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December 11, 2024
CPA2024005
Page 1 of 2
Report to the Board of Supervisors
Prepared by the Maricopa County Planning and Development Department
Board Hearing Date:
December 11, 2024
Case #/Title:
CPA2024005 – Grand Verde Energy Solar Project
Supervisor District:
5
Applicant/Owner:
Dylan Ikkala, Grand Verde Energy, LLC c/o APEX Clean Energy /
Arizona State Land Department
Request:
Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA) to change the land
use designation in the Old US Highway 80 Area Plan from Rural
Densities (0-1 du/ac) to Utilities and in the State Route 85 Area Plan
from Rural Densities (0-1 du/ac) and Proposed Open Space to
Utilities. CPA case approval is by Resolution, attached.
Site Location:
Generally located northeast and northwest of the intersection of
Riggs Rd. and State Route 85 in the Buckeye area.
Site Size:
3,343 acres
County Island Status:
Yes (City of Buckeye)
Additional
Comments:
The applicant is seeking the future land use designation of utilities
over the subject area to support a future solar generating facility
with ancillary uses. The subject site is located near existing energy
infrastructure including the El Paso gas line, the Jojoba Substation,
and existing electrical corridors. Opposition to the request has
expressed concern over visual impacts and potential for the
development to cut off access to private property as well as public
recreation land. To date two items of opposition has been received.
There are no outstanding concerns from reviewing agencies. CPA
case approval is by Resolution, attached.
Commission
Recommendation:
On 11/7/24, the Commission voted 8-0 to adopt a motion
recommending the Board of Supervisors approve CPA2024005.
Presented by:
Joseph Mueller, Planner
Reviewed by:
Darren Gérard, AICP, Planning Manager
Attachments:
11/7/24 P&Z Packet (58 pages)
CPA2024005 Resolution (2 pages)
December 11, 2024
CPA2024005
Page 2 of 2
Note:
11/7/24 Draft P&Z Minutes are not available as of the writing of this report but can be
provided upon request later when available.
CPA2024005
Page 1 of 7
Report to the Planning and Zoning Commission
Prepared by the Maricopa County Planning and Development Department
Case:
CPA2024005 – Grand Verde Energy Solar Project
Hearing Date:
November 7, 2024
Supervisor District:
5
Applicant:
Dylan Ikkala, Grand Verde Energy, LLC c/o APEX Clean Energy
Owner:
Arizona State Land Department
Request:
Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment to amend the future land use
designation in the Old US Highway 80 Area Plan from Rural Densities (0-1
du/ac) to Utilities and to amend the future land use designation in the State
Route 85 Area Plan from Rural Densities (0-1 du/ac) and Proposed Open
Space to Utilities.
Site Location:
located on the intersection of Riggs Rd. and State Route 85 in the Buckeye
area
Site Size:
3,343 acres
Density:
N/A
County Island:
Yes (City of Buckeye)
County Plan:
Old US Highway 80 Area Plan – Rural Densities (0-1 du/ac)
State Route 85 Area Plan – Rural Densities (0-1 du/ac) and Proposed Open
Space
Municipal Plan:
Imagine Buckeye 2040 – Rural/Open Space
Municipal Comments:
City of Buckeye – neutral
Support/Opposition:
One email in opposition
Recommendation:
Approve
CPA2024005
Page 2 of 7
Project Summary:
1.
The applicant is seeking an amendment to the future land use designation over the subject site
to allow for the development of a large solar generating facility. In addition to the comprehensive
plan amendment, the applicant is also seeking zoning entitlement for IND-2 IUPD zoning over the
subject site via Z240007. The proposed project will include several square miles of photovoltaic
solar panels as well as ancillary facilities such as a switchyard, battery energy storage systems
(BESS) and an operations and maintenance (O&M) building. About 3,031 acres of the subject site
is within the State Route 85 area plan with 2,548 acres designated as Rural Densities and 483
acres designated as proposed open space. The remaining 312 acres of the subject site are within
the Old US Highway Area Plan with the future land use designation of Rural Densities. Portions of
the southern boarder of the site are adjacent to the proposed Desert Gems site, which has the
land use designation as “utilities” as per CPA2023010. There is currently an active zone change
with overlay case over that site that has not yet been scheduled for hearing.
Proposed Land Use Plan Provided By Applicant
2.
The subject site is very large and constitutes a relatively long but narrow swath of land. The site
begins near Old US Highway 80 to the west and extends east of State Route 85. The site is near
several notable natural areas such as the Gila River, the Estrella Mountains, and The Buckeye
Hills. There are large areas of land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to the
north that currently serve as both active and passive open space for the public. The Sonoran
National Monument is located to the southeast. The Rainbow Wash, an important wildlife corridor
connecting the western portions of the Estrella Mountains to the Gila River, runs through a large
portion of the site.
3.
The subject site does not have any recent history prior to the pursuit of this entitlement. The
preapplication meeting for the proposal, PA2024074, was held on May 14, 2024. Subsequently,
the applicant applied for the subject CPA case on May 21, 2024. The Technical Advisory
CPA2024005
Page 3 of 7
Committee (TAC) meeting was conducted on July 16, 2024. The associated zone change with
overlay case, Z240007, was applied for on July 19, 2024.
4.
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.
The narrative states that the proposed amendment to the future land use designation proves to
be an overall improvement to both area plans as the proposed designation of utilities will provide
balance to the regional economy, provide hundreds of construction jobs during site development,
help diversify energy infrastructure, and generate revenue to help further the goals and objectives
of the Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) and its beneficiaries.
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 – The applicant makes
a case that the proposal is in line with current land use patterns due to the proximity to
existing electrical and energy infrastructure such as the Jojoba Substation, transmission
lines, and the El Paso Gas Line as well as other proposed energy projects such as the
Desert Gems site to the south.
B.
Requiring public expenditures for larger or more expensive infrastructure - The narrative
states that the project would not require public expenditures.
C.
Requiring public improvements to roads, sewer, or water systems that are needed to
support the planed land uses – The applicant states that the proposed land use
designation and the planned solar generating site will present negligible demands on
traffic, water usage, and wastewater. Traffic generation from the site, especially after
construction is complete, will be very low. Water usage on site will be limited to needs of
employees and occasional cleaning of the panels. Wastewater is anticipated to be
adequately managed via an on-site septic system.
D.
Adversely impacting planned uses because of increased traffic – The narrative concedes
that there may temporarily be a noticeable increase in traffic to and around the site during
construction but anticipates traffic to be minimal next to non-existent once the site is fully
online.
E.
Affecting the livability of the area or health or safety of present and future residents –
The narrative states the proposed land use designation will not pose a health or safety
risk for individuals living in the vicinity of the site.
F.
Adversely impacting the natural environment or scenic quality of the area in
contradiction to the plan – The narrative states that much of the site is previously
disturbed desert land and the proposal will not adversely impact the natural environment
or scenic quality of the area.
Animals
CPA2024005
Page 4 of 7
The Narrative states the Rainbow Wash will remain undisturbed to provide a wildlife
corridor through the site. The narrative states that a preservation area creating a non-
disturbance buffer will be created via the associated zone change case.
Historical Resources
The applicant states that the proposal is not expected to encounter any historical or
archaeological resources and provided documentation of active coordination with the
Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (AZSHPO).
Scenic Views
The narrative does not go into great detail on how the proposed developments will not
impact scenic views.
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 as listed in the
Vison 2030 Comprehensive Plan as well as the State Route 85 Area Plan and the Old US Highway
80 Area Plan.
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, the State Route 85 Area Plan and the . This staff report
identifies which goals and policies the applicant’s narrative addressed.
Vision 2030 Maricopa County Comprehensive Plan
Energy Element – Goal 2, Goal 3, Policy 6, Policy 7
State Route 85 Area Plan
Land Use – Goal L1, Goal L2, Objective L2.1, Policy L2.1.4, Policy L2.1.10
Transportation – Goal T1, Objective T1.2, Policy T1.1.1, Policy T1.1.2, Policy T1.2.2, Policy T1.2.4,
Policy T1.3.2
Environment – Goal E1, Objective E1.1, Objective E1.2, Objective E1.3, Policy E1.1.1, Policy E1.1.2,
Policy E1.1.4, Policy E1.2.1, Policy E1.2.4, Policy E1.2.6, Policy E1.2.8, Policy E1.2.9, Policy
E1.2.10, Policy E1.2.11, Policy E1.3.1, Policy E1.3.2
Economic Development – Goal ED1, Objective Ed1.1
Growth Areas – Goal G1, Objective G1.3, Policy G1.3.2
Open Space – Goal OS1, Objective OS1.3, Objective OS1.4
Water Resources – Goal W1, Goal W2
Old US Highway 80 Area Plan
CPA2024005
Page 5 of 7
Land Use Element – Goal L1, Objective L1.1, Objective L1.4, Policy L1.1.9, Policy L1.4.3
Transportation Element – Goal T1, Policy T1.1.5, Policy T1.1.6, Policy T1.1.7
Environmental Element – Goal E1, Objective E1.1, Objective E1.3, Objective E1.4, Policy E1.1.1,
Policy E1.1.2, Policy E1.1.6, Policy E1.1.7, Policy E1.2.4, Policy E1.3.3, Policy E1.4.1, Policy E1.4.2,
Policy E1.4.3, Policy E1.4.4
Economic Development – Goal ED1, Objective ED1.1
Growth Areas – Objective G1.2, Policy G1.2.3
Open Space – Goal O1, Objective O1.3, Objective O1.6, Policy O1.6.1
Water Resources – Goal W1, Goal W2
Cost of Development – Goal C1
Subject Site and Surrounding Environs
Existing On-Site and Adjacent Zoning / Land Use:
5.
On-site:
Rural-190 & Rural-43 / Natural desert
North:
RR (Buckeye) & Rural-43 / Natural desert
South:
Rural-190, Rural-43, R1-10, R1-6, GC (Buckeye) & I-2 (Buckeye)/Natural
desert, agriculture, and future landfill
East:
Rural-43 & RR (Buckeye)/ Natural desert
West:
Rural-190/Natural desert
Utilities and Services:
6.
Water:
Private wells
Wastewater:
Septic system
CPA2024005
Page 6 of 7
School Districts:
Buckeye Elementary School District
Buckeye Union High School District
Fire:
Arizona Medical & Fire Authority
Police:
Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office
Right-of-Way:
7.
Since this is a very large site in an underdeveloped portion of the County without any existing
MCDOT right-of-way, the developer will work closely with MCDOT to determine if any section or
mid-section line alignments throughout the site will require either preservation or dedication of
right-of-way with traffic studies/reports during the plan of development stage.
Adopted Plans:
8.
State Route 85 Corridor Area Plan (adopted August 27, 2003): This area plan designates the site
as Rural Densities (0-1 du/ac) and Open Space. The Rural category identifies areas where single-
family residential development is desirable but unique circumstances dictate the need for lower
densities. The Open Space designation is to preserve areas of natural desert for parks,
recreational areas, mountains, and washes.
9.
Old US 80 Area Plan (adopted May 2007): This area plan designates the western portion of the
site as Rural Densities (0-1 du/ac). This category identifies areas where low density single-family
development is desirable because urban services are limited or non-existent.
10.
Imagine Buckeye 2040 (Adopted August 28, 2018) – The general plan designates portions of the
site as Rural and other portions as Open Space. The Rural designation calls for development of
large-lot residential development that compliment natural desert, agriculture, or surrounding open
space. Development in this designation should retain the rural character of the area and will be
relatively low in densities. The Open Space denotes both active parks and passive natural areas
that are intended for public recreation and resource conservation.
Public Participation Summary:
11.
The applicant conducted a statutory compliant public participation campaign by posting 18
notification signs evenly spaced around the subject site and strategically placed on nearby arterial
roadways for maximum visibility. Additionally, notification mailers were sent to all property
owners within 300’ of the subject site. The notification mailers included a link to an applicant run
website which offered information on the project proposal. The applicant reported responses
from two members of the public, both of whom expressed concerns over the proposal. The
applicant reported that the comments revolved around potential public health risks revolving
photovoltaic solar generation, as well as the potential for the proposed project to cut off access
to areas surrounding the site more difficult.
12.
Staff notes that similar concerns were expressed to county staff in the two opposition emails
documented. Additionally, the opposition expressed concern that the project would disrupt flood
control and water management infrastructure in the area that may divert rainstorm water onto
their property cause damage. Staff notes that a drainage report and grading and drainage plan
would have to be prepared by a registered engineer and reviewed and approved by Planning and
Development prior to construction on the site to ensure historic water flow patterns are not
interrupted.
CPA2024005
Page 7 of 7
Outstanding Concerns from Reviewing Agencies:
13.
N/A.
Staff Analysis:
14.
Staff has some general concerns over the proposed land use amendment, mostly due to the large
size of the subject site. First, staff had initially requested that the applicant remove some or all
of the land currently designated for proposed open space from the plan amendment as it largely
follows the Rainbow Wash. While the applicant agreed that the Rainbow Wash should remain
largely untouched to preserve wildlife linkages in the region, they expressed concern over
removing the area from the land use amendment as well as the subsequent zone change request
as there may be a need for access drives and utility lines to encroach into the wash area. Staff
notes that a condition within the zone change case will limit disturbance within the Rainbow Wash
to mitigate and limit impacts to wildlife flow through the region. This is even more vital as the
proposed project area is near the northern boundary of the proposed Desert Gems solar
generating site, which will extend several miles south along the eastern bank of the Gila River.
15.
A secondary concern is that the vast size and linear distribution of the subject site may limit
access to the BLM land to the north, which is actively utilized by the public for recreation space.
This concern is highlighted in the Old US Highway 80 Area Plan as it calls for access points to
public open space, namely BLM to be preserved and identified. Staff notes that conditions of the
associated zoning case will speak to delineated public access ways to the BLM land to the north.
16.
Staff feels that the proposed amendment to the future land use designation constitutes an
improvement to the Vision 2030 Comprehensive Plan, State Route 85 Area Plan, and the Old US
Highway 80 Area Plan. The land use designation will allow for the development of the land in a
manner consistent with surrounding land use patterns and complementary to existing energy
infrastructure.
Recommendation:
17.
Staff recommends the Commission adopt a motion recommend that the Board of Supervisors
approve CPA2024005.
Presented by:
Joseph Mueller, Planner
Reviewed by:
Rachel Applegate, Planning Supervisor
Attachments:
Case Map (1 page)
Land Use Plan (reduced 8.5”x11”, 1 page)
Narrative Report (27 pages)
Legal Description (16 pages)
MCESD comments (2 pages)
Response from Yuma County (1 page)
Opposition (3 pages)
/
Maricopa County Planning & Development - Phoenix, AZ
5
Gross Acres: 2,335 approx.
Generated October 23, 2024 12:45 PM
CPA2024005
Application Name:
Legal Description
Grand Verde Energy Solar Project
Applicant
Case Address
DYLAN IKKALA
Applicant Phone/Email
Parcel Primary:
4843649298
dylan.ikkala@apexcleanenergy.com
Map scale 1:84,953
Supervisor District No.
CPA Comprehensive Plan Amendment
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¬«
85
OLD US 80
KOMATKE RD
ENTERPRISE RD
283RD AVE
PATTERSON RD
BRUNER RD
RIGGS RD
317TH AVE
Legend
Map
Extent
ARIZONA
Maricopa County
Author: TLU
Date: 05.01.24
Grand Verde Energy
Map Extent: Maricopa County, Arizona
Proposed Land Use Exhibit
0
0.25
0.5
0.75
1
Miles
°
State Plane Coordinate System
North American Datum 1983
Arizona Central
Linear Unit: Foot US
")
Rural Densities (0-1)
Grand Verde Energy
Solar Project Boundary
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Existing 500 kV Transmission
Line
Road
El Paso Natural Gas Line
Arizona State Prison
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Existing 230 kV Transmission
Line
!
