shall be borne by the developer.
D.
Adversely impacting planned uses because of increased traffic – The narrative
indicates there would be increased traffic during the five construction phases
(approximately 18-24 months per phase) for the delivery of equipment / supplies
and the commuting of the construction work force, but there would be no
significant increase in traffic during the operational life of the project following the
construction phase. Access to existing uses within and around the site area would
remain open to owners.
E.
Affecting the livability of the area or health or safety of present and future residents
– During the construction period, dust control measures shall be utilized to minimize
fugitive dust generation. Air emissions will occur from construction equipment;
however, long-term air-quality will improve because of the project. Site screening
would be required for screening for existing and future residential development
CPA2022009
Page 4 of 11
during the site. Additionally, the project will follow federal, state and local
regulations regarding the production, use, storage, transport or disposal of
hazardous materials. Wildlife prevention and mitigation measures will be
incorporated into the Specific Plan of Development. Fire hazard risks will be
controlled through weed control. Therefore, the project will not affect the livability
of the area or health or safety of present and future residents.
F.
Adversely impacting the natural environment or scenic quality of the area in
contradiction to the plan – The applicant states that the project will not significantly
impact the natural environment or overall scenic quality of the area. There are
key measures of responsibility that demonstrate an applicant’s commitment to
avoiding adverse impacts to the natural environment and scenic quality of a site.
These measures are subjective in a sense, but may include animals, plants,
historical resources, scenic views and hydrology/ground disturbance.
Animals
The applicant performed a field-site investigation and conducted pre-
construction wildlife surveys to identify habitats for creatures. The Arizona Game
and Fish Department (AZGFD) has commented on the proposed project
regarding measures to protect wildlife encountered on the site such as the
Sonoran Desert Tortoise, Sonoran Pronghorn, Kit Fox, Gila Monster, Lowland
Leopard Frog, Western Burrowing Owl and Bald Eagle. Satisfaction of those
comments are only required at the Zone Change with Overlay stage (where a
precise Plan of Development is required); however, Staff expects coordination to
occur during the CPA process. The applicant demonstrated active coordination
with AZGFD on wildlife protection measures as evidenced by the letter by AZGFD
on September 28, 2022.
Plants
The applicant will salvage or dispose of protected native plants in accordance
with AAC Title 3, Chapter 3, Article 11.
Historical Resources
A Class 1 and Class 3 Cultural Resources Inventory and Pedestrian Survey were
completed and submitted to SHPO. AZSHPO did not comment on the proposal.
Satisfaction of SHPO comments is only required at the time of construction
permitting. Development will avoid any known archeological sites and any
discovery of human remains or funerary objects will be reported to the Director of
the Arizona State Museum upon discovery per state law.
Scenic Views
The narrative indicates that the height of panels and any screening from
residential will not obscure scenic views. The applicant noted that screening from
residential will be required to minimize the visual impact of the solar panels on
residence owners.
Hydrology/Ground Disturbance
According to the narrative, hydrologic conditions will be preserved by avoiding
the Gila River and any identified Waters of the United States and wetlands and in
accordance with agency requirements. AZGFD issued comments concerned
CPA2022009
Page 5 of 11
about on-site ephemeral washes and maintaining those washes to protect the
riparian habitat. The applicant will address retention in accordance with
Maricopa County agency requirements at the zone change stage of the project.
Grading will occur at appropriate slopes associated with the project and for other
appropriate facilities. The applicant does not anticipate a need for new roads.
Whether the amendment is consistent with the overall intent of the Comprehensive Plan.
The applicant’s narrative states that the request is consistent with the overall intent of the
Comprehensive Plan by addressing the Strategic Priorities for Maricopa County such as
innovatively leveraging its resources and deploying an effective and efficient
infrastructure. The narrative also states that the proposal is in line with the adopting
resolution stating the Plan “helps promote economic prosperity, maintain a vibrant
quality of life and facilitate continued growth in a coordinated, harmonious and
responsible manner”. The applicant argues that this is demonstrated through the
economic benefits provided in consumption and export of the product (solar energy),
the hiring of workers and government revenue gained through the proposal. In addition,
the narrative asserts that the project contributes to an effective and efficient
infrastructure and improve quality of life by functioning as a low water use facility
demonstrating responsible environmental stewardship through the provision of
renewable energy.
The extent to which the amendment is consistent with the specific goals and policies
contained within the plan.
The applicant’s narrative contains a substantial list of Goals and Policies from the Vision
2030 Maricopa County Comprehensive Plan. This staff report identifies which Goals and
Policies the applicant’s narrative addressed.
Vision 2030 Maricopa County Comprehensive Plan
Land Use Element – Goal 3, Policy 1, Policy 7, Policy 13, Policy 22, Policy 27, Policy 31,
Policy 33
Transportation Element – Goal 2, Policy 1, Policy 2, Policy 9, Policy 11, Policy 12, Policy 14
Environment Element – Goal 1, Policy 3, Policy 4, Policy 5, Policy 7
Economic Growth Element – Goal 1, Goal 2, Policy 3, Policy 5, Policy 6, Policy 10
Growth Area Element – Goal 1
Open Space Element – Goal 1, Policy 2
Water Resources Element – Goal 2, Goal 3, Goal 4, Policy 2, Policy 4, Policy 5, Policy 7
Energy Element – Goal 1, Goal 2, Policy 1, Policy 4, Policy 6
Cost of Development Element – Goal 2, Policy 1, Policy 2
Other pertinent information as requested by the Maricopa County Planning Department
Staff.
The applicant was responsive and provided quality information as requested by
Maricopa County Planning Department Staff.
CPA2022009
Page 6 of 11
2018 Aerial Map
Zoning Map – Rural-190 Zoning District & Surrounding Districts
CPA2022009
Page 7 of 11
Land Use Exhibit Excerpt – Current & Proposed Land Use – Rural Development Area to Utilities
Existing On-Site and Adjacent Zoning / Land Use:
6.
On-site:
Rural-190 / Vacant/Agricultural & Lapsed Industrial
North:
Rural-190 / Vacant/Agricultural
South:
Rural-190 / Vacant/Agricultural & Rural Residential
East:
Rural-190 / Vacant/Agricultural
West:
Rural-190 / Vacant/Agricultural & Rural Residential
Utilities and Services:
7.
Water:
Private Well or Hauled Water
Wastewater:
Septic
School District:
Sentinel Elementary School District #71
Fire:
Harquahala Valley Fire District
Police:
MCSO
CPA2022009
Page 8 of 11
Right-of-Way:
8.
The following table includes existing and future right-of-way* and the future classification*
based upon the Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) Major Streets
and Routes Plan.
Street Name
Existing R/W
Future R/W*
Future Classification*
Hyder Rd.
25’ (Varies)
60’
Minor Collector
571st Ave./Agua Caliente
Rd.
40’ (Varies
130’
Minor Arterial
*Required dedication and future classification of ROW is tentative and subject to change
and will be established by MCDOT during a future Plan of Development review.
Adopted Plan:
9.
Vision 2030 Maricopa County Comprehensive Plan: The entire site (approx. 1,997 acres)
is designated as Rural Development Area (0-1 d.u./ac.). The Rural Development Area
land use designation encourages low-density rural residential and agricultural uses.
Public Participation Summary:
10.
The applicant posted the subject site and staff notified all property owners within 300’ of
the site. Pursuant to state law, Staff issued enhanced notification letters to all adjacent
and internal jurisdictions to Maricopa County, select state and regional agencies and
Luke Air Force Base (LAFB). Staff received three (3) letters from adjacent/internal
jurisdictions (Town of Carefree, Yavapai County, Pima County) expressing no concerns.
The Arizona Attorney General’s Office stated that there are no objections to the request.
Comments received from Arizona Game & Fish Department (AZGFD) and associated
responses by the applicant are included in the attachments section and are not
actionable from the County’s perspective until the Zone Change and Plan of
Development stage. The Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (AZSHPO)
commented that they received notice of the project, but did not issue written comments.
Instead, they participated in the Technical Advisory Committee meeting and reminded
the applicant of state law related to burial ground disturbance. The applicant included
correspondence between the applicant and the Tohono O’odham Nation regarding
cultural and biological resources surveys; however, Staff did not receive any direct
correspondence from the Nation.
11.
LAFB sent three comment letters to Staff asking the applicant to undergo informal review
through the Department of Defense (DOD) Siting Clearinghouse for Energy, and
acknowledge the applicant’s submission to the Clearinghouse. LAFB also stated that a
land use designation change would not affect flying operations, but that LAFB reserved
the right to comment on future site plans received by the County. In correspondence,
the applicant demonstrated that they initiated and completed review through the
Clearinghouse. The Department of Defense determined that the proposal may impact
flying operations. When the applicant requested a clarification from the DOD, the
agency clarified that it would like to be notified about construction dates and that their
primary concern is with crane usage during construction. These comments can be
conditioned in the zone change and plan of development and are also comments that
the applicant agreed to comply with.
CPA2022009
Page 9 of 11
12.
According to the Public Participation Results Report submitted by the applicant, the
applicant conducted a virtual public meeting on September 14, 2022 which was
advertised on three separate occasions in advance of the meeting in the Arizona
Business Gazette. There were 9 citizen attendees not including staff of the applicant. The
applicant received general questions related to infrastructure and technical details
about energy generation.
13.
Additionally, the Public Participation Results Report included a record of all phone calls
and their communications and facilitated virtual meeting accessibility for an out-of-state
adjacent owner. The majority of these communications were focused on property
purchase/lease. There were a couple of concerns about property values and screening.
The remainder of these communications were information requests. The applicant also
developed a project website which included a questionnaire. According to the report,
the applicant received no replies to the questionnaire.
14.
County Staff received no opposition or support letters for the request.
Outstanding Concerns from Reviewing Agencies:
15.
N/A
Staff Analysis:
16.
The state and Maricopa County recognize the potential environmental and economic
benefits that solar technology can provide. The Hyder Energy Center Project will use
photovoltaic technology that generates energy from sun absorption. Photovoltaic
technology differs from other techniques that required vast amounts of water to cool the
units. In contrast, very little water is utilized for photovoltaic technology. As a result, this
development would not pose a threat to groundwater depletion. The battery storage
component associated with this proposal assists with additional production and any
concerns associated with fire will be resolved prior to any construction permit issuance.
16.
Staff believes the proposed solar facility is well suited to this rural area. Solar facilities
require large amounts of relatively flat land, and the vast majority of the subject site is
flat. Staff agrees with the applicant that the subject site is suitable due to relative
proximity to electrical transmission lines, nearby stations and substations, and because
the surrounding area is undeveloped. Staff agrees with the applicant that the project
will not detrimentally affect the visual quality of the area. The applicant engaged in a
robust and lengthy public participation process. Additionally, the applicant has
consulted on a number of occasions with AZGFD on wildlife preservation which is
important to Staff as it demonstrates the responsibility associated with development large
swaths of land within unincorporated Maricopa County. Since the area is primarily
undeveloped vacant land in near proximity to other existing utility-scale solar projects,
staff believes there will be minimal impacts to the surrounding area.
17.
Promoting the development of solar energy over the past several years in Maricopa
County reinforces the County’s interest in promoting the County as an economic leader
for solar development. Staff believes the Hyder Energy Center Project would add to this
effort in a positive way by providing the potential for 250-350 temporary construction jobs
CPA2022009
Page 10 of 11
for up to 5 construction phases lasting approximately 18-24 months each. There will also
be small number of long-term employment opportunities for County residents.
18.
Staff believes the Hyder Energy Center Project is consistent with and meets the goals and
policies of the Comprehensive Plan. Staff’s position is that this project, as proposed and
as governed by the recommended conditions, represent proper long-term land use
planning in the region and for Maricopa County as a whole.
Recommendation:
19.
For the reasons outlined in this report, staff recommends the Commission motion for
Approval, subject to conditions ‘a’ – ‘d’.
a.
Development and use of the site shall be in substantial conformance with the
narrative report entitled “Hyder Energy Center Project” dated revised September
30, 2022 and stamped received October 3, 2022, except as modified by the
following conditions.
b.
Development and use of the site shall be in substantial conformance with the land
use exhibit entitled “Land Use Exhibit” dated revised September 30, 2022 and
stamped received October 3, 2022, except as modified by the following
conditions.
c.
The land use designation of ‘Utilities’ approved as part of case CPA2022009 shall
be subject to any applicable time limits set forth in the subsequent zone change.
d.
The applicant is proposing to develop a photovoltaic solar electric generating
facility which, pursuant to the Maricopa County Comprehensive Plan,
necessitates a change in the land use designation from Rural Development Area
to Utilities. The proposal by the applicant represents a comprehensive approach
to the subject property and will allow the applicant to pursue the proper
entitlements pursuant to state law so that they can lawfully operate in
unincorporated Maricopa County. This particular proposal is an appropriate plan
for the property and is consistent with the overall intention of the comprehensive
plan. However, in the event that the zone change or a zone change phase for this
particular proposal is not approved by Maricopa County Board of Supervisors
(BOS) within five (5) years from the date of Board approval of this comprehensive
plan amendment, this amendment shall no longer be effective as the planning
justification for this comprehensive plan amendment will no longer be present. In
such instance, a change of the land use designation from Utilities to Rural
Development Area will occur, and all comprehensive plan land use maps shall be
altered to reflect as such, because this represents superior long-range planning by
Maricopa County.
Presented by:
Adam Cannon, AICP, Senior Planner
Reviewed by:
Matthew Holm, AICP, Planning Supervisor
Attachments:
Case Map (1 page)
Land Use Exhibit (reduced 8.5”x11”, 1 page)
Narrative Report (30 pages)
Parcel Exhibit (1 page)
AZGFD Comments & Applicant Responses (32 pages)
LAFB Comments (4 pages)
CPA2022009
Page 11 of 11
DOD Siting Clearinghouse Correspondence (23 pages)
AZAG Comments (2 pages)
SHPO Comments (1 page)
Tohono O’odham Nation Correspondence (2 pages)
MCESD comments (1 page)
Yavapai County Comments (1 page)
Pima County Comments (1 page)
Town of Carefree Comments (1 page)
MARICOPA COUNTY
/
Maricopa County Planning & Development - Phoenix, AZ
5
Gross Acres: 1997 approx.
Generated October 24, 2022 15:26 PM
CPA2022009
Application Name:
Legal Description
Hyder Energy Center Project
Applicant
Case Address
T05s R10w 6, T4S R10W 30, T4S R10W 31, T5S R10W 05, T5S R10W 06, T5S R10W 07, T5S R10W 10, T5S R10W 15, T5S R1
JENNIFER SKULSTAD
46006 S 579TH Ave
Applicant Phone/Email
Parcel Primary:403-29-012A
402.718.4557
JENNIFER.SKULSTAD@WOODPLC.COM
TONOPAH AZ 85354
Map scale 1:52,167
Supervisor District No.
401-85-039, 401-85-044, 401-85-050A+
MAJOR CPA TO CHANGE THE LAND USE DESIGNATION IN THE VISION 2030 MARICOPA COUNTY
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FROM RURAL DEVELOPMENT AREA TO UTILITIES
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29
Columbus Wash
Nottbusch Wash
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Copper Wash
Gila River
Hyder Rd
555Th Ave
E Palomas Rd
571st Ave
Y u m a C o u n t y
M a r i c o p a C o u n t y
Butterfield Stage Rd
Agua Caliente Rd
Ave 76 E
579th Ave
Gila Mountain Rd
Ave 76E
HASSAYAMPA - GILA
HOODOO WASH - HASSAYAMPA
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29
Columbus Wash
Nottbusch Wash
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Copper Wash
Gila River
Hyder Rd
555Th Ave
E Palomas Rd
571st Ave
Y u m a C o u n t y
M a r i c o p a C o u n t y
Butterfield Stage Rd
Agua Caliente Rd
Ave 76 E
579th Ave
Gila Mountain Rd
Ave 76E
HASSAYAMPA - GILA
HOODOO WASH - HASSAYAMPA
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The map shown here has been created with all due and reasonable care and is strictly for use with
Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc. Project Number 14-2021-2013. This map has not
been certified by a licensed land surveyor, and any third party use of this map comes without warranties
of any kind. Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc. assumes no liability, direct or indirect,
whatsoever for any such third party or unintended use.
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Hyder Energy Center Project
Maricopa County, Arizona
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Path: X:\Projects\2021 Projects\1420212013 Hyder Solar and Storage MCPA\MXD\Pre-Application 2022\HyderMCPA_Figures.aprx
FIGURE
3
Land Use Exhibit
Revised: 9/30/2022
Legend
Phase 2 CPA2022009 Boundary
(approximately 1,997 acres)
Existing Land Use
Rural Development Area
Proposed Land Use
Utilities
County Boundary
Township & Range Boundary
Section Boundary
!
!
500kV Transmission Line
Proposed Land Use
Existing Land Use
CPA2022009
Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application
Project Narrative
Hyder Energy Center Project
Maricopa County, Arizona
Project Name:
Hyder Energy Center Project
Wood Project No.
24777505
Wood Project Contact: Erin Cozart
(512) 670-6152
erin.cozart@woodplc.com
Prepared for:
Hyder Energy Center, LLC
422 Admiral Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64106
Prepared by:
Wood.
3636 Executive Center Drive, Ste. 100
Austin, TX 78731
May 31, 2022
Revised September 30, 2022
CPA2022009 Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application Project Narrative
Hyder Energy Center Project
Revised September 30, 2022
Page i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
PART A – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 ON-SITE AND REGIONAL LOCATION ...................................................................................................................... 2
1.2 CPA SIZE AND DESCRIPTION OF LAND USE TYPES BY ACREAGE ....................................................................... 2
1.3 ROADS/TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS SERVING THE PROJECT ........................................................................... 3
1.4 SUITABILITY WITH SURROUNDING LAND USES ................................................................................................... 3
2
PART B - WHETHER THE AMENDMENT CONSTITUTES AN OVERALL IMPROVEMENT TO THE
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND IS NOT SOLELY FOR THE GOOD OR BENEFIT OF A PARTICULAR
LANDOWNER OR OWNERS AT A PARTICULAR POINT IN TIME. ........................................................................ 4
3
PART C - WHETHER THE AMENDMENT WILL ADVERSELY IMPACT ALL OR A PORTION OF THE PLANNING
AREA BY: ...................................................................................................................................................................... 5
3.1 ALTERING ACCEPTABLE LAND USE PATTERNS TO THE DETRIMENT OF THE PLAN. ....................................... 5
3.2 REQUIRING PUBLIC EXPENDITURES FOR LARGER AND MORE EXPENSIVE INFRASTRUCTURE. .................... 5
3.3 REQUIRING PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS TO ROADS, SEWER, OR WATER SYSTEMS THAT ARE NEEDED TO
SUPPORT THE PLANNED LAND USES. .................................................................................................................... 5
3.4 ADVERSELY IMPACTING PLANNED LAND USES BECAUSE OF INCREASED TRAFFIC. ...................................... 5
3.5 AFFECTING THE LIVABILITY OF THE AREA OR HEALTH OR SAFETY OF PRESENT AND FUTURE RESIDENTS.
...................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
3.6 ADVERSELY IMPACTING THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT OR SCENIC QUALITY OF THE AREA IN
CONTRADICTION TO THE PLAN. ............................................................................................................................. 6
4
PART D - WHETHER THE AMENDMENT IS CONSISTENT WITH THE OVERALL INTENT OF THE
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. ........................................................................................................................................... 7
5
PART E - THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE AMENDMENT IS CONSISTENT WITH THE SPECIFIC GOALS AND
POLICIES CONTAINED WITHIN THE PLAN. ............................................................................................................ 8
6
PART F - OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION AS REQUESTED BY THE MARICOPA COUNTY PLANNING
DEPARTMENT STAFF. .............................................................................................................................................. 19
List of Tables
Table 1
Consistency with Comprehensive Plan
List of Figures
Figure 1
Project Map
Figure 2
Parcels by Landowner
Figure 3
Land Use Exhibit
List of Attachments
Attachment A
Parcel List
CPA2022009 Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application Project Narrative
Hyder Energy Center Project
Revised September 30, 2022
Page 1
1
PART A – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This narrative report addresses the required information to support the request for a Major Comprehensive
Plan Amendment (CPA) to change the future land use designation from Rural Development Area to Utilities
for the Hyder Energy Center Project (the Project). Hyder Energy Center, LLC, as the applicant and Developer
(the Developer), is proposing the construction and operation of an up to 800 megawatt alternating current
(MWac) electrical generation facility consisting of solar modules and a battery energy storage system (BESS),
collectively referred to as the Project. The electrical generation capacity of the solar (photovoltaic) Project
would be up to 800 MWac and the BESS would have a net power capacity of up to 800 MWac. The BESS
would likely be designed to go through a single charge/discharge cycle on a 24-hour basis,
storing/discharging up to 3.2 gigawatt hours (GWh). The Project has at least two CPA application phases
(see Table 1 below). Permitting phase 2 of the Project, and subject of this CPA, would be located on up to
1,997 acres of land in unincorporated Maricopa County (County), approximately 30 miles west of the Town
of Gila Bend. CPA permitting phase 2 of the Project is located adjacent to 3,619 acres (CPA permitting phase
1 of the Project) that went through the CPA process in 2021 (CPA #2021011) (Figure 1). The entire area of
5,616 acres is intended to be developed for solar power generation and become a unified development.
The table below describes past and current land entitlement permitting for both phases of the Project.
Table 1: CPA Permitting Phases
Name
Description
Acres
Phase 1 – previously approved
2021 CPA (CPA2021011)
3,619
Phase 2 – requested in this application
2022 CPA (CPA2022009)
1,997
Combined Project
Phases 1 & 2
5,616
The Project would include up to 1,200,000 solar modules, rated at 665 watts direct current (dc) per module,
and mounted on single-axis trackers. It should be noted that watts per module may vary at the time of
construction; however, for planning purposes we have included an approximate module output of 665 watts
dc. In addition to the installation of solar modules, the Project would include the construction of a Project
substation, BESS, and operation and maintenance (O&M) building that would include a connection to a new
septic system. The Project would interconnect to one of the 500kV Hoodoo Wash – Hassayampa
transmission lines owned by San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) and controlled through the California
Independent System Operator (CAISO), located 0.4 mile north of Hyder Road. The substation, BESS, and
O&M building would be located on up to 45 acres within the area included in Phase 1, (see Figure 1). The
Project transmission interconnect is anticipated to be less than 800 feet in length that would connect to a
500-kilovolt (kV) transmission line on 135- to 155-foot structures above grade within an up to 200-foot
right-of-way (ROW). The Project plans to apply for a variance to the 120-foot maximum height restriction
during the zoning application process. The expected maximum net output, at the proposed point of
interconnection from the combined solar modules and BESS is up to 800 MWac. The design life of the
Project is anticipated to be 40 years.