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Existing 69 kV Transmission
Line
State Route 85 and
Old US Highway 80
Area Plan Boundary
Existing Land Use Designations
Proposed Open Space
Mixed Use
Dedicated Open Space
El Paso Natural Gas Line
B u c k e y e
B u c k e y e
")
JoJoba Substation
Republic Services
Southwest Reigonal
Landfill
Grand Verde Energy Solar Project
Old U.S. Highway 80 Area Plan
State Route 85 Corridor Area Plan
City Of Buckeye
Municipal Boundary
GAS PIPELINE RD
Proposed Land Use Designations
Utilities
Grand Verde Solar Project
Application for a Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment
CPA2024005
Narrative Report
Submitted to:
Maricopa County
Planning and Development Department
August 2024
1
Table of Contents
Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................... 3
On-Site and Regional Location ................................................................................................. 3
CPA Size and Description of Land Use Types by Acreages ...................................................... 4
Roads and Transportation Systems Serving the Proposed Project ........................................... 4
Suitability with Surrounding Land Uses ..................................................................................... 4
Proposed Use ........................................................................................................................... 4
Narrative Response ...................................................................................................................... 5
Whether the Amendment Constitutes an Overall Improvement to the Comprehensive Plan ..... 5
Whether the Amendment Will Adversely Impact All or a Portion of the Planning Area By: ........ 5
Altering acceptable land use patterns .................................................................................... 5
Requiring public expenditures for larger or more expensive infrastructure ............................. 5
Requiring public improvements to roads, sewer, or water systems that are needed to
support the planned land uses .............................................................................................. 6
Adversely impacting planned uses because of increased traffic ............................................ 6
Affecting the livability of the area or health and safety ........................................................... 6
Adversely impacting the natural environment or scenic quality of the area ............................ 6
Whether the Amendment is Consistent with the Overall Intent of the Comprehensive Plan and
Specific Area Plans .................................................................................................................. 6
The Extent to Which the Amendment is Consistent with the Specific Goals and Policies
Contained Within the Old U.S. Highway 80 Area Plan .............................................................. 7
Whether the Amendment Constitutes an Overall Improvement to the Adopted Plan, and is not
Solely for the Good or Benefit of a Particular Landowner or Owners at a Particular Point in
Time ......................................................................................................................................... 7
Whether the Amendment will Adversely Impact all or a Portion of the Planning Area by: ............. 8
Altering acceptable land use patterns to the detriment of the plan. ........................................ 8
Requiring public expenditures for larger and more expensive public improvements to roads,
sewer, or water systems than are needed to support the planned land uses. ........................ 8
Adversely impacting existing uses because of increased traffic. ............................................ 8
Affecting the livability of the area or the health and safety of present and future residents. ..... 9
Adversely affecting the natural environment or scenic quality of the area in contradiction to
the plan. ................................................................................................................................ 9
Whether the Amendment is consistent with the overall intent of the adopted plan. .................... 9
Land Use ............................................................................................................................... 9
Transportation ..................................................................................................................... 10
Environment ........................................................................................................................ 11
Economic Development ....................................................................................................... 14
2
Growth Areas ...................................................................................................................... 15
Open Space ........................................................................................................................ 15
Water Resources................................................................................................................. 16
Cost of Development ........................................................................................................... 16
The Extent to Which the Amendment is Consistent with the Specific Goals and Policies
Contained Within the State Route 85 Corridor Area Plan........................................................ 16
Whether the Amendment will Adversely Impact all or a Portion of the Planning Area by: ........ 17
Altering acceptable land use patterns to the detriment of the plan ....................................... 17
Requiring public expenditures for larger and more expensive public improvements to
roads, sewer, or water systems than are needed to support the planned land uses ............ 17
Adversely impacting existing uses because of increased traffic ........................................... 17
Affecting the livability of the area or the health and safety of present and future residents ... 18
Adversely affecting the natural environment or scenic quality of the area in contradiction to
the plan ............................................................................................................................... 18
Whether the Amendment is Consistent with the Overall Intent of the State Route 85 Corridor
Area Plan. .............................................................................................................................. 18
Land Use ............................................................................................................................. 18
Transportation ..................................................................................................................... 19
Environment/Environmental Effects ..................................................................................... 20
Economic Development ....................................................................................................... 23
Growth Areas ...................................................................................................................... 24
Open Space ........................................................................................................................ 24
Water Resources: ................................................................................................................ 25
Cost of Development ........................................................................................................... 25
Other Pertinent Information As Requested by the Maricopa County Planning Department ..... 25
3
Executive Summary
This narrative report provides the required information to support a request for a Major
Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA) for the Grand Verde Energy Solar Project (Project) to
develop a photovoltaic (PV) solar energy facility with a battery energy storage system (BESS) in
unincorporated Maricopa County. The Project will be located on approximately 3,943 acres of
State Trust Land on both sides of State Route 85 approximately 12 miles south of I-10, with 3,343
acres in unincorporated Maricopa County and 600 acres in the City of Buckeye. Only the 3,343
acres in unincorporated Maricopa County are subject to this CPA application (Subject Property).
Arizona is experiencing significant new growth with a wide array of employment opportunities
bringing in new residents. While growth naturally increases infrastructure needs, the
manufacturing and hi-tech companies opening facilities throughout central Arizona create
particularly high demand for electrical power. At the same time, many of the State’s coal plants
are being retired. In order to meet this increasing energy demand under existing conditions,
central Arizona’s electrical utilities are requesting proposals for multiple gigawatts of new power
generation, with a focus on renewable resources.
Grand Verde Energy, LLC (Grand Verde), an indirectly owned subsidiary of Apex Clean Energy
Holdings, LLC (Apex), has identified the Subject Property as ideal for development of solar energy
generation with battery storage that can add to the State’s energy generation portfolio and help
meet some of the projected demand increase. Apex is an independent renewable energy
company with a national footprint who has developed over 6.5 GW of solar, wind, and storage
facilities that are now in operation. The Subject Property was particularly appealing in their site
selection process because of its proximity to existing utility infrastructure, which improves
efficiency and minimizes the need for new off-site transmission construction. While the Subject
Property’s distance from population centers limits its traditional development potential, this
remoteness is a benefit for the proposed Project. Further, the Project would not strain other
infrastructure, as solar projects have only minimal water use and traffic generation.
To accommodate the Project, Grand Verde requests this Major CPA to change the land use
designations on the Subject Property in the State Route 85 Area Plan from Rural Densities (0-1
du/ac) and Proposed Open Space to Utilities and in the Old US Highway 80 Area Plan from Rural
Residential (0-1 du/acre) to Utilities. This CPA is necessary to permit a corresponding rezoning
request, which will be presented in a separate application.
On-Site and Regional Location
The Project is located on 3,343 acres of State Trust Land in unincorporated Maricopa County.
The Project is bisected north to south by State Route 85 and east to west by Gas Pipeline Road,
directly south of the City of Buckeye. The Project site is currently vacant land. The legal
description of the lands included in this application is: Sections 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30,
and 31, Township 2 South, Range 4 West and Sections 23, 25, 26, and 27, Township 2 South,
Range 5 West.
The Project area is covered by the Old U.S. Highway 80 Area Plan and the State Route 85
Corridor Area Plan. Most of the Old U.S. Highway 80 Area Plan and the State Route 85 Corridor
Area Plan are located in unincorporated Maricopa County. The closest municipality to the Project
is the City of Buckeye, and a 600-acre portion of the Project falls within the City of Buckeye
4
jurisdictional boundary. Based on correspondence with City of Buckeye staff, a site plan
application will be required under the existing zoning to implement the Project on the 600-acre
portion in their jurisdiction. Land ownership in the immediate vicinity of the Project is a combination
of State Trust Land managed by the Arizona State Land Department (ASLD), Bureau of Land
Management (BLM), and private land within unincorporated Maricopa County and the City of
Buckeye.
CPA Size and Description of Land Use Types by Acreages
The 3,343 acres of the Project site subject to this appshlication are located on State Trust Land
that is designated as Rural Densities and Proposed Open Space in the State Route 85 Corridor
Area Plan, and Rural Residential land use in the Old U.S. Highway 80 Area Plan. Of the total
3,343 acres, there are 2,548 acres designated as Rural Densities and 483 acres designated as
Proposed Open Space in the State Route 85 Corridor Area Plan. The remaining 312 acres are
designated as Rural Residential in the Old U.S. Highway 80 Area Plan. The current land use of
the entire Project site is vacant land. This application requests a CPA to change the land use
designation for all 3,343 acres to Utilities, in order to develop PV solar energy and BESS facilities.
Roads and Transportation Systems Serving the Proposed Project
The Project site will be accessed via existing roads. State Route 85, which bisects the Project,
will provide access to the arterial roads to the Project site. Regional traffic and access to the
arterial roads will be primarily via Interstate 10 (I-10) and State Route 85. Additional details
regarding the existing roadway network, access, and traffic can be found in the Traffic Statement
Technical Memorandum attached to this CPA application.
Suitability with Surrounding Land Uses
The land use in the Project area is dominated by Rural Residential and Proposed Open Space,
as well as surrounding Industrial uses. The Project is crossed by several high-voltage
transmission lines including existing 69 kilovolt (kV), 230 kV, and double circuit 500 kV
transmission lines. The Project is also in the vicinity of the El Paso Natural Gas line, the existing
Desert Star Solar Generating Facility, the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station (PVNGS), the
existing Jojoba Substation, Arizona State Prison facilities, the Republic Services Southwest
Regional Landfill, and the Phoenix Hydrogen Hub that is currently under construction. The
presence of the existing Jojoba Substation and high-voltage transmission lines in the Project
vicinity allows for the efficient interconnection of the Project to the regional grid.
Designating the land for utility use allows for the efficient utilization of available space while
preserving the rural character of the surrounding areas. The Project will be planned and executed
in a manner that minimizes visual and environmental impacts, ensuring compatibility with the rural
setting. The Project will use minimal water during operation. In addition, the proposed operations
and maintenance (O&M) building, battery storage facility, switchyard, and Project substation
associated with this CPA will be compatible with surrounding land uses due to the presence of
substantial energy infrastructure in the area.
Proposed Use
Grand Verde is proposing the development of a PV solar generation facility with energy storage.
5
Narrative Response
Whether
the
Amendment
Constitutes
an
Overall
Improvement
to
the
Comprehensive Plan
The Project site is covered by the Maricopa County Vision 2030 Comprehensive Plan. Within the
2030 Comprehensive Plan, several area plans were established for unincorporated areas that are
anticipated to see increased growth. The Project site is located within the Old US Highway 80
Area Plan and the State Route 85 Corridor Area Plan. The Subject Property has ideal
characteristics for solar generation. Therefore, amending the Old US Highway 80 Area Plan and
the State Route 85 Corridor Area Plan to allow for this project is an overall improvement to these
plans. Taking vacant land that is ideal for solar, and utilizing for a solar generating site constitutes
an overall improvement. The Project is located in an area with:
•
Excellent solar radiation suitable for utility-scale solar generation;
•
An absence of sensitive natural resources; and,
•
Proximity to existing transmission infrastructure to allow for interconnection into the
regional electrical system without substantial upgrades.
In addition, the surrounding area contains substantial existing electrical infrastructure including
high-voltage transmission lines, existing solar facilities, the El Paso Natural Gas line and the
Jojoba Substation.
The Project would help meet County goals for the development of a balanced regional economy.
The Project would benefit the local, County, and State economy by providing hundreds of jobs
during construction and significant tax revenue during operation. In addition, due to the location
on State Trust Land, the Project will also generate revenue for State Land beneficiaries including
Arizona public schools. The electricity generated by the Project will help ease capacity constraints
that have come as the result of the increasing electrical load growth in Maricopa County and
across the State of Arizona.
Whether the Amendment Will Adversely Impact All or a Portion of the Planning
Area By:
Altering acceptable land use patterns
This amendment will not alter the acceptable land use patterns because the Project site is
surrounded by substantial existing electrical infrastructure including 69 kV, 230 kV, and double
circuit 500 kV transmission lines, the Desert Star APS Solar facility, the Jojoba Substation and
the El Paso Gas Line, as well as the Phoenix Hydrogen Hub that is currently in construction. The
land use associated with the Project will be consistent with land use patterns in the surrounding
area. The collocation of the Project with an existing substation and transmission line capacity
reduces the need for extensive new transmission construction to support interconnection to the
regional grid.
Requiring public expenditures for larger or more expensive infrastructure
This amendment will not require public expenditures because the Project will utilize the substantial
existing electrical infrastructure in the Project vicinity.
6
Requiring public improvements to roads, sewer, or water systems that are needed to
support the planned land uses
The operation of the Project will not create a significant increase in traffic that necessitates road
improvements. Construction traffic to the Project site will utilize existing roads, and once
constructed, the Project will require very few vehicle trips during operation. The Project will not
require the development of any new water or sewer systems. The need for water on the site during
operations will be minimal, necessary only for the needs of employees and intermittent cleaning
of the solar panels. The wastewater generated at the facility during operations is anticipated to be
treated with on-site wastewater treatment facilities, such as a conventional septic tank system or
similar alternative system as regulated by Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and
administered by Maricopa County Environmental Services Department.
Adversely impacting planned uses because of increased traffic
During the construction phase of the Project, traffic will temporarily increase due to the daily trips
for the construction workforce as well as deliveries of supplies and equipment. There will be
minimal vehicle trips during the operational life of the Project, and no significant impacts on local
or regional traffic. Additional details regarding potential traffic impacts of the Project can be found
in the Traffic Statement Technical Memorandum attached to this CPA application.
Affecting the livability of the area or health and safety
The proposed use of the Project will not impact the health and safety of the individuals living in
the vicinity of the Project. The Project will not utilize or store hazardous materials, will not generate
significant emissions or noise during operation, and will take measures to reduce fugitive dust on
the Project site.
All applicable local and County fire laws and regulations will be complied with, and all reasonable
measures will be taken to prevent fires on the site. Fire hazard risk may be reduced through the
control or suppression of weeds. All weed control will be conducted in compliance with county
regulations. BESS modules will be enclosed and designed with fire suppression systems built to
all applicable codes.
Adversely impacting the natural environment or scenic quality of the area
The Project will not impact any significant or unique natural habitats. The Project site is previously
disturbed vacant land that is not in pristine natural condition. The dominant vegetation is creosote
bush and other small, dispersed plants. The eastern portion of the Project is located within a
Special Flood Hazard Area (floodplain). The Project will acquire necessary permits and
permissions before developing within any floodplains. The floodplains and drainages on the
Project site will be incorporated into the final design to reduce potential impacts to on-site and off-
site flooding.
The O&M building, switchyard, substation, and BESS will introduce new structures to the visual
landscape; however, it will not adversely impact the scenic quality of the area due to the presence
of substantial existing infrastructure in the surrounding area.
Whether the Amendment is Consistent with the Overall Intent of the
Comprehensive Plan and Specific Area Plans
7
The Subject Property is within the State Route 85 Corridor Area Plan and within the Old US
Highway 80 Area Plan, which are part of the Maricopa County Vision 2030 Comprehensive Plan
(Comprehensive Plan). The proposed use associated with this CPA will be consistent with the
goals, objectives, and policies set forth in the Comprehensive Plan, State Route 85 Corridor Area
Plan, and the Old US Highway 80 Area Plan. The relevant goals, objectives, and policies are listed
and discussed in the sections below.
The Extent to Which the Amendment is Consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
Upon approval of the requested CPA, PV solar energy facilities and BESS operations will be
consistent with the land use designation and further the goals and policies of the Comprehensive
Plan. Conformance with specific goals and policies is as follows.
Comprehensive Plan
Comprehensive Energy Goal #2: Make Maricopa County a leader in alternative energy research
and development.
Comprehensive Plan Energy Goal #3: Have balanced and efficient development patterns.
Comprehensive Plan Energy Policy #6: Maricopa County supports being a responsible leader in
alternative energy research and development.
Comprehensive Plan Energy Policy #7: Maricopa County supports efforts to assist businesses and
individuals with renewable energy options and energy conservation.
The proposed Project supports Comprehensive Plan Energy Goals and Policies by providing an
opportunity for new alternative energy development to support Arizona utilities’ complex, modern-
day power portfolios and to help meet Arizona’s growing energy demands. The Project will harness
the State’s abundant sunshine and provide a renewable generation resource that is desired by many
of the hi-tech uses moving to Maricopa County. Strategically locating this Project near ample existing
and planned energy infrastructure presents a balanced, efficient development pattern that will not
disrupt County population centers with new transmission construction and that also limits inefficient
energy losses that occur when energy is transmitted over long distances.
The Extent to Which the Amendment is Consistent with the Specific Goals and
Policies Contained Within the Old U.S. Highway 80 Area Plan
Whether the Amendment Constitutes an Overall Improvement to the Adopted Plan,
and is not Solely for the Good or Benefit of a Particular Landowner or Owners at a
Particular Point in Time
The Subject Property has ideal characteristics for solar generation. Therefore, amending the Old
US Highway 80 Area Plan to allow for this project is an overall improvement to these plans. Taking
vacant land that is ideal for solar, and utilizing for a solar generating site constitutes an overall
improvement. The Project is located in an area with:
8
•
Excellent solar radiation suitable for utility-scale solar generation;
•
An absence of sensitive natural resources; and,
•
Proximity to existing transmission infrastructure allows for interconnection into the
regional electrical system without substantial upgrades.
In addition, the surrounding area contains substantial existing electrical infrastructure including
high-voltage transmission lines, existing solar facilities, the El Paso Natural Gas line and the
Jojoba Substation.
The Project would help meet County goals for the development of a balanced regional economy.
The Project would benefit the local, County, and State economy by providing hundreds of jobs
during construction and significant tax revenue during operation. In addition, due to the location
on State Trust Land, the Project will also generate revenue for State Land beneficiaries including
Arizona public schools. The electricity generated by the Project will help ease capacity constraints
that have come as the result of the increasing electrical load growth in Maricopa County and
across the State of Arizona.
Whether the Amendment will Adversely Impact all or a Portion of the Planning Area
by:
Altering acceptable land use patterns to the detriment of the plan.
This amendment will not alter the acceptable land use patterns because the Project site is
surrounded by substantial existing electrical infrastructure including 69 kV, 230 kV, and double
circuit 500 kV transmission lines, the Desert Star APS Solar facility, the Jojoba Substation and
the El Paso Gas Line, as well as the Phoenix Hydrogen Hub that is currently in construction. The
land use associated with the Project will be consistent with land use patterns in the surrounding
area. The collocation of the Project with an existing substation and transmission line capacity
reduces the need for extensive new transmission construction to support interconnection to the
regional grid.
Requiring public expenditures for larger and more expensive public improvements to
roads, sewer, or water systems than are needed to support the planned land uses.
The operation of the Project will not create a significant increase in traffic that necessitates road
improvements. Construction traffic to the Project site will utilize existing roads, and once
constructed, the Project will require very few vehicle trips during operation. The Project will not
require the development of any new water or sewer systems. The need for water on the site during
operations will be minimal, necessary only for the needs of employees and intermittent cleaning
of the solar panels. The wastewater generated at the facility during operations is anticipated to be
treated with on-site wastewater treatment facilities, such as a conventional septic tank system or
similar alternative system as regulated by Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and
administered by Maricopa County Environmental Services Department.
Adversely impacting existing uses because of increased traffic.
During the construction phase of the Project, traffic will temporarily increase due to the daily trips
for the construction workforce as well as deliveries of supplies and equipment. There will be
minimal vehicle trips during the operational life of the Project, and no significant impacts on local
or regional traffic. Additional details regarding potential traffic impacts of the Project can be found
in the Traffic Statement Technical Memorandum attached to this CPA application.
9
Affecting the livability of the area or the health and safety of present and future residents.
The proposed use of the Project will not impact the health and safety of the individuals living in
the vicinity of the Project. The Project will not utilize or store hazardous materials, will not generate
significant emissions or noise during operation, and will take measures to reduce fugitive dust on
the Project site.
All applicable local and County fire laws and regulations will be complied with, and all reasonable
measures will be taken to prevent fires on the site. Fire hazard risk may be reduced through the
control or suppression of weeds. All weed control will be conducted in compliance with county
regulations. BESS modules will be enclosed and designed with fire suppression systems built to
all applicable codes.
Adversely affecting the natural environment or scenic quality of the area in contradiction
to the plan.
The Project will not impact any significant or unique natural habitats. The Project site is previously
disturbed vacant land that is not in pristine natural condition. The dominant vegetation is creosote
bush and other small, dispersed plants. The eastern portion of the Project is located within a
Special Flood Hazard Area (floodplain). The Project will acquire necessary permits and
permissions before developing within any floodplains. The floodplains and drainages on the
Project site will be incorporated into the final design to reduce potential impacts to on-site and off-
site flooding.
The O&M building, switchyard, substation, and BESS will introduce new structures to the visual
landscape; however, it will not adversely impact the scenic quality of the area due to the presence
of substantial existing infrastructure in the surrounding area.
Whether the Amendment is consistent with the overall intent of the adopted plan.
The proposed use associated with this CPA will be consistent with the goals, objectives, and
policies set forth in the Old U.S. Highway 80 Area Plan. The relevant goals, objectives, and
policies are listed and discussed in the sections below.
Land Use
Goal L1: Promote efficient land development that is compatible with adjacent land uses, is well
integrated with the transportation system, and is sensitive to the natural environment.
As discussed in previous sections, the surrounding land use is dominated by land uses that will
be compatible with the proposed Project. Within the immediate vicinity of the Project these land
uses include an existing Arizona State Prison and the Republic Services Southwest Regional
Landfill. Additionally, the Project is surrounded by substantial electrical infrastructure including 69
kV, 230 kV, and double circuit 500 kV transmission lines, the Desert Star APS Solar facility, the
Jojoba Substation, Phoenix Hydrogen Hub, and the El Paso Gas Line. The double circuit 500 kV
transmission line bisects the Project laterally while the 69 kV and 230 kV transmission lines
intersect the southeast and west edges of the Project respectively. The existing electric
transmission infrastructure in the immediate vicinity allows this Project to connect to the regional
grid without the need for substantial upgrades or new transmission lines.
10
The Project will have no long-term effects on the transportation system and will require very few
vehicle trips once constructed. The Project will not significantly impact the environment, as is
further discussed under the Environment Element, below.
Objective L1.1: Encourage orderly, efficient, and functional development patterns.
The Project is located in an area with substantial existing and planned energy development and
is compatible with the existing land use in the area. Siting this Project in an area with substantial
energy and utility infrastructure will further consolidate the land use in the Project vicinity, which
is an efficient and functional pattern of development.
Policy L1.1.9: Encourage cooperation and coordination among the Arizona Department
of Homeland Security, Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management,
PVNGS, and other power plants to ensure security and compatibility with adjacent land
uses and associated infrastructure.
Grand Verde will work with the Maricopa Department of Emergency Management,
PVNGS, as well as the regional utilities to ensure security and compatibility with nearby
land uses and infrastructure.
Objective L1.4: Preserve the scenic and, where appropriate, the rural character of the Old U.S.
Highway 80 planning area.
Grande Verde will not significantly impact the visual quality of the area. The Project is on vacant
land and is not near any population centers with high density residential development. Because
of the relatively remote nature of the site and the relatively low profile of the proposed solar arrays
and batteries, the Project would not be expected to be visible from most areas. The proposed use
would have minimal impact on the scenic quality of the area.
Policy L1.4.3: Discourage urban commercial, residential, industrial development in rural
designated areas of the Old U.S. Highway 80 planning area.
This area contains existing land uses that include existing energy generation,
transmission, and a natural gas line in the area. Also, the proposed solar facility is a
passive land use that would have minimal impact to surrounding properties. Energy-
generation and storage projects such as the proposed Project have the potential to
discourage urban-style commercial and residential uses by establishing areas of
development with no density and minimal employee traffic. Also, at the end of its useful
life (approximately 40 years), the facility could be decommissioned and the site
transitioned to other rural land uses as appropriate at that time.
Transportation
Goal T1: Provide an efficient, cost-effective, integrated, accessible, environmentally sensitive,
and safe multi-modal system that addresses existing and future roadway networks, and promotes
transit, bikeways, and pedestrian travel.
Policy T1.1.5: Support the Maricopa County Major Streets and Routes Plan and its
requirements for construction and dedication of roads.
11
As required by Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), efforts to obtain
land preservation for roadways would be conducted during the rezoning process for the
Project. Grand Verde will coordinate with MCDOT throughout the entitlements process.
Policy T1.1.6: Communicate and coordinate with the Maricopa County Department of
Emergency Management regarding new development to ensure compatibility with PVNGS
designated evacuation routes.
The proposed Project will work with the County Department of Emergency Management
and PVNGS to ensure compatibility with PVNGS evacuation routes. Due to the low-traffic
nature of the land use, the development of the Project will not contribute to congestion of
evacuation routes.
Policy T1.1.7: Encourage new development within 10 miles of PVNGS to coordinate with
the Emergency Planning Department at PVNGS regarding its Outdoor Warning Siren
System. The installation of additional sirens may be necessary.
The Project site is within ten miles of the PVNGS and will coordinate with PVNGS to
ensure safety and security.
Environment
Goal E1: Promote development that mitigates adverse environmental impacts on the natural and
cultural environment, preserves highly valued wildlife habitat, minimizes flooding and drainage
problems, and protects historical and archaeological resources.
The Project will have minimal impacts on the natural and cultural environment, and there is
no highly valued open space on the Project site. The Project does not expect to encounter
any historical and archaeological resources on the Project site during construction;
however, if cultural resources are encountered, the Project will comply with relevant policies
and procedures to avoid and minimize impacts. The Project will be developed in
accordance with the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). This will help prevent
drainage and flooding issues. The eastern section of the Project is crossed by a FEMA
mapped floodway and floodplain. Prior to development within this feature, appropriate
approvals would be obtained from the Maricopa County Flood Control District and will be
developed in accordance with applicable regulations.
Objective E1.1: Encourage developments that are compatible with natural environmental
features.
The Project site is a large and relatively flat property that is conducive to commercial solar
development. There are no significant terrain features on the Project site aside from Rainbow
Wash, which will not include solar panels or BESS but will be limited linear features such as
access roads and transmission poles. The Project will, to the greatest extent possible, avoid
development within drainage features and floodways. No significant natural environmental
features will be destroyed by the construction of the Project.
Policy E1.1.1: Encourage land uses and development designs that are compatible with
environmentally sensitive areas such as the Palo Verde-Saguaro community, floodplains,
significant washes, hillsides, protected wildlife species habitat, scenic areas, and unstable
geologic and soil conditions.
12
The Subject Property does not contain the environmentally sensitive areas listed below:
•
The Palo Verde-Saguaro community does not occur in the area,
•
There are no hillsides (per Figure 12 of the Old U.S Highway 80 Area Plan).
•
There is no protected habitat for wildlife species (per data provided by Arizona
Game and Fish Department [AZGFD] via their Online Environmental Review Tool and
U.S Fish and Wildlife Service [USFWS] per their Information for Planning and
Consultation tool).
•
Per the Old U.S. Highway 80 Area Plan, there are no designated scenic areas on
or near the Project site.
•
There are no unstable geologic and soil conditions—according to Figure 10 of the
Old U.S. Highway Area Plan, soils in the Project area are part of the Denure-
Mohall-Laveen and Gunsight-Rillito-Chuckawalla. The Denure-Mohall-Laveen
Association is deep and moderately deep, well drained, nearly level, on fan
terraces and basin floors. The Gunsight-Rillito-Chuckawalla Association which are
deep and moderately deep, moderately drained, nearly level, gravelly to extremely
gravelly, loamy soils.
The Project will avoid development in major floodways (significant drainages/washes) and
floodplains where feasible. The Subject Property contains a floodway and associated
floodplain, however, should development within these features be necessary and prior to
development within them, appropriate approvals would be obtained from the Maricopa
County Flood Control District and USACOE (if required), and will be developed in
accordance with applicable regulations.
Policy E1.1.2: Encourage building envelopes and localized grading to minimize blading
and cut and fill in environmentally sensitive areas and leave the remaining portion of the
lot undisturbed.
Proposed development would not occur in environmentally sensitive areas. Solar arrays
and BESS components would not be sited within Rainbow Wash in order to retain an open
space wildlife corridor through the Project area. All lands planned for development are
relatively flat which will reduce the need for extensive grading and earthwork.
Policy E1.1.6: Encourage the preservation of washes in their natural state.
To the greatest extent possible the Project will avoid drainages and washes on-site. Solar
arrays and BESS components would not be sited in Rainbow Wash, the largest wash on
the Project site. If any work is necessary in parts of the floodplains, appropriate approvals
would be obtained from the Maricopa County Flood Control District and will be developed
in accordance with applicable regulations.
Policy E1.1.7: Edges of major washes or rivers should remain undisturbed.
Solar arrays and BESS components would not be sited in Rainbow Wash and it would be
avoided to the greatest extent possible. No other major washes or rivers occur on-site;
however, there is a FEMA Zone A mapped floodplain within the western half of the Project
site. If development is necessary in parts of the floodplain, appropriate approvals would
be obtained from the Maricopa County Flood Control District and USACOE, and will be
developed in accordance with applicable regulations.
13
Policy E1.1.8: Encourage property owners to consult with the Maricopa County Planning
& Development Drainage Review division prior to land division to adequately plan for local
washes and landforms.
The development on the subject property would be subject to all applicable requirements
of the Drainage Review Division and Maricopa County Flood Control District.
Policy E1.2.4: Prior to development, excavation, or grading, request that developers
submit a letter from the Arizona Historic Preservation Officer stating that the proposed
land development will have no effect on historical or cultural resources.
No significant historical resources are expected on the subject property based on cultural
resource surveys. Grand Verde has conducted Class I & III cultural resource surveys and
the associated report has been provided to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
and ASLD. Grand Verde has received a concurrence letter from SHPO stating that the
Project will have no significant impacts on historical or cultural resources, and any surveys
and the concurrence letter will be updated as needed to match the ultimate project
boundary.
Objective E1.3: Improve air quality, water quality, and reduce noise impacts.
Grand Verde would implement measures to reduce dust emissions during construction. After
development of the Project, the presence of batteries and equipment would reduce wind velocities
at ground level, and the ground surface could be treated as needed to reduce potential fugitive
dust. This could also reduce the amount of fugitive dust from these lands that would affect local
air quality. The Project will comply with all dust control requirements of Maricopa County. In
addition, development of a solar generation project would have a comparative net benefit to air
quality as opposed to fossil-fired energy production.
Stormwater quality would likewise be expected to improve due to the application of stormwater
management practices and stormwater conveyance infrastructure as part of the Project. There
would be no significant noise nuisances associated with the operation of the proposed Project as
it is a passive land use.
Policy E1.3.3: Discourage the construction of new dirt roads where feasible by
encouraging common access that is agreed to by end users. Encourage revegetation of
abandoned dirt roads.
Access to the Project site will be via existing public roads, none of which would be
expected to require upgrades. Any roads developed within the subject property as part of
the Project would be treated and managed to minimize fugitive dust as specified in an
approved dust control plan that would be obtained from Maricopa County Air Quality
Control. The Project is not expected to require development or improvement of access
roads on neighboring private or state-owned properties. Even though the Project would
not require additional public infrastructure or services, due to the siting of the Project on
State Trust Land it is expected to generate tax and annual lease revenues to the State
Trust beneficiaries which includes public schools in Arizona.
Objective E1.4: Preserve significant habitat areas for wildlife and native plant species.
There is no significant or unique plant or wildlife habitat on the subject property per data provided
by AZGFD and USFWS. Additionally, all activity on site will be conducted in accordance with the
requirements of Title 3, Chapter 3 of Article 11 of Arizona Administrative Code regarding Arizona
14
Native Plants.
Policy E1.4.1: Support natural drainage corridors and protective buffering techniques
along significant wash systems where new development is proposed, to provide flood
control, preserve wildlife corridors, and protect open space.
Solar arrays and BESS components would not be sited in Rainbow Wash and it would be
avoided to the greatest extent possible to remain as a natural wildlife corridor through the
Project area. If any Project components are sited within natural drainage corridors,
appropriate approvals would be obtained from the Maricopa County Flood Control District
and USACOE, as applicable, and will be developed in accordance with applicable
regulations.
Policy E1.4.2: Encourage protection of sensitive, threatened, or endangered plant and
animal species.
No critical habitats of sensitive species are known to occur on the subject lands per data
provided by AZGFD and USFWS. Additionally, Grande Verde will continue to consult with
the USFWS and AZGFD
Policy E1.4.3: Encourage cooperation with the Arizona Game and Fish Department
(AZGFD) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to help prevent encroachment on riparian
scrub habitat and/or channels associated with significant local wash systems.
The Project would avoid development of solar arrays and BESS components within
Rainbow Wash and it would remain as a natural corridor through the Project area. There
are no other channels associated with significant local washes or riparian scrub habitat on
the Project site. Grand Verde met with representatives of the AZGFD on May 13th, 2024,
to discuss the Project and will continue to consult and cooperate with AZGFD and USFWS
throughout the development process.
Policy E1.4.4: Encourage the use of native vegetation replacement.
In portions of the Project site where existing vegetation needs to be cleared and grubbed,
the areas will immediately undergo temporary stabilization. Upon completion of earthwork,
the site will be stabilized in compliance with County standards and, as practicable, utilize
native plant species for native vegetation replacement. Whenever possible, vehicles and
equipment will be cleaned before mobilization to the Project to prevent the spread and
propagation of noxious weeds.
Economic Development
Goal ED 1: Promote a growing, balanced, efficient, and diversified economy, consistent with
available resources, that enhances quality employment opportunities, improves quality of life, and
is sensitive to the natural and cultural environment.
The Project will be sensitive to the natural and cultural environment, as discussed above, and will
promote an efficient economy due to the compatibility with existing land use in the area.
Objective ED1.1: Encourage quality employment opportunities by supporting efforts that
encourage business formation and expansion.
15
The Project is expected to provide up to 400 jobs at peak with above-average wages during the
approximately 18-24 month construction period for the Project. These workers would receive job
training and skills that would be applicable to future similar projects. Once constructed, the facility
will be mostly automated and will require up to three operational employees.