CPA2022009 Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application Project Narrative
Hyder Energy Center Project
Revised September 30, 2022
Page 2
1.1
On-site and Regional Location
The Developer’s site is situated northeast of the Agua Caliente Mountains and north of the Gila River (Figure
1). Topographically, the site slopes slightly to the southeast toward the Gila River. Elevations within the
Project site range between approximately 968 – 448 feet above mean sea level. The site is primarily open
desert land and agricultural crop land and was historically native desert land. The regional ecological biome
associated with the site can be characterized as dynamic, occurring south of rugged mountains and north
of the Gila River. That being said, the local area has been heavily modified to support human habitation to
include a transportation corridor, pipeline, county-maintained road network, telecommunications, above
and below ground powerlines, and other planned or built solar farms in addition to the rural desert/ag
lifestyle presents. The Developer would make all reasonable efforts to mitigate potential impacts to the
natural and human environments; however, at this early stage the Project buildable area is still being defined
during this planning phase of the Project. Final layout would be presented during the zoning phase.
The Project is bounded by Butterfield Stage Road to the north, the Gila River to the east and south, and the
Maricopa and Yuma County boundary to the west. Generally, the center of the Project is located at Hyder
Road and Agua Caliente Road. The Project would interconnect to the 500kV Hoodoo Wash - Hassayampa
line transmission line (Hoodoo 500kV), located 0.4 miles north of Hyder Road. This interconnect is not
expected to exceed 800-feet from Project switchyard to Hoodoo 500kV The Developer’s site consists of
multiple parcels of land within the following Township (T), Range (R) and Sections:
•
T4SN/10W: Sections 30, 31, and;
•
T5S/R10W: Sections 5, 6, 7, 10, 15, 16, 17, and 18.
The Developer has secured site control options for all parcels included within the Phase 2 Project
boundary (Figure 2). A list of all parcels within the Phase 2 Project boundary and within 300 feet of the
Project boundary can be found in Attachment A.
1.2
CPA Size and Description of Land Use Types by Acreage
The request is for a major CPA to change the future land use of approximately 2,010 acres from Rural
Development Area to Utilities (Figure 3).
Land uses within and surrounding the site include rural development, irrigated row crops, aquatic
agriculture, some commercial, utilities, and open space (i.e., native desert land). Also included within Phase
1 are three parcels and a portion of four others designated as approved for Special Use as a solar land use
for the previously approved Verma Solar Hyder Parcels 1 and 2 (CPA2009023 and CPA2009024;
approximately 182 acres). One parcel, Assessor Parcel Number (APN) 403-29-123C, in Phase 2 has two
previously approved special use permits for use as an agricultural processing plant (Z91-30) and a cotton
gin (Z77-26). An out of service Union Pacific Railroad (UP) right of way, the existing 500kV Hoodoo Wash -
Hassayampa transmission line corridor, and a Kinder Morgan natural gas pipeline all bisect the site parallel
to Hyder Road. Various above-ground electric lines occur in and around the site. Medium voltage electrical
(i.e., 34.5kV) connectors would be required to be installed either over or under Hyder Road, the UP ROW
and other utilities along this corridor. The Developer is pursuing encroachment permits from these entities.
CPA2022009 Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application Project Narrative
Hyder Energy Center Project
Revised September 30, 2022
Page 3
1.3
Roads/Transportation Systems Serving the Project
The Project site is located approximately 12 miles north of Interstate 8, via Agua Caliente Road. The Project
site is currently accessible along Hyder Road, bisecting the site southwest to northeast, as well as by Agua
Caliente Road, bisecting north to south. The two CPA land areas (Phase 1 and Phase 2) would form a unified
5,629-acre project and the Project would be accessed using the existing graded and asphalt-paved
major/minor/local/farm roads within the Project site. There are two portions of the site that were included
in the parcel acquisition for the Project, but the Developer does not intend to utilize for solar development
(see Avoidance Areas in Figure 1). Detailed plans identifying proposed access routes and road design would
be defined and presented during the zoning phase of the Project.
1.4
Suitability with Surrounding Land Uses
The site is situated in a prime location within the regional electric grid and in a relatively remote area suited
for renewable energy development. Two CPAs were approved in 2011 (Verma Solar Hyder Parcels 1 and 2
[CPA 2009023 and CPA 2009024]) under an older land use designation for solar Projects within Phase 1.
Although these sites were never developed, the suitability of this Project with surrounding land uses is
demonstrated by the County’s approval of these types of uses (i.e., solar farms); high voltage transmission
lines occur near the site; and existing substation connecting to distribution level lines along Hyder Road.
Further, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has established two Solar Energy Zones in the vicinity of
the site, Agua Caliente (10 miles to the west) and Gillespie (25 miles to the east). These Solar Energy Zones
have been identified by BLM as areas well suited for utility-scale production of solar energy, where the BLM
will prioritize solar energy and associated transmission infrastructure development.
The site is relatively flat, primarily native desert land and agricultural land and is surrounded by agricultural
land and native desert land. Dust generation as a result of the Project is anticipated to be relatively low, as
the land would lay fallow beneath solar arrays with minimal ground disturbance or vehicular activity
compared to present activities. The Project would not generate noise that exceeds state statutes or use
water during the production of electricity. The solar array (up to approximately 15 feet above ground when
fully tilted) would be noticeable up to one-quarter to one-half mile away, generally along roads and nearby
residences, but would blend into the background terrain for sensitive viewers at distances greater than one-
half to one mile. The nearest residence is located approximately 0.2 miles west of the site, near the junction
of Yuma County Road 14 and Palomas Road/Hyder Road, in Yuma County. One additional residence is
located further south on the east side of Avenue 76E in Yuma County. On the south side of the Agua Caliente
Mountains along Old Agua Caliente Road there is a residence approximately 0.6 miles southwest of the site.
The Agua Caliente Mountains provide screening of the Project from this residence and other residences
further west along Old Agua Caliente Road. The next closest residence is located approximately 0.3 miles
west of the eastern portion of Phase 2. This residence is associated with Desert Springs Tilapia, operated by
MainStream USA, LLC, a participating landowner.
The Project is located below three Military Training Routes (MTRs): Visual Route 231, 243, and 245. On these
routes, pilots are authorized to fly as low as 300 feet above ground level. Wood reached out to Luke Air
Force Base (LAFB), who provided a letter dated September 15, 2022 stating that LAFB does not expect that
the proposed CPA would affect LAFB flying operations; however, they request the right to comment further
as construction plans are submitted to County Planning to determine if any structural impacts exist.
Additionally, LAFB recommended that the Project go through the Department of Defense (DoD) Informal
CPA2022009 Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application Project Narrative
Hyder Energy Center Project
Revised September 30, 2022
Page 4
Clearinghouse process. The Project initiated the Informal Review process on August 18, 2022, and was
assigned Tracking Number 2022-08-S-DEV-16. The DoD responded on September 29, 2022, and has
requested additional information regarding construction of the Project. The Project expects ongoing
coordination with LAFB and DoD to occur during the zoning phase of the Project.
2
PART B - WHETHER THE AMENDMENT CONSTITUTES AN OVERALL IMPROVEMENT TO THE
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND IS NOT SOLELY FOR THE GOOD OR BENEFIT OF A PARTICULAR
LANDOWNER OR OWNERS AT A PARTICULAR POINT IN TIME.
The Project would be built in up to five construction phases of up to 300 MWs each. The Project would
benefit local, County, state, and regional economies by providing temporary employment opportunities for
several hundred professionals during each phase of construction, which would occur over 18- to 24-month
construction windows, beginning as early as 2024 and be completed by 2025/2027. The Project expects to
require 20 daily workers at the start of each construction phase. As the construction and assembly ramps
up for each construction phase, the Project could hire as many as 250-350 daily workers during peak
construction (approximately 3-4 months) which would then taper off gradually. Some workers typically
perform various jobs throughout construction (i.e., grading, posting, fencing, landscaping, etc.), therefore a
single worker could theoretically be continuously hired for weeks or months. Construction managers
typically prefer to hire locally, and if Maricopa County can provide available, trained and willing workers,
those would be typically given higher priority. However, some of these jobs are very specialized, and it is
common that many workers are ‘traveling workers’ transitioning from construction site to construction site.
Wages typically are above federal minimum wage, and many jobs have benefits, i.e., paid holiday, health
insurance, etc. Further, the Project would generate revenue for local businesses including construction
companies, hospitality and building material businesses, as well as generate additional revenue locally in
the forms of property acquisition, tax revenue and construction permitting.
Due to the decommissioning of coal-fired base load generation in Arizona and the existing tenuous
condition of Lake Mead, this Project is being developed to: 1) support future electrical loads in the absence
of these coal and hydro generators; 2) to secure renewable and storable power for the State of Arizona and
greater southwest; and 3) to provide reasonably priced electricity to the regional grid as well as support
affordable regional electrical generation and water conservation.
The project would allow for the use of existing powerline corridors, existing road infrastructure and existing
energy transmission, and would require minimal disturbance to topography and natural or cultural
resources to generate solar electricity. Further, the electricity generated by the Project would be distributed
to the regional electrical grid and wider west/southwest regions. The generation of solar electricity could
also result in improved air quality through reduced emissions for electric generation, providing a benefit to
air quality in Maricopa County and the State of Arizona as well as aligning with the County’s Environmental
Goal 1. These project characteristics uphold the County’s Comprehensive Plan strategies, goals, and policies
and constitute an overall improvement to the comprehensive plan, local and regional economy, and
regional energy production, that is not solely for the good or benefit of a particular landowner or other
project proponent at a particular time.
CPA2022009 Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application Project Narrative
Hyder Energy Center Project
Revised September 30, 2022
Page 5
3
PART C - WHETHER THE AMENDMENT WILL ADVERSELY IMPACT ALL OR A PORTION OF THE
PLANNING AREA BY:
3.1
Altering Acceptable Land Use Patterns to the Detriment of the Plan.
The Project would not alter acceptable land use patterns that would be detrimental to the Comprehensive
Plan. Most of the land use within the site is open space (i.e., undeveloped native desert land). Other existing
land uses within the site include utilities and commercial/industrial operations. These land uses would
continue with the implementation of the Project.
Some of the land uses within the site are associated with agriculture. These land uses would be temporarily
unavailable during the life of the Project (i.e., 40 years). Agricultural practices could resume at the end of
the design life of the Project.
3.2
Requiring Public Expenditures for Larger and More Expensive Infrastructure.
The Project would not require any public expenditures for larger and more expensive infrastructure. All costs
of larger or more expensive infrastructure required as a result of the Project, such as gen-tie line and on-
site collection lines, and required site access improvements shall be borne by the Developer.
3.3
Requiring Public Improvements to Roads, Sewer, or Water Systems that are Needed to
Support the Planned Land Uses.
All costs of public improvements to roads, sewer or water systems required as a result of the Project shall
be borne by the Developer. The Project would require improvements to roads (e.g., underground cabling
and access), septic, and potable water system associated with the O&M building to support the planned
land use. The Project area is served by existing roads and the temporary Project construction traffic is not
anticipated to overburden the existing road system. Costs of the Project’s infrastructure needs, such as
access road improvements, Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT)-requested road
improvements (e.g., Project required underground conduit and wiring, entrance road apron), septic, limited
temporary and operational water needs and domestic waste, shall be borne by the Developer. Water for
construction and O&M would utilize on-site water wells associated with the Project.
3.4
Adversely Impacting Planned Land Uses Because of Increased Traffic.
During construction, traffic would increase in the area. However, this would be a temporary impact to the
transportation network only during the construction phase. The Project would be built in up to five
construction phases of up to 300 MWs each. The Project would not affect planned land uses during either
construction or operation. Access to all existing land uses within the Project area would remain open and
unaffected. Potential traffic alterations would be addressed as part of the entitlement process for the future
zone change application and plan of development for this Project. A construction traffic plan would be
developed in an effort to minimize impacts on existing land uses and access to these land uses.
3.5
Affecting the Livability of the Area or Health or Safety of Present and Future Residents.
The Project would not have an impact on livability or health or safety of present or future residences within
the Project area. Currently there is electrical infrastructure (e.g., transmission lines, solar electrical generating
facilities) as well as above-ground electrical distribution lines and transportation networks within the Project
area and the region. The Developer understands that the County would require a site enclosure and
CPA2022009 Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application Project Narrative
Hyder Energy Center Project
Revised September 30, 2022
Page 6
screening to provide screening where the Project is adjacent to existing residences. This screening would
be at 80% opacity per County direction. Specific type and location of site enclosures and screenings would
be determined during the entitlement process to meet County zoning requirements. Site preparation and
construction would generate some emissions due to the use of construction equipment and dust control
measures would be implemented to minimize fugitive dust emissions. Project operations would not
generate air emissions; Project maintenance would generate minimal vehicle and equipment emissions and
fugitive dust emissions from personnel accessing the Project site and utilizing limited vehicles or equipment.
The Project would be managed in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations to minimize risk and
exposure to the public and the environment.
Wildfire prevention and mitigation measures would be incorporated into the Specific Plan of Development
associated with the Zone Overlay process. All applicable local and county fire laws and regulations would
be complied with, and all reasonable measures would be taken to prevent fires on the site. Fire hazard risk
may be reduced through the control or suppression of weeds. All weed control would be conducted in
compliance with County regulations. Herbicides would likely be necessary to control the spread of invasive
weeds following construction disturbance as part of an integrated pest management strategy.
3.6
Adversely Impacting the Natural Environment or Scenic Quality of the Area in Contradiction
to the Plan.
The Project would not adversely impact the natural environment or the scenic quality of the area
significantly. The Project team has conducted initial surveys to describe the ecological conditions across the
Project area several times in 2021 and 2022. In addition to a field site investigation, the US Fish and Wildlife
Service Information for Planning and Consultation website and the AZGFD Online Environmental Review
Tool have been queried for information on special status species, including federal threatened and
endangered species, for the Project area. The Project site and surrounding area is predominately open
desert lands, with limited agricultural development in the vicinity. The native vegetation present is
dominated by widely spaced desert scrub vegetation including creosote, saltbush and Sonoran Desert scrub
habitats. Desert washes are dominated by live and dead or dormant salt-cedar. There are no federally-listed
plant or wildlife species that are likely to occur in the Project area, but Sonoran pronghorn is considered to
have low likelihood to occur in the area. In addition, there are some species of concern, such as migratory
birds and raptors, which have potential to occur in the area.
The team has been coordinating with wildlife agencies, particularly the Arizona Game and Fish Department
(Department) since October 2021, during the 2021 CPA (CPA2021011) application process, and began
coordinating with AGFD for the CPA2022009 in July 2022 to develop protection measures and address
concerns with these species. The Project is still in the early planning phases and discussions with wildlife
agencies are still underway. Protection measures may include pre-construction surveys for some species as
well as biological monitoring during construction.
Native plants protected under Arizona Native Plant Law, administered by the Arizona Department of
Agriculture, would be identified on the site prior to construction and relocated or salvaged as required.
Native plant removal, relocation, or sale would be noticed as required by Arizona Administrative Code Title
3, Chapter 3, Article II. The Project shall avoid the Gila River as well as identified Waters of the United States
and wetlands. Appropriate best management practices (BMPs) and retention basins would be included in
the Project design and construction to minimize impacts to surface water runoff.
CPA2022009 Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application Project Narrative
Hyder Energy Center Project
Revised September 30, 2022
Page 7
Consultation with the Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has been initiated to identify
significant cultural resources. A Class I and Class III Cultural Resources Inventory and Pedestrian survey were
completed and the SHPO has concurred that no cultural resources identified are eligible for listing on the
National Register and no further surveys are warranted. It should be noted, the State of Arizona requires
that the inadvertent discovery, during construction, of human remains and funerary objects be reported to
the Director of the Arizona State Museum (ARS §41-865) upon discovery.
Finally, the Project would not significantly impact the scenic quality of the area. Currently there is electrical
infrastructure (e.g., transmission lines, solar electrical generating facilities, electrical substations) as well as
above-ground electrical distribution lines and transportation networks within the Project area and the
region. Existing views from within the site would not be significantly obscured, because the height of panels
would not obscure scenic views beyond the site. The Developer understands that the County may require
an 80% opacity screen be constructed in areas adjacent to existing residences to minimize visual impact.
4
PART D - WHETHER THE AMENDMENT IS CONSISTENT WITH THE OVERALL INTENT OF THE
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
The resolution adopting the County’s Vision 2030 Comprehensive Plan notes that the Comprehensive
Plan “helps to promote economic prosperity, maintain a vibrant quality of life, and facilitate continued
growth in a coordinated, harmonious, and responsible manner.” Further, the Comprehensive Plan outlines
Strategic Priorities for Maricopa County including “innovatively leverage its resources” and “deploy an
effective and efficient infrastructure.” The Project displays consistency with these priorities and the
County’s vision to work collaboratively and effectively for its residents, as detailed below.
Arizona is a prime location for the generation of solar electricity for both local consumption and export.
The Project, as a utility-scale renewable energy generation and storage facility, is in direct alignment with
the County’s mission and guiding principles for leadership and strategic priorities to leverage its resources
to provide for a balanced regional economy. Construction of the Project would contribute to local,
County, and state economic prosperity by providing employment opportunities for numerous experienced
professionals throughout construction. Additionally, spending for construction activities and workers
would also provide revenue opportunities to local businesses and the tax revenue from the Project would
benefit a wide variety of public services.
Meeting electric power demand with solar and storage projects such as this Project would contribute to
an effective and efficient infrastructure and improve quality of life locally in several ways. Solar and
storage projects such as this Project would contribute to improved air quality through reduced emissions
as compared to traditional fossil fuel power sources. As the cost of fossil fuels rises and aging fossil fuel
power plants are retired, solar and storage projects are an affordable and sustainable solution to help to
meet the growing regional power demand. Moreover, water conservation is becoming increasingly
important as the country is experiencing historic drought and reservoirs such as Lake Mead cannot
recharge at the rates that they are being depleted. The Project would be a low water use facility
(construction = approximately 30,000 gallons per acre and O&M = approximately 200 gallons per acre
per year), does not require water in the generation of electrical power and requires very little water for
panel and equipment maintenance. This Project would demonstrate responsible environmental
stewardship and would further the goal of increased water conservation within Maricopa County.
CPA2022009 Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application Project Narrative
Hyder Energy Center Project
Revised September 30, 2022
Page 8
One of the County’s core principles is to support implementation of the County’s strategic priorities. This
Project directly supports the County’s strategic priorities, as indicated in the discussion of the specific goals
and policies of the Comprehensive Plan in the following section.
5
PART E - THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE AMENDMENT IS CONSISTENT WITH THE SPECIFIC GOALS
AND POLICIES CONTAINED WITHIN THE PLAN.
Maricopa County places demonstrable value on alternative energy development, as evidenced by the
strategic priorities and core principles of the County’s Vision 2030 Comprehensive Plan. Maricopa County
explicitly identifies encouraging solar energy development as an important goal, particularly in Economic
Growth Policy 10, Energy Goal 2, Energy Policy 6, and Water Resources Policy 5 of the Vision 2030
Comprehensive Plan. The County’s strategy encouraging renewable energy development is provided as
follows:
Renewable Energy
Maricopa County has the potential to be a global leader in renewable energy research and
development, especially with respect to solar energy. Maricopa County is one of the most
productive spots in the world for both photovoltaic and concentrated solar energy generation.
Many companies have already discovered this potential, evidenced by the large number of
utility-scale plants being planned in unincorporated areas. Because of the economic and
environmental benefits Maricopa County supports state and local efforts to attract solar
research and development to this region.
Strategies - Attract solar and other alternative energy research and development to Maricopa
County.
The Project, a utility-scale renewable energy facility, is in direct alignment with the County’s strategy to
support the development of solar electrical generation.
The Project would use photovoltaic and battery technology and would require very little water use during
operations, with the exception of as-needed maintenance for cleaning the solar panels and equipment and
water use associated with the O&M building. Maricopa County recognizes the potential environmental and
economic benefits of solar developments within the Comprehensive Plan, as indicated by multiple goals
and policies, which are highlighted in Table 1.
The Developer believes the Project is well suited for the selected area, given the availability of a large
amount of relatively flat land. Further, proximity to the 500kV Hoodoo Wash - Hassayampa transmission
line corridor makes this location ideal in terms of minimizing the long electrical interconnects required for
the transmission of electricity to the regional electrical grid. Moreover, the area surrounding the site is
mostly undeveloped, although agricultural lands are located to the north and south of the site.
It is recognized that several residences occur outside of but near the Project, to the west, southwest, and
one residence north of the southeastern portion of the Project. U.S. Census tract data indicate approximately
9 households are located within 2 miles of the Project. All landowners within 300 feet of the Project site
have been sent notification letters soliciting comments, questions, and concerns regarding the proposed
Project. Signs to notify the public have been posted along County-maintained roadways. The existing visual
CPA2022009 Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application Project Narrative
Hyder Energy Center Project
Revised September 30, 2022
Page 9
setting has been previously impacted by electrical infrastructure including high voltage transmission lines,
and electrical substations; transportation network (e.g., arterial roads and railway); and agricultural farms
and their attendant infrastructure (e.g., water pumps, canals, farm roads, distribution lines, agricultural
processing plant and cotton gin). Further, for residences south of the Project, the Agua Caliente Mountains
provide screening of the Project from these residences.
The Project would contribute to the existing visual clutter within the region; however, given the low-profile
design of the array, BESS, O&M building, and other ancillary facilities, it is not expected to adversely impact
existing views or the existing natural/man-made setting. The most prominent feature on the landscape
would be the Project’s 500kV interconnect, which would be constructed on structures approximately 135 to
200 feet tall and would be visible. However, this interconnect would occur in an area that already has a
500kV transmission line present (i.e., the 500kV Hoodoo Wash – Hassayampa transmission line) and would
be relatively short, anticipated to be less than 1,500 feet in length.
Finally, the Developer believes that this Project would assist the County in promoting its goal to encourage
solar development and the creation of jobs (both temporary construction jobs and permanent O&M jobs)
associated with these types of development. The Developer believes the Project is wholly consistent with
specific goals and policies within Maricopa County’s Comprehensive Plan. At this early stage of planning,
estimated revenue to the County has not been calculated; however, as reflected above within the excerpted
statement from the County Comprehensive Plan (Vision 2030 Comprehensive Plan), the County recognizes
these Projects are economically beneficial.
Table 1 includes a complete accounting of relevant comprehensive plan elements, their attendant policies,
and the consistency of the Project with these policies.
Table 1 – Consistency with Comprehensive Plan
Comprehensive Plan
Elements
Comprehensive Plan Policies
Consistency with Comprehensive Plan
Land Use Element
Land Use
Goal #3
Protect the public health, safety,
and well-being.
Consistent
The
Project
would
provide
renewable
energy
generation that could result in improved air quality
through reduced emissions from fossil fuel electric
generation. The Project would be considered a low-
intensity use.
Land Use
Policy #1
Maricopa
County
supports
compliance
with
its
capital
improvement and other funding
programs,
except
when
reimbursement is made to the
County for unplanned costs or
when services and infrastructure
are funded by private capital.
Consistent
The Project would be funded by private capital. All
infrastructure improvements required for the Project
shall be paid for by the Developer.
CPA2022009 Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application Project Narrative
Hyder Energy Center Project
Revised September 30, 2022
Page 10
Comprehensive Plan
Elements
Comprehensive Plan Policies
Consistency with Comprehensive Plan
Land Use
Policy #7
Maricopa
County
supports
coordinating
land
use
and
infrastructure
planning
with
state agencies, counties, and
municipalities.