Growth Areas
Objective G1.2: Ensure that future growth is coordinated in an efficient manner with
stakeholder input.
Stakeholder input regarding the proposed Project will be obtained through implementation of the
Citizen Participation Plan. The details of this request have been routed to the required adjacent
property owners, state and local agencies to ensure broad and coordinated input.
Policy G1.2.3: Continue to update the Old U.S. Highway 80 Area Plan with input from
local organizations and area residents to determine appropriate growth areas, if any, and
make changes as necessary.
The proposed amendment implements this policy as the development of western
Maricopa County has emerged as a major solar development area due to proximity to
existing transmission capacity and energy infrastructure. Amendments to the Plan are
contemplated for scenarios such as this, which have occurred over time and with input
from local stakeholders.
Open Space
Goal O1: Maintain and, where necessary, encourage expanding the open space system for
Maricopa County to address public access, connectivity, education, preservation, buffering,
quantity, quality, and diversity for regionally significant open spaces.
The Project would not develop solar arrays or BESS components within Rainbow Wash, and
Grand Verde will establish a preservation area as part of its zone change application that is
currently under review with the County.
Objective O1.3: Protect and enhance environmentally sensitive areas, including existing natural
washes; steep slopes; historical, cultural, and archaeological resources; view corridors; sensitive
desert; and significant wildlife habitat and ecosystems.
The subject property does not contain the environmentally sensitive areas listed below:
•
There are no steep slopes (Per Figure 12 of the Old U.S. Highway 80 Area Plan).
•
There is no protected wildlife species habitat (per data provided by AZGFD and USFWS).
•
There are no designated scenic view corridors on or near the Project site (per the Old U.S.
Highway 80 Area Plan).
•
The Project does not have significant historical or archaeological resources based on
cultural resources surveys that would not be avoided by the Proposed Project, results of
which have been provided to ASLD and SHPO.
•
Development of Solar and BESS facilities within the Rainbow Wash will be avoided to
preserve the natural state of the wash and its function as a wildlife corridor.
Objective O1.6: Promote the economic, environmental, and quality of life benefits of natural open
space.
16
Policy O1.6.1: Encourage communication efforts with stakeholders to share information
and discuss current issues and development applications.
Communication with stakeholders will occur through implementation of the Citizen
Participation Plan.
Water Resources
Goal W1: Promote development that makes conservative use of renewable water supplies such
as effluent, surface water, and Central Arizona Project water when feasible, as well as
nonrenewable sources like groundwater.
The development of the Project would conservatively use available water. The Project is a PV
solar facility which is a passive land use with minimal water requirements during operation. Water
would be used during the estimated 18-24 month construction period primarily to control fugitive
dust emissions. Limited amounts of water would be used during the 40-year operational period.
The facility does not require significant staff, so substantial water is not required on-site for
employee needs during operation. Water needs would be provided by either connecting to an
existing utility, developing an on-site groundwater well, or having water trucked to the site.
Goal W2: Reduce the impacts of development on water quality.
The development will comply with stormwater management requirements and will not result in
detrimental impacts on water quality. Stormwater management practices at the Project site could
result in improvements to local water quality relative to the uncontrolled conditions that currently
exist on the subject property.
Cost of Development
All goals, objectives, and policies associated with this plan topic deal with projects that require
new public infrastructure, facilities, and services. Since the proposed development associated
with this amendment would not require additional infrastructure, facilities, or services, these issues
would not be impacted by this amendment, but the goal of this element is addressed below.
Goal C1: Ensure that new development pays its fair and proportional share of the cost of
additional public facility and service needs generated by new development.
The proposed use would not require any additional public infrastructure, so no additional
expenditures are expected to be required. Once constructed, the Project’s use of public utilities
and public services would be minimal and would not burden schools, public utilities, or public
services. Because the Project is expected to generate tax and annual lease revenues to the State
Trust beneficiaries which includes public schools in Arizona, the Project will pay more than its
proportional share of the cost of public services. In addition, the Project shall be responsible for
funding and developing any public infrastructure improvements necessary to serve the Project.
The Extent to Which the Amendment is Consistent with the Specific Goals and
Policies Contained Within the State Route 85 Corridor Area Plan
Whether the Amendment Constitutes an Overall Improvement to the State Route
85 Corridor Area Plan, and is not Solely for the Good or Benefit of a Particular
Landowner or Owners at a Particular Point in Time.
17
The Subject Property has ideal characteristics for solar generation. Therefore, amending the
State Route 85 Corridor Area Plan to allow for this project is an overall improvement to these
plans. Taking vacant land that is ideal for solar, and utilizing for a solar generating site constitutes
an overall improvement. The Project is located in an area with:
•
Excellent solar radiation suitable for utility-scale solar generation;
•
An absence of sensitive natural resources; and,
•
Proximity to existing transmission infrastructure to allow for interconnection into the
regional electrical system without substantial upgrades.
In addition, the surrounding area contains substantial existing electrical infrastructure including
high-voltage transmission lines, existing solar facilities, the El Paso Natural Gas line and the
Jojoba Substation.
The Project would help meet County goals for the development of a balanced regional economy.
The Project would benefit the local, County, and State economy by providing hundreds of jobs
during construction and significant tax revenue during operation. In addition, due to the location
on State Trust Land, the Project will also generate revenue for State Land beneficiaries including
Arizona public schools. The electricity generated by the Project will help ease capacity constraints
that have come as the result of the increasing electrical load growth in Maricopa County and
across the State of Arizona.
Whether the Amendment will Adversely Impact all or a Portion of the Planning
Area by:
Altering acceptable land use patterns to the detriment of the plan
This amendment will not alter the acceptable land use patterns because the Project site is
surrounded by substantial existing electrical infrastructure including 69 kV, 230 kV, and double
circuit 500 kV transmission lines, the Desert Star APS Solar facility, the Jojoba Substation and
the El Paso Gas Line, as well as the Phoenix Hydrogen Hub that is currently in construction. The
land use associated with the Project will be consistent with land use patterns in the surrounding
area. The collocation of the Project with an existing substation and transmission line capacity
reduces the need for extensive new transmission construction to support interconnection to the
regional grid.
Requiring public expenditures for larger and more expensive public improvements to
roads, sewer, or water systems than are needed to support the planned land uses
The operation of the Project will not create a significant increase in traffic that necessitates road
improvements. Construction traffic to the Project site will utilize existing roads, and once
constructed, the Project will require very few vehicle trips during operation. The Project will not
require the development of any new water or sewer systems. The need for water on the site during
operations will be minimal, necessary only for the needs of employees and intermittent cleaning
of the solar panels. The wastewater generated at the facility during operations is anticipated to be
treated with on-site wastewater treatment facilities, such as a conventional septic tank system or
similar alternative system as regulated by Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and
administered by Maricopa County Environmental Services Department.
Adversely impacting existing uses because of increased traffic
During the construction phase of the Project, traffic will temporarily increase due to the daily trips
18
for the construction workforce as well as deliveries of supplies and equipment. There will be
minimal vehicle trips during the operational life of the Project, and no significant impacts on local
or regional traffic. Additional details regarding potential traffic impacts of the Project can be found
in the Traffic Statement Technical Memorandum attached to this CPA application.
Affecting the livability of the area or the health and safety of present and future residents
The proposed use of the Project will not impact the health and safety of the individuals living in
the vicinity of the Project. The Project will not utilize or store hazardous materials, will not generate
significant emissions or noise during operation, and will take measures to reduce fugitive dust on
the Project site.
All applicable local and County fire laws and regulations will be complied with, and all reasonable
measures will be taken to prevent fires on the site. Fire hazard risk may be reduced through the
control or suppression of weeds. All weed control will be conducted in compliance with county
regulations. BESS modules will be enclosed and designed with fire suppression systems built to
all applicable codes.
Adversely affecting the natural environment or scenic quality of the area in contradiction
to the plan
The Project will not impact any significant or unique natural habitats. The Project site is previously
disturbed vacant land that is not in pristine natural condition. The dominant vegetation is creosote
bush and other small, dispersed plants. The eastern portion of the Project is crossed by the
Rainbow Wash, a Special Flood Hazard Area (floodplain). Solar and BESS facilities will not be
sited within the wash. The Project will acquire necessary permits and permissions before
developing within any floodplains. The floodplains and drainages on the Project site will be
incorporated into the final design to reduce potential impacts to on-site and off- site flooding.
The O&M building, switchyard, substation, and BESS will introduce new structures to the visual
landscape; however, it will not adversely impact the scenic quality of the area due to the presence
of substantial existing infrastructure in the surrounding area.
Whether the Amendment is Consistent with the Overall Intent of the State Route
85 Corridor Area Plan.
The proposed use associated with this CPA will be consistent with the goals, objectives, and
policies set forth in the State Route 85 Corridor Area Plan. The relevant goals, objectives, and
policies are listed and discussed in the sections below.
Land Use
Goal L1: Promote efficient land development that is compatible with adjacent land uses, is
well integrated with the transportation system, and is sensitive to the natural
environment.
As discussed in previous sections, the surrounding land use is dominated by rural and proposed
open space land uses that will be compatible with the proposed Project. Within these land uses
exists an Arizona State Prison and Republic Services Southwest Regional Landfill. Additionally,
19
the Project is surrounded by substantial electrical infrastructure including 69kV, 230kV, and 500kV
transmission lines, the Desert Star APS Solar facility, the Jojoba Substation, Phoenix Hydrogen
Hub, and the El Paso Gas Line. The double circuit 500kV transmission line bisects the Project
laterally while the 230kV and 69kV transmission lines intersect the southeast and west edges of
the Project respectively. The existing electric transmission infrastructure in the immediate vicinity
allows this Project to connect to the regional grid without the need for substantial upgrades or
new transmission lines.
The Project will have no long-term effects on the transportation system and will require very few
vehicle trips once constructed. The Project will not significantly impact the environment, as is
further discussed under the Environment Element, below.
Goal L2: Define future policies for area immediately adjacent to State Route 85.
Objective L2.1: Encourage development that is compatible with existing and future freeways,
as well as other prominent land use features within the area immediately adjacent to State
Route 85.
The Project is located in an area with substantial existing and planned energy development and
is compatible with the existing land use in the area. Siting this Project in an area with substantial
energy and utility infrastructure will further consolidate the land use in the Project vicinity, which
is an efficient and functional pattern of development that is compatible with existing and future
freeways.
Policy L2.1.4: Encourage land use and development that is compatible with agriculture
activities.
Solar energy facilities, once built, are a passive land use that do not generate excessive
dust, consume excessive water or create excessive noise. All of these factors contribute
to a land use that is cohesive with agricultural activities and will discourage other land
uses that may be less compatible.
Policy L2.1.10: Encourage planning and coordination between Maricopa County and the
Town of Buckeye, the Town of Gila Bend, Arizona State Land Department, Bureau of Land
Management, and Arizona Department of Transportation.
.
Grand Verde will coordinate with the relevant local and State agencies during the
permitting and construction of the Project.
Transportation
Goal T1: Improve the roadway network to meet future transportation needs, promote safety, and
mitigate congestion.
Policy T1.1.1: Preserve necessary rights of way to maintain and extend the grid system
in response to future development in the areas adjacent to the Town of Buckeye and the
Town of Gila Bend.
As required by Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), efforts to obtain
land preservation for roadways would be conducted during the rezoning process for the
Project. Grand Verde has met with City of Buckeye staff and will continue to coordinate
with them regarding the portion of the Project within Buckeye jurisdiction. Due to the
20
proximity to State Route 85, Grand Verde will also notify the Arizona Department of
Transportation through the Red Letter process.
Policy T1.1.2: Preserve scenic corridors where appropriate.
The proposed Project is 800 feet northwest of a designated scenic corridor; Old US 80
from the junction with State Route 85 south to Stout Road in the Town of Gila Bend. The
Project would not impact the visual quality of the scenic corridor, because the existing land
use has several large transmission lines that cross the visual scape including 69kV,
230kV, and 500kV transmission lines and the Desert Star APS solar facility. The proposed
solar Project would have a low profile and would not impede the view of the surrounding
mountains.
Objective T1.2: Minimize traffic congestion on regional routes, state highways, and urban arterial
roads.
During the construction phase of the Project, traffic will temporarily increase due to the daily trips
for the construction workforce as well as deliveries of supplies and equipment. However, there
will be minimal vehicle trips during the operational life of the Project, and no significant impacts
on local or regional traffic.
Policy T1.2.2: Support efforts to improve Riggs Road from Rainbow Valley Road to its
western end, and extend and connect Riggs Road to State Route 85.
The Project will coordinate with MCDOT on any planned transportation projects in the
vicinity of the Project.
Policy T1.2.4: Improve the level of service (LOS) on congested roads. Promote a
minimum stable flow level of LOS D as defined in this plan for arterial and major collector
roads.
As mentioned above, once built, the proposed Project will have minimal vehicle trips during
the operational life of the Project, and no significant impacts on local or regional traffic
including the arterial and major collector roads.
Policy T1.3.2: Review minimum street standards and subdivision requirements to ensure
adequate access for emergency vehicles.
The proposed Project will comply with minimum street standards and subdivision
requirements to ensure adequate access for emergency vehicles.
Environment/Environmental Effects
Goal E1: Promote development that mitigates adverse environmental impacts on the natural
and cultural environment and preserves highly valued open space.
The proposed Project will have minimal impacts on the natural and cultural environment. The
proposed open space that crosses the eastern portion of the Project, along the major drainage
corridor of the Rainbow Wash, will remain undeveloped to the greatest extent feasible. The Project
does not expect to encounter any historical and archaeological resources on the Project site
21
during construction; however, if cultural resources are encountered, the Project will comply with
relevant policies and procedures to avoid and minimize impacts.
Objective E1.1: Encourage developments that successfully coexist and are compatible with
significant natural features.
The Project site is a large and relatively flat property that is conducive to commercial solar
development. There are no significant terrain features on the Project site. The Project will, to the
greatest extent possible, avoid development within drainage features and floodways. No
significant natural environmental features will be destroyed by the construction of the Project.
Policy E1.1.1: Continue supporting the hillside development standards in the Maricopa
County Zoning Ordinance.
There are no slopes greater than 15% in the proposed Project area. Therefore, the Project
would not need to comply with the hillside development standards.
Policy E1.1.2: Encourage land uses and development designs that are compatible with
environmentally sensitive areas such as floodplains, hillsides, wildlife habitat, scenic
areas, and unstable geologic and soil conditions.
The subject property does not contain the environmentally sensitive areas listed below:
•
The Palo Verde-Saguaro community does not occur in the area,
•
There are no hillsides
•
There is no protected habitat for wildlife species (per data provided by Arizona
Game and Fish Department [AZGFD] and U.S Fish and Wildlife Service [USFWS]).
As discussed above the proposed Project is compatible with adjacent land uses in
the scenic corridor along the Old U.S Highway 80. (State Route 85 Corridor Area
Plan)
•
There are no unstable geologic and soil conditions—according to Figure 9 of the
State Route 85 Corridor Area Plan, soils in the Project area are part of the Carrizo-
Brios and Rillito-Gunsight-Perryville. The Carrizo-Brios are deep and excessively
drained soils on floodplains, alluvial fans, stream channels, and low stream
terraces. Slopes range from 0 to 3 percent and permeability is very rapid. The
Rillito-Gunsight-Perryville Association is well-drained soils on nearly level to
moderately steep gravelly loams and loams on old alluvial fans and valley plains.
The Project will avoid development of solar arrays and BESS components in the Rainbow
Wash and also in any other major floodways (significant drainages/washes) and
floodplains, where feasible. Prior to development within this feature appropriate approvals
would be obtained from the Maricopa County Flood Control District and USACOE, as
applicable, and will be developed in accordance with applicable regulations.
Policy E1.1.4: Control land use and development within the 100-year floodplain to
minimize the threat to life and property.
The Project will avoid development of solar arrays and BESS components within the 100-
year floodplain. Floodplains and drainage features will be avoided and incorporated into
the Project design. If development were to occur in a floodplain or drainage, it will be
conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Maricopa County Flood Control
District and USACOE, as applicable, and will be developed in accordance with applicable
22
regulations.
Objective E1.2: Preserve significant natural and cultural resources.
No significant historical resources are expected on the subject property based on cultural
resource surveys.
Policy E1.2.1: Preserve the scenic quality of the Buckeye Hills, the Gila Bend Mountains,
and the Sonoran Desert National Monument in the review of applications for land
development, and develop other preservation programs and strategies as necessary.
The proposed Project will not effect the scenic quality surrounding the Project. Solar
facilities have a generally low profile, and fencing will be designed to help blend the Project
with the natural desert landscape. The proposed Project is separated from the Buckeye
Hills by a vast area of undeveloped desert scrub. The Sonoran Desert National Monument
(SDNM) located immediately southeast of the Project; however, at its closest point to the
SDNM is the existing Jojoba Substation which is also in the vicinity of the Republic
Services Southwest Regional Landfill and the Arizona State Prison. The Project is
compatible with the existing land use near the SDNM and will have a low impact on the
scenic quality.
Policy E1.2.4: Support regional and statewide efforts to implement effective
groundwater management programs.
The Project is a PV solar facility which is a passive land use with minimal water
requirements during operation, thus, the project supports area groundwater management
programs.
Policy E1.2.6: Support and foster federal, state, and local groundwater quality
management programs.
The proposed Project will implement a SWPPP and stormwater quality will improve due
to the application of stormwater management practices as part of the Project. If the Project
uses a well to access groundwater on the site, Grand Verde will follow applicable local
groundwater quality management programs and best management practices.
Policy E1.2.8: Encourage the enforcement of measures necessary to maintain and
improve existing national ambient air quality standards.
The Project will comply with all dust control requirements of Maricopa County. Air quality
impacts from fugitive dust emissions from the subject lands would occur during
construction but could be lessened from current conditions during operations by the
development of the Project. In addition, development of a solar generation Project would
have a net general benefit to air quality by off-setting fossil-fired energy production that it
would replace.
Policy E1.2.9: Encourage the protection of existing air quality in the review of plans for
new industrial, commercial, and residential development.
As mentioned above the proposed Project will comply with all dust control requirements
of Maricopa County and will constitute an improvement in air quality through the
implementation of a dust control plan and through the offset of carbon emissions from
solar power generation.
23
Policy E1.2.10: Encourage the paving of unpaved roads where dust pollution affects
residents and the environment, and where traffic counts warrant paving.
Any roads developed within the subject property as part of the Grand Verde Energy Project
would be treated and managed to minimize fugitive dust as specified in an approved dust
control plan that would be obtained from Maricopa County Air Quality Control.
Policy E1.2.11: Prior to development, excavation, or grading, require applicant to submit
a letter from the Arizona State Historic Preservation Officer stating that the proposed land
development will have no effect on historical or cultural resources.
No significant historical resources are expected on the subject property based on cultural
resource surveys. Grand Verde has conducted Class I & III cultural resource surveys and
the associated report has been provided to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
and ASLD. Grand Verde has received a concurrence letter from SHPO stating that the
Project will have no significant impacts on historical or cultural resources, and any surveys
and the concurrence letter will be updated as needed to match the ultimate project
boundary.
Objective E1.3: Preserve significant existing open space and habitat areas for wildlife and
desert plant species.
Policy E1.3.1: Encourage the protection of sensitive, threatened or endangered plant
and animal species.
No critical habitats of sensitive species are known to occur on the subject lands per data
provided by AZGFD and USFWS. To ensure that no impacts to these species will occur,
the USFWS and AZGFD will continue to be consulted. Any impacts to protected native
plants will be conducted in accordance with the requirements of Title 3, Chapter 3 of Article
11 of Arizona Administrative Code regarding Arizona Native Plants. Development of solar
and BESS facilities will be avoided within the Rainbow Wash to preserve the wash as a
natural wildlife corridor.
Policy E1.3.2: Encourage the use of replacement vegetation that is primarily indigenous
to the Palo Verde-Saguaro and Creosote plant communities for any land development that
disturbs those communities. In addition, promote active efforts that discourage
establishment and proliferation of on and off-site noxious weeds.
In portions of the Project site where existing vegetation needs to be cleared and grubbed,
the areas will immediately undergo temporary stabilization. Upon completion of earthwork,
the site will be stabilized in compliance with County standards and, as practicable, utilize
native plant species for native vegetation replacement. Whenever possible, vehicles and
equipment will be cleaned before mobilization to the Project to prevent the spread and
propagation of noxious weeds.
Economic Development
Goal ED1: Promote a growing, balanced, efficient, and diversified economy, consistent with
available resources, that enhances quality employment opportunities, improves quality of life, and
is sensitive to the natural and cultural environment.
24
The Project will promote an efficient economy due to the compatibility with existing land use in
the area and will be sensitive to the natural and cultural environment.
Objective ED1.1: Expand quality employment opportunities by supporting efforts that
encourage business formation and expansion.
The Grand Verde Energy Project is expected to provide up to 400 jobs at peak with above-
average wages during the approximately 18-24 month construction period for the Project. These
workers would receive job training and skills that would be applicable to future similar projects.
Once constructed, the facility will be mostly automated and will require up to three operational
employees.
Growth Areas
Goal G1: Promote orderly, timely, and fiscally responsible growth in the State Route 85 Corridor
planning area.
The proposed Project is expected to take 18-24 months to construct, which is a timely
development schedule. The development of the proposed Project will strengthen the regional
power grid to meet growing demand.
Objective G1.3: Maintain cooperation with stakeholders to help ensure that future growth is
coordinated in an efficient manner.
Communication with adjacent property owners and stakeholders will occur through
implementation of the Citizen Participation Plan.
Policy G1.3.2: Work with residents and other stakeholders in the review of future growth
and development.
As mentioned above communication with residents and stakeholders will occur through
implementation of the Citizen Participation Plan.
Open Space
Goal OS1 Maintain existing open space and encourage expansion of open space to address public
access, connectivity, education, preservation, buffering, quantity, quality, and diversity.
Objective OS1.3: Promote the economic and quality of life benefits of open space.
The Project will not site solar arrays and BESS components within Rainbow Wash in order to
maintain a natural wildlife corridor that crosses the site. Maintaining multiple wildlife corridors will
allow populations to navigate between a variety of habitats across several ecosystems in the open
space surrounding the proposed Project, which will contribute to the success of these populations
in the surrounding recreational and wildlife areas.
Objective OS1.4: Protect and enhance environmentally sensitive areas, including mountains and
steep slopes; rivers and significant washes; historic, cultural, and archeological resources; view
corridors; sensitive desert; and significant wildlife habitat and ecosystems.
The subject property does not contain the environmentally sensitive areas listed below:
25
•
There are no steep slopes.
•
There is no protected wildlife species habitat (per data provided by AZGFD and USFWS).
•
As discussed above the Project is compatible with adjacent land uses in the scenic corridor
along the Old U.S Highway 80.
•
The subject lands do not have significant historical or archaeological resources that would
not be avoided by the Proposed Project based on cultural resources surveys, results of
which have been provided to ASLD and SHPO.
•
Development of solar and BESS facilities will be avoided to the greatest extent feasible
within the Rainbow Wash to preserve its function as a natural wildlife corridor.
Water Resources:
Goal W1: Promote development that makes conservative use of renewable water supplies such
as effluent, surface water, and Central Arizona Project water when feasible, and that uses
groundwater as the primary source only in the absence of renewable sources.
The development of the Project would conservatively use available water. Water would be used
during the estimated 18-24 month construction period primarily to control fugitive dust emissions.
Minimal water use would be required during the 40-year operational period. The facility does not
require significant staff, so substantial water is not required on-site for employee needs during
operation. Additional water usage is expected to be limited to washing panels, which occurs
infrequently.
Objective W1.1: Encourage protection and enhancement of future renewable water and
groundwater supplies within the framework of state and federal laws, regulations, and
guidelines.
PV energy facilities are a passive land use with limited water needs during operation. Once
constructed, the Project would use minimal water to support the employees at on-site facilities.
Grand Verde would operate within the local, state, and federal frameworks that govern the use of
water and groundwater supplies.
Goal W2 Reduce the impacts of development on water quality and riparian habitat.
The Project is sited to minimize development of major drainages and floodplains within the
Project site. Water quality will be maintained through the implementation of a SWPPP plan, which
is anticipated to improve the water quality. The Rainbow Wash supports the largest area of
riparian habitat within the project boundary. The applicant will avoid development of solar and
BESS facilities within and will maintain the native vegetation within the wash to the greatest extent
feasible.
Cost of Development
All goals, objectives, and policies associated with this plan topic deal with projects that require
new public infrastructure, facilities, and services. Since the proposed development associated
with this amendment would not require additional infrastructure, facilities, or services, these
issues would not be impacted by this amendment.
Other Pertinent Information As Requested by the Maricopa County Planning
Department
26
At this time, no additional information has been requested by the Maricopa County Planning
Department.
EXHIBIT ``A''
SR85 AREA PLAN
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA
FILE NAME: SR85_BOUNDARY
PROJECT NO.: APEX_B230003
PRINT DATE: 09/17/2024 SHEET: 1 OF 13
PART OF SECTIONS 25 AND 26
TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST AND PART OF
SECTIONS 22-26, 28-31, TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 4 WEST
GILA AND SALT RIVER MERIDIAN
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA
ASCENT GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS - 8620 WOLFF CT, WESTMINSTER, CO 80031 - 303-928-7128
GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS
DESCRIPTION
A PARCEL OF LAND LOCATED IN SECTIONS 25 AND 26, TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST, AND
SECTIONS 28-31, TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 4 WEST, GILA AND SALT RIVER MERIDIAN, MARICOPA
COUNTY, ARIZONA, BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
COMMENCING AT THE CENTER QUARTER CORNER (C1/4) OF SECTION 26, TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 5
WEST, AS MONUMENTED BY A FOUND NO. 5 REBAR, WHENCE THE WEST QUARTER CORNER OF SAID
SECTION 26, AS MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 3-1/4” BRASS CAP ON 2-1/4” IRON PIPE, STAMPED “1958”,
BEARS NORTH 88°49'28” WEST, A DISTANCE OF 2,634.99 FEET, BEING THE BASIS OF BEARING IN THIS
DESCRIPTION.
THENCE SOUTH 88°49'47" EAST, ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER (NE1/4) OF SAID
SECTION 26, A DISTANCE OF 1,320.55 FEET, TO A FOUND NO. 5 REBAR WITH YELLOW PLASTIC CAP,
STAMPED “PLS 57279,” SAID POINT BEING THE POINT OF BEGINNING (POB 1);
THENCE NORTH 88°49'47” WEST, ALONG SAID SOUTH LINE, A DISTANCE OF 260.60 FEET TO THE
BOUNDARY LINE BETWEEN SR80 AND SR85;
THENCE NORTH 12°18'34” EAST, ALONG SAID BOUNDARY, A DISTANCE OF 1,345.83 FEET, TO A POINT ON
THE NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER (SE1/4NE1/4) OF SAID
SECTION 26;
THENCE DEPARTING SAID BOUNDARY, SOUTH 88°45'14” EAST, ALONG SAID NORTH LINE, A DISTANCE OF
1,310.85 FEET, TO THE NORTH SIXTEENTH CORNER BETWEEN SAID SECTION 26 AND SECTION 25,
TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST, AS MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 3-1/4” ALUMINUM CAP ON A NO. 6
REBAR, STAMPED “RLS 77626”;
THENCE SOUTH 89°35'17” EAST, ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTH HALF OF THE NORTHWEST
QUARTER (S1/2NW1/4) OF SAID SECTION 25, A DISTANCE OF 2,635.97 FEET, TO THE CENTER NORTH
SIXTEENTH CORNER OF SAID SECTION 25, AS MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 3-1/4” ALUMINUM CAP ON A NO.
6 REBAR, STAMPED “RLS 77626”;
THENCE SOUTH 89°34'54” EAST, ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTH HALF OF THE NORTHEAST
QUARTER (S1/2NE1/4) OF SAID SECTION 25, A DISTANCE OF 2,634.28 FEET, TO A PARCEL CORNER ON THE
EAST LINE OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER (NE1/4) OF SAID SECTION 25, AS MONUMENTED BY A FOUND
3-1/4” ALUMINUM CAP ON A NO. 6 REBAR, STAMPED “RLS 77626”;
THENCE DEPARTING SAID NORTH LINE, SOUTH 00°17'30” WEST, ALONG SAID EAST LINE, A DISTANCE OF
280.62 FEET, TO A FOUND 3-1/4” ALUMINUM CAP ON A NO. 6 REBAR, STAMPED “RLS 77626”;
THENCE DEPARTING SAID EAST LINE, SOUTH 89°28'08” EAST, ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTH
HALF OF THE NORTH HALF (S1/2N1/2) OF SAID SECTION 30, A DISTANCE OF 2,843.96 FEET, TO THE NORTH
SIXTEENTH CORNER BETWEEN SAID SECTIONS 30 AND 29, AS MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 3-1/4”
ALUMINUM CAP ON A NO. 6 REBAR, STAMPED “RLS 77626”;
THENCE SOUTH 89°19'09” EAST, A DISTANCE OF 5,285.88 FEET, ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTH
HALF OF THE NORTH HALF (S1/2N1/2) OF SAID SECTION 29, TO THE NORTH SIXTEENTH CORNER BETWEEN
SAIDS SECTION 29 AND 28, AS MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 3-1/4” ALUMINUM CAP ON A NO. 6 REBAR,
STAMPED “RLS 77626”;
THENCE NORTH 00°23'58” EAST, ALONG THE EAST LINE OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER (NE1/4) OF SAID
SECTION 29, A DISTANCE OF 1,320.84 FEET, TO THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 29, AS
MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 2-1/2” BRASS CAP ON A 1-3/4” IRON PIPE, STAMPED “1931”;
CONTINUED ON SHEET 2
EXHIBIT ``A''
SR85 AREA PLAN
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA
PROJECT NO.: APEX_B230003
ASCENT GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS - 8620 WOLFF CT, WESTMINSTER, CO 80031 - 303-928-7128
GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS
CONTINUED ON SHEET 3
FILE NAME: SR85_BOUNDARY
SHEET: 2 OF 13
THENCE SOUTH 89°21'33” EAST, ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER (NW1/4) OF SAID
SECTION 28, A DISTANCE OF 2,639.01 FEET, TO THE NORTH QUARTER-CORNER OF SAID SECTION 28, AS
MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 2-1/2” BRASS CAP ON A 1” IRON PIPE, STAMPED “1931”;
THENCE SOUTH 89°20'17” EAST, ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER (NE1/4) OF SAID
SECTION 28, A DISTANCE OF 2,641.41 FEET, TO THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 28, AS
MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 2-1/2” BRASS CAP ON A 1-3/4” IRON PIPE, STAMPED “1931”;
THENCE SOUTH 00°24'58” WEST, ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID NORTHEAST QUARTER (NE1/4) OF SAID
SECTION 28, A DISTANCE OF 2,642.60 FEET TO THE EAST QUARTER CORNER OF SAID SECTION 28, AS
MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 3-1/4” ALUMINUM CAP ON A 1” IRON PIPE, STAMPED “RLS 77626
THENCE NORTH 89°19'49” WEST, ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER (SE1/4) OF SAID
SECTION 28, A DISTANCE OF 2,640.81 FEET, TO THE CENTER QUARTER OF SAID SECTION 28, AS
MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 2-3/4” COTTON SPINDLE;
THENCE NORTH 89°20'50” WEST, ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER (SW1/4) OF SAID
SECTION 28, A DISTANCE OF 2,638.85 FEET, TO THE WEST QUARTER CORNER OF SAID SECTION 28, AS
MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 2-1/2” BRASS CAP ON A 1” IRON PIPE, STAMPED “1931”;
THENCE SOUTH 00°27'14” WEST, ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID SOUTHWEST QUARTER (SW1/4) OF SAID
SECTION 28, A DISTANCE OF 1,321.82 FEET, TO THE SOUTH SIXTEENTH QUARTER CORNER BETWEEN SAID
SECTIONS 28 AND SECTION 29, AS MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 3-1/4” ALUMINUM CAP ON A NO. 6 REBAR,
STAMPED “RLS 77626”;
THENCE NORTH 89°18'57” WEST, ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTH HALF OF THE SOUTH HALF
(S1/2S1/2) OF SAID SECTION 29, A DISTANCE OF 3,962.69 FEET, TO THE SOUTHWEST SIXTEENTH CORNER
OF SAID SECTION 29, AS MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 3-1/4” ALUMINUM CAP ON A NO. 6 REBAR, STAMPED
“RLS 77626”;
THENCE SOUTH 00°23'29” WEST, ALONG THE WEST LINE OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF THE
SOUTHWEST ONE-QUARTER (SE1/4SW1/4) OF SAID SECTION 29, A DISTANCE OF 1,321.31 FEET, TO THE
WEST SIXTEENTH QUARTER CORNER BETWEEN SAID SECTION 29 AND SECTION 32, TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH,
RANGE 4 WEST, AS MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 3-1/4” ALUMINUM CAP ON A NO. 6 REBAR, STAMPED “RLS
77626”;
THENCE NORTH 89°19'47” WEST, ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF THE
SOUTHWEST ONE-QUARTER (SW1/4SW1/4) OF SAID SECTION 29, A DISTANCE OF 1,320.68 FEET, TO THE
SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 29, AS MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 2-1/2” BRASS CAP ON A 1-3/4”
IRON PIPE, STAMPED “1931”;
THENCE NORTH 89°35'51” WEST, ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER (NE1/4) OF SAID
SECTION 31, A DISTANCE OF 1,321.12 FEET, TO THE NORTH QUARTER CORNER OF SAID SECTION 31, AS
MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 3-1/4” ALUMINUM CAP ON A NO. 6 REBAR, STAMPED “RLS 77626”;
THENCE SOUTH 00°27'13” WEST, ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID NORTHEAST QUARTER (NE1/4) OF SAID
SECTION 31, A DISTANCE OF 2,605.94 FEET, TO THE CENTER QUARTER CORNER OF SAID SECTION 31, AS
MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 3-1/4” ALUMINUM CAP ON A NO. 6 REBAR, STAMPED “RLS 77626”;
THENCE NORTH 88°06'51” WEST, ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER (NW1/4) OF SAID
SECTION 31, A DISTANCE OF 1,526.90 FEET, TO THE WEST QUARTER CORNER OF SAID SECTION 31, AS
MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 3-1/4” ALUMINUM CAP ON A NO. 6 REBAR, STAMPED “RLS 77626”;
THENCE NORTH 00°34'08” EAST, ALONG THE WEST LINE OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER (NW1/4) OF SAID
SECTION 31, A DISTANCE OF 210.09 FEET, TO THE EAST QUARTER CORNER OF SAID SECTION 25,
TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST, AS MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 2-1/2” BRASS CAP ON A 1" IRON PIPE,
STAMPED “1958”;
THENCE NORTH 00°34'08” EAST, CONTINUING ALONG SAID WEST LINE, A DISTANCE OF 2,356.34 FEET, TO
THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 30, AS MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 3-1/4” ALUMINUM CAP ON
A NO. 6 REBAR, STAMPED “RLS 77626”;
THENCE NORTH 00°34'00” EAST, ALONG THE WEST LINE OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER (SW1/4) OF SAID
SECTION 30, A DISTANCE OF 283.50 FEET, TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 25, AS
MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 2-1/2” BRASS CAP ON A 1-3/4” IRON PIPE, STAMPED “1958”;
PRINT DATE: 09/17/2024
PART OF SECTIONS 25 AND 26
TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST AND PART OF
SECTIONS 22-26, 28-31, TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 4 WEST
GILA AND SALT RIVER MERIDIAN
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA
EXHIBIT ``A''
SR85 AREA PLAN
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA
PROJECT NO.: APEX_B230003
ASCENT GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS - 8620 WOLFF CT, WESTMINSTER, CO 80031 - 303-928-7128
GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS
CONTINUED ON SHEET 4
FILE NAME: SR85_BOUNDARY
SHEET: 3 OF 13
THENCE NORTH 89°00'46” WEST, ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER (SE1/4) OF SAID
SECTION 25, A DISTANCE OF 2,640.85 FEET, TO THE SOUTH QUARTER CORNER OF SAID SECTION 25, AS
MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 3-1/4” BRASS CAP ON A 2-1/4” IRON PIPE, STAMPED “1958”;
THENCE NORTH 89°59'56” WEST, ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF THE SOUTHWEST ONE-QUARTER (SW1/4) OF
SAID SECTION 25, A DISTANCE OF 2,043.94 FEET TO THE BOUNDARY LINE BETWEEN SR80 AND SR85;
THENCE DEPARTING SAID SOUTH LINE, NORTH 49°10'34” WEST, ALONG SAID BOUNDARY LINE, A DISTANCE
OF 2,529.31 FEET;
THENCE DEPARTING SAID BOUNDARY LINE, NORTH 00°49'47” EAST, A DISTANCE OF 1,014.97 FEET, TO THE
POINT OF BEGINNING (POB 1).