Consistent
The Developer will coordinate closely with all applicable
local, county, state, and federal agencies throughout
development of the Project, including the evaluation of
enhanced gen-tie routing to adjacent and internal
jurisdictions, as well as addressing topics pertaining to
land
and
resource
management,
public
safety,
environmental and cultural resources, transportation
and infrastructure, economic development, and large-
scale solar electrical generation permitting.
Land Use
Policy #13
Where
necessary,
Maricopa
County
supports
wildfire
prevention
and
mitigation
measures in the design of
development.
Consistent
Wildfire prevention and mitigation measures would be
incorporated into the precise Plan of Development. All
applicable local and county fire laws and regulations
would be complied with, and all reasonable measures
would be taken to prevent fires in the Project. All
construction personnel would be instructed on
emergency response to fire events; clear away all
flammable material for a minimum of 10 feet from areas
of operations where a spark, fire, or flame could be
generated; equipment parking areas and small
stationary engine sites would be cleared of all
flammable materials prior to use; “No Smoking” signs
would be posted, gas and oil storage areas would be
clearly marked, cleared of all flammable material, and all
used and discarded oil filters, oily rags, or other waste
would be disposed of in an approved manner. The
Project would reduce fire hazard risk through the
control or suppression of weeds, and all weed control
would be conducted in compliance with County and
State requirements.
Land Use
Policy #22
Maricopa
County
supports
reducing the impacts of new
development in environmentally
sensitive areas, including native
wildlife (flora and fauna) habitat
and corridors.
Consistent
The Project is located in an area away from
environmentally sensitive areas and agency dedicated
wildlife habitats. No development would occur within
the Gila River, wildlife would continue to use that
habitat. The Developer will continue to coordinate with
AZGFD and AZ SHPO (for additional information please
see Section 2 Part B above), Arizona Department of
Agriculture, and other agencies to refine site
development and environmental protective measures.
The Project would comply with the Arizona Native Plant
Law and other regulations associated with the
protection of sensitive native wildlife.
CPA2022009 Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application Project Narrative
Hyder Energy Center Project
Revised September 30, 2022
Page 11
Comprehensive Plan
Elements
Comprehensive Plan Policies
Consistency with Comprehensive Plan
Land Use
Policy #27
Maricopa
County
supports
keeping development out of
delineated floodways and, where
necessary, 100-year floodplains.
Consistent
The Project would not be developed in a floodway.
Further, the Project would comply with Maricopa
County and federal regulations associated with
development in a floodplain. It is anticipated that a
floodplain use permit would be required for the Project.
Land Use
Policy #31
To promote safe and active
communities Maricopa County
supports
public
safety
and
security features included in the
design of new and existing
development.
Consistent
All required safety and security measures would be
incorporated into the Project. For example, the Project
would be fenced and include nighttime security
lighting, all roads would be consistent with County
regulations associated with first responder access (turn-
around radii, Knox Box, road widths), and fire detection
and suppression systems would be in conformance with
State and County Fire Marshal requirements.
Land Use
Policy #33
Maricopa County supports using
land use buffers and compatible
land use strategies near existing
and future high voltage electric
utility line corridors.
Consistent
The Project is located near existing high voltage
transmission lines. Sufficient buffers, as directed by the
County, to provide safety exclusion zones/distancing
would be incorporated to not interfere with these
existing land uses. A solar farm acts as an efficient buffer
by providing further separation from these existing
electrical features and surrounding agriculture and rural
land uses. Further, all applicable setbacks would be
incorporated into the Project layout.
Transportation Element
Transportation
Goal #2
Contribute to a safe, seamless
and
effective
transportation
system.
Consistent
The Project would support preserving the existing and
future road alignments in the Project area and would
comply
with
Maricopa
County
Department
of
Transportation planning objectives.
Transportation
Policy #1
As necessary, Maricopa County
supports preserving future road
alignments called for in County-
recognized transportation plans,
especially
mid-section
line,
section line and arterial roads;
parkways;
freeways;
and
interchanges.
Consistent
The Project would support preserving the existing and
future road alignments in the Project area and would
comply
with
Maricopa
County
Department
of
Transportation planning objectives. Technical review for
preserving the existing and future road alignments
would occur during the zoning/plan of development
review; potential needs for traffic impact statements or
studies would be identified depending on Maricopa
County Department of Transportation requirements.
CPA2022009 Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application Project Narrative
Hyder Energy Center Project
Revised September 30, 2022
Page 12
Comprehensive Plan
Elements
Comprehensive Plan Policies
Consistency with Comprehensive Plan
Transportation
Policy #2
Maricopa
County
supports
compliance
with
its
Major
Streets and Routes Plan.
Consistent
The Project would support preserving the existing and
future road alignments in the Project area and would
comply
with
Maricopa
County
Department
of
Transportation planning objectives.
Transportation
Policy #9
Maricopa
County
supports
balanced and efficient land use
patterns that reduce the number
and length of vehicle trips.
Consistent
Once operational, the Project site would require
minimal staff (2-3 personnel per 8-hour shift [24-hour
round the clock staffing]), resulting in few vehicle trips
to and from the site.
Transportation
Policy #11
Maricopa
County
supports
National Ambient Air Quality
Standards compliance.
Consistent
The Project would adhere to the National Ambient Air
Quality Standards. The Project would generate
renewable energy that would result in improved air
quality
through
reduced
emissions
for
electric
generation as compared to other electric generation
technologies.
Transportation
Policy #12
Maricopa
County
supports
improving low volume dirt roads
as directed by its PM-10 Dust
Abatement Program.
Consistent
A Dust Abatement Permit would be required prior to
Project construction. The Project would submit a dust
control
plan
to
Maricopa
County
Air
Quality
department.
Use
of
dirt
roads
would
include
implementation of, when and where needed, dust
abatement techniques during construction and O&M.
Transportation
Policy #14
Where
necessary,
Maricopa
County
supports
roadway
planning
that
promotes
identified
scenic
corridors,
wildlife
connectivity
and
linkages.
Consistent
Coordination with AZGFD will facilitate identification of
pertinent mitigation measures, incorporated into the
Project design, that provide for wildlife connectivity and
linkages.
Environment Element
Environmental
Goal #1
Provide regional leadership to
promote all aspects of regional
environmental quality.
Consistent
The Project would generate renewable energy that
would result in improved air quality through reduced
emissions for electric generation, providing a benefit to
air quality in Maricopa County. Appropriate protective
measures for biological and cultural resources would be
implemented to minimize or prevent impacts to these
resources. The Project would require very little water for
construction
and
operation.
Amending
the
Comprehensive Plan to enable this Project would
demonstrate
responsible
leadership
to
promote
regional environmental quality.
CPA2022009 Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application Project Narrative
Hyder Energy Center Project
Revised September 30, 2022
Page 13
Comprehensive Plan
Elements
Comprehensive Plan Policies
Consistency with Comprehensive Plan
Environment
Policy #3
To help protect water quality,
Maricopa
County
supports
compliance with its Drinking
Water program and its Water
and
Wastewater
Treatment
program.
Consistent
The Project would be consistent with Maricopa County’s
Drinking and Wastewater Treatment programs, to
provide appropriate water management and treatment
to maintain water quality standards as required.
Environment
Policy #4
Maricopa
County
supports
innovative Project design and
development techniques that
protect important plant and
animal habitat and migration
corridors.
Consistent
The Project would be designed to avoid impacts to
identified
agency-designated
animal
habitats
or
migration corridors during Project construction and
O&M. The Developer will continue to coordinate with
AZGFD to identify pertinent habitats and corridors and
identify potential development techniques to avoid or
minimize impacts to these resources (for additional
information please see Section 2 Part B above).
Environment
Policy #5
As directed by the State Historic
Preservation Office and Arizona
Game and Fish Department,
Maricopa
County
supports
cultural resource and biological
surveys being completed – and
needed
mitigation
measures
established – prior to new
development.
Consistent
All phases of the Project would complete required
cultural and biological reporting and surveys as directed
from the State Historic Preservation Office and Arizona
Game and Fish Department. A Biological Resources
Report and Class I Cultural Resources Inventory are
completed and SHPO has concurred with Westland’s
findings that no sites inventoried are eligible for listing
on the National Register of Historic Places. Appropriate
protection measures or mitigation measures would be
developed in coordination with the agencies as
necessary.
Environment
Policy #7
Where
necessary,
Maricopa
County
supports
noise
reductions in new development
design and in the construction of
new buildings.
Consistent
The Project would conform to required noise mitigation
during construction and would maintain hours of
operation consistent with County regulations. The
Project would not generate audible noise from sensitive
receptors during the production of electricity.
CPA2022009 Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application Project Narrative
Hyder Energy Center Project
Revised September 30, 2022
Page 14
Comprehensive Plan
Elements
Comprehensive Plan Policies
Consistency with Comprehensive Plan
Economic Element
Economic Growth
Goal #1
Contribute
to
an
effective
regional economy.
Consistent
Because of the high solar resource available in Arizona,
and Maricopa County in particular, the Project would
harness and convert the readily available solar
irradiation into an important power resource. The
Project
would
employ
numerous
experienced
professionals from the local community, Maricopa
County
and
surrounding
region
per
250-MW
construction phase which would occur over an 18- to
24-month construction window, beginning as early as
2024. Construction workers would purchase food and
incidentals at local retail businesses. Construction
workers would sleep either at their homes or at local
motels. On-site housing would not be provided during
construction.
Environment
Policy #3
To help protect water quality,
Maricopa
County
supports
compliance with its Drinking
Water program and its Water
and
Wastewater
Treatment
program.
Consistent
The Project would be consistent with Maricopa County’s
Drinking and Wastewater Treatment programs, to
provide appropriate water management and treatment
to maintain water quality standards as required.
Economic Growth
Policy #5
Maricopa
County
supports
programs that attract a variety of
Basic Sector industry clusters
that have long-term, stable
growth prospects
Consistent
The Project would employ numerous experienced
professionals per 250-MW construction phase which
would occur over an 18- to 24-month construction
window, beginning as early as 2024 and estimated to
complete by 2025-2027. As the solar electrical
generating and storage sector continues to grow,
Maricopa County has the opportunity to continue to
grow into and expand this sector by supporting this and
similar Projects. An expanded sector base would attract
additional opportunities for business development and
worker
training
programs,
providing
long-term
employment
and
economic
development
opportunities. Numerous trades are required for the
construction of a utility-scale solar Project including
electricians, plumbers, mechanics, heavy equipment
operators, assemblers, security, administrators and
Project management.
CPA2022009 Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application Project Narrative
Hyder Energy Center Project
Revised September 30, 2022
Page 15
Comprehensive Plan
Elements
Comprehensive Plan Policies
Consistency with Comprehensive Plan
Economic Growth
Goal #2
Have a diverse and balanced
economy to promote long-term
stability and economic resiliency.
Consistent
The Project would further expand electric generation
resources in the County by harvesting readily available
solar irradiation and would provide these resources
over the approximately 40-year operational lifetime,
providing long-term stability and economic resiliency.
Economic Growth
Policy #6
Maricopa
County
supports
efforts to recruit prospective
businesses and industries to the
County, and efforts to retain
existing
businesses
and
industries.
Consistent
The high solar irradiance of Arizona, in addition to the
availability of highly suitable land for development in
Maricopa County and the proximity to existing electrical
infrastructure, were prime factors that attracted the
Developer to this area.
Economic Growth
Policy #10
Maricopa
County
supports
leveraging its solar resource
potential to attract solar-related
industries and alternative energy
research and development.
Consistent
Because of the high solar resource and highly suitable
land available in Maricopa County for development of
solar energy facilities, Maricopa County is a prime
location for solar resource development. The Project is
a utility-scale solar and battery storage Project that
Maricopa County could use to leverage their leadership
in this industry to attract solar-related industries and
additional development. The BLM has established two
Solar Energy Zones within 10-25 miles of the site, (Agua
Caliente and Gillespie, respectively). These Solar Energy
Zones have been identified as areas well suited for
utility-scale production of solar energy, where the BLM
will prioritize solar energy and associated transmission
infrastructure development.
Growth Area Element
Growth Area
Goal #1
Achieve orderly urban growth
that
is
fiscally
and
environmentally
responsible,
protects public health and safety
and
promotes
sensible
annexation patterns.
Consistent
This Project would enable the County to site utility-scale
solar generation near existing electrical infrastructure, in
an area that development would result in limited impact
to the environment and would provide benefits to air
quality in the County, while utilizing a readily available
resource to generate electricity for the southwest and
western grid – a demonstration of efficient, orderly
growth by the County. While this area is currently rural,
it provides services and infrastructure that urban growth
areas utilize and would provide a foundation for future
urban growth patterns to consider.
CPA2022009 Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application Project Narrative
Hyder Energy Center Project
Revised September 30, 2022
Page 16
Comprehensive Plan
Elements
Comprehensive Plan Policies
Consistency with Comprehensive Plan
Open Space Element
Open Space
Goal # 1
Provide regional leadership to
promote environmental quality,
including the preservation of
open,
natural
park
and
recreation lands.
Consistent
This Project would enable the County to site utility-scale
solar generation near existing electrical infrastructure
and agricultural use, in an area that development would
result in limited impact to open space lands and would
demonstrate efficient, orderly growth. In addition, the
Project would generate renewable energy that would
result in improved air quality through reduced
emissions for electric generation, allowing Maricopa
County to provide regional leadership in promoting
environmental quality through improved air quality in
the County.
Open Space
Policy #2
Maricopa
County
supports
dedication and improvement of
trail right-of-way within new
development,
including
the
Maricopa Trail and Maricopa
County Regional Trail System.
Consistent
While the Project may not include trail development, we
support the development of recreational resources and
connectivity for users, including trail right-of-way and
the greater Maricopa County Regional Trail System.
Water Resources Element
Water Resources
Goal #2
Provide leadership to promote
regional water quality and water
use.
Consistent
The Project does not require water in the generation of
electrical power and requires very little water for panel
and equipment maintenance. By promoting solar
electrical generation, the County provides leadership on
responsible water use by enabling low-water use
infrastructure to provide the southwest and western
electrical grid with a renewable source of electricity.
Water Resources
Goal #3
Increase renewable water use.
Consistent
Pursuant to the Vision 2030 Comprehensive Plan (p95),
“Surface water is considered the State’s major
renewable water source and comes from rivers, streams
and lakes.” The Project would not increase water
withdrawal from rivers, streams, and lakes. However,
effluent is not planned as a source of water for the
Project.
CPA2022009 Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application Project Narrative
Hyder Energy Center Project
Revised September 30, 2022
Page 17
Comprehensive Plan
Elements
Comprehensive Plan Policies
Consistency with Comprehensive Plan
Water Resources
Goal #4
Increase water conservation.
Consistent
Electricity generation utilizing traditional fossil fuels is
highly water intensive. In contrast, solar and storage
Projects such as this Project require very little water
(comparatively)
for
construction
and
operation.
Meeting electric power demands with solar power &
battery storage would further the goal of increased
water conservation within Maricopa County.
Water Resources
Policy #2
Maricopa County supports water
conservation techniques in the
planning and design of new
development.
Consistent
The Project does not require water in the generation of
electrical power and requires very little water for panel
and equipment maintenance. Very little water would be
required
for
construction
activities.
Water
for
construction and long term O&M would come from on-
site private ground water wells. The approximate water
usage for construction is 30,000 gallons per acre and
during O&M is 200 gallons per acre per annum. The
Project would be designed to incorporate feasible water
conservation techniques.
Water Resources
Policy #4
Maricopa
County
supports
compliance with its Drinking
Water
and
Water
and
Wastewater
Treatment
Programs.
Consistent
The Project would be consistent with Maricopa County’s
Drinking and Wastewater Treatment programs.
Water Resources
Policy #5
Maricopa County supports low
water
use
solar
electric
generating technologies.
Consistent
The Project does not require water in the generation of
electrical power and requires very little water for panel
and equipment maintenance. Panel washing may be
required if bi-annual rains are not sufficient or if soiling
of panels is excessive due to dust accumulation.
Water Resources
Policy #7
Maricopa County supports low
water use and drought-tolerant
landscaping.
Consistent
Any required landscaping for the Project would use
drought-tolerant low-water-use landscaping. The water
to support any required Project landscaping would
come from on-site private wells.
CPA2022009 Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application Project Narrative
Hyder Energy Center Project
Revised September 30, 2022
Page 18
Comprehensive Plan
Elements
Comprehensive Plan Policies
Consistency with Comprehensive Plan
Energy Element
Energy
Goal #1
Provide leadership to promote
regional environmental quality.
Consistent
The electricity generated by the Project would be
distributed to the regional electrical grid and wider
west/southwest regions and would result in improved
air quality through reduced emissions for electric
generation, providing a benefit to air quality in
Maricopa County. Appropriate protective measures for
biological
and
cultural
resources
would
be
implemented to minimize or prevent impacts to these
resources. The Project would require very little water for
construction
and
operation.
Amending
the
Comprehensive Plan to enable this Project would
demonstrate
responsible
leadership
to
promote
regional environmental quality.
Energy
Goal #2
Make Maricopa County a leader
in alternative energy research
and development.
Consistent
The Project is a utility-scale solar and storage Project.
While utility-scale solar is not a “new” technology, the
battery energy storage system is a fairly new technology
in utility-scale renewable energy generation. Solar
industry trends are leaning towards battery storage
systems in an effort to increase reliability and maximize
the production of stored energy when the sun sets.
Energy
Policy #1
Maricopa
County
supports
energy efficient design and
construction
of
new
development.
Consistent
The Project would utilize current technologies and best
practices in all components to support energy efficient
design and construction. All Project components (e.g.,
panels, inverters, SCADA, batteries) would utilize
leading edge technology to insure the most efficient
solar generation and storage system is developed.
Energy Policy #4
To limit energy consumption,
Maricopa
County
supports
alternative
transportation
options in new development.
Consistent
During construction, employees would be encouraged
to carpool to the site to reduce the number of personal
vehicle trips and emissions. Once operational, the
Project site would require minimal staff (2-3 personnel
per 8-hour shift [24-hour round the clock staffing]),
resulting in few vehicle trips to and from the site.
Energy
Policy #6
Maricopa County supports being
a
responsible
leader
in
alternative energy research and
development.
Consistent
The Project is a utility-scale solar and battery storage
Project and would facilitate Maricopa County’s
continued
leadership
in
alternative
energy
development.
CPA2022009 Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application Project Narrative
Hyder Energy Center Project
Revised September 30, 2022
Page 19
Comprehensive Plan
Elements
Comprehensive Plan Policies
Consistency with Comprehensive Plan
Cost of Development Element
Cost of Development
Goal #2
New
development
pays
its
proper and reasonable share of
the costs of new infrastructure,
services,
and
other
public
improvements.
Consistent
All costs of new infrastructure required due to the
Project but not limited to, gen-tie line, on-site collection
lines, road improvements, conduit, limited temporary
and operational water needs, and domestic waste shall
be borne by the Developer.
Cost of Development
Policy #1
Maricopa
County
supports
recouping
the costs of its
products and services without
unfairly burdening those most in
need
of
its
products
and
services.
Consistent
The Project would pay all associated fees required by
Maricopa County throughout Project development.
Cost of Development
Policy #2
Maricopa County supports using
the preferred funding methods
identified in this plan to offset
costs of new development.
Consistent
The Project would pay all associated fees required by
Maricopa County throughout Project development.
6
PART F - OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION AS REQUESTED BY THE MARICOPA COUNTY
PLANNING DEPARTMENT STAFF.
Hyder Energy Center, LLC (the Developer), and its consultant, Wood, are available to provide any
additional information requested by Maricopa County Planning and Development or by the Technical
Advisory Committee.
Figures
Figure 1
Project Map
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Nottbusch Wash
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Hyder Rd
555Th Ave
E Palomas Rd
571st Ave
Y u m a C o u n t y
M a r i c o p a C o u n t y
Butterfield Stage Rd
County 18th St N
Agua Caliente Rd
County 15th St N
County 17th St N
County 16th St N
County 14th St N
Ave 76 E
579th Ave
Gila Mountain Rd
Ave 76E
Farm 57100W
Farm 49200S
Farm 50000S
W Farm 42800S
S Farm 58700W
HASSAYAMPA - GILA
HOODOO WASH - HASSAYAMPA
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Legend
Phase 1: Previously Approved
Major CPA2021011 (approximately
3,619 acres)
Phase 2: Current Major CPA
Application CPA2022009
(approximately 1,997 acres)
Avoidance Areas
Township & Range Boundary
Section Boundary
County Boundary
!
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500kV Transmission Line
Flood Zone A
Land Ownership
Private Land
Bureau of Land Management Land
Arizona State Trust Land
Path: X:\Projects\2021 Projects\1420212013 Hyder Solar and Storage MCPA\MXD\Pre-Application 2022\HyderMCPA_Figures.aprx
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Vicinity Map
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Hyder Energy Center Project
Maricopa County, Arizona
The map shown here has been created with all due and reasonable care and is strictly for use with
Wood Project Number 14-2021-2013. This map has not been certified by a licensed land surveyor,
and any third party use of this map comes without warranties of any kind. Wood assumes no liability,
direct or indirect, whatsoever for any such third party or unintended use.
14-2021-2013
EC
5/25/2022
1"= 4,000 feet
Job No.
PM:
Date:
Scale:
Figure
1
Revised: 9/30/2022
Figure 2
Parcels by Landowner
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571st Ave
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Legend
Phase 2 CPA2022009 Boundary
(approximately 1,997 acres)
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County Boundary
Township & Range Boundary
Section Boundary
Path: X:\Projects\2021 Projects\1420212013 Hyder Solar and Storage MCPA\MXD\Pre-Application 2022\HyderMCPA_Figures.aprx
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Esri, HERE, Garmin, FAO,
USGS, EPA, NPS
Vicinity Map
0
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1,500
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Parcels by Landowner
Hyder Energy Center Project
Maricopa County, Arizona
The map shown here has been created with all due and reasonable care and is strictly for use with
Wood Project Number 14-2021-2013. This map has not been certified by a licensed land surveyor,
and any third party use of this map comes without warranties of any kind. Wood assumes no liability,
direct or indirect, whatsoever for any such third party or unintended use.
14-2021-2013
EC
5/25/2022
1"= 3,000 feet
Job No.
PM:
Date:
Scale:
Figure
2
Revised: 9/30/2022
403-29-111
403-29-112
403-29-119
403-29-123C
403-29-011A
403-29-011B
403-29-011C
403-29-012A
403-29-012B
403-29-013A
403-29-013B
403-29-014A
403-29-014B
403-29-014C
403-29-018
403-29-019
403-29-064
403-29-023A
403-29-023B
403-29-024
403-29-025
401-85-039
401-85-044
401-85-050B
403-29-055A
403-29-121A
403-29-010A
403-29-012F
401-85-050A
401-85-051
401-85-052
403-29-056
403-29-010B
403-29-016
403-29-017
403-29-020
403-29-022
VGS15 Aqua Caliente Rd and 579 Ave Hyder 160
(101.60 acres)
Wyatt James D/Donna K (255.65 acres)
Lorne and Anne Froats Trust/Etal (39.98 acres)
Marcro Properties LLC (19.91 acres)
MainStream USA LLC (464.98 acres)
McLean County Land Trust (81.30 acres)
Potthoff Herbert II/Ronald/Woodhall Suzanne
(65.00 acres)
SW Jojoba LLC (98.52 acres)
Arizona Iron Suppy Inc (481.43 acres)
Cocopah Nurseries of Arizona Inc (40.36 acres)
Hyder Family Land LLC (95.15 acres)
J & D Consulting Management Inc Profit Sharing
(176.35 acres)
James and Donna Wyatt Revocable Trust (36.49 acres)
Kim Won S/Ji Heon (39.91 acres)
Figure 3
Land Use Exhibit
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Path: X:\Projects\2021 Projects\1420212013 Hyder Solar and Storage MCPA\MXD\Pre-Application 2022\HyderMCPA_Figures.aprx
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Vicinity Map
Land Use Exhibit
Hyder Energy Center Project
Maricopa County, Arizona
The map shown here has been created with all due and reasonable care and is
strictly for use with Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc.
Project Number 14-2021-2013. This map has not been certified by a licensed land
surveyor, and any third party use of this map comes without warranties of any kind.
Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc. assumes no liability, direct or indirect,
whatsoever for any such third party or unintended use.
14-2021-2013
EC
5/31/2022
1" = 6,000 feet
Job No.
PM:
Date:
Scale:
Legend
Phase 2 CPA2022009 Boundary
(approximately 1,997 acres)
Existing Land Use
Rural Development Area
Proposed Land Use
Utilities
County Boundary
Township & Range Boundary
Section Boundary
!
!
500kV Transmission Line
FIGURE
3
0
6,000
12,000
3,000
Feet
±
Existing Land Use
Proposed Land Use
Revised: 9/30/2022
Attachment A
CPA2022009 Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application Parcel List
Hyder Energy Center Project
Revised September 28, 2022
Portion
Number
APN
County
Owner Name
1
40185039
MARICOPA
KIM WON S/JI HEON
1
40185044
MARICOPA
LORNE AND ANNE FROATS TRUST/ETAL
2
40329011A
MARICOPA
HYDER FAMILY LAND LLC
2
40329012A
MARICOPA
HYDER FAMILY LAND LLC
2
40329013A
MARICOPA
HYDER FAMILY LAND LLC
2
40329014A
MARICOPA
HYDER FAMILY LAND LLC
2
40185050B
MARICOPA
MARCRO PROPERTIES LLC
2
40185051
MARICOPA
SW JOJOBA LLC
2
40185052
MARICOPA
SW JOJOBA LLC
2
40185050A
MARICOPA
SW JOJOBA LLC
3
40329012B
MARICOPA
HYDER FAMILY LAND LLC
3
40329013B
MARICOPA
HYDER FAMILY LAND LLC
3
40329014B
MARICOPA
HYDER FAMILY LAND LLC
3
40329011B
MARICOPA
HYDER FAMILY LAND LLC
4
40329014C
MARICOPA
HYDER FAMILY LAND LLC
4
40329018
MARICOPA
J & D CONSULTING MANAGEMENT INC PROFIT SHARIN
4
40329019
MARICOPA
J & D CONSULTING MANAGEMENT INC PROFIT SHARIN
4
40329064
MARICOPA
J & D CONSULTING MANAGEMENT INC PROFIT SHARIN
4
40329024
MARICOPA
JAMES AND DONNA WYATT REVOCABLE TRUST
4
40329025
MARICOPA
JAMES AND DONNA WYATT REVOCABLE TRUST
4
40329023A
MARICOPA
JAMES AND DONNA WYATT REVOCABLE TRUST
4
40329023B
MARICOPA
JAMES AND DONNA WYATT REVOCABLE TRUST
4
40329010A
MARICOPA
MCLEAN COUNTY LAND TRUST
4
40329012F
MARICOPA
POTTHOFF HERBERT II/RONALD/WOODHALL SUZANNE
4
40329056
MARICOPA
VGS15 AQUA CALIENTE RD AND 579 AVE HYDER 160
4
40329016
MARICOPA
WYATT JAMES D/DONNA K
4
40329017
MARICOPA
WYATT JAMES D/DONNA K
4
40329020
MARICOPA
WYATT JAMES D/DONNA K
4
40329022
MARICOPA
WYATT JAMES D/DONNA K
4
40329010B
MARICOPA
WYATT JAMES D/DONNA K
4
40329011C
MARICOPA
HYDER FAMILY LAND LLC
5
40329123C
MARICOPA
COCOPAH NURSERIES OF ARIZONA INC
6
40329055A
MARICOPA
MAINSTREAM USA, LLC
6
40329121A
MARICOPA
MAINSTREAM USA, LLC
6
40329111
MARICOPA
ARIZONA IRON SUPPLY INC
6
40329112
MARICOPA
ARIZONA IRON SUPPLY INC
6
40329119
MARICOPA
ARIZONA IRON SUPPLY INC
Attachment A - Parcel List
Maricopa County Project Parcels
1 of 1
From:
Tiffany Sprague
To:
Adam Cannon (PND)
Cc:
Marcus da Cunha; richard.knox; Michael Sumner; Tyler Williford; Ginger Ritter; Luke Thompson
Subject:
Re: AZGFD review of the Hyder Solar and Storage MCPA project (CPA2022009)
Date:
Wednesday, September 28, 2022 9:49:51 AM
Mr. Cannon,
The Department has been coordinating with Savion and Wood on the proposed Hyder Solar
project. We have met with them on four occasions and will continue to meet to discuss the
Department's recommendations and options to avoid, minimize, or offset potential impacts to
wildlife. Please contact me with any questions.
Thank you,
TIFFANY SPRAGUE | PROJECT EVALUATION PROGRAM SPECIALIST
ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT - WMHB
OFFICE: 623.236.7222
MOBILE: 623.670.0750
EMAIL: tsprague@azgfd.gov
azgfd.gov | 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086
Join our new Conservation Membership program and ensure a wildlife legacy for the future.
On Fri, Jul 15, 2022 at 2:10 PM Adam Cannon (PND) <Adam.Cannon@maricopa.gov>
wrote:
Thank you Ms. Sprague.
Best regards,
Adam Cannon, AICP
Senior Planner
Maricopa County Planning & Development Department
301 W. Jefferson St., Suite 170, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Desk: 602-372-0292
adam.cannon@maricopa.gov
P&D is now 100% digital for construction permit applications.
Find information on our new permit process here.
From: Tiffany Sprague <tsprague@azgfd.gov>
Sent: Friday, July 15, 2022 2:03 PM
To: Adam Cannon (PND) <Adam.Cannon@maricopa.gov>
Cc: Michael Sumner <msumner@azgfd.gov>; Tyler Williford <twilliford@azgfd.gov>;
Ginger Ritter <gritter@azgfd.gov>; Project Evaluation Program - Game and Fish
<pep@azgfd.gov>
Subject: AZGFD review of the Hyder Solar and Storage MCPA project (CPA2022009)
Mr. Cannon,
Thank you for the opportunity to review the Hyder Solar and Storage MCPA project
(CPA2022009). The Department’s response to your request is attached. Please feel
free to contact me with any questions, and I can also provide further information
during the meeting next week, if desired.
Thank you,
TIFFANY SPRAGUE | PROJECT EVALUATION PROGRAM SPECIALIST
ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT - WMHB
OFFICE: 623.236.7222
MOBILE: 623.670.0750
EMAIL: tsprague@azgfd.gov
azgfd.gov | 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086
Join our new Conservation Membership program and ensure a wildlife legacy for the future.
23 September, 2022
TIFFANY SPRAGUE | PROJECT EVALUATION PROGRAM SPECIALIST
ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT – WMHB
VIA EMAIL: tsprague@azgfd.gov
Dear Ms. Sprague,
This letter is a continuation of our discussion associated with our 12 August 2022 correspondence, and
subsequent meetings we’ve had with the Department. This letter represents the ‘yellow items’
associated with your 15 July 2022 letter, and our thoughts related to these yellow items.
We look forward to continuing to work with the Department and speaking again on 27 September,
2022.
Kind regards,
Marcus
Marcus V. da Cunha | Project Development Consultant
M: 312.498.2697 | Savion, LLC
cc: Adam Cannon, Maricopa County Planning and Development Department
Highlighted Points from Department Letter
[2] The mitigation strategy would not extend beyond project construction (i.e., bird mortality studies,
bird and mammal migration patterns, post-construction long-term monitoring of presence or absence of
wildlife, data collection, reporting, etc.)
[3] Based on our 14 September discussion, we understand that cumulative impacts associated with
other solar projects in the ‘region’ (i.e., vicinity) is outside of the scope of our responsibility to conduct.
[6] Previously discussed.
[8] We intend to include kit fox presence or absence surveys during pre-construction surveys for other
species (i.e. burrowing owls, MBTA, etc.)
[11, 12] Would development of a WEAP suffice in training construction workers in the relocation of non-
threatening reptiles, excluding the desert tortoise?
[19] WestLand conducted a data search of eagle nests in the vicinity of the Project, and determined no
active eagle nests are present within 10 miles of the Project site. Therefore, there is no need to contact
USFWS for this species.
[21] Pursuant to Department’s 2010 Solar Guidelines, and previous discussions with the Department, it
has been determined the Project site occurs in Resource Category IV that does not retain a no net loss
requirement. We have identified two areas of the Project site in the southwest and the southeast
quadrants that we feel would like to set aside for wildlife habit. A map of these areas will be provided.
[23] Based on our 14 September discussion, the Project site will have numerous naturally occurring
open corridors along public roadways, transmission lines, utility lines, etc, and also as a result of phase
construction.
[24] A preliminary drainage plan has not been developed. We are looking at alternatives to comply with
county water retention and offsite flow requirements.
[27] A fencing plan and an advanced site layout have not been developed and will be included in the
plan of development that accompanies in the zoning application.
July 15, 2022
Mr. Adam Cannon
Maricopa County Planning and Development Department
301 West Jefferson Street, Suite 170
Phoenix, Arizona 85003
Electronically submitted to Adam.Cannon@maricopa.gov
RE:
Hyder Solar and Storage Project Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment
(CPA2022009)
Dear Mr. Cannon:
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (Department) appreciates the opportunity to review the
Hyder Solar and Storage Project Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA2022009). The
Department understands that Ellwood Land Holdings, LLC (Ellwood), is proposing construction
of a 500 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) facility with battery storage on 2,015 acres of land in
unincorporated Maricopa County (County) approximately 30 miles west of the Town of Gila
Bend. Most of the project area occurs in desert scrub habitat with some portions in riparian
habitat and agricultural lands north and east of the Agua Caliente Mountains, with the southern
portion extending into the mountains. The project is adjacent to 3,619 acres of a similar solar
project that was approved through the MCPA process in 2021 (CPA2021011). The Department
understands these two projects would be considered a unified development on 5,634 acres.
Under Title 17 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, the Department, by and through the Arizona
Game and Fish Commission (Commission), has jurisdictional authority and public trust
responsibilities to conserve and protect the state fish and wildlife resources. In addition, the
Department manages threatened and endangered species through authorities of Section 6 of the
Endangered Species Act and the Department’s 10(a)1(A) permit. It is the mission of the
Department to conserve and protect Arizona's diverse fish and wildlife resources and manage for
safe, compatible outdoor recreation opportunities for current and future generations.
The Department recognizes the importance of planning efforts to develop renewable energy
locations that contribute to regional and state economic growth needs and would like to work
closely with Ellwood and the County during the planning and development of this
economically-important facility. The Department recognizes that appropriate coordination,
proper planning, and voluntary implementation of best management practices allow projects to
be developed that avoid, minimize, or mitigate potential impacts to wildlife and recreational
access during development and operation of the facilities. For your consideration, the
[1]
[2]
AZGFD - Hyder Solar and Storage Project Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA2022009)
July 15, 2022
Page 2
Department provides the following comments based on the agency's statutory authorities, public
trust responsibilities, and special expertise related to wildlife resources and recreation.
Arizona has recently seen an increase in the number of proposed and in-development solar
energy generation projects, including several in the vicinity of the proposed Hyder Solar facility.
Although each individual project may have a minimal impact on the broader landscape, these
projects cumulatively could result in substantial loss of habitat, impact wildlife movements, and
affect wildlife related recreation. It is important for this project to be evaluated in association
with other similar projects in the region. Long-term effects to wildlife can extend several
kilometers beyond the footprint of a project area ( Sawyer et al. 2022 ), and the Department
1
recommends that the County and Ellwood consider these effects in its evaluation of this
application. Department staff are available to assist in identifying potential cumulative impacts to
wildlife and associated voluntary conservation measures that can be implemented for the project.
During the planning process, the Department recommends surveys and monitoring be conducted
to determine species presence and potential conflicts. As referenced in Guidelines for Solar
Development in Arizona , these surveys should be of sufficient duration and intensity to
2
adequately assess all habitat types and potential species occurrence in and adjacent to the project
area. If this project is approved, Department staff are available to assist Ellwood in determining
appropriate design features and best management practices that can help minimize potential
impacts. The Department offers the following recommendations to reduce impacts to wildlife
and habitat:
●
The endangered Sonoran pronghorn could occur in the project area and adjacent lands.
Sonoran pronghorn have specific habitat requirements based on their life history and
survival strategy. The Department would like to work with the County and Ellwood to
minimize any potential impacts to this species and requests coordination prior to
construction activities in order to exchange information on current Sonoran pronghorn
use in the project area. If pronghorn are detected during project activities, please notify
the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Arizona Ecological Services Office (AESO)
and the Department’s Sonoran Pronghorn Program Lead ( jbright@azgfd.gov ) as soon as
possible.
●
Kit fox are likely to occur within the project area and could be influenced by loss of
habitat and connectivity. Surveys for this species are recommended to determine potential
impacts and to inform pre-construction activities. Department staff are available to assist
in identifying suitable conservation measures if foxes or their burrows are detected.
●
The Sonoran desert tortoise, which is covered under a Candidate Conservation
Agreement (CCA), could occur in the project area. The Department recommends
conducting surveys, in accordance with the Desert Tortoise Survey Guidelines for
Environmental Consultants , to determine the presence of this species or its habitat. If
3
tortoises are identified, please refer to and implement the Recommended Standard
3 https://s3.amazonaws.com/azgfd-portal-wordpress/PortalImages/files/wildlife/2010SurveyguidelinesForConsultants.pdf
2 https://s3.amazonaws.com/azgfd-portal-wordpress/PortalImages/files/wildlife/planningFor/wildlifeFriendlyGuidelines/
FinalSolarGuidelines03122010.pdf
1 https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/fee.2498
[6]
[7]
[8]
[9]
[3]
[4]
[5]
AZGFD - Hyder Solar and Storage Project Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA2022009)
July 15, 2022
Page 3
Mitigation Measures for Projects in Sonoran Desert Tortoise Habitat and Guidelines for
4
Handling Sonoran Desert Tortoises Encountered on Development Projects .
5
●
A number of other reptile and amphibian species have potential to occur in the project
vicinity, including Gila monster and lowland leopard frog, which are Arizona Species of
Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN). To the extent feasible, the Department recommends
avoiding areas where these species occur. If any are observed during construction
activities, the Department recommends moving them no more than 0.25 mile outside the
project boundary. To aid with possible relocations, the Department recommends that all
personnel take venomous reptile safety training from a reputable source so any Gila
monsters or rattlesnakes that may enter the site can be safely relocated out of harm’s way
without injury or mortality to the animal.
●
Large-scale solar PV facilities can result in bird mortality due to habitat loss, collision
with panels, attraction due to an optical illusion of water, and unknown causes ( Kosciuch
et al. 2020 ). The Department recommends a qualified biologist survey for bird species
6
within the project area to better understand potential impacts from these projects.
Adjustments to panel spacing could help break up the illusion of water and reduce bird
mortality; research is currently being conducted to assess this mitigation option
(Wilkening and Rautenstrauch 2019 ). Additionally, the Department recommends surveys
7
for nesting birds be conducted prior to construction activities that occur during the
breeding season. The vegetation within the project area may provide nesting
opportunities for avian species that are regulated under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
(MBTA) and protected under state law. Breeding season for birds in this area is generally
mid-January through late June. If it is anticipated the project will not be in compliance
with MBTA, the Department recommends contacting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS) for their technical assistance. The USFWS will provide options to comply with
the MBTA.
●
The western burrowing owl, a special status species that is regulated under the MBTA,
could occur within the project area. The Department recommends conducting occupancy
surveys for western burrowing owls throughout the project area to determine if this
species occurs within the project footprints. Guidelines for conducting this survey are
found in Burrowing Owl Project Clearance Guidance for Landowners . Please note that
8
the surveys should be conducted by a surveyor that is certified by the Department. If an
active burrowing owl burrow is detected, please contact the Department and the USFWS
for direction, in accordance with the guidelines.
●
Bald eagles, which are regulated under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act
(BGEPA), could occur within the project area. If uncertain about the effects of the project
to eagles, or if it is anticipated the project will not be in compliance with the BGEPA, the
Department recommends contacting the USFWS for their Technical Assistance, as well
as Tuk Jacobson, the Department’s raptor expert, at raptors@azgfd.gov or 623-236-7575.
8 https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/speciesofgreatestconservneed/raptor-management/burrowing-owl-mangement/
7 Wilkening, J., and K. Rautenstrauch. 2019. Can solar farms be wildlife friendly? The Wildlife Professional 13(1):46–50.
6 https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0232034
5 https://s3.amazonaws.com/azgfd-portal-wordpress/PortalImages/files/wildlife/2014%20Tortoise%20handling%20guidelines.pdf
4 https://s3.amazonaws.com/azgfd-portal-wordpress/PortalImages/files/wildlife/MitigationMeasures.pdf
[9 cont.]
[13]
[14]
[15]
[17]
[18]
[19]
[10]
[11]
[12]
[16]
AZGFD - Hyder Solar and Storage Project Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA2022009)
July 15, 2022
Page 4
The USFWS and the Department will provide options to comply with the BGEPA, such
as conservation measures to avoid or minimize adverse effects to the eagles.
●
Protected plant species, such as the golden cholla, have potential to occur within the
project area. The Department recommends conducting native plant surveys to identify
species protected under Arizona’s Native Plant Law. Please refer to Arizona's Native
Plant Law for regulations, a list of native plants that are protected, and information about
9
conducting a Native Plant Inventory.
●
The southeastern portion of the project area contains several areas of riparian habitat. The
Arizona Game and Fish Commission and the Department recognize riparian habitats as
areas of environmental importance to wildlife. The Department encourages management
practices that will maintain current riparian areas so that there is no net loss of habitat,
including maintaining a 150-foot buffer around these areas and appropriate connections
for wildlife movement. Additional recommendations to maintain the integrity of riparian
areas can be found in these Riparian Area Guidelines .
10
Maintaining habitat connectivity is a high priority for the Department, and wildlife movement
corridors are important for wildlife to respond to changing environmental conditions. Attached
for your review and reference is the Heritage Data Management System (HDMS) Online
Environmental Review Tool (ERT) report (HGIS-16731). As identified in the report, this project
falls within two identified wildlife movement areas. If this project is approved, the Department is
available to share its expertise on measures to reduce impacts to connectivity, including the
following:
●
The Department recommends conducting wildlife movement studies in the project area
and surrounding landscape to inform project design. Continued movement studies during
construction and post-construction can help assess the broader footprint of this project
and inform future conservation measures. Department staff are available to assist
Ellwood in determining the scope and timeline of these studies.
●
The Department recommends maintaining open corridors across the project area to
facilitate wildlife movement. The Department is available to assist in development of the
site design to provide input on possible corridors and to discuss ways to maintain the
ephemeral washes that occur in the project area in their natural state. These washes serve
multiple functions in the ecosystem. Not only do they provide for hydrologic flow, which
is especially important in areas that receive infrequent and isolated precipitation events,
but these washes also contain crucial riparian habitat and serve as important
landscape-level conveyance corridors for wildlife movement.
●
To the extent possible, the Department recommends retaining habitat features underneath
the panels, including vegetation and soils, instead of grading the entire site. The
topography in the majority of the site is flat and would require minimal trimming of
shrubs and existing vegetation to install the panels. Keeping the existing soil and root
structures intact would serve to minimize erosional run-off and help reduce biodiversity
loss within the site ( Grodsky and Hernandez 2020 ).
11
11 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-020-0574-x
10 https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/planning/wildlifeguidelines
9 https://agriculture.az.gov/sites/default/files/Native%20Plant%20Rules%20-%20AZ%20Dept%20of%20Ag.pdf
[20]
[21]
[22]
[23]
[24]
[25]
[26]
AZGFD - Hyder Solar and Storage Project Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA2022009)
July 15, 2022
Page 5
●
The Department’s Wildlife Compatible Fencing Guidelines provide information on how
12
fencing impacts wildlife, ways to design fencing to prevent wildlife entanglement and
impalement, and to ensure wildlife movement is not restricted. Department personnel are
available as resources to help determine appropriate fencing design and layout that will
achieve its objective while reducing impact to wildlife, such as leaving a 6–8-inch gap
between the ground surface and bottom of the fence to allow for smaller wildlife species
to move freely through the area and make use of any habitat within the project boundary.
Finally, the Department recommends that potential impacts to recreation and Department access
for wildlife management activities be evaluated during the planning phase. The Department
prioritizes conserving existing access and modes of access for hunting, trapping, shooting,
wildlife watching, off-highway vehicle use, dispersed camping, and other responsible forms of
outdoor recreational use on public lands and remains available to assist with opportunities to
maintain access within the project footprint. .
Thank you for the opportunity to provide input on the Hyder Solar and Storage Project Major
Comprehensive Plan Amendment. For further coordination, please contact Tiffany Sprague at
tsprague@azgfd.gov or 623-236-7222.
Sincerely,
for
Luke Thompson
Habitat, Evaluation, and Lands Branch Chief
cc:
Michael Sumner - Regional Supervisor - Region IV
Tyler Williford, Region IV Habitat, Evaluation, and Lands Program Supervisor
Ginger Ritter - Project Evaluation Program Supervisor
Tiffany Sprague - Project Evaluation Program Specialist
Attachment:
Hyder Solar_HGIS-16731_20220705.pdf
AZGFD # M22-06205538
12 https://s3.amazonaws.com/azgfd-portal-wordpress/PortalImages/files/wildlife/planningFor/wildlifeFriendlyGuidelines/
110125_AGFD_fencing_guidelines.pdf
[27]
[28]
August 12, 2022
TIFFANY SPRAGUE | PROJECT EVALUATION PROGRAM SPECIALIST
ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT – WMHB
VIA EMAIL: tsprague@azgfd.gov
Dear Ms. Sprague,
Thank you for your engagement on the proposed Hyder Solar and Storage Project (‘Project’) Ellwood is
developing in Maricopa County. We appreciate the opportunity to discuss the purpose and need of the
project with the Department and the insights of the Department in minimizing impacts to wildlife.
This is in response to the Department letter of July 15th, 2022 to Adam Cannon, associated with the
Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA 2022009). It should be understood the Department was
asked by the County to comment on the project during the MCPA phase, or planning phase, and that
specifically, we seek a letter from the Department supporting the MCPA while concurrently continuing
consultation with the Department leading up to the zoning phase.
In reviewing the recommendations, many items we are in general agreement as appropriate
management practices to limit impacts to wildlife. However, others appear to be incompatible with
utility scale solar projects.
Since our July 21st meeting, we have characterized your recommendations in orange, yellow, and blue.