TOGETHER WITH A PARCEL OF LAND LOCATED IN SECTIONS 22-26, TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 4 WEST,
GILA AND SALT RIVER MERIDIAN, MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA, BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED
AS FOLLOWS:
BEGINNING (POB2) AT THE SOUTH QUARTER CORNER OF SAID SECTION 22, AS MONUMENTED BY A
FOUND 2-1/2” BRASS CAP ON A 1” IRON PIPE, STAMPED “1931”, WHENCE THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF
SAID SECTION 22, AS MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 2-1/2” BRASS CAP ON A 1-3/4” IRON PIPE, STAMPED
“1931”, BEARS NORTH 89°20'46” WEST, A DISTANCE OF 2,638.25 FEET;
THENCE NORTH 00°18'41” EAST, ALONG THE WEST LINE OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER (SE1/4) OF SAID
SECTION 22, A DISTANCE OF 1,322.26 FEET, TO THE CENTER SOUTH SIXTEENTH CORNER OF SAID
SECTION 22, AS MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 3-1/4” ALUMINUM CAP ON A NO. 6 REBAR, STAMPED “RLS
77626”;
THENCE SOUTH 89°23'18” EAST, ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTH HALF OF SAID SOUTHEAST
QUARTER (S1/2SE1/4), A DISTANCE OF 2,640.25 FEET, TO THE SOUTH SIXTEENTH CORNER BETWEEN SAID
SECTIONS 22 AND 23, AS MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 3-1/4” ALUMINUM CAP ON A NO. 6 REBAR, STAMPED
“RLS 77626”;
THENCE NORTH 00°24'56” EAST, ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID SOUTHEAST QUARTER (SE1/4), A
DISTANCE OF 1,321.67 FEET, TO THE EAST QUARTER CORNER OF SAID SECTION 22, AS MONUMENTED BY
A FOUND 2-1/2” BRASS CAP ON A 1” IRON PIPE, STAMPED “1931”;
THENCE NORTH 00°22'14” EAST, ALONG THE EAST LINE OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER (NE1/4) OF SAID
SECTION 22, A DISTANCE OF 2,643.20 FEET, TO THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 22, AS
MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 2-1/2” BRASS CAP ON A 1-3/4” IRON PIPE, STAMPED “1931”;
THENCE SOUTH 89°16'46” EAST, ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER (NW1/4) OF SAID
SECTION 23, A DISTANCE OF 2,647.70 FEET, TO THE NORTH QUARTER CORNER OF SAID SECTION 23, AS
MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 2-1/2” BRASS CAP ON A 1” IRON PIPE, STAMPED “1931”;
THENCE SOUTH 89°24'36” EAST, ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER (NE1/4) OF SAID
SECTION 23, A DISTANCE OF 2,639.63 FEET, TO THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 23, AS
MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 2-1/2” BRASS CAP ON A 1-3/4” IRON PIPE, STAMPED “1931”;
THENCE SOUTH 89°20'30” EAST, ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER (NW1/4) OF SAID
SECTION 24, A DISTANCE OF 2,642.28 FEET, TO THE NORTH QUARTER CORNER OF SAID SECTION 24, AS
MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 2-1/2” BRASS CAP ON A 1” IRON PIPE, STAMPED “1931”;
THENCE SOUTH 89°21'36” EAST, ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER (NE1/4) OF SAID
SECTION 24, A DISTANCE OF 2,639.51 FEET, TO THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 24, AS
MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 2-1/2” BRASS CAP ON A 1-3/4” IRON PIPE, STAMPED “1931”;
THENCE SOUTH 00°24'34” WEST, ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID NORTHEAST QUARTER (NE1/4) OF SAID
SECTION 24, A DISTANCE OF 2,464.94 FEET, TO THE WEST QUARTER CORNER OF SECTION 19, TOWNSHIP
2 SOUTH, RANGE 3 WEST, AS MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 2-1/2” BRASS CAP ON A 1” IRON PIPE STAMPED,
“1931”;
THENCE SOUTH 00°24'34” WEST, CONTINUING ALONG SAID EAST LINE, A DISTANCE OF 177.75 FEET, TO
THE EAST QUARTER CORNER OF SAID SECTION 24, AS MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 2-1/2” BRASS CAP ON A
1” IRON PIPE STAMPED, “1931";
PRINT DATE: 09/17/2024
PART OF SECTIONS 25 AND 26
TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST AND PART OF
SECTIONS 22-26, 28-31, TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 4 WEST
GILA AND SALT RIVER MERIDIAN
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA
EXHIBIT ``A''
SR85 AREA PLAN
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA
PROJECT NO.: APEX_B230003
ASCENT GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS - 8620 WOLFF CT, WESTMINSTER, CO 80031 - 303-928-7128
GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS
FILE NAME: SR85_BOUNDARY
SHEET: 4 OF 13
PRINT DATE: 09/17/2024
PART OF SECTIONS 25 AND 26
TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST AND PART OF
SECTIONS 22-26, 28-31, TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 4 WEST
GILA AND SALT RIVER MERIDIAN
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA
THENCE NORTH 89°20'50” WEST, ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER (SE1/4) OF SAID
SECTION 24, A DISTANCE OF 2,640.73 FEET, TO THE CENTER QUARTER CORNER OF SAID SECTION 24, AS
MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 3-1/4” ALUMINUM CAP ON A NO. 6 REBAR, STAMPED “RLS 77626”;
THENCE SOUTH 00°26'09” WEST, ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID SOUTHEAST QUARTER (SE1/4) OF SAID
SECTION 24, A DISTANCE OF 2,643.11 FEET, TO THE SOUTH QUARTER CORNER OF SAID SECTION 24, AS
MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 2-1/2” BRASS CAP ON A 1” IRON PIPE, STAMPED “1931”;
THENCE SOUTH 89°22'39” EAST, ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID SOUTHEAST QUARTER (SE1/4) OF SAID
SECTION 24, A DISTANCE OF 240.66 FEET, TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE JOJOBA TRANSMISSION
SWITCHYARD AND SUBSTATION EASEMENT, AS DESCRIBED IN THAT DOCUMENT RECORDED AS
RECEPTION NUMBER 14-107947, ON FILE IN THE MARICOPA COUNTY CLERK AND RECORDERS OFFICE;
THENCE DEPARTING SAID SOUTH LINE, SOUTH 00°24'39" WEST, ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID
EASEMENT, A DISTANCE OF 1,094.10 FEET;
THENCE NORTH 89°33'24" EAST, ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID EASEMENT, A DISTANCE OF 2,400.16
FEET, TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID EASEMENT AND A POINT ON THE EAST LINE OF THE
NORTHEAST QUARTER (NE1/4) OF SAID SECTION 25;
THENCE SOUTH 00°24'51” WEST, ALONG SAID EAST LINE, A DISTANCE OF 271.80 FEET, TO THE NORTH
SIXTEENTH CORNER BETWEEN SAID SECTIONS 25 AND 30, TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 3 WEST, AS
MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 3-1/4” ALUMINUM CAP ON A NO. 6 REBAR, STAMPED “RLS 77626”;
THENCE CONTINUING ALONG SAID EAST LINE, SOUTH 00°24'51” WEST, A DISTANCE OF 424.94 FEET, TO A
FOUND NO. 4 REBAR WITH RED PLASTIC CAP, STAMPED “RLS 33307”;
THENCE DEPARTING SAID EAST LINE, NORTH 89°21'25” WEST, A DISTANCE OF 5,280.95 FEET, TO THE
WEST LINE OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER (NW1/4) OF SAID SECTION 25, AS MONUMENTED BY A FOUND
NO. 4 REBAR WITH RED PLASTIC CAP, STAMPED “RLS 33307”;
THENCE NORTH 00°26'39” EAST, ALONG SAID WEST LINE, A DISTANCE OF 425.23 FEET, TO THE NORTH
SIXTEENTH QUARTER CORNER BETWEEN SAID SECTIONS 25 AND 26, AS MONUMENTED BY A FOUND NO. 5
REBAR WITH YELLOW PLASTIC CAP, STAMPED “RLS 77626”;
THENCE NORTH 89°22'13” WEST, ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTH HALF OF THE NORTHEAST
QUARTER (S1/2NE1/4) OF SAID SECTION 26, A DISTANCE OF 2,642.16 FEET, TO THE CENTER NORTH
SIXTEENTH CORNER OF SAID SECTION 26, AS MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 3-1/4” ALUMINUM CAP ON A NO.
6 REBAR, STAMPED “RLS 77626”;
THENCE NORTH 00°24'08” EAST, ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID NORTHEAST QUARTER (NE1/4), A
DISTANCE OF 1,321.59 FEET, TO THE NORTH QUARTER CORNER OF SAID SECTION 26, AS MONUMENTED
BY A FOUND NAIL AND 1-1/2” WASHER, STAMPED “RLS 77626”;
THENCE NORTH 89°22'00” WEST, ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER (NW1/4) OF SAID
SECTION 26, A DISTANCE OF 2,643.13 FEET, TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 26, AS
MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 3-1/4” ALUMINUM CAP ON A NO. 6 REBAR, STAMPED “RLS 77626”;
THENCE NORTH 89°24'03” WEST, ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER (SE1/4) OF SAID
SECTION 22, A DISTANCE OF 2,637.84 FEET, TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING (POB2)
TOTAL AREA OF PARCELS IS 132,075,858 SQUARE FEET (3,032.04 ACRES MORE OR LESS). DISTANCES ARE
GROUND DISTANCES AND ARE BASED OFF THE INTERNATIONAL FOOT PER ARIZONA CENTRAL STATE
PLANE (NAD83). TO CONVERT TO GRID A SCALE FACTOR OF 0.99992531 CAN BE APPLIED.
SEC. 26
T2S, R5W
T2S, R4W
SEC. 25
SEC.
30
SEC.
31
SEC. 29
SEC. 28
SEC. 27
SEC. 26
SEC. 25
SEC. 24
SEC. 23
SEC. 22
GRAPHIC SCALE: 1" = 6000'
12000'
6000'
0
LEGEND
SECTION (ALIQUOT) LINE
EASEMENT
EXHIBIT ``B''
_________________________________
ANTHONY L. KNIEVEL, AZ RLS 78326
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF
PETROLEUM FIELD SERVICES, LLC
D.B.A. ASCENT GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS
POB 1
SHEET LAYOUT
SHEET 6 - SECTION 26, TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST
SHEET 7 - SECTION 25, TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST
SHEET 8 - SECTIONS 30 & 31, TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 4 WEST
SHEET 9 - SECTION 29, TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 4 WEST
SHEET 10 - SECTION 28, TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 4 WEST
SHEET 11 - SECTION 22, TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 4 WEST
SHEET 12 - PART OF SECTIONS 23 & 26, TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 4 WEST
SHEET 13 - PART OF SECTIONS 24 & 25, TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 4 WEST
SR85 AREA PLAN
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA
PROJECT NO.: APEX_B230003
ASCENT GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS - 8620 WOLFF CT, WESTMINSTER, CO 80031 - 303-928-7128
GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS
SECTION
POINT OF BEGINNING
SEC.
POB
NOTE:
1. THIS IS NOT A MONUMENTED SURVEY. IT IS INTENDED ONLY TO
BE A GRAPHIC DEPICTION OF THE ATTACHED DESCRIPTION
2. THE BOUNDARY LINE BETWEEN SR80 AND SR85 WAS SUPPLIED
DIGITALLY VIA EMAIL ON 08/08/2024 AS A KML FILE AND SPATIALLY
TRANSLATED TO BE GRAPHICALLY DEPICTED HEREON.
SR80 AND SR85
BOUNDARY
FILE NAME: SR85_BOUNDARY
SHEET: 5 OF 13
POB 2
PRINT DATE: 09/17/2024
PART OF SECTIONS 25 AND 26
TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST AND PART OF
SECTIONS 22-26, 28-31, TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 4 WEST
GILA AND SALT RIVER MERIDIAN
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA
MONUMENT LIST
A. NO. 5 REBAR
B. 2-1/4" IRON PIPE, 3-1/4" BRASS CAP, STAMPED "1958"
C. NO. 6 REBAR, 3-1/4" ALUMINUM CAP, STAMPED "RLS 77626"
D. NO. 5 REBAR, YELLOW PLASTIC CAP, STAMPED "RLS 57279"
E. NO. 5 REBAR, YELLOW PLASTIC CAP, STAMPED "RLS 77626"
F. 1-3/4" IRON PIPE, 2-1/2" BRASS CAP, STAMPED "1958"
G. 1-3/4" IRON PIPE, 2-1/2" BRASS CAP, STAMPED "1931"
H. 1" IRON PIPE, 2-1/2" BRASS CAP, STAMPED "1931"
I. NO. 4 REBAR, RED PLASTIC CAP, STAMPED "RLS 33307"
J. NAIL, 1-1/4" WASHER, STAMPED "RLS 77626"
K. 2-3/4" COTTON SPINDLE
L. 1" IRON PIPE, 2-1/2" BRASS CAP, STAMPED "1958"
78326
A
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KNIEVEL
SIGN
SEC. 26
T2S, R5W
NW 1/4
NE 1/4
SW 1/4
SE 1/4
A
B
D
C
BOUNDARY LINE
BETWEEN SR80
AND SR85
BOUNDARY LINE
BETWEEN SR80
AND SR85
EXHIBIT ``B''
POB 1
SR85 AREA PLAN
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA
PROJECT NO.: APEX_B230003
ASCENT GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS - 8620 WOLFF CT, WESTMINSTER, CO 80031 - 303-928-7128
GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS
POC
GRAPHIC SCALE: 1" = 1000'
2000'
1000'
0
LEGEND
SECTION (ALIQUOT) LINE
QUARTER SECTION LINE
EASEMENT
FOUND MONUMENT (SEE SHEET 5)
POINT OF COMMENCEMENT
POINT OF BEGINNING
POC
POB
NOTE:
1. THIS IS NOT A MONUMENTED SURVEY. IT IS INTENDED ONLY TO
BE A GRAPHIC DEPICTION OF THE ATTACHED DESCRIPTION
2. THE BOUNDARY LINE BETWEEN SR80 AND SR85 WAS SUPPLIED
DIGITALLY VIA EMAIL ON 08/08/2024 AS A KML FILE AND SPATIALLY
TRANSLATED TO BE GRAPHICALLY DEPICTED HEREON.
FILE NAME: SR85_BOUNDARY
SHEET: 6 OF 13
SEC. 25
T2S, R5W
_________________________________
ANTHONY L. KNIEVEL, AZ RLS 78326
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF
PETROLEUM FIELD SERVICES, LLC
D.B.A. ASCENT GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS
PRINT DATE: 09/17/2024
PART OF SECTIONS 25 AND 26
TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST AND PART OF
SECTIONS 22-26, 28-31, TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 4 WEST
GILA AND SALT RIVER MERIDIAN
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA
78326
A
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ANTHONY L.
KNIEVEL
SIGN
SEC. 25
T2S, R5W
C
C
C
C
C
B
F
BOUNDARY LINE
BETWEEN SR80
AND SR85
BOUNDARY LINE
BETWEEN SR80
AND SR85
NW 1/4
NE 1/4
SW 1/4
SE 1/4
EXHIBIT ``B''
SR85 AREA PLAN
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA
PROJECT NO.: APEX_B230003
ASCENT GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS - 8620 WOLFF CT, WESTMINSTER, CO 80031 - 303-928-7128
GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS
NOTE:
1. THIS IS NOT A MONUMENTED SURVEY. IT IS INTENDED ONLY TO
BE A GRAPHIC DEPICTION OF THE ATTACHED DESCRIPTION
2. THE BOUNDARY LINE BETWEEN SR80 AND SR85 WAS SUPPLIED
DIGITALLY VIA EMAIL ON 08/08/2024 AS A KML FILE AND SPATIALLY
TRANSLATED TO BE GRAPHICALLY DEPICTED HEREON.
FILE NAME: SR85_BOUNDARY
SHEET: 7 OF 13
SEC. 26
T2S, R5W
SEC. 30
T2S, R4W
GRAPHIC SCALE: 1" = 1000'
2000'
1000'
0
LEGEND
SECTION (ALIQUOT) LINE
QUARTER SECTION LINE
EASEMENT
FOUND MONUMENT (SEE SHEET 5)
POINT OF COMMENCEMENT
POINT OF BEGINNING
POC
POB
_________________________________
ANTHONY L. KNIEVEL, AZ RLS 78326
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF
PETROLEUM FIELD SERVICES, LLC
D.B.A. ASCENT GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS
PRINT DATE: 09/17/2024
PART OF SECTIONS 25 AND 26
TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST AND PART OF
SECTIONS 22-26, 28-31, TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 4 WEST
GILA AND SALT RIVER MERIDIAN
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA
78326
A
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ANTHONY L.
KNIEVEL
SIGN
SEC. 30
T2S, R4W
C
C
C
C
C
F
G
NW 1/4
NE 1/4
SW 1/4
SE 1/4
SEC. 31
T2S, R4W
C
C
C
C
F
G
L
NW 1/4
NE 1/4
SW 1/4
SE 1/4
EXHIBIT ``B''
SR85 AREA PLAN
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA
PROJECT NO.: APEX_B230003
ASCENT GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS - 8620 WOLFF CT, WESTMINSTER, CO 80031 - 303-928-7128
GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS
NOTE:
1. THIS IS NOT A MONUMENTED SURVEY. IT IS INTENDED ONLY TO
BE A GRAPHIC DEPICTION OF THE ATTACHED DESCRIPTION
2. THE BOUNDARY LINE BETWEEN SR80 AND SR85 WAS SUPPLIED
DIGITALLY VIA EMAIL ON 08/08/2024 AS A KML FILE AND SPATIALLY
TRANSLATED TO BE GRAPHICALLY DEPICTED HEREON.
FILE NAME: SR85_BOUNDARY
SHEET: 8 OF 13
SEC. 26
T2S, R5W
SEC. 31
T2S, R4W
SEC. 30
T2S, R4W
SEC. 29
T2S, R4W
GRAPHIC SCALE: 1" = 1000'
2000'
1000'
0
LEGEND
SECTION (ALIQUOT) LINE
QUARTER SECTION LINE
EASEMENT
FOUND MONUMENT (SEE SHEET 5)
POINT OF COMMENCEMENT
POINT OF BEGINNING
POC
POB
_________________________________
ANTHONY L. KNIEVEL, AZ RLS 78326
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF
PETROLEUM FIELD SERVICES, LLC
D.B.A. ASCENT GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS
PRINT DATE: 09/17/2024
PART OF SECTIONS 25 AND 26
TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST AND PART OF
SECTIONS 22-26, 28-31, TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 4 WEST
GILA AND SALT RIVER MERIDIAN
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA
78326
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ANTHONY L.
KNIEVEL
SIGN
SEC. 29
T2S, R4W
C
C
C
C
C
G
H
G
NW 1/4
NE 1/4
SW 1/4
SE 1/4
EXHIBIT ``B''
SR85 AREA PLAN
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA
PROJECT NO.: APEX_B230003
ASCENT GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS - 8620 WOLFF CT, WESTMINSTER, CO 80031 - 303-928-7128
GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS
NOTE:
1. THIS IS NOT A MONUMENTED SURVEY. IT IS INTENDED ONLY TO
BE A GRAPHIC DEPICTION OF THE ATTACHED DESCRIPTION
2. THE BOUNDARY LINE BETWEEN SR80 AND SR85 WAS SUPPLIED
DIGITALLY VIA EMAIL ON 08/08/2024 AS A KML FILE AND SPATIALLY
TRANSLATED TO BE GRAPHICALLY DEPICTED HEREON.
FILE NAME: SR85_BOUNDARY
SEC. 30
T2S, R4W
SEC. 28
T2S, R4W
SHEET:9 OF 13
GRAPHIC SCALE: 1" = 1000'
2000'
1000'
0
LEGEND
SECTION (ALIQUOT) LINE
QUARTER SECTION LINE
EASEMENT
FOUND MONUMENT (SEE SHEET 5)
POINT OF COMMENCEMENT
POINT OF BEGINNING
POC
POB
_________________________________
ANTHONY L. KNIEVEL, AZ RLS 78326
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF
PETROLEUM FIELD SERVICES, LLC
D.B.A. ASCENT GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS
PRINT DATE: 09/17/2024
PART OF SECTIONS 25 AND 26
TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST AND PART OF
SECTIONS 22-26, 28-31, TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 4 WEST
GILA AND SALT RIVER MERIDIAN
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA
78326
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KNIEVEL
SIGN
SEC. 28
T2S, R4W
C
C
C
H
G
H
K
G
NW 1/4
NE 1/4
SW 1/4
SE 1/4
EXHIBIT ``B''
SR85 AREA PLAN
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA
PROJECT NO.: APEX_B230003
ASCENT GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS - 8620 WOLFF CT, WESTMINSTER, CO 80031 - 303-928-7128
GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS
NOTE:
1. THIS IS NOT A MONUMENTED SURVEY. IT IS INTENDED ONLY TO
BE A GRAPHIC DEPICTION OF THE ATTACHED DESCRIPTION
2. THE BOUNDARY LINE BETWEEN SR80 AND SR85 WAS SUPPLIED
DIGITALLY VIA EMAIL ON 08/08/2024 AS A KML FILE AND SPATIALLY
TRANSLATED TO BE GRAPHICALLY DEPICTED HEREON.
FILE NAME: SR85_BOUNDARY
SHEET:10 OF 13
SEC. 29
T2S, R4W
SEC. 27
T2S, R4W
GRAPHIC SCALE: 1" = 1000'
2000'
1000'
0
LEGEND
SECTION (ALIQUOT) LINE
QUARTER SECTION LINE
EASEMENT
FOUND MONUMENT (SEE SHEET 5)
POINT OF COMMENCEMENT
POINT OF BEGINNING
POC
POB
_________________________________
ANTHONY L. KNIEVEL, AZ RLS 78326
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF
PETROLEUM FIELD SERVICES, LLC
D.B.A. ASCENT GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS
PRINT DATE: 09/17/2024
PART OF SECTIONS 25 AND 26
TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST AND PART OF
SECTIONS 22-26, 28-31, TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 4 WEST
GILA AND SALT RIVER MERIDIAN
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA
SEC. 21
T2S, R4W
78326
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ANTHONY L.
KNIEVEL
SIGN
C
C
C
G
H
H
F
SW 1/4
SE 1/4
SEC. 22
T2S, R4W
NW 1/4
NE 1/4
EXHIBIT ``B''
SR85 AREA PLAN
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA
PROJECT NO.: APEX_B230003
ASCENT GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS - 8620 WOLFF CT, WESTMINSTER, CO 80031 - 303-928-7128
GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS
NOTE:
1. THIS IS NOT A MONUMENTED SURVEY. IT IS INTENDED ONLY TO
BE A GRAPHIC DEPICTION OF THE ATTACHED DESCRIPTION
2. THE BOUNDARY LINE BETWEEN SR80 AND SR85 WAS SUPPLIED
DIGITALLY VIA EMAIL ON 08/08/2024 AS A KML FILE AND SPATIALLY
TRANSLATED TO BE GRAPHICALLY DEPICTED HEREON.
FILE NAME: SR85_BOUNDARY
SHEET:11 OF 13
SEC. 21
T2S, R4W
SEC. 23
T2S, R4W
GRAPHIC SCALE: 1" = 1000'
2000'
1000'
0
LEGEND
SECTION (ALIQUOT) LINE
QUARTER SECTION LINE
EASEMENT
FOUND MONUMENT (SEE SHEET 5)
POINT OF COMMENCEMENT
POINT OF BEGINNING
POC
POB
_________________________________
ANTHONY L. KNIEVEL, AZ RLS 78326
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF
PETROLEUM FIELD SERVICES, LLC
D.B.A. ASCENT GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS
SEC. 27
T2S, R4W
POB 2
PRINT DATE: 09/17/2024
PART OF SECTIONS 25 AND 26
TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST AND PART OF
SECTIONS 22-26, 28-31, TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 4 WEST
GILA AND SALT RIVER MERIDIAN
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA
78326
A
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ANTHONY L.
KNIEVEL
SIGN
SEC. 23
T2S, R4W
C
C
C
H
F
H
F
J
E
NW 1/4
NW 1/4
NE 1/4
NE 1/4
SW 1/4
SE 1/4
SEC. 26
T2S, R4W
EXHIBIT ``B''
SR85 AREA PLAN
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA
PROJECT NO.: APEX_B230003
ASCENT GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS - 8620 WOLFF CT, WESTMINSTER, CO 80031 - 303-928-7128
GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS
NOTE:
1. THIS IS NOT A MONUMENTED SURVEY. IT IS INTENDED ONLY TO
BE A GRAPHIC DEPICTION OF THE ATTACHED DESCRIPTION
2. THE BOUNDARY LINE BETWEEN SR80 AND SR85 WAS SUPPLIED
DIGITALLY VIA EMAIL ON 08/08/2024 AS A KML FILE AND SPATIALLY
TRANSLATED TO BE GRAPHICALLY DEPICTED HEREON.
FILE NAME: SR85_BOUNDARY
SHEET:12 OF 13
SEC. 22
T2S, R4W
SEC. 24
T2S, R4W
SEC. 27
T2S, R4W
SEC. 25
T2S, R4W
GRAPHIC SCALE: 1" = 1000'
2000'
1000'
0
LEGEND
SECTION (ALIQUOT) LINE
QUARTER SECTION LINE
EASEMENT
FOUND MONUMENT (SEE SHEET 5)
POINT OF COMMENCEMENT
POINT OF BEGINNING
POC
POB
_________________________________
ANTHONY L. KNIEVEL, AZ RLS 78326
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF
PETROLEUM FIELD SERVICES, LLC
D.B.A. ASCENT GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS
PRINT DATE: 09/17/2024
PART OF SECTIONS 25 AND 26
TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST AND PART OF
SECTIONS 22-26, 28-31, TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 4 WEST
GILA AND SALT RIVER MERIDIAN
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA
78326
A
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ANTHONY L.
KNIEVEL
SIGN
SEC. 24
T2S, R4W
C
F
E
H
G
H
H
I
I
C
NW 1/4
NW 1/4
NE 1/4
NE 1/4
SW 1/4
SE 1/4
H
SEC. 25
T2S, R4W
JOJOBA SWITCHYARD &
SUBSTATION EASEMENT
REC. NO. 14-107947
EXHIBIT ``B''
SR85 AREA PLAN
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA
PROJECT NO.: APEX_B230003
ASCENT GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS - 8620 WOLFF CT, WESTMINSTER, CO 80031 - 303-928-7128
GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS
NOTE:
1. THIS IS NOT A MONUMENTED SURVEY. IT IS INTENDED ONLY TO
BE A GRAPHIC DEPICTION OF THE ATTACHED DESCRIPTION
2. THE BOUNDARY LINE BETWEEN SR80 AND SR85 WAS SUPPLIED
DIGITALLY VIA EMAIL ON 08/08/2024 AS A KML FILE AND SPATIALLY
TRANSLATED TO BE GRAPHICALLY DEPICTED HEREON.
FILE NAME: SR85_BOUNDARY
SHEET:13 OF 13
SEC. 23
T2S, R4W
SEC. 19
T2S, R3W
SEC. 26
T2S, R4W
SEC. 30
T2S, R3W
GRAPHIC SCALE: 1" = 1000'
2000'
1000'
0
LEGEND
SECTION (ALIQUOT) LINE
QUARTER SECTION LINE
EASEMENT
FOUND MONUMENT (SEE SHEET 5)
POINT OF COMMENCEMENT
POINT OF BEGINNING
POC
POB
_________________________________
ANTHONY L. KNIEVEL, AZ RLS 78326
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF
PETROLEUM FIELD SERVICES, LLC
D.B.A. ASCENT GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS
PRINT DATE: 09/17/2024
PART OF SECTIONS 25 AND 26
TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST AND PART OF
SECTIONS 22-26, 28-31, TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 4 WEST
GILA AND SALT RIVER MERIDIAN
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA
RECEPTION NUMBER
REC. NO.
78326
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ANTHONY L.
KNIEVEL
SIGN
EXHIBIT ``A''
DESCRIPTION
A PARCEL OF LAND LOCATED IN SECTIONS 23, 26, AND 27, TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST, GILA AND
SALT RIVER MERIDIAN, MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA, BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS
FOLLOWS:
BEGINNING (POB1) AT THE CENTER QUARTER (C1/4) CORNER OF SAID SECTION 26, AS MONUMENTED BY
A FOUND NO. 5 REBAR, WHENCE THE WEST QUARTER (W1/4) CORNER OF SAID SECTION 26, AS
MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 3-1/4” BRASS CAP ON 2-1/4” IRON PIPE, STAMPED “1958”, BEARS NORTH
88°49’28” WEST A DISTANCE OF 2,634.99 FEET, BEING THE BASIS OF BEARINGS IN THIS DESCRIPTION.