•
Orange – your recommendation is out of scope with typical permitting processes of this type, or
incompatible with utility scale solar projects. Elaboration below.
•
Yellow – more discussion required for your recommendation.
•
Blue – Ellwood is in general agreement with your recommendation.
Your July 15th letter links to the Arizona Game and Fish Department Guidelines for Solar Development in
Arizona. In this guidance, wildlife habitat within Arizona is defined as either Resource Category I, II, III, or
IV. Based on definitions of categories in this guidance and the biological studies taken place to date, we
feel the project occurs in Resource Category IV. We feel it is important to be in agreement with the
Department related to what Resource Category the project is defined.
We look forward to continuing to work with the Department and speaking again on August 25th, 2022.
Kind regards,
Marcus
Marcus V. da Cunha | Project Development Consultant
M: 312.498.2697 | Savion, LLC
Cc Adam Canon, Maricopa County Planning and Development Department
Highlighted Points from Department Letter
[6] We feel it is important to be in agreement with the Department related to what Resource Category
the project is defined.
[4] [5] The impetus for Department consultation is the MCPA, a mere change of land use, which itself is
focused solely on the compatibility of project and immediate vicinity with county comprehensive plan.
And ‘similar’ and ‘region’ are subjective, and potentially leading to tying together the fate of many
projects. The Project cannot proceed with this recommendation.
[14] This is incompatible with utility-scale solar. There is no spacing that would break up this purported
illusion, and yet maintain technical, economical and land acquisition requirements. The Project cannot
proceed with this recommendation.
[22] The impetus for Department consultation is the MCPA, a mere change of land use, which itself is
focused solely on the compatibility of project and immediate vicinity with county comprehensive plan. It
is not the Project’s mandate to conduct regional programmatic wildlife studies nor is it feasible given
access constraints. Therefore, the Project cannot proceed with this recommendation.
[25] This is incompatible with utility-scale solar. Vegetation under panels would interfere with the
mechanicals of the trackers and present a fire fuel-loading hazard that would be a large risk to humans
and wildlife and wildlife habitat in the area. The Project cannot proceed with this recommendation.
[26] This is incompatible with utility-scale solar. Vegetation under panels would interfere with the
mechanicals of the trackers and present a fire fuel-loading hazard that would be a large risk to humans
and wildlife and wildlife habitat in the area. The Project cannot proceed with this recommendation.
[28] This is incompatible with utility-scale solar. While ordinarily low risk, the project would carry
voltage and heat that could harm untrained persons. And this project would be classified as part of the
national security infrastructure. And personnel safety is of great concern to Ellwood. The Project cannot
proceed with this recommendation.
July 15, 2022
Mr. Adam Cannon
Maricopa County Planning and Development Department
301 West Jefferson Street, Suite 170
Phoenix, Arizona 85003
Electronically submitted to Adam.Cannon@maricopa.gov
RE:
Hyder Solar and Storage Project Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment
(CPA2022009)
Dear Mr. Cannon:
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (Department) appreciates the opportunity to review the
Hyder Solar and Storage Project Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA2022009). The
Department understands that Ellwood Land Holdings, LLC (Ellwood), is proposing construction
of a 500 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) facility with battery storage on 2,015 acres of land in
unincorporated Maricopa County (County) approximately 30 miles west of the Town of Gila
Bend. Most of the project area occurs in desert scrub habitat with some portions in riparian
habitat and agricultural lands north and east of the Agua Caliente Mountains, with the southern
portion extending into the mountains. The project is adjacent to 3,619 acres of a similar solar
project that was approved through the MCPA process in 2021 (CPA2021011). The Department
understands these two projects would be considered a unified development on 5,634 acres.
Under Title 17 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, the Department, by and through the Arizona
Game and Fish Commission (Commission), has jurisdictional authority and public trust
responsibilities to conserve and protect the state fish and wildlife resources. In addition, the
Department manages threatened and endangered species through authorities of Section 6 of the
Endangered Species Act and the Department’s 10(a)1(A) permit. It is the mission of the
Department to conserve and protect Arizona's diverse fish and wildlife resources and manage for
safe, compatible outdoor recreation opportunities for current and future generations.
The Department recognizes the importance of planning efforts to develop renewable energy
locations that contribute to regional and state economic growth needs and would like to work
closely with Ellwood and the County during the planning and development of this
economically-important facility. The Department recognizes that appropriate coordination,
proper planning, and voluntary implementation of best management practices allow projects to
be developed that avoid, minimize, or mitigate potential impacts to wildlife and recreational
access during development and operation of the facilities. For your consideration, the
[1]
[2]
AZGFD - Hyder Solar and Storage Project Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA2022009)
July 15, 2022
Page 2
Department provides the following comments based on the agency's statutory authorities, public
trust responsibilities, and special expertise related to wildlife resources and recreation.
Arizona has recently seen an increase in the number of proposed and in-development solar
energy generation projects, including several in the vicinity of the proposed Hyder Solar facility.
Although each individual project may have a minimal impact on the broader landscape, these
projects cumulatively could result in substantial loss of habitat, impact wildlife movements, and
affect wildlife related recreation. It is important for this project to be evaluated in association
with other similar projects in the region. Long-term effects to wildlife can extend several
kilometers beyond the footprint of a project area ( Sawyer et al. 2022 ), and the Department
1
recommends that the County and Ellwood consider these effects in its evaluation of this
application. Department staff are available to assist in identifying potential cumulative impacts to
wildlife and associated voluntary conservation measures that can be implemented for the project.
During the planning process, the Department recommends surveys and monitoring be conducted
to determine species presence and potential conflicts. As referenced in Guidelines for Solar
Development in Arizona , these surveys should be of sufficient duration and intensity to
2
adequately assess all habitat types and potential species occurrence in and adjacent to the project
area. If this project is approved, Department staff are available to assist Ellwood in determining
appropriate design features and best management practices that can help minimize potential
impacts. The Department offers the following recommendations to reduce impacts to wildlife
and habitat:
●
The endangered Sonoran pronghorn could occur in the project area and adjacent lands.
Sonoran pronghorn have specific habitat requirements based on their life history and
survival strategy. The Department would like to work with the County and Ellwood to
minimize any potential impacts to this species and requests coordination prior to
construction activities in order to exchange information on current Sonoran pronghorn
use in the project area. If pronghorn are detected during project activities, please notify
the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Arizona Ecological Services Office (AESO)
and the Department’s Sonoran Pronghorn Program Lead ( jbright@azgfd.gov ) as soon as
possible.
●
Kit fox are likely to occur within the project area and could be influenced by loss of
habitat and connectivity. Surveys for this species are recommended to determine potential
impacts and to inform pre-construction activities. Department staff are available to assist
in identifying suitable conservation measures if foxes or their burrows are detected.
●
The Sonoran desert tortoise, which is covered under a Candidate Conservation
Agreement (CCA), could occur in the project area. The Department recommends
conducting surveys, in accordance with the Desert Tortoise Survey Guidelines for
Environmental Consultants , to determine the presence of this species or its habitat. If
3
tortoises are identified, please refer to and implement the Recommended Standard
3 https://s3.amazonaws.com/azgfd-portal-wordpress/PortalImages/files/wildlife/2010SurveyguidelinesForConsultants.pdf
2 https://s3.amazonaws.com/azgfd-portal-wordpress/PortalImages/files/wildlife/planningFor/wildlifeFriendlyGuidelines/
FinalSolarGuidelines03122010.pdf
1 https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/fee.2498
[6]
[7]
[8]
[9]
[3]
[4]
[5]
AZGFD - Hyder Solar and Storage Project Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA2022009)
July 15, 2022
Page 3
Mitigation Measures for Projects in Sonoran Desert Tortoise Habitat and Guidelines for
4
Handling Sonoran Desert Tortoises Encountered on Development Projects .
5
●
A number of other reptile and amphibian species have potential to occur in the project
vicinity, including Gila monster and lowland leopard frog, which are Arizona Species of
Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN). To the extent feasible, the Department recommends
avoiding areas where these species occur. If any are observed during construction
activities, the Department recommends moving them no more than 0.25 mile outside the
project boundary. To aid with possible relocations, the Department recommends that all
personnel take venomous reptile safety training from a reputable source so any Gila
monsters or rattlesnakes that may enter the site can be safely relocated out of harm’s way
without injury or mortality to the animal.
●
Large-scale solar PV facilities can result in bird mortality due to habitat loss, collision
with panels, attraction due to an optical illusion of water, and unknown causes ( Kosciuch
et al. 2020 ). The Department recommends a qualified biologist survey for bird species
6
within the project area to better understand potential impacts from these projects.
Adjustments to panel spacing could help break up the illusion of water and reduce bird
mortality; research is currently being conducted to assess this mitigation option
(Wilkening and Rautenstrauch 2019 ). Additionally, the Department recommends surveys
7
for nesting birds be conducted prior to construction activities that occur during the
breeding season. The vegetation within the project area may provide nesting
opportunities for avian species that are regulated under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
(MBTA) and protected under state law. Breeding season for birds in this area is generally
mid-January through late June. If it is anticipated the project will not be in compliance
with MBTA, the Department recommends contacting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS) for their technical assistance. The USFWS will provide options to comply with
the MBTA.
●
The western burrowing owl, a special status species that is regulated under the MBTA,
could occur within the project area. The Department recommends conducting occupancy
surveys for western burrowing owls throughout the project area to determine if this
species occurs within the project footprints. Guidelines for conducting this survey are
found in Burrowing Owl Project Clearance Guidance for Landowners . Please note that
8
the surveys should be conducted by a surveyor that is certified by the Department. If an
active burrowing owl burrow is detected, please contact the Department and the USFWS
for direction, in accordance with the guidelines.
●
Bald eagles, which are regulated under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act
(BGEPA), could occur within the project area. If uncertain about the effects of the project
to eagles, or if it is anticipated the project will not be in compliance with the BGEPA, the
Department recommends contacting the USFWS for their Technical Assistance, as well
as Tuk Jacobson, the Department’s raptor expert, at raptors@azgfd.gov or 623-236-7575.
8 https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/speciesofgreatestconservneed/raptor-management/burrowing-owl-mangement/
7 Wilkening, J., and K. Rautenstrauch. 2019. Can solar farms be wildlife friendly? The Wildlife Professional 13(1):46–50.
6 https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0232034
5 https://s3.amazonaws.com/azgfd-portal-wordpress/PortalImages/files/wildlife/2014%20Tortoise%20handling%20guidelines.pdf
4 https://s3.amazonaws.com/azgfd-portal-wordpress/PortalImages/files/wildlife/MitigationMeasures.pdf
[9 cont.]
[13]
[14]
[15]
[17]
[18]
[19]
[10]
[11]
[12]
[16]
AZGFD - Hyder Solar and Storage Project Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA2022009)
July 15, 2022
Page 4
The USFWS and the Department will provide options to comply with the BGEPA, such
as conservation measures to avoid or minimize adverse effects to the eagles.
●
Protected plant species, such as the golden cholla, have potential to occur within the
project area. The Department recommends conducting native plant surveys to identify
species protected under Arizona’s Native Plant Law. Please refer to Arizona's Native
Plant Law for regulations, a list of native plants that are protected, and information about
9
conducting a Native Plant Inventory.
●
The southeastern portion of the project area contains several areas of riparian habitat. The
Arizona Game and Fish Commission and the Department recognize riparian habitats as
areas of environmental importance to wildlife. The Department encourages management
practices that will maintain current riparian areas so that there is no net loss of habitat,
including maintaining a 150-foot buffer around these areas and appropriate connections
for wildlife movement. Additional recommendations to maintain the integrity of riparian
areas can be found in these Riparian Area Guidelines .
10
Maintaining habitat connectivity is a high priority for the Department, and wildlife movement
corridors are important for wildlife to respond to changing environmental conditions. Attached
for your review and reference is the Heritage Data Management System (HDMS) Online
Environmental Review Tool (ERT) report (HGIS-16731). As identified in the report, this project
falls within two identified wildlife movement areas. If this project is approved, the Department is
available to share its expertise on measures to reduce impacts to connectivity, including the
following:
●
The Department recommends conducting wildlife movement studies in the project area
and surrounding landscape to inform project design. Continued movement studies during
construction and post-construction can help assess the broader footprint of this project
and inform future conservation measures. Department staff are available to assist
Ellwood in determining the scope and timeline of these studies.
●
The Department recommends maintaining open corridors across the project area to
facilitate wildlife movement. The Department is available to assist in development of the
site design to provide input on possible corridors and to discuss ways to maintain the
ephemeral washes that occur in the project area in their natural state. These washes serve
multiple functions in the ecosystem. Not only do they provide for hydrologic flow, which
is especially important in areas that receive infrequent and isolated precipitation events,
but these washes also contain crucial riparian habitat and serve as important
landscape-level conveyance corridors for wildlife movement.
●
To the extent possible, the Department recommends retaining habitat features underneath
the panels, including vegetation and soils, instead of grading the entire site. The
topography in the majority of the site is flat and would require minimal trimming of
shrubs and existing vegetation to install the panels. Keeping the existing soil and root
structures intact would serve to minimize erosional run-off and help reduce biodiversity
loss within the site ( Grodsky and Hernandez 2020 ).
11
11 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-020-0574-x
10 https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/planning/wildlifeguidelines
9 https://agriculture.az.gov/sites/default/files/Native%20Plant%20Rules%20-%20AZ%20Dept%20of%20Ag.pdf
[20]
[21]
[22]
[23]
[24]
[25]
[26]
AZGFD - Hyder Solar and Storage Project Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA2022009)
July 15, 2022
Page 5
●
The Department’s Wildlife Compatible Fencing Guidelines provide information on how
12
fencing impacts wildlife, ways to design fencing to prevent wildlife entanglement and
impalement, and to ensure wildlife movement is not restricted. Department personnel are
available as resources to help determine appropriate fencing design and layout that will
achieve its objective while reducing impact to wildlife, such as leaving a 6–8-inch gap
between the ground surface and bottom of the fence to allow for smaller wildlife species
to move freely through the area and make use of any habitat within the project boundary.
Finally, the Department recommends that potential impacts to recreation and Department access
for wildlife management activities be evaluated during the planning phase. The Department
prioritizes conserving existing access and modes of access for hunting, trapping, shooting,
wildlife watching, off-highway vehicle use, dispersed camping, and other responsible forms of
outdoor recreational use on public lands and remains available to assist with opportunities to
maintain access within the project footprint. .
Thank you for the opportunity to provide input on the Hyder Solar and Storage Project Major
Comprehensive Plan Amendment. For further coordination, please contact Tiffany Sprague at
tsprague@azgfd.gov or 623-236-7222.
Sincerely,
for
Luke Thompson
Habitat, Evaluation, and Lands Branch Chief
cc:
Michael Sumner - Regional Supervisor - Region IV
Tyler Williford, Region IV Habitat, Evaluation, and Lands Program Supervisor
Ginger Ritter - Project Evaluation Program Supervisor
Tiffany Sprague - Project Evaluation Program Specialist
Attachment:
Hyder Solar_HGIS-16731_20220705.pdf
AZGFD # M22-06205538
12 https://s3.amazonaws.com/azgfd-portal-wordpress/PortalImages/files/wildlife/planningFor/wildlifeFriendlyGuidelines/
110125_AGFD_fencing_guidelines.pdf
[27]
[28]
July 15, 2022
Mr. Adam Cannon
Maricopa County Planning and Development Department
301 West Jefferson Street, Suite 170
Phoenix, Arizona 85003
Electronically submitted to Adam.Cannon@maricopa.gov
RE:
Hyder Solar and Storage Project Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment
(CPA2022009)
Dear Mr. Cannon:
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (Department) appreciates the opportunity to review the
Hyder Solar and Storage Project Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA2022009). The
Department understands that Ellwood Land Holdings, LLC (Ellwood), is proposing construction
of a 500 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) facility with battery storage on 2,015 acres of land in
unincorporated Maricopa County (County) approximately 30 miles west of the Town of Gila
Bend. Most of the project area occurs in desert scrub habitat with some portions in riparian
habitat and agricultural lands north and east of the Agua Caliente Mountains, with the southern
portion extending into the mountains. The project is adjacent to 3,619 acres of a similar solar
project that was approved through the MCPA process in 2021 (CPA2021011). The Department
understands these two projects would be considered a unified development on 5,634 acres.
Under Title 17 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, the Department, by and through the Arizona
Game and Fish Commission (Commission), has jurisdictional authority and public trust
responsibilities to conserve and protect the state fish and wildlife resources. In addition, the
Department manages threatened and endangered species through authorities of Section 6 of the
Endangered Species Act and the Department’s 10(a)1(A) permit. It is the mission of the
Department to conserve and protect Arizona's diverse fish and wildlife resources and manage for
safe, compatible outdoor recreation opportunities for current and future generations.
The Department recognizes the importance of planning efforts to develop renewable energy
locations that contribute to regional and state economic growth needs and would like to work
closely with Ellwood and the County during the planning and development of this
economically-important facility. The Department recognizes that appropriate coordination,
proper planning, and voluntary implementation of best management practices allow projects to
be developed that avoid, minimize, or mitigate potential impacts to wildlife and recreational
access during development and operation of the facilities. For your consideration, the
AZGFD - Hyder Solar and Storage Project Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA2022009)
July 15, 2022
Page 2
Department provides the following comments based on the agency's statutory authorities, public
trust responsibilities, and special expertise related to wildlife resources and recreation.
Arizona has recently seen an increase in the number of proposed and in-development solar
energy generation projects, including several in the vicinity of the proposed Hyder Solar facility.
Although each individual project may have a minimal impact on the broader landscape, these
projects cumulatively could result in substantial loss of habitat, impact wildlife movements, and
affect wildlife related recreation. It is important for this project to be evaluated in association
with other similar projects in the region. Long-term effects to wildlife can extend several
kilometers beyond the footprint of a project area ( Sawyer et al. 2022 ), and the Department
1
recommends that the County and Ellwood consider these effects in its evaluation of this
application. Department staff are available to assist in identifying potential cumulative impacts to
wildlife and associated voluntary conservation measures that can be implemented for the project.
During the planning process, the Department recommends surveys and monitoring be conducted
to determine species presence and potential conflicts. As referenced in Guidelines for Solar
Development in Arizona , these surveys should be of sufficient duration and intensity to
2
adequately assess all habitat types and potential species occurrence in and adjacent to the project
area. If this project is approved, Department staff are available to assist Ellwood in determining
appropriate design features and best management practices that can help minimize potential
impacts. The Department offers the following recommendations to reduce impacts to wildlife
and habitat:
● The endangered Sonoran pronghorn could occur in the project area and adjacent lands.
Sonoran pronghorn have specific habitat requirements based on their life history and
survival strategy. The Department would like to work with the County and Ellwood to
minimize any potential impacts to this species and requests coordination prior to
construction activities in order to exchange information on current Sonoran pronghorn
use in the project area. If pronghorn are detected during project activities, please notify
the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Arizona Ecological Services Office (AESO)
and the Department’s Sonoran Pronghorn Program Lead ( jbright@azgfd.gov ) as soon as
possible.
● Kit fox are likely to occur within the project area and could be influenced by loss of
habitat and connectivity. Surveys for this species are recommended to determine potential
impacts and to inform pre-construction activities. Department staff are available to assist
in identifying suitable conservation measures if foxes or their burrows are detected.
● The Sonoran desert tortoise, which is covered under a Candidate Conservation
Agreement (CCA), could occur in the project area. The Department recommends
conducting surveys, in accordance with the Desert Tortoise Survey Guidelines for
Environmental Consultants , to determine the presence of this species or its habitat. If
3
tortoises are identified, please refer to and implement the Recommended Standard
3 https://s3.amazonaws.com/azgfd-portal-wordpress/PortalImages/files/wildlife/2010SurveyguidelinesForConsultants.pdf
2 https://s3.amazonaws.com/azgfd-portal-wordpress/PortalImages/files/wildlife/planningFor/wildlifeFriendlyGuidelines/
FinalSolarGuidelines03122010.pdf
1 https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/fee.2498
AZGFD - Hyder Solar and Storage Project Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA2022009)
July 15, 2022
Page 3
Mitigation Measures for Projects in Sonoran Desert Tortoise Habitat and Guidelines for
4
Handling Sonoran Desert Tortoises Encountered on Development Projects .
5
● A number of other reptile and amphibian species have potential to occur in the project
vicinity, including Gila monster and lowland leopard frog, which are Arizona Species of
Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN). To the extent feasible, the Department recommends
avoiding areas where these species occur. If any are observed during construction
activities, the Department recommends moving them no more than 0.25 mile outside the
project boundary. To aid with possible relocations, the Department recommends that all
personnel take venomous reptile safety training from a reputable source so any Gila
monsters or rattlesnakes that may enter the site can be safely relocated out of harm’s way
without injury or mortality to the animal.
● Large-scale solar PV facilities can result in bird mortality due to habitat loss, collision
with panels, attraction due to an optical illusion of water, and unknown causes ( Kosciuch
et al. 2020 ). The Department recommends a qualified biologist survey for bird species
6
within the project area to better understand potential impacts from these projects.
Adjustments to panel spacing could help break up the illusion of water and reduce bird
mortality; research is currently being conducted to assess this mitigation option
(Wilkening and Rautenstrauch 2019 ). Additionally, the Department recommends surveys
7
for nesting birds be conducted prior to construction activities that occur during the
breeding season. The vegetation within the project area may provide nesting
opportunities for avian species that are regulated under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
(MBTA) and protected under state law. Breeding season for birds in this area is generally
mid-January through late June. If it is anticipated the project will not be in compliance
with MBTA, the Department recommends contacting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS) for their technical assistance. The USFWS will provide options to comply with
the MBTA.
● The western burrowing owl, a special status species that is regulated under the MBTA,
could occur within the project area. The Department recommends conducting occupancy
surveys for western burrowing owls throughout the project area to determine if this
species occurs within the project footprints. Guidelines for conducting this survey are
found in Burrowing Owl Project Clearance Guidance for Landowners . Please note that
8
the surveys should be conducted by a surveyor that is certified by the Department. If an
active burrowing owl burrow is detected, please contact the Department and the USFWS
for direction, in accordance with the guidelines.
● Bald eagles, which are regulated under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act
(BGEPA), could occur within the project area. If uncertain about the effects of the project
to eagles, or if it is anticipated the project will not be in compliance with the BGEPA, the
Department recommends contacting the USFWS for their Technical Assistance, as well
as Tuk Jacobson, the Department’s raptor expert, at raptors@azgfd.gov or 623-236-7575.
8 https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/speciesofgreatestconservneed/raptor-management/burrowing-owl-mangement/
7 Wilkening, J., and K. Rautenstrauch. 2019. Can solar farms be wildlife friendly? The Wildlife Professional 13(1):46–50.
6 https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0232034
5 https://s3.amazonaws.com/azgfd-portal-wordpress/PortalImages/files/wildlife/2014%20Tortoise%20handling%20guidelines.pdf
4 https://s3.amazonaws.com/azgfd-portal-wordpress/PortalImages/files/wildlife/MitigationMeasures.pdf
AZGFD - Hyder Solar and Storage Project Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA2022009)
July 15, 2022
Page 4
The USFWS and the Department will provide options to comply with the BGEPA, such
as conservation measures to avoid or minimize adverse effects to the eagles.
● Protected plant species, such as the golden cholla, have potential to occur within the
project area. The Department recommends conducting native plant surveys to identify
species protected under Arizona’s Native Plant Law. Please refer to Arizona's Native
Plant Law for regulations, a list of native plants that are protected, and information about
9
conducting a Native Plant Inventory.
● The southeastern portion of the project area contains several areas of riparian habitat. The
Arizona Game and Fish Commission and the Department recognize riparian habitats as
areas of environmental importance to wildlife. The Department encourages management
practices that will maintain current riparian areas so that there is no net loss of habitat,
including maintaining a 150-foot buffer around these areas and appropriate connections
for wildlife movement. Additional recommendations to maintain the integrity of riparian
areas can be found in these Riparian Area Guidelines .
10
Maintaining habitat connectivity is a high priority for the Department, and wildlife movement
corridors are important for wildlife to respond to changing environmental conditions. Attached
for your review and reference is the Heritage Data Management System (HDMS) Online
Environmental Review Tool (ERT) report (HGIS-16731). As identified in the report, this project
falls within two identified wildlife movement areas. If this project is approved, the Department is
available to share its expertise on measures to reduce impacts to connectivity, including the
following:
● The Department recommends conducting wildlife movement studies in the project area
and surrounding landscape to inform project design. Continued movement studies during
construction and post-construction can help assess the broader footprint of this project
and inform future conservation measures. Department staff are available to assist
Ellwood in determining the scope and timeline of these studies.
● The Department recommends maintaining open corridors across the project area to
facilitate wildlife movement. The Department is available to assist in development of the
site design to provide input on possible corridors and to discuss ways to maintain the
ephemeral washes that occur in the project area in their natural state. These washes serve
multiple functions in the ecosystem. Not only do they provide for hydrologic flow, which
is especially important in areas that receive infrequent and isolated precipitation events,
but these washes also contain crucial riparian habitat and serve as important
landscape-level conveyance corridors for wildlife movement.
● To the extent possible, the Department recommends retaining habitat features underneath
the panels, including vegetation and soils, instead of grading the entire site. The
topography in the majority of the site is flat and would require minimal trimming of
shrubs and existing vegetation to install the panels. Keeping the existing soil and root
structures intact would serve to minimize erosional run-off and help reduce biodiversity
loss within the site ( Grodsky and Hernandez 2020 ).
11
11 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-020-0574-x
10 https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/planning/wildlifeguidelines
9 https://agriculture.az.gov/sites/default/files/Native%20Plant%20Rules%20-%20AZ%20Dept%20of%20Ag.pdf
AZGFD - Hyder Solar and Storage Project Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA2022009)
July 15, 2022
Page 5
● The Department’s Wildlife Compatible Fencing Guidelines provide information on how
12
fencing impacts wildlife, ways to design fencing to prevent wildlife entanglement and
impalement, and to ensure wildlife movement is not restricted. Department personnel are
available as resources to help determine appropriate fencing design and layout that will
achieve its objective while reducing impact to wildlife, such as leaving a 6–8-inch gap
between the ground surface and bottom of the fence to allow for smaller wildlife species
to move freely through the area and make use of any habitat within the project boundary.
Finally, the Department recommends that potential impacts to recreation and Department access
for wildlife management activities be evaluated during the planning phase. The Department
prioritizes conserving existing access and modes of access for hunting, trapping, shooting,
wildlife watching, off-highway vehicle use, dispersed camping, and other responsible forms of
outdoor recreational use on public lands and remains available to assist with opportunities to
maintain access within the project footprint. .
Thank you for the opportunity to provide input on the Hyder Solar and Storage Project Major
Comprehensive Plan Amendment. For further coordination, please contact Tiffany Sprague at
tsprague@azgfd.gov or 623-236-7222.
Sincerely,
for
Luke Thompson
Habitat, Evaluation, and Lands Branch Chief
cc:
Michael Sumner - Regional Supervisor - Region IV
Tyler Williford, Region IV Habitat, Evaluation, and Lands Program Supervisor
Ginger Ritter - Project Evaluation Program Supervisor
Tiffany Sprague - Project Evaluation Program Specialist
Attachment:
Hyder Solar_HGIS-16731_20220705.pdf
AZGFD # M22-06205538
12 https://s3.amazonaws.com/azgfd-portal-wordpress/PortalImages/files/wildlife/planningFor/wildlifeFriendlyGuidelines/
110125_AGFD_fencing_guidelines.pdf
Arizona Environmental Online Review Tool Report
Arizona Game and Fish Department Mission
To conserve Arizona's diverse wildlife resources and manage for safe, compatible outdoor recreation
opportunities for current and future generations.
Project Name:
Hyder Solar and Storage Project - MCPA No. CPA2022009
User Project Number:
CPA2022009
Project Description:
request for a Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA) to change the future land use designation
from Rural (0 - 1 d.u./ac.) to Utilities for the Hyder Solar and Storage Project (the project). Ellwood Land
Holdings, LLC (Ellwood), as the Applicant, is proposing the construction and operation of an up to 500 megawatt
alternating current (MWac) electrical generation facility consisting of solar modules and a battery energy storage
system (BESS), collectively referred to as the project. The electrical generation capacity of the solar
(photovoltaic) project will be up to 500 MWac and the BESS would have a net power capacity of up to 500
MWac. The BESS will likely be designed to go through a single charge/discharge cycle on a 24-hour basis,
storing/discharging up to 2 gigawatt hours (GWh). The project may be developed in at least two phases. The
project would be located on up to 2,015 acres of land in unincorporated Maricopa County (County),
approximately 30 miles west of the Town of Gila Bend. The project is located adjacent to 3,619 acres that went
through the Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment process in 2021 (CPA #2021011). The entire area of 5,634
acres is intended to be developed for solar power generation and become a unified development.
Project Type:
Energy Storage/Production/Transfer, Energy Production (generation), photovoltaic solar facility (new)
Contact Person:
Tiffany Sprague
Organization:
Page 1 of 12
AZ Game and Fish Dept
On Behalf Of:
PRIVATE
Project ID:
HGIS-16731
Please review the entire report for project type and/or species recommendations for the location information
entered. Please retain a copy for future reference.
Page 2 of 12
Arizona Game and Fish Department
project_report_hyder_solar_storage_project_52040_53694.pdf
Project ID: HGIS-16731
Review Date: 7/5/2022 12:58:33 PM
Disclaimer:
1. This Environmental Review is based on the project study area that was entered. The report must be updated if
the project study area, location, or the type of project changes.
2. This is a preliminary environmental screening tool. It is not a substitute for the potential knowledge gained by
having a biologist conduct a field survey of the project area. This review is also not intended to replace
environmental consultation (including federal consultation under the Endangered Species Act), land use
permitting, or the Departments review of site-specific projects.
3. The Departments Heritage Data Management System (HDMS) data is not intended to include potential
distribution of special status species. Arizona is large and diverse with plants, animals, and environmental
conditions that are ever changing. Consequently, many areas may contain species that biologists do not know
about or species previously noted in a particular area may no longer occur there. HDMS data contains
information about species occurrences that have actually been reported to the Department. Not all of Arizona has
been surveyed for special status species, and surveys that have been conducted have varied greatly in scope
and intensity. Such surveys may reveal previously undocumented population of species of special concern.
4. HabiMap Arizona data, specifically Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) under our State Wildlife
Action Plan (SWAP) and Species of Economic and Recreational Importance (SERI), represent potential species
distribution models for the State of Arizona which are subject to ongoing change, modification and refinement.
The status of a wildlife resource can change quickly, and the availability of new data will necessitate a refined
assessment.
Locations Accuracy Disclaimer:
Project locations are assumed to be both precise and accurate for the purposes of environmental review. The
creator/owner of the Project Review Report is solely responsible for the project location and thus the correctness of the
Project Review Report content.
Page 3 of 12
Arizona Game and Fish Department
project_report_hyder_solar_storage_project_52040_53694.pdf
Project ID: HGIS-16731
Review Date: 7/5/2022 12:58:33 PM
Recommendations Disclaimer:
1. The Department is interested in the conservation of all fish and wildlife resources, including those species listed
in this report and those that may have not been documented within the project vicinity as well as other game and
nongame wildlife.
2. Recommendations have been made by the Department, under authority of Arizona Revised Statutes Title 5
(Amusements and Sports), 17 (Game and Fish), and 28 (Transportation).
3. Potential impacts to fish and wildlife resources may be minimized or avoided by the recommendations generated
from information submitted for your proposed project. These recommendations are preliminary in scope,
designed to provide early considerations on all species of wildlife.
4. Making this information directly available does not substitute for the Department's review of project proposals,
and should not decrease our opportunity to review and evaluate additional project information and/or new project
proposals.
5. Further coordination with the Department requires the submittal of this Environmental Review Report with a cover
letter and project plans or documentation that includes project narrative, acreage to be impacted, how
construction or project activity(s) are to be accomplished, and project locality information (including site map).
Once AGFD had received the information, please allow 30 days for completion of project reviews. Send requests
to:
Project Evaluation Program, Habitat Branch
Arizona Game and Fish Department
5000 West Carefree Highway
Phoenix, Arizona 85086-5000
Phone Number: (623) 236-7600
Fax Number: (623) 236-7366
Or
PEP@azgfd.gov
6. Coordination may also be necessary under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and/or Endangered
Species Act (ESA). Site specific recommendations may be proposed during further NEPA/ESA analysis or
through coordination with affected agencies
Page 4 of 12
Arizona Game and Fish Department
project_report_hyder_solar_storage_project_52040_53694.pdf
Project ID: HGIS-16731
Review Date: 7/5/2022 12:58:33 PM
Page 5 of 12
Arizona Game and Fish Department
project_report_hyder_solar_storage_project_52040_53694.pdf
Project ID: HGIS-16731
Review Date: 7/5/2022 12:58:33 PM
Page 6 of 12
Arizona Game and Fish Department
project_report_hyder_solar_storage_project_52040_53694.pdf
Project ID: HGIS-16731
Review Date: 7/5/2022 12:58:33 PM
Page 7 of 12
Arizona Game and Fish Department
project_report_hyder_solar_storage_project_52040_53694.pdf
Project ID: HGIS-16731
Review Date: 7/5/2022 12:58:33 PM
Page 8 of 12
Arizona Game and Fish Department
project_report_hyder_solar_storage_project_52040_53694.pdf
Project ID: HGIS-16731
Review Date: 7/5/2022 12:58:33 PM
Special Status Species Documented within 5 Miles of Project Vicinity
Scientific Name
Common Name
FWS
USFS
BLM
NPL
SGCN
Antilocapra americana sonoriensis
Sonoran Pronghorn
LE,XN
S
1A
Cylindropuntia echinocarpa
Golden Cholla
SR
Heloderma suspectum
Gila Monster
1A
Note: Status code definitions can be found at https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/planning/wildlifeguidelines/statusdefinitions/
.
Special Areas Documented that Intersect with Project Footprint as Drawn
Scientific Name
Common Name
FWS
USFS
BLM
NPL
SGCN
Copper Wash
Maricopa County Wildlife Movement
Area - Riparian/Wash
Gila River
Maricopa County Wildlife Movement
Area - Riparian/Wash
Note: Status code definitions can be found at https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/planning/wildlifeguidelines/statusdefinitions/
.
Species of Greatest Conservation Need Predicted that Intersect with Project Footprint as Drawn, based on
Predicted Range Models
Scientific Name
Common Name
FWS
USFS
BLM
NPL
SGCN
Aix sponsa
Wood Duck
1B
Ammospermophilus harrisii
Harris' Antelope Squirrel
1B
Anthus spragueii
Sprague's Pipit
SC
1A
Aquila chrysaetos
Golden Eagle
BGA
S
1B
Botaurus lentiginosus
American Bittern
1B
Buteo regalis
Ferruginous Hawk
SC
S
1B
Calypte costae
Costa's Hummingbird
1C
Castor canadensis
American Beaver
1B
Charadrius montanus
Mountain Plover
SC
1B
Chilomeniscus stramineus
Variable Sandsnake
1B
Colaptes chrysoides
Gilded Flicker
S
1B
Corynorhinus townsendii pallescens Pale Townsend's Big-eared Bat
SC
S
S
1B
Crotaphytus nebrius
Sonoran Collared Lizard
1B
Euderma maculatum
Spotted Bat
SC
S
S
1B
Eumops perotis californicus
Greater Western Bonneted Bat
SC
S
1B
Gopherus morafkai
Sonoran Desert Tortoise
CCA
S
S
1A
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Bald Eagle
SC,
BGA
S
S
1A
Heloderma suspectum
Gila Monster
1A
Incilius alvarius
Sonoran Desert Toad
1B
Lasiurus xanthinus
Western Yellow Bat
S
1B
Lithobates yavapaiensis
Lowland Leopard Frog
SC
S
S
1A
Page 9 of 12
Arizona Game and Fish Department
project_report_hyder_solar_storage_project_52040_53694.pdf
Project ID: HGIS-16731
Review Date: 7/5/2022 12:58:33 PM
Species of Greatest Conservation Need Predicted that Intersect with Project Footprint as Drawn, based on
Predicted Range Models
Scientific Name
Common Name
FWS
USFS
BLM
NPL
SGCN
Macrotus californicus
California Leaf-nosed Bat
SC
S
1B
Melanerpes uropygialis
Gila Woodpecker
1B
Melospiza lincolnii
Lincoln's Sparrow
1B
Melozone aberti
Abert's Towhee
S
1B
Myotis velifer
Cave Myotis
SC
S
1B
Myotis yumanensis
Yuma Myotis
SC
1B
Nyctinomops femorosaccus
Pocketed Free-tailed Bat
1B
Oreoscoptes montanus
Sage Thrasher
1C
Oreothlypis luciae
Lucy's Warbler
1C
Passerculus sandwichensis
Savannah Sparrow
1B
Perognathus longimembris
Little Pocket Mouse
No
Status
1B
Rallus obsoletus yumanensis
Yuma Ridgway's Rail
LE
1A
Spizella breweri
Brewer's Sparrow
1C
Tadarida brasiliensis
Brazilian Free-tailed Bat
1B
Toxostoma lecontei
LeConte's Thrasher
S
1B
Troglodytes pacificus
Pacific Wren
1B
Vireo bellii arizonae
Arizona Bell's Vireo
1B
Vulpes macrotis
Kit Fox
No
Status
1B
Species of Economic and Recreation Importance Predicted that Intersect with Project Footprint as Drawn
Scientific Name
Common Name
FWS
USFS
BLM
NPL
SGCN
Callipepla gambelii
Gambel's Quail
Odocoileus hemionus
Mule Deer
Pecari tajacu
Javelina
Puma concolor
Mountain Lion
Zenaida asiatica
White-winged Dove
Zenaida macroura
Mourning Dove
Page 10 of 12
Arizona Game and Fish Department
project_report_hyder_solar_storage_project_52040_53694.pdf
Project ID: HGIS-16731
Review Date: 7/5/2022 12:58:33 PM
Project Type: Energy Storage/Production/Transfer, Energy Production (generation), photovoltaic solar facility
(new)
Project Type Recommendations:
During the planning stages of your project, please consider the local or regional needs of wildlife in regards to movement,
connectivity, and access to habitat needs. Loss of this permeability prevents wildlife from accessing resources, finding
mates, reduces gene flow, prevents wildlife from re-colonizing areas where local extirpations may have occurred, and
ultimately prevents wildlife from contributing to ecosystem functions, such as pollination, seed dispersal, control of prey
numbers, and resistance to invasive species. In many cases, streams and washes provide natural movement corridors
for wildlife and should be maintained in their natural state. Uplands also support a large diversity of species, and should
be contained within important wildlife movement corridors. In addition, maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem functions
can be facilitated through improving designs of structures, fences, roadways, and culverts to promote passage for a
variety of wildlife. Guidelines for many of these can be found
at: https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/planning/wildlifeguidelines/.
Consider impacts of outdoor lighting on wildlife and develop measures or alternatives that can be taken to increase
human safety while minimizing potential impacts to wildlife. Conduct wildlife surveys to determine species within project
area, and evaluate proposed activities based on species biology and natural history to determine if artificial lighting may
disrupt behavior patterns or habitat use. Use only the minimum amount of light needed for safety. Narrow spectrum bulbs
should be used as often as possible to lower the range of species affected by lighting. All lighting should be shielded,
canted, or cut to ensure that light reaches only areas needing illumination.
Minimize the potential introduction or spread of exotic invasive species, including aquatic and terrestrial plants, animals,
insects and pathogens. Precautions should be taken to wash and/or decontaminate all equipment utilized in the project
activities before entering and leaving the site. See the Arizona Department of Agriculture website for a list of prohibited
and restricted noxious weeds at https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/unitedstates/az.shtml and the Arizona Native Plant
Society https://aznps.com/invas for recommendations on how to control. To view a list of documented invasive species or
to report invasive species in or near your project area visit iMapInvasives - a national cloud-based application for tracking
and managing invasive species at https://imap.natureserve.org/imap/services/page/map.html.
To build a list: zoom to your area of interest, use the identify/measure tool to draw a polygon around your area of
interest, and select “See What’s Here” for a list of reported species. To export the list, you must have an
account and be logged in. You can then use the export tool to draw a boundary and export the records in a csv
file.
Minimization and mitigation of impacts to wildlife and fish species due to changes in water quality, quantity, chemistry,
temperature, and alteration to flow regimes (timing, magnitude, duration, and frequency of floods) should be evaluated.
Minimize impacts to springs, in-stream flow, and consider irrigation improvements to decrease water use. If dredging is a
project component, consider timing of the project in order to minimize impacts to spawning fish and other aquatic species
(include spawning seasons), and to reduce spread of exotic invasive species. We recommend early direct coordination
with Project Evaluation Program for projects that could impact water resources, wetlands, streams, springs, and/or
riparian habitats.
The Department recommends that wildlife surveys are conducted to determine if noise-sensitive species occur within the
project area. Avoidance or minimization measures could include conducting project activities outside of breeding
seasons.
Page 11 of 12
Arizona Game and Fish Department
project_report_hyder_solar_storage_project_52040_53694.pdf
Project ID: HGIS-16731
Review Date: 7/5/2022 12:58:33 PM
For any powerlines built, proper design and construction of the transmission line is necessary to prevent or minimize risk
of electrocution of raptors, owls, vultures, and golden or bald eagles, which are protected under state and federal laws.
Limit project activities during the breeding season for birds, generally March through late August, depending on species
in the local area (raptors breed in early February through May). Conduct avian surveys to determine bird species that
may be utilizing the area and develop a plan to avoid disturbance during the nesting season. For underground
powerlines, trenches should be covered or back-filled as soon as possible. Incorporate escape ramps in ditches or
fencing along the perimeter to deter small mammals and herptefauna (snakes, lizards, tortoise) from entering ditches. In
addition, indirect affects to wildlife due to construction (timing of activity, clearing of rights-of-way, associated bridges and
culverts, affects to wetlands, fences) should also be considered and mitigated.
Based on the project type entered, coordination with State Historic Preservation Office may be required
(http://azstateparks.com/SHPO/index.html).
Based on the project type entered, coordination with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Migratory Bird Treaty Act) may be
required (https://www.fws.gov/office/arizona-ecological-services).
Vegetation restoration projects (including treatments of invasive or exotic species) should have a completed site-
evaluation plan (identifying environmental conditions necessary to re-establish native vegetation), a revegetation plan
(species, density, method of establishment), a short and long-term monitoring plan, including adaptive management
guidelines to address needs for replacement vegetation.
The Department requests further coordination to provide project/species specific recommendations, please
contact Project Evaluation Program directly at PEP@azgfd.gov.
Project Location and/or Species Recommendations:
HDMS records indicate that one or more native plants listed on the Arizona Native Plant Law and Antiquities Act have
been documented within the vicinity of your project area. Please contact:
Arizona Department of Agriculture
1688 W Adams St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602.542.4373
https://agriculture.az.gov/sites/default/files/Native%20Plant%20Rules%20-%20AZ%20Dept%20of%20Ag.pdf starts on
page 44
Analysis indicates that your project is located in the vicinity of an identified wildlife habitat connectivity feature. The
County-level Stakeholder Assessments contain five categories of data (Barrier/Development, Wildlife Crossing Area,
Wildlife Movement Area- Diffuse, Wildlife movement Area- Landscape, Wildlife Movement Area- Riparian/Washes) that
provide a context of select anthropogenic barriers, and potential connectivity. The reports provide recommendations for
opportunities to preserve or enhance permeability. Project planning and implementation efforts should focus on
maintaining and improving opportunities for wildlife permeability. For information pertaining to the linkage assessment
and wildlife species that may be affected, please refer
to: https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/planning/habitatconnectivity/identifying-corridors/.
Please contact the Project Evaluation Program (pep@azgfd.gov) for specific project recommendations.
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)
Page 12 of 12
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
AIR EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMAND
15 September 2022
Mr. Christopher P. Toale
Director, Community Initiatives Team
56th Fighter Wing
14185 W. Falcon Street
Luke AFB AZ 85309-1629
Mr. Adam Cannon
Maricopa County Planning & Development Department
501 North 44th Street, Suite 200
Phoenix, AZ 85008
Re: Hyder Solar and Storage 2nd Letter (APNs: 401-85-044 thru 403-29-123C)
Dear Mr. Cannon
At the request of the Hyder Solar and Storage Development Team, Luke AFB would like to offer
the following comments regarding the Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application which proposes a
land use designation change from Rural Residential to Utilities. The site sits on approximately 2,015
acres and is located 30 miles west of the city of Gila Bend, bounded by Hyder Rd and Agua Caliente Rd
in unincorporated Maricopa County, AZ. The applicant is proposing the future construction and
operation of a 500-megawatt electrical generation facility consisting of solar modules and a battery
energy storage system (BESS).
The land designation change from Rural Residential to Utilities will not affect Luke AFB flying
operations; however, we request the right to comment further as construction plans are submitted to
County Planning to determine if any structural impacts exist. The site is located under several Military
Training Routes (MTR) and therefore we requested the applicant submit for an informal review through
the DoD Siting Clearinghouse for Energy, Installations, and Environment. Luke AFB is aware this
submission was done by the applicant on 18 Aug 2022.
If you have any questions, please contact my Community Planner, Mr. Mark James at
(623) 856-9981.
Sincerely
CHRISTOPHER P. TOALE
cc:
Colonel Keagan L. McLeese, Vice Commander, 56th Fighter Wing
Mr. Timothy A. Forero, GS-13, General Law Attorney, 56th Fighter Wing
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
AIR EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMAND
8 August 2022
Mr. Christopher P. Toale
Director, Community Initiatives Team
56th Fighter Wing
14185 W. Falcon Street
Luke AFB AZ 85309-1629
Mr. Adam Cannon
Maricopa County Planning & Development Department
501 North 44th Street, Suite 200
Phoenix, AZ 85008
RE: CPA2022009; Hyder Solar and Storage (APNs: 401-85-044 thru 403-29-123C)
Dear Mr. Cannon
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application
to change the land use designation from Rural to Utilities in order to develop and operate a solar
generating and storage facility. The site sits on approximately 2,015 acres and is located 30 miles west of
the city of Gila Bend, bounded by Hyder Rd and Agua Caliente Rd in unincorporated Maricopa County,
AZ. The applicant is proposing the construction and operation of a 500-megawatt electrical generation
facility consisting of solar modules and a battery energy storage system (BESS).
The site is located under several Military Training Routes (MTR) and therefore requires further
review as it could possibly impact the flying operations of Luke AFB. Please ensure the project is
submitted for an informal review through the DoD Siting Clearinghouse for Energy, Installations, and
Environment. Please send the project narrative for review to: osd.dod-siting-clearinghouse@mail.mil.
This response is conditional upon their approval/input.
If you have any questions, please contact my Community Planner, Mr. Mark James at
(623) 856-9981.
Sincerely
CHRISTOPHER P. TOALE
cc:
Colonel Keagan L. McLeese, Vice Commander, 56th Fighter Wing
Mr. Charles E. Buchanan, Director Range Management Office, 56th Fighter Wing
Mr. Timothy A. Forero, GS-13, General Law Attorney, 56th Fighter Wing
From:
JAMES, MARK C GS-12 USAF AETC 56 FW/CVE
To:
Adam Cannon (PND)
Subject:
[WARNING: ATTACHMENT UNSCANNED]DoD Siting Clearinghouse Review Process
Date:
Thursday, July 28, 2022 8:05:29 AM
Adam,
Per our convo yesterday, please see below process to ensure solar applicants
have the right information for their project. Thanks
Informal Review info:
https://www.acq.osd.mil/dodsc/about/faq.html
Informal reviews are recommended early in the siting process. The Military
Aviation and Installation Assurance Siting Clearinghouse recognizes there
may be no definitive plans at this point, but early engagement is key in
preventing issues during the formal review process. The goal of an informal
review is to identify areas of potential impact and, once identified, refer
the proponent to the proper DoD stakeholder for further discussion.
To request an informal review, please send the following information to the
Military Aviation and Installation Assurance Siting Clearinghouse at
osd.dod-siting-clearinghouse@mail.mil. At a minimum, anyone requesting an
informal review must provide:
1. Contact information, including the name of the company, vendor or
developer, as well as address, city, state and zip code; project point of
contact, including first and last name; contact phone, fax, and email; and
project name, nearest city or county, and state.
2. The geographic location of the project, including its latitude and
longitude.
3. The nature of the project (e.g., wind, solar).
In order to provide the most expeditious review, the following information
is recommended:
1. Contact information, including the name of the company, vendor or
developer, as well as address, city, state and zip code; project point of
contact, including first and last name; contact phone, fax, and email; and
project name, nearest city or county, and state.
2. The geographic location of the project, including latitude and longitude:
Please include Lat/Longs in DMS (Degrees, Minutes, Seconds) for each turbine
tower in Excel format and a map of the project in PowerPoint or Adobe pdf
format, if possible.
3. The nature of the project (e.g., wind, solar) and the following
information:
a. Number of Structures
b. Wind Turbine: Include turbine height, hub height, blade tip height, and
turbine farm layout
c. Solar: Include solar tower or panel height, solar layout, and solar array
acreage, with map
d. Geothermal: Include geothermal layout/acreage, with map
e. Transmission, Utility, and Power Lines: Height and type of structure(s),
substation(s) tie-in, if known, KV of line(s), and map of route
f. BLM ID, NEPA number, or any Federal/State/Local identifiers, if
applicable
g. Associated transmission/lines for project and obstructions to structure
(guideline supports, lighting)
h. Intended grid connection with location (DMS)
i. Shapefile for project (Lat/Longs in DMS and decimals)
Respectfully,
Mark James
56th Fighter Wing, Community Initiatives Team
Luke AFB AZ 85309
Office: 623-856-9981
DSN: 896-9981
3636 Executive Center Drive, Ste. 100
Austin, TX 78731
www.woodplc.com
NOTICE OF TRANSMITTAL
TO:
Military Aviation and Installation Assurance
Siting Clearinghouse
DATE:
August 18, 2022
osd.dod-siting-clearinghouse@mail.mil
PROJECT NO.:
24777505
PROJECT NAME:
Hyder Energy Center
ATTEN
TION:
Mark James
56th Fighter Wing, Community Initiatives Team
Luke AFB AZ 85309
Office: 623-856-9981
DSN: 896-9981
SUBMITTED BY:
Erin Cozart
Erin.Cozart@woodplc.com
Phone: (512) 670-6152
THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENTS AND/OR DRAWINGS ARE SUBMITTED:
FOR YOUR APPROVAL
AS REQUESTED
FOR YOUR REVIEW AND COMMENT
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
FOR YOUR SIGNATURE
Military Aviation and Installation Assurance Siting Clearinghouse
Informal Review Request
Hyder Energy Center Project
Maricopa County, Arizona
NUMBER OF
COPIES
DESCRIPTION:
1
Military Aviation and Installation Assurance Siting Clearinghouse Informal
Review Request
1
Figure 1 - Solar Project Map
1
Exhibit A – Typical Structures
BY:
Erin Cozart
Project Manager
Military Aviation and Installation Assurance Siting Clearinghouse
Informal Review Request
Hyder Energy Center Project
Maricopa County, Arizona
Project Name:
Hyder Energy Center
Wood Project No.
247775
Wood Project Contact: Erin Cozart
(512) 670-6152
erin.cozart@woodplc.com
Prepared for:
Hyder Energy Center, LLC
422 Admiral Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64106.
Prepared by:
Wood.
3636 Executive Center Drive, Ste. 100
Austin, TX 78731
August 15, 2022
Military Aviation and Installation Assurance Siting Clearinghouse
Informal Review Request
August 15, 2022
Page ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
PROJECT DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................................................. 1
2
OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION ......................................................................................................................... 2
List of Figures
Figure 1
Solar Project Map
List of Exhibits
Exhibit A
Typical Structures
Military Aviation and Installation Assurance Siting Clearinghouse
Informal Review Request
August 15, 2022
Page 1
1
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
This narrative report addresses the required information to support the request for an informal review by
the Military Aviation and Installation Assurance Siting Clearinghouse to evaluate mission compatibility of
the Hyder Energy Center Project (the Project). Hyder Energy Center, LLC, as the Applicant, is proposing the
construction and operation of an up to 800 MWac electrical generation facility consisting of solar modules
and energy storage system (ESS), collectively referred to as the Project. The electrical generation capacity
of the solar (photovoltaic) Project will be up to 800 MWac and the ESS would store solar power for up to
six hours post-sunset. The Project may be developed in two or more phases. The Project would be located
on up to 5,634 acres of land in unincorporated Maricopa County, approximately 30 miles west of the Town
of Gila Bend, Arizona. A large portion of the 5,634 acres is intended to be developed for solar power
generation and become a unified development (see Figure 1). The table below describes past and current
land entitlement permitting for both phases of the Project.
Name
Description
Size in Acres
Phase 1 – previously
approved
2021 Maricopa County Major Comprehensive
Plan Amendment (CPA2021011)
3,619
Phase 2 – application in
progress
2022 Maricopa County Major Comprehensive
Plan Amendment (CPA2022009)
2,015
Combined Project
Phases 1 & 2
5,634
Generally, the center of the Project is located at Hyder Road and Agua Caliente Road at (33°02’10”N,
113°18’23”W). The site is bounded by Butterfield Stage Road to the north, the Gila River to the east and
south, and the Maricopa and Yuma County boundary to the west. The Project will interconnect to the 500kV
Hoodoo Wash - Hassayampa line transmission line, located 0.4 miles north of Hyder Road. The Project
would include up to 1,100,000 solar modules, rated at 655 watts direct current (dc) per module, and
mounted on single-axis trackers (Figure 1, Detail A). The solar array will reach up to approximately 15 feet
above ground when fully tilted. In addition to the installation of solar modules, the Project would include
the construction of a Project substation, ESS, and operation and maintenance (O&M) building located on
up to 45 acres near the NW corner of Agua Caliente and Hyder Roads and will measure up to 40’ in height.
All other utilities will be located underground. Minimal lighting will be required for the O&M building and
ESS.
The Project will interconnect at (33°02’21.84”N, 113°18’34.85”W) to the existing 500kV Hoodoo Wash –
Hassayampa transmission lines owned by San Diego Gas & Electric and controlled through the California
Independent System Operator, located 0.4 mile north of Hyder Road. The existing 500kV transmission lines
are mounted on tall lattice towers, and no work is anticipated on them. The Project interconnect would be
a short span, anticipated up to 200 feet in length (Figure 1, Detail B) that would connect to a to-be-
constructed new 500kV tap switchyard, 150-160 feet in height, between two existing lattice towers similar
to the configuration shown in Exhibit A. The expected maximum net output, at the proposed point of
Military Aviation and Installation Assurance Siting Clearinghouse
Informal Review Request
August 15, 2022
Page 2
interconnection from the combined solar modules and ESS is up to 800 MWac. The design life of the Project
is anticipated to be 40 years.
2
OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION
Hyder Energy Center, LLC (Applicant), and its consultant, Wood, are available to provide any additional
information requested by Military Aviation and Installation Assurance Siting Clearinghouse staff.
Figures
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Hyder Rd
E Palomas Rd
Yuma County
Maricopa County
Agua Caliente Rd
County 15th St N
County 17th St N
County 16th St N
County 14th St N
Gila Mountain Rd
Ave 76E
Farm 57100W
Farm 49200S
Farm 50000S
W Farm 42800S
S Farm 58700W
HASSAYAMPA - GILA
HOODOO WASH - HASSAYAMPA
Existing Utility Scale
Solar Facility
Gila River
33°3'30"N
33°3'N
33°2'30"N
33°2'N
33°1'30"N
33°1'N
33°0'30"N
33°N
33°3'30"N
33°3'N
33°2'30"N
33°2'N
33°1'30"N
33°1'N
33°0'30"N
33°N
32°59'30"N
113°15'W
113°15'30"W
113°16'W
113°16'30"W
113°17'W
113°17'30"W
113°18'W
113°18'30"W
113°19'W
113°19'30"W
113°20'W
113°20'30"W
113°21'W
113°21'30"W
113°22'W
113°15'W
113°15'30"W
113°16'W
113°16'30"W
113°17'W
113°17'30"W
113°18'W
113°18'30"W
113°19'W
113°19'30"W
113°20'W
113°20'30"W
113°21'W
113°21'30"W
113°22'W
Legend
Solar Array
5,634 acres
1,100,000 solar modules
BESS/O&M Area Footprint
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500kV Transmission Line
Grid Connection Point
Path: X:\Projects\2021 Projects\1420212013 Hyder Solar and Storage MCPA\MXD\Pre-Application 2022\HyderMCPA_Figures.aprx
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Yuma
Gila
Bend
Quartzite
Buckeye
Site Location
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60
£
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60
£
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95
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10
§¨¦
8
Vicinity Map
0
6,000
3,000
Feet
±
Solar Project Map
Hyder Solar and Storage Project
Maricopa County, Arizona
The map shown here has been created with all due and reasonable care and is strictly for use with
Wood Project Number 14-2021-2013. This map has not been certified by a licensed land surveyor,
and any third party use of this map comes without warranties of any kind. Wood assumes no liability,
direct or indirect, whatsoever for any such third party or unintended use.
14-2021-2013
EC
8/4/2022
1" = 3,000 feet
Job No.
PM:
Date:
Scale:
Figure
1
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Grid
Connection
BESS
Warehouse
Switchyard
O&M
Building
Transmission
Line Route
HASSAYAMPA - GILA
HOODOO WASH - HASSAYAMPA
Hyder Rd
Agua Caliente Rd
Detail B
See Exhibit A
300
Feet
Detail A
Exhibits
Exhibit A – Typical Structures
From:
Townes, Daniel W CTR OSD OUSD A-S (USA)
To:
Skulstad, Jennifer
Cc:
Knox, Richard; James, Mark C CIV (USA); OSD Pentagon OUSD A-S Mailbox ASD EIE-RP-SC; Cozart, Erin
Subject:
RE: Clearinghouse Tracking Number 2022-08-S-DEV-16
Date:
Wednesday, September 28, 2022 11:18:41 AM
Attachments:
image006.png
image007.png
image008.png
image009.png
image010.png
Good afternoon Ms.Skulstad,
Our apologies for the delay.
We have received responses from all DoD services except the Army. They were pinged Friday (9/23)
and again this morning at 11:33am EST. Once they respond, I should be able to have a response
letter drafted, signed and sent to you within 24 hours. I hope to have something to you by Friday if
not sooner.
Again our apologies. Thank you for your patience.
Respectfully,
Dan Townes
Military Aviation and Installation Assurance Siting Clearinghouse
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Sustainment)
Desk: 571-372-8414 (temporarily unavailable)
NIPR: daniel.w.townes.ctr@mail.mil
From: Skulstad, Jennifer <jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com>
Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2022 2:05 PM
To: Townes, Daniel W CTR OSD OUSD A-S (USA) <daniel.w.townes.ctr@mail.mil>
Cc: Knox, Richard <richard.knox@woodplc.com>; James, Mark C CIV (USA)
<mark.james.14@us.af.mil>; OSD Pentagon OUSD A-S Mailbox ASD EIE-RP-SC <osd.pentagon.ousd-a-
s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-sc@mail.mil>; Cozart, Erin <erin.cozart@woodplc.com>
Subject: [URL Verdict: Unknown][Non-DoD Source] RE: Clearinghouse Tracking Number 2022-08-S-
DEV-16
All active links contained in this email were disabled. Please verify the identity of the sender,
and confirm the authenticity of all links contained within the message prior to copying and
pasting the address to a Web browser.
Hi Dan:
I hope you day is going well. I realize that it has only been 5 weeks since our application and the 50
days for your review isn’t up until October 11th but we are submitting a revised document to the
county and I wanted to see if there was any update on the status of the review that we could
include.
Thanks so much!
Yours,
Jennifer Skulstad
Senior Project Development Coordinator
Mobile: (480) 205-7870
Caution-www.woodplc.com < Caution-www.woodplc.com >
From: Townes, Daniel W CTR OSD OUSD A-S (USA) <daniel.w.townes.ctr@mail.mil>
Sent: Thursday, September 8, 2022 9:42 AM
To: Skulstad, Jennifer <jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com>
Cc: Knox, Richard <richard.knox@woodplc.com>; James, Mark C CIV (USA)
<mark.james.14@us.af.mil>; OSD Pentagon OUSD A-S Mailbox ASD EIE-RP-SC <osd.pentagon.ousd-a-
s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-sc@mail.mil>
Subject: RE: Clearinghouse Tracking Number 2022-08-S-DEV-16
Good afternoon Ms.Skulstad,
The review request for the Hyder Energy Center project is still in process and on schedule. Federal
law gives us 50 calendar days to respond to informal review requests. However, we usually
complete them in about 4 weeks or so (depending on the current workload).
I’ll be sure to contact you once the review has been completed. If you haven’t received anything
from me by Monday, September 26th, please contact me.
Thank you again for the opportunity to review your project.
Respectfully,
Dan Townes
Military Aviation and Installation Assurance Siting Clearinghouse
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Sustainment)
Desk: 571-372-8414(temporarily unavailable)
NIPR: daniel.w.townes.ctr@mail.mil < Caution-mailto:daniel.w.townes.ctr@mail.mil >
From: Skulstad, Jennifer <jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com < Caution-
mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com > >
Sent: Thursday, September 8, 2022 12:08 PM
To: Townes, Daniel W CTR OSD OUSD A-S (USA) <daniel.w.townes.ctr@mail.mil < Caution-
mailto:daniel.w.townes.ctr@mail.mil > >; OSD Pentagon OUSD A-S Mailbox ASD EIE-RP-SC
<osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-sc@mail.mil < Caution-mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-
rp-sc@mail.mil > >
Cc: Knox, Richard <richard.knox@woodplc.com < Caution-mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com > >; James,
Mark C CIV (USA) <mark.james.14@us.af.mil < Caution-mailto:mark.james.14@us.af.mil > >
Subject: [URL Verdict: Unknown][Non-DoD Source] Clearinghouse Tracking Number 2022-08-S-DEV-
16
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and confirm the authenticity of all links contained within the message prior to copying and
pasting the address to a Web browser.
Good morning Dan:
I’m wondering if you could provide a status update or estimated completion date for our request for
an informal review (2022-08-S-DEV-16).
Also, if you require any other information, I would be happy to provide it.
Yours,
Jennifer Skulstad
Senior Project Development Coordinator
Mobile: (480) 205-7870
Caution-www.woodplc.com < Caution-
www.woodplc.com >
From: Townes, Daniel W CTR OSD OUSD A-S (USA) <daniel.w.townes.ctr@mail.mil < Caution-
mailto:daniel.w.townes.ctr@mail.mil > >
Sent: Monday, August 22, 2022 4:00 AM
To: Skulstad, Jennifer <jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com < Caution-
mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com > >
Cc: Knox, Richard <richard.knox@woodplc.com < Caution-mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com > >
Subject: RE: Informal Clearinghouse Review Request
Good morning Skulstad,
Thank you. We’ll get started on this right away.
Respectfully,
Dan Townes
Military Aviation and Installation Assurance Siting Clearinghouse
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Sustainment)
Desk: 571-372-8414(temporarily unavailable)
NIPR: daniel.w.townes.ctr@mail.mil < Caution-mailto:daniel.w.townes.ctr@mail.mil > < Caution-
mailto:daniel.w.townes.ctr@mail.mil >
From: Skulstad, Jennifer <jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com < Caution-
mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com < Caution-mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com > > >
Sent: Friday, August 19, 2022 3:54 PM
To: Townes, Daniel W CTR OSD OUSD A-S (USA) <daniel.w.townes.ctr@mail.mil < Caution-
mailto:daniel.w.townes.ctr@mail.mil < Caution-mailto:daniel.w.townes.ctr@mail.mil %3c Caution-
mailto:daniel.w.townes.ctr@mail.mil > > >
Cc: Knox, Richard <richard.knox@woodplc.com < Caution-
mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com < Caution-mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com > > >
Subject: [URL Verdict: Unknown][Non-DoD Source] RE: Informal Clearinghouse Review Request
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and confirm the authenticity of all links contained within the message prior to copying and
pasting the address to a Web browser.
Hi Dan:
Thank you for clarifying that. I have checked with our client, the Applicant, who expects anti-
reflective coating to be applied on to the modules at the factory.
Please let me know if there is anything else you need from us to start your review.
Yours,
Jennifer Skulstad
Senior Project Development Coordinator
Mobile: (480) 205-7870
Caution-www.woodplc.com < Caution-
www.woodplc.com >
From: Townes, Daniel W CTR OSD OUSD A-S (USA) <daniel.w.townes.ctr@mail.mil < Caution-
mailto:daniel.w.townes.ctr@mail.mil < Caution-mailto:daniel.w.townes.ctr@mail.mil %3c Caution-
mailto:daniel.w.townes.ctr@mail.mil > > >
Sent: Friday, August 19, 2022 10:01 AM
To: Skulstad, Jennifer <jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com < Caution-
mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com < Caution-mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com > > >
Cc: Knox, Richard <richard.knox@woodplc.com < Caution-
mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com < Caution-mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com > > >
Subject: RE: Informal Clearinghouse Review Request
Hello Ms. Skulstad,
No. We are just verifying that the panels are/will be anti-reflective as we have recently encountered
arrays consisting of panels that were supposed to be photovoltaic but aren’t doing a good job of
absorbing light. The glint/glare can sometimes impact new pilots training in the area so we are now
verifying this information upfront.
Our website will soon be updated to reflect this new requirement. Your tracking is 2022-08-S-DEV-
16 which we will include in our response letter once the informal review has been completed.
Thank you for the verification.
Respectfully,
Dan Townes
Military Aviation and Installation Assurance Siting Clearinghouse
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Sustainment)
Desk: 571-372-8414(temporarily unavailable)
NIPR: daniel.w.townes.ctr@mail.mil < Caution-mailto:daniel.w.townes.ctr@mail.mil > < Caution-
mailto:daniel.w.townes.ctr@mail.mil > < Caution-mailto:daniel.w.townes.ctr@mail.mil >
From: Skulstad, Jennifer <jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com < Caution-
mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com < Caution-
mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com < Caution-mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com %3c Caution-mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com > > > >
Sent: Friday, August 19, 2022 11:45 AM
To: OSD Pentagon OUSD A-S Mailbox ASD EIE-RP-SC <osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-
sc@mail.mil < Caution-mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-sc@mail.mil < Caution-
mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-sc@mail.mil %3c Caution-mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-
a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-sc@mail.mil < Caution-mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-
sc@mail.mil %3c Caution-mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-sc@mail.mil %3c Caution-
mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-sc@mail.mil %3c Caution-mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-
rp-sc@mail.mil > > > >
Cc: Knox, Richard <richard.knox@woodplc.com < Caution-
mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com < Caution-mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com < Caution-mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com %3c Caution-mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com > > > >
Subject: [URL Verdict: Unknown][Non-DoD Source] RE: Informal Clearinghouse Review Request
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and confirm the authenticity of all links contained within the message prior to copying and
pasting the address to a Web browser.
Hi Clearinghouse:
Thank you for your prompt response to our request. The panels for this project are photovoltaic
panels meant to absorb light to create energy. Are you asking if the panels are the mirrored kind that
reflect light and concentrate it on a tower? If that is your question, we are NOT installing reflective
panels. The panels are photovoltaic panels meant to absorb light to create energy.
Also, is there a tracking number for our request that we can reference?
Yours,
Jennifer Skulstad
Senior Project Development Coordinator
Mobile: (480) 205-7870
Caution-www.woodplc.com < Caution-
www.woodplc.com >
From: OSD Pentagon OUSD A-S Mailbox ASD EIE-RP-SC <osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-
sc@mail.mil < Caution-mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-sc@mail.mil < Caution-
mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-sc@mail.mil %3c Caution-mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-
a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-sc@mail.mil < Caution-mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-
sc@mail.mil %3c Caution-mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-sc@mail.mil %3c Caution-
mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-sc@mail.mil %3c Caution-mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-
rp-sc@mail.mil > > > >
Sent: Friday, August 19, 2022 7:22 AM
To: Skulstad, Jennifer <jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com < Caution-
mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com < Caution-
mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com < Caution-mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com %3c Caution-mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com > > > >
Cc: Knox, Richard <richard.knox@woodplc.com < Caution-
mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com < Caution-mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com < Caution-mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com %3c Caution-mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com > > > >;etruebner@savionenergy.com < Caution-
mailto:etruebner@savionenergy.com > ; Cozart, Erin <erin.cozart@woodplc.com < Caution-
mailto:erin.cozart@woodplc.com < Caution-mailto:erin.cozart@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:erin.cozart@woodplc.com < Caution-mailto:erin.cozart@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:erin.cozart@woodplc.com %3c Caution-mailto:erin.cozart@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:erin.cozart@woodplc.com > > > >;mdacunha@savionenergy.com < Caution-
mailto:mdacunha@savionenergy.com > ; James, Mark C CIV (USA)
<mark.james.14@us.af.mil < Caution-mailto:mark.james.14@us.af.mil < Caution-
mailto:mark.james.14@us.af.mil %3c Caution-mailto:mark.james.14@us.af.mil < Caution-
mailto:mark.james.14@us.af.mil %3c Caution-mailto:mark.james.14@us.af.mil %3c Caution-
mailto:mark.james.14@us.af.mil %3c Caution-mailto:mark.james.14@us.af.mil > > > >; OSD Pentagon OUSD A-
S Mailbox ASD EIE-RP-SC <osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-sc@mail.mil < Caution-
mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-sc@mail.mil < Caution-mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-
s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-sc@mail.mil %3c Caution-mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-
sc@mail.mil < Caution-mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-sc@mail.mil %3c Caution-
mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-sc@mail.mil %3c Caution-mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-
rp-sc@mail.mil %3c Caution-mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-sc@mail.mil > > > >
Subject: RE: Informal Clearinghouse Review Request
Good morning Ms. Skulstad,
Your Informal Review request for the Hyder Energy Center Project has been received. We will begin
processing the request shortly.
Can you confirm that the panels are anti-reflective?
Thank you for the opportunity to review your project.
Very Respectfully,
The Clearinghouse
Military Aviation and Installation Assurance Siting Clearinghouse
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Sustainment)
Email: osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-sc@mail.mil < Caution-mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-
s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-sc@mail.mil > < Caution-mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-
sc@mail.mil > < Caution-mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-sc@mail.mil > < Caution-
mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-sc@mail.mil >
From: Skulstad, Jennifer <jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com < Caution-
mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com < Caution-
mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com < Caution-
mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com < Caution-mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com %3c Caution-mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com %3c Caution-mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com %3c Caution-mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com > > > > >
Sent: Thursday, August 18, 2022 3:15 PM
To: OSD Pentagon OUSD A-S Mailbox ASD EIE-RP-SC <osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-
sc@mail.mil < Caution-mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-sc@mail.mil < Caution-
mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-sc@mail.mil %3c Caution-mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-
a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-sc@mail.mil < Caution-mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-
sc@mail.mil %3c Caution-mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-sc@mail.mil %3c Caution-
mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-sc@mail.mil %3c Caution-mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-
a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-sc@mail.mil < Caution-mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-
sc@mail.mil %3c Caution-mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-sc@mail.mil %3c Caution-
mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-sc@mail.mil %3c Caution-mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-
rp-sc@mail.mil %3c Caution-mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-sc@mail.mil %3c Caution-
mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-sc@mail.mil %3c Caution-mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-
rp-sc@mail.mil %3c Caution-mailto:osd.pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.asd-eie-rp-sc@mail.mil > > > > >
Cc: Knox, Richard <richard.knox@woodplc.com < Caution-
mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com < Caution-mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com < Caution-mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com %3c Caution-mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com < Caution-mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com %3c Caution-mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com %3c Caution-mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com %3c Caution-mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:richard.knox@woodplc.com > > > > >;etruebner@savionenergy.com < Caution-
mailto:etruebner@savionenergy.com > ; Cozart, Erin <erin.cozart@woodplc.com < Caution-
mailto:erin.cozart@woodplc.com < Caution-mailto:erin.cozart@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:erin.cozart@woodplc.com < Caution-mailto:erin.cozart@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:erin.cozart@woodplc.com %3c Caution-mailto:erin.cozart@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:erin.cozart@woodplc.com < Caution-mailto:erin.cozart@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:erin.cozart@woodplc.com %3c Caution-mailto:erin.cozart@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:erin.cozart@woodplc.com %3c Caution-mailto:erin.cozart@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:erin.cozart@woodplc.com %3c Caution-mailto:erin.cozart@woodplc.com %3c Caution-
mailto:erin.cozart@woodplc.com > > > > >;mdacunha@savionenergy.com < Caution-
mailto:mdacunha@savionenergy.com > ; James, Mark C CIV (USA)
<mark.james.14@us.af.mil < Caution-mailto:mark.james.14@us.af.mil < Caution-
mailto:mark.james.14@us.af.mil %3c Caution-mailto:mark.james.14@us.af.mil < Caution-
mailto:mark.james.14@us.af.mil %3c Caution-mailto:mark.james.14@us.af.mil %3c Caution-
mailto:mark.james.14@us.af.mil %3c Caution-mailto:mark.james.14@us.af.mil < Caution-
mailto:mark.james.14@us.af.mil %3c Caution-mailto:mark.james.14@us.af.mil %3c Caution-
mailto:mark.james.14@us.af.mil %3c Caution-mailto:mark.james.14@us.af.mil %3c Caution-
mailto:mark.james.14@us.af.mil %3c Caution-mailto:mark.james.14@us.af.mil %3c Caution-
mailto:mark.james.14@us.af.mil %3c Caution-mailto:mark.james.14@us.af.mil > > > > >
Subject: [URL Verdict: Neutral][Non-DoD Source] Informal Clearinghouse Review Request
All active links contained in this email were disabled. Please verify the identity of the sender,
and confirm the authenticity of all links contained within the message prior to copying and
pasting the address to a Web browser.
Good afternoon:
With this email we are requesting an Informal Review of our solar project. I have attached
documents summarizing the project and addressing the items listed on your website at:The
Clearinghouse | DoD Review Process (osd.mil) < Caution-
https://www.acq.osd.mil/dodsc/contact/dod-review-process.html > as well as shapefiles for the
project.
I am hoping for an expeditious review as we have applied for a Major Comprehensive Plan
Amendment from Maricopa County, Arizona and have deadlines approaching. May I ask if you can
give me an idea of when your review of our project will conclude?
Please let me know if there is anything else you need from me in order to complete your review.
Yours,
Jennifer Skulstad
Senior Project Development Coordinator
Mobile: (480) 205-7870
Caution-www.woodplc.com < Caution-
www.woodplc.com >
OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
3500 DEFENSE PENTAGON
WASHINGTON, DC 20301-3500
SUSTAINMENT
September 29, 2022
Jennifer Skulstad
Wood PLC
3636 Executive Center Drive, Ste. 100
Austin, TX 78731
Dear Ms. Skulstad,
As requested, the Military Aviation and Installation Assurance Siting Clearinghouse
coordinated within the Department of Defense (DoD) an informal review of the Hyder Energy
Center Project. The results of our review indicated that the solar project, located in Maricopa
County, Arizona, as proposed, may have an impact on military operations conducted in the area.
The proposed siting location of the solar project may impact U.S. Air Force (USAF) Air
Education and Training Command and 56th Range Management Office. The USAF would like
additional information regarding the construction of the project. Please contact Mr. David
Wilson (david.wilson.123@us.af.mil), Deputy Chief, Air Education and Training Command
Airfield Operations, to discuss this proposal. Mr. Wilson will coordinate with other USAF
representatives and facilitate this informal review process.
Please note that this informal review by the DoD Military Aviation and Installation
Assurance Siting Clearinghouse does not constitute an action under 49 United States Code
Section 44718 and that the DoD is not bound by the conclusion arrived at under this informal
review. To expedite our review in the Obstruction Evaluation Airport Airspace Analysis
(OE/AAA) process, please add the project number 2022-08-S-DEV-16 in the comments section
of the filing. If you have any questions, please contact me at scott.e.kiernan.civ@mail.mil or at
571-255-9507.
Sincerely,
Scott E. Kiernan
Deputy Director
Military Aviation and Installation
Assurance Siting Clearinghouse
From:
Skulstad, Jennifer
To:
Adam Cannon (PND)
Cc:
Knox, Richard; Cozart, Erin
Subject:
FW: Project # 2022-08-S-DEV-16 - Hyder Solar Storage
Date:
Tuesday, October 18, 2022 6:23:43 PM
Hi Adam:
Please see the below message from David Wilson at the DoD Clearinghouse explaining that what "may have an
impact" are items related to construction. These are easily accommodated by us and we will continue to
communicate our activities to the Clearinghouse as the project progresses.
Yours,
Jennifer Skulstad
Senior Project Development Coordinator
Mobile: (480) 205-7870
www.woodplc.com
-----Original Message-----
From: WILSON, DAVID S CIV USAF AETC AETC/19 AF/A3OF <david.wilson.123@us.af.mil>
Sent: Tuesday, October 18, 2022 4:37 PM
To: JAMES, MARK C GS-12 USAF AETC 56 FW/CVE <mark.james.14@us.af.mil>; GILLIES, WILLIAM A JR
GS-12 USAF AETC 56 RMO/ASM <william.gillies@us.af.mil>; PADILLA, JOHN G GS-11 USAF AETC 56
FW/RMO <john.padilla@us.af.mil>; Skulstad, Jennifer <jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com>; AETC Airspace and
Ranges <AETC.Airspace.Ranges@us.af.mil>
Cc: KUO, HSUAN-WEN CTR USAF AFDW SAF/SAF/IEI <hsuan-wen.kuo.ctr@us.af.mil>; BEARD, ROBBIN E
CTR HAF SAF/IEI <robbin.beard.ctr@us.af.mil>; SAF/IEIM <SAF.IEI.Encroachment@us.af.mil>; AETC
Airspace and Ranges <AETC.Airspace.Ranges@us.af.mil>
Subject: RE: Project # 2022-08-S-DEV-16 - Hyder Solar Storage
Mark, Dobie, and John,
Received the attached email from Ms. Jennifer Skulstad, Senior Project Development Coordinator, and she is cc'd
in the response.
Followed up with a phone call to Ms. Skulstad earlier to advise the form letter issued by DoD Clearinghouse is a
canned response provided when an DoD unit has questions or concerns about the project. She requested a follow
on email to support our discussion.
****BREAK, BREAK*****
Ms. Skulstad,
We want to thank the project managers for proactively reaching out through the DoD Clearinghouse to obtain
feedback early in the projects development.
The 19 Air Force Airspace and Range Office nor are Luke AFB Airspace Managers opposed to the Hyder Solar
Project (2022-08-S-DEV-16) but initiated a consult seeking confirmation and support of the following:
1. To be made aware of the projects construction start and termination dates
2. To made aware of any cranes being used in the construction to include a height and to request they be lowered at
night or lite if remaining erect overnight.
This information requested is essential to ensure the flight safety of aircraft operations in the airspace we manage
which starts at 100' above the ground of the Hyder Solar Project proposed footprint.
Per discussion, you indicated the projects was not intending to use cranes at this juncture and physical construction
was not due to commence until 2024. However, to ensure the flight safety of aircraft operating in airspace we
manage, and considering plans do change, wea re requesting Luke AFB Airspace Managers receive notification of
the construction start and termination to allow us to again reconfirm no cranes will be used in the effort.
Luke AFB Airspace Managers Contact Information as follows:
Bill
William "Bill" Gillies, CIV, USAF
56 FW/Chief, Airspace Management
DSN: 896-5855
COM: 623-856-5855
Email: william.gillies@us.af.mil
Org Email: 56rmo.asm.airspacemanagement@us.af.mil
John
John Padilla, CIV, USAF
56 FW Assistant Airspace Manager
DSN: 896-5855
COM: 623-856-5855
Email: john.padilla@us.af.mil
Org Email: 56rmo.asm.airspacemanagement@us.af.mil
Provided these requests can be met we have no further concerns with the project.
NOTE: Being the informal project was filed through the DoD Clearinghouse which enabled the great folks at the Air
Force Mission Sustainment team (SAF/IEIM) to make use aware of potential impacts from the project. Our
SAF/IEIM Team are the appropriate points of contact to advise of any follow-up processes needed to officially close
the matter.
Best Regards,
- Scott
D. Scott "OX" Wilson, Civ, DAF
Chief, AETC Airspace & Range
JBSA - Randolph, TX 78150-4325
Comm (210) 652-5539 DSN 487-
5539
david.wilson.123@us.af.mil
-----Original Message-----
From: JAMES, MARK C GS-12 USAF AETC 56 FW/CVE <mark.james.14@us.af.mil>
Sent: Tuesday, October 18, 2022 5:08 PM
To: GILLIES, WILLIAM A JR GS-12 USAF AETC 56 RMO/ASM <william.gillies@us.af.mil>; PADILLA,
JOHN G GS-11 USAF AETC 56 FW/RMO <john.padilla@us.af.mil>; Skulstad, Jennifer
<jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com>
Cc: WILSON, DAVID S CIV USAF AETC AETC/19 AF/A3OF <david.wilson.123@us.af.mil>
Subject: Project # 2022-08-S-DEV-16 - Hyder Solar Storage
Bill/John,
Received a call from Jennifer Skulstad, Senior Project Development
Coordinator for the Hyder Solar and Storage project. I understand
comments were placed in Luke's informal review request regarding crane
heights and project start and end times.
Jennifer,
Can you please reply to all with some of the changes in the project we
discussed where heights will no longer be an issue.
Thank you all very much.
Respectfully,
Mark James
56th Fighter Wing, Community Initiatives Team
Luke AFB AZ 85309
Office: 623-856-9981
DSN: 896-9981
From:
Katz, Paul
To:
Adam Cannon (PND)
Subject:
RE: CPA2022009 - Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment for Hyder Solar and Storage - TAC Date Correction 7-
19-2022
Date:
Thursday, June 30, 2022 1:41:47 PM
Mr. Cannon,
I have reviewed the Notice of Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment No. CPA2022009 in reference
to the Hyder Solar & Storage Project on behalf of the Arizona Attorney General. This proposed
Amendment does not have any adverse impact upon Luke AFB nor does it appear to have any
significant impact upon local automobile traffic. Our office has no objection to this proposed
Amendment.
Paul A. Katz
Assistant Attorney General
Arizona Attorney General's Office
2005 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Direct: (602) 542-7785
Fax: (602) 542-4084
Email: paul.katz@azag.gov
From: Adam Cannon (PND) [mailto:Adam.Cannon@maricopa.gov]
Sent: Friday, June 24, 2022 9:03 AM
To: swilken@azmag.gov; Vwolfley@azmag.gov; kcotner@azmag.gov; Rerickson@azdot.gov;
contact.dds@co.yuma.az.us; gramirez@azdot.gov; redletter@azdot.gov; twilliford@azgfd.gov;
pep@azgfd.gov; pe@azland.gov; bfenske@azdot.gov; jgarcia@azdot.gov; Dkrantz@citytocitycre.com;
Karl Gosch (MCSO); Frank McWilliams (MCSO); azshpo@azstateparks.gov;
56fw.cit.communityinitiative@us.af.mil; Eileen Baden (PRK); PDOWEB_az@blm.gov;
christophermaynes@yahoo.com; tbuschatzke@azwater.gov; steve_spangle@fws.gov; mkillian@azda.gov;
lc1@azdeq.gov; Katz, Paul; david.mckay@az.usda.gov; johnson.kathleen@epa.gov; ssandell@hfdaz.org
Cc: Adam Cannon (PND)
Subject: CPA2022009 - Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment for Hyder Solar and Storage - TAC Date
Correction 7-19-2022
Good morning all,
This e-mail serves as notification of an application we have received from Wood PLC for a Major
Comprehensive Plan Amendment for the Hyder Solar and Storage Project. Applicable documents for
review are available on the Online Permit Manager at:
https://accela.maricopa.gov/CitizenAccessMCOSS/Default.aspx. You can search for the case by using
the CPA case number CPA2022009. A Technical Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for July
19, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. If you would like to attend please let me know and I will send you an invite.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Adam Cannon, AICP
Planner
Maricopa County Planning & Development Department
301 W. Jefferson St., Suite 170, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Desk: 602-372-0292
adam.cannon@maricopa.gov
P&D is now 100% digital for construction permit applications.
Find information on our new permit process here.
From:
jroth@azstateparks.gov on behalf of AZSHPO - AZPARKS
To:
Adam Cannon (PND)
Subject:
Re: 2nd Sub - CPA2022009 - Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment for Hyder Solar and Storage
Date:
Thursday, September 8, 2022 2:53:12 PM
Received...Thank You.
Arizona State Historic Preservation Office
On Tue, Sep 6, 2022 at 4:28 PM Adam Cannon (PND) <Adam.Cannon@maricopa.gov>
wrote:
Good afternoon all,
This e-mail serves as notification of a 2nd Submittal we have received from Wood PLC for a
Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment for the Hyder Solar and Storage Project.
Applicable documents for review are available on the Online Permit Manager at:
https://accela.maricopa.gov/CitizenAccessMCOSS/Default.aspx. You can search for the
case by using the CPA case number CPA2022009.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Adam Cannon, AICP
Senior Planner
Maricopa County Planning & Development Department
301 W. Jefferson St., Suite 170, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Desk: 602-372-0292
adam.cannon@maricopa.gov
P&D is now 100% digital for construction permit applications.
Find information on our new permit process here.
From:
Avi Buckles
To:
Proj - HSSP
Cc:
Jocelyn Bernatchez; Knox, Richard
Subject:
RE: Hyder Energy Center Project
Date:
Friday, September 9, 2022 12:34:45 PM
CAUTION: External email. Please do not click on links/attachments unless you know the content is genuine and safe.
Hi Jen,
Please see record of conversation below:
Avi Buckles phone call to Peter Steere 9/9/2022 12:15 pm
*Pleasantries exchanged
*Avi discussed prior communication to Peter regarding this matter and encouraged him to request the report from the ASLD.
*Peter indicated ASLD is not very communicative now. I said sorry, they are busy.
*Peter asked me again to send them directly to him--I said I cannot do that. But to help him feel more relaxed about the project I told him no prehistoric sites, just Anglo heritage sites...
*He was happy with that and good wishes exchanged
*End of convo
Thanks!
Avi Buckles, M.A. Director of Cultural Resources
O: 520.206.9585 C: 520.419.3867
4001 E Paradise Falls Drive, Tucson, Arizona 85712
www.WestLandResources.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Skulstad, Jennifer <jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com> On Behalf Of Proj - HSSP
Sent: Thursday, September 8, 2022 2:19 PM
To: Avi Buckles <abuckles@westlandresources.com>
Cc: Jocelyn Bernatchez <jbernatchez@westlandresources.com>; Knox, Richard <richard.knox@woodplc.com>
Subject: FW: Hyder Energy Center Project
Hi Avi!
We emailed out an informational post card the Hyder stakeholders, re the new Hyder MCPA and public meeting on 9/14 from 6-7pm. We have only heard back from Mr. Steere (below). Could you please
contact him and let him know how to obtain the requested reports and let me know once you've made contact please?
Yours,
Jennifer Skulstad
Senior Project Development Coordinator
Mobile: (480) 205-7870
www.woodplc.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Peter Steere <Peter.Steere@tonation-nsn.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2022 12:11 PM
To: Proj - HSSP <HSSP@woodplc.com>
Subject: Re: Hyder Energy Center Project
CAUTION: External email. Please do not click on links/attachments unless you know the content is genuine and safe.
Jennifer
Have you completed cultural resource surveys and biological survey for project
If so please send copies to me
If not have surveys done
Peter L. Steere
THPO
Tohono O'odham Nation
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone Get Outlook for
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> ________________________________
From: Skulstad, Jennifer <jennifer.skulstad@woodplc.com> on behalf of Proj - HSSP <HSSP@woodplc.com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2022 11:57:49 AM
To: Proj - HSSP <HSSP@woodplc.com>
Subject: Hyder Energy Center Project
Good afternoon!
Please find attached an informational sheet for the Hyder Energy Center Project, a solar development project located in unincorporated Maricopa County 30 miles west of the Town of Gila Bend, Arizona, that
is currently pursuing a Maricopa County Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA2022009). You are receiving this message because you or your organization has been identified as a potential
stakeholder in the project.
We will be holding a Virtual Public Meeting on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 from 6 PM to 7 PM MST. Visit the project website at, hydersolarandstorageproject.com, for more information.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Yours,
Jennifer Skulstad
Senior Project Development Coordinator
Mobile: (480) 205-7870
www.woodplc.com
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Subdivision Infrastructure &
Planning Program
1001 N. Central Avenue #150
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
Phone: (602) 506-1058
Fax: (602) 506-5813
TDD 602 506 6704
Maricopa County
Environmental Services Department
Water and Waste Management Division
DATE:
June 22, 2022
TO :
Ray Banker, Planning & Development Dept.
Planner
FROM:
Souren Naradikian, P.E.
Senior Civil Engineer
SUBJECT:
Hyder Solar and Storage Project CPA. CPA2021011
The Maricopa County Environmental Services Department (MCESD) has reviewed
revised documents received from the Maricopa County Planning and Development
Department for the above referenced project. This project is a Major Comprehensive
Plan Amendment leading to a zoning change from RU-43 to IND-2/land use change
from Rural Development Area to Utilities at APN# 401-85-044. Water and Sewer
information is septic, limited temporary and operational water needs and domestic
waste, shall be borne by the Applicant. Water for construction and O&M would utilize
on-site water wells associated with the project. MCESD has concerns, NOID must be
obtained if applicable.
Based on the above, MCESD raised no objections to the Planning & Development
Department in Accela: on June 22, 2022 and will allow the project to proceed at this
time subject to the following stipulations
Stipulations:
None.
It should be noted that this document does not approve the referenced project.
Comments are provided only as advisory to Maricopa County Planning and
Development Department to assist staff to prepare a staff report. Other Maricopa
County agencies may have additional requirements. Final review and approval will be
made through Planning and Development Department procedures. Applicant may
need to submit separate applications to the Maricopa County Environmental Services
Department for approval of proposed facilities regulated by the Department. Review
of any such application will be based on regulations in force at the time of application.
July 5, 2022
SENT VIA EMAIL
Adam Cannon, AICP, Planner
Maricopa County Planning and Development Department
301 W. Jefferson Street, Suite 170
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Subject:
CPA2022009: Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment - Hyder Solar & Storage Project
CPA2022010: Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment - Harquahala Sun III
Dear Adam:
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on Maricopa County Major Comprehensive
Plan Amendments CPA2022009 and CPA2022010 for a solar energy projects in the county, to
change land use designations from Rural Residential to Utilities on ± 2,000 acres and ± 9,300
acres, respectively, for large-scale solar farm and battery storage systems.
The Hyder Solar and Storage Project is located about 12 miles north of Interstate 8 near the
farming community of Hyder, AZ. The Harquahala Sun III project is located about 8 miles south
of Interstate 10 and 18 miles west of the Palo Verde Generating Station. Both projects are located
in extremely remote areas of the state, with surrounding land uses including scattered agricultural
lands, solar farms, undeveloped lands, and extremely low density rural residential development.
The proposed solar energy generation and storage projects are located in regions of high solar
exposure, proximity to other existing solar energy farms and adequate energy transmission
infrastructure. Projects should have minimal impact on surrounding properties and generation of
renewable energy would be a benefit to the region. Pima County Development Services
Department, Planning Division has no opposition to the proposed major comprehensive plan
amendments.
Sincerely,
Mark Holden, AICP
Principal Planner
Pima County Development Services Department, Planning Division
From:
Stacey Bridge-Denzak
To:
Adam Cannon (PND)
Subject:
CPA2022009 Hyder Solar & Storage and CPA2022010 Harquahala Sun III
Date:
Wednesday, June 29, 2022 5:35:54 PM
Dear Adam,
Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback on the two Major Comprehensive Plan
Amendments as referenced above. The Town of Carefree has no comments.
Regards,
Stacey
Stacey Bridge-Denzak
Planning Director and Zoning Administrator
Town of Carefree
Email: stacey@carefree.org
Phone: 480-488-3686 Fax: 480-488-3845
PO Box 740, 8 Sundial Circle, Carefree, AZ 85377
www.carefree.org