THENCE NORTH 88°49'28" WEST, ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER (NW1/4) OF SAID
SECTION 26, A DISTANCE OF 1,317.47 FEET, TO THE CENTER WEST SIXTEENTH CORNER OF SAID SECTION
26, AS MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 3-1/4” ALUMINUM CAP ON A NO. 6 REBAR, STAMPED “RLS 77626”;
THENCE NORTH 00°57'16" EAST, ALONG THE WEST LINE OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF THE
NORTHWEST QUARTER (SE1/4NW1/4) OF SAID SECTION 26, A DISTANCE OF 1,321.99 FEET, TO THE
NORTHWEST SIXTEENTH CORNER OF SAID SECTION 26, AS MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 3-1/4” ALUMINUM
CAP ON A NO. 6 REBAR, STAMPED “RLS 77626”;
THENCE NORTH 88°50'10" WEST, ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF THE
NORTHWEST QUARTER (SW1/4NW1/4) OF SAID SECTION 26, A DISTANCE OF 1,317.30 FEET, TO THE NORTH
SIXTEENTH CORNER BETWEEN SAID SECTIONS 26 AND 27, AS MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 3-1/4”
ALUMINUM CAP ON A NO. 6 REBAR, STAMPED “RLS 77626”;
THENCE NORTH 89°09'59" WEST, ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTH HALF OF THE NORTH HALF
(S1/2N1/2) OF SAID SECTION 27, A DISTANCE OF 3,298.64 FEET, TO THE CENTER EAST NORTHWEST
SIXTY-FOURTH CORNER OF OF SAID SECTION 27, AS MONUMENTED BY A FOUND NO. 5 REBAR WITH A
YELLOW PLASTIC CAP, STAMPED “RLS 77626”;
THENCE NORTH 01°26'04" EAST, ALONG THE WEST LINE OF THE EAST HALF OF THE NORTHEAST
QUARTER OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER (E1/2NE1/4NW1/4), A DISTANCE OF 1,316.16 FEET, TO THE EAST
WEST SIXTY-FOURTH CORNER BETWEEN SAID SECTION 27 AND SECTION 22, TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE
5 WEST, AS MONUMENTED BY A FOUND NO. 5 REBAR WITH A YELLOW PLASTIC CAP, STAMPED “RLS
77626”;
THENCE SOUTH 89°17'13" EAST, ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF SAID NORTHWEST QUARTER (NW1/4) OF SAID
SECTION 27, A DISTANCE OF 655.97 FEET, TO THE NORTH QUARTER CORNER (N1/4) OF SAID SECTION 27,
AS MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 3-1/4” BRASS CAP ON A 2-1/4” IRON PIPE, STAMPED “1958”;
THENCE SOUTH 89°15'32" EAST, ALONG SAID NORTH LINE, A DISTANCE OF 2,631.88 FEET, TO THE
NORTHWEST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 26, AS MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 3-1/4” BRASS CAP ON A 2-1/4”
IRON PIPE STAMPED “1958”;
THENCE SOUTH 88°50'51" EAST, ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF SAID NORTHWEST QUARTER (NW1/4) OF
SECTION 26, A DISTANCE OF 658.55 FEET, TO THE WEST WEST SIXTY-FOURTH CORNER BETWEEN SAID
SECTIONS 26 AND 23, AS MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 3-1/4” ALUMINUM CAP ON A NO. 6 REBAR, STAMPED
“RLS 77626”;
THENCE NORTH 01°26'16" EAST, ALONG THE WEST LINE OF THE EAST HALF OF THE SOUTHWEST
QUARTER OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER (E1/2SW1/4SW1/4) OF SAID SECTION 23, A DISTANCE OF 659.11
FEET, TO THE SOUTHWEST SOUTHWEST SIXTY-FOURTH CORNER OF SAID SECTION 23, AS MONUMENTED
BY A FOUND NO. 5 REBAR WITH A YELLOW PLASTIC CAP, STAMPED “RLS 77626”;
THENCE SOUTH 88°46'50" EAST, ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTH HALF OF THE SOUTH HALF
(S1/2S1/2), A DISTANCE OF 1,311.47 FEET, TO THE SOUTHEAST SOUTHWEST SIXTY-FOURTH CORNER OF
SAID SECTION 23, AS MONUMENTED BY A FOUND NO. 5 REBAR WITH A YELLOW PLASTIC CAP, STAMPED
“RLS 77626”;
CONTINUED ON SHEET 2
8620 Wolff Court
Westminster, CO 80031
Ascent Geomatics Solutions
(303) 928-7128
SR80 AREA PLAN
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA
FILE NAME: SR80_BOUNDARY
PROJECT NO.: APEX_B230003
PRINT DATE: 08/12/2024 SHEET: 1 OF 3
PART OF SECTIONS 23 & 25-27
TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST
GILA AND SALT RIVER MERIDIAN
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA
GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS
EXHIBIT ``A''
CONTINUED FROM SHEET 1
THENCE SOUTH 00°56'56" WEST, A DISTANCE OF 657.58 FEET, TO THE EAST WEST SIXTY-FOURTH CORNER
BETWEEN SAID SECTIONS 26 AND 23, AS MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 3-1/4” ALUMINUM CAP ON A NO. 6
REBAR, STAMPED “RLS 77626”;
THENCE SOUTH 88°50'51" EAST, ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER (NW1/4) OF SAID
SECTION 26, A DISTANCE OF 658.55 FEET, TO THE NORTH QUARTER CORNER (N1/4) OF SAID SECTION 26,
AS MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 3-1/4” BRASS CAP ON A 2-1/4” IRON PIPE, STAMPED “1958”;
THENCE SOUTH 00°56'39" WEST, ALONG THE WEST LINE OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION
26, A DISTANCE OF 1,322.28 FEET, TO THE CENTER NORTH SIXTEENTH CORNER OF SAID SECTION 26, TO
A FOUND 3-1/4” ALUMINUM CAP ON A NO. 6 REBAR, STAMPED “RLS 77626”;
THENCE SOUTH 88°45'14" EAST, ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTH HALF OF THE NORTHEAST
QUARTER (S1/2NE1/4) OF SAID SECTION 26, A DISTANCE OF 1,325.06 FEET TO THE BOUNDARY LINE
BETWEEN SR80 AND SR85;
THENCE SOUTH 12°18'34" WEST, ALONG SAID BOUNDARY LINE, A DISTANCE OF 1,345.83 FEET, TO A POINT
ON THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID NORTHEAST QUARTER;
THENCE DEPARTING SAID BOUNDARY, NORTH 88°49'47" WEST, AND ALONG SAID SOUTH LINE, A DISTANCE
OF 1,059.95 FEET, TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING (POB 1);
TOGETHER WITH A PARCEL OF LAND LOCATED IN SECTIONS 25 AND 26, TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 5
WEST, GILA AND SALT RIVER MERIDIAN, MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA, BEING MORE PARTICULARLY
DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
COMMENCING AT THE CENTER QUARTER (C1/4) CORNER OF SAID SECTION 26 (POB 1), AS MONUMENTED
BY A FOUND NO. 5 REBAR, WHENCE THE WEST QUARTER (W1/4) CORNER OF SAID SECTION 26, AS
MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 3-1/4” BRASS CAP ON 2-1/4” IRON PIPE, STAMPED “1958”, BEARS NORTH
88°49’28” WEST A DISTANCE OF 2,634.99 FEET, BEING THE BASIS OF BEARINGS IN THIS DESCRIPTION.
THENCE SOUTH 51°24'38" EAST, A DISTANCE OF 1,670.32 FEET, TO THE BOUNDARY LINE BETWEEN SR80
AND SR85 AND POINT OF BEGINNING (POB 2);
THENCE SOUTH 49°10'34" EAST, ALONG SAID BOUNDARY LINE, A DISTANCE OF 2,529.31 FEET, TO A POINT
ON THE SOUTH LINE OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION 25;
THENCE DEPARTING SAID BOUNDARY LINE, NORTH 89°59'56" WEST, ALONG SAID SOUTH LINE, A DISTANCE
OF 612.18 FEET, TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 26, AS MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 3-1/4”
BRASS CAP ON 2-1/4” IRON PIPE, STAMPED “1958”;
THENCE NORTH 88°46'47" WEST, ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SAID
SECTION 26, A DISTANCE OF 1,325.69 FEET, TO THE EAST SIXTEENTH CORNER BETWEEN SAID SECTION 26
AND SECTION 35, TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST, AS MONUMENTED BY A FOUND 3-1/4” ALUMINUM
CAP ON A NO. 6 REBAR, STAMPED “RLS 77626”;
THENCE NORTH 00°49'54" EAST, ALONG THE WEST LINE OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF THE
SOUTHEAST QUARTER (SE1/4SE1/4) OF SAID SECTION 26, A DISTANCE OF 1,320.17 FEET, TO THE
SOUTHEAST SIXTEENTH CORNER OF SAID SECTION 26, AS MONUMENTED BY A FOUND NO. 5 REBAR WITH
A YELLOW PLASTIC CAP, STAMPED “RLS 57279”;
THENCE NORTH 00°49'47" EAST, A DISTANCE OF 305.26 FEET, TO SAID BOUNDARY LINE AND THE POINT OF
BEGINNING (POB 2);
TOTAL AREA OF PARCELS IS 13,592,890 SQUARE FEET (312.00 ACRES MORE OR LESS). DISTANCES ARE
GROUND DISTANCES AND ARE BASED OFF THE INTERNATIONAL FOOT PER ARIZONA CENTRAL STATE
PLANE (NAD83). TO CONVERT TO GRID A SCALE FACTOR OF 0.99992531 CAN BE APPLIED.
8620 Wolff Court
Westminster, CO 80031
Ascent Geomatics Solutions
(303) 928-7128
SR80 AREA PLAN
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA
PROJECT NO.: APEX_B230003
PRINT DATE: 08/12/2024 SHEET: 2 OF 3
PART OF SECTIONS 23 & 25-27
TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST
GILA AND SALT RIVER MERIDIAN
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA
GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS
FILE NAME: SR80_BOUNDARY
BOUNDARY LINE
BETWEEN SR80
AND SR85
SEC. 26
T2S, R5W
SEC. 27
T2S, R5W
NE 1/4
SE 1/4
NW 1/4
NE 1/4
SW 1/4
SE 1/4
SW 1/4
A
B
C
C
C
D
D
B
B
C
D
D
C
B
C
BOUNDARY LINE
BETWEEN SR80
AND SR85
SE 1/4
SEC. 26
T2S, R5W
SEC. 25
T2S, R5W
SW 1/4
A
E
C
B
NOTE:
1. THIS IS NOT A MONUMENTED SURVEY. IT IS INTENDED ONLY TO
BE A GRAPHIC DEPICTION OF THE ATTACHED DESCRIPTION
2. THE BOUNDARY LINE BETWEEN SR80 AND SR85 WAS SUPPLIED
DIGITALLY VIA EMAIL ON 08/08/2024 AS A KML FILE AND SPATIALLY
TRANSLATED TO BE GRAPHICALLY DEPICTED HEREON.
GRAPHIC SCALE: 1" = 1000'
2000'
1000'
0
POB 1
POB 2
SEE DETAIL 1
LEGEND
SECTION (ALIQUOT) LINE
QUARTER SECTION LINE
BOUNDARY
FOUND MONUMENT (SEE MONUMENT LIST)
POINT OF BEGINNING
POB
EXHIBIT ``B''
_________________________________
TONY KNIEVEL, AZ RLS 78326
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF
PETROLEUM FIELD SERVICES, LLC
D.B.A. ASCENT GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS
8620 Wolff Court
Westminster, CO 80031
Ascent Geomatics Solutions
(303) 928-7128
SR80 AREA PLAN
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA
PROJECT NO.: APEX_B230003
PRINT DATE: 08/12/2024 SHEET: 3 OF 3
PART OF SECTIONS 23 & 25-27
TOWNSHIP 2 SOUTH, RANGE 5 WEST
GILA AND SALT RIVER MERIDIAN
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA
POB 1
POB 2
SEC. 23
T2S, R5W
MONUMENT LIST
A. NO. 5 REBAR
B. 2-1/4" IRON PIPE, 3-1/4" BRASS CAP,
STAMPED "1958"
C. NO. 6 REBAR, 3-1/4" ALUMINUM CAP,
STAMPED "RLS 77626"
D. NO. 5 REBAR, YELLOW PLASTIC CAP,
STAMPED "RLS 77626"
E. NO. 5 REBAR, YELLOW PLASTIC CAP,
STAMPED "RLS 57279"
GEOMATICS SOLUTIONS
DETAIL 1
FILE NAME: SR80_BOUNDARY
PRELIMINARY
THIS DOCUMENT SHALL NOT BE RECORDED
FOR ANY PURPOSE AND SHALL NOT BE USED
OR RELIED UPON AS A FINAL SURVEY DOCUMENT
1
Joseph Mueller (PND)
From:
Richard Munguia <Richard.Munguia@yumacountyaz.gov>
Sent:
Wednesday, July 10, 2024 4:56 PM
To:
Joseph Mueller (PND)
Subject:
RE: Request for Comments: Maricopa County CPA2024054: Major Comprehensive Plan
Amendment
Attachments:
Maricopa County CPA2024005 Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment.pdf
This Message Is From an External Sender
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Hello,
Yuma County does not have any comments for this amendment.
Thanks
Richard Munguia
Senior Planner
Yuma County Department of Development Services
Planning and Zoning Division
Address: 2351 W 26th St, Yuma, AZ 85364
Email: Richard.Munguia@YumaCountyAZ.gov
Direct: (928)-817-5090
Main Office: (928)-817-5000
Page | 1
Subdivision
Infrastructure
& Planning Program
301 W. Jefferson St.
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Subdi vi sio n@mari co pa.go v
esd.mar i co pa.go v
The Maricopa County Environmental Services Department (MCESD) has completed review
for the Grand Verde Solar Project planning case(s). Please note the following MCESD
requirements for site development:
Drinking Water –
Per the Safe Drinking Water Act, any water system that supplies more than 25 people or 15
service connections per day for at least 60 days per year is classified as a Public Water
System (PWS).
•
If the project meets the criteria above, a Public Water System application and a New
Source Approval application are required and must be submitted to the MCESD’s
Drinking Water Program. A water quality analysis report will be required with
submittal and is good within one-year of testing.
An Approval to Construct application is required to be submitted to the MCESD’s Treatment
Program for all water treatment facilities.
•
For questions, please contact the Water/Wastewater Treatment Program at (602)
372-2861 or email treatmentplantprogram@maricopa.gov
For additional Drinking Water related questions, please contact the Drinking Water program
at (602) 506-6935 or by email at sdwquestions@maricopa.gov.
Onsite Wastewater –
A Notice of Intent to Discharge application for an onsite wastewater treatment (septic)
system is required for any construction. Application must be submitted to the MCESD
Onsite Wastewater Program.
•
Wastewater is not permitted to discharge to an adjacent parcel’s septic system.
Setback requirements must be maintained per Arizona Administrative Code, Title 18,
Chapter 9, Article 312, C (Features Requiring Setbacks).
Project Name: Grand Verde Solar Project
Primary Contact Name: Dylan Ikkala
Planning Application Type: Comprehensive
Plan Amendment
APN(s): Various
Reviewer: Ryan Hall, P.E.
Email: Ryan.Hall@maricopa.gov
Phone: 602-918-1241
Planner Name: Joseph Mueller
Planning Case #: CPA2024005
Date: July 11, 2024
Water and Waste Management Division
Page | 2
For Onsite Wastewater related questions, please contact the Onsite Program at (602) 506-
6666 or by email at septicquestions@maricopa.gov.
Additional Notes –
*It should be noted that this document does not approve the referenced project. Comments are provided
for the benefit of the applicant for MCESD permit requirements and as an advisory to Maricopa County
Planning and Development Department. 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 current regulations at the time of application.
Jacob Gaston
3230 E. Lynx Pl
Chandler, AZ 85249
jacob@behomerealty.com
10/22/2024
Maricopa County Government
Planning and Development Department
301 W. Jefferson St. Suite 170
Phoenix, AZ 85003
RE:
OPPOSITION TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT
CPA2024005 and REQUEST FOR ZONE CHANGE CASE NUMBER Z240007
Dear Members of the Maricopa County Planning and Board of Supervisors,
I am writing to express my serious concerns regarding the proposed Comprehensive Plan
Amendment (CPA) and zoning change for the development of a Solar Energy Generating
Facility with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on 3,402 acres of State Trust Land.
While I recognize the importance of renewable energy initiatives, I believe there are more
suitable uses for this land that would generate revenue for its beneficiaries without
compromising our community's vision for the future. The proposed amendment to shift from
rural densities and open space to an industrial designation is inconsistent with the long-term land
use plan that prioritizes community well-being and environmental stewardship.
As the owner of 80 acres of contiguous land, I would be directly impacted by this project, which
would encircle my property on two sides, with panels and infrastructure stretching half a mile
along my eastern boundary. This scenario is deeply concerning for my family, as we have plans
to build and farm the land in the coming years. The potential environmental and health risks
associated with the project are alarming. Specifically, I worry about the toxic substances
associated with solar panels and the possible contamination of our groundwater due to runoff.
Given that stormwater runoff from the mountains passes through my property, the implications
of chemical leaching from solar infrastructure are particularly worrisome. There are huge
dykes/berms that were built at the same time as the canal to direct water from the mountains to
specific washes where can then be directed through two breaks in the canal. Disturbing this
proven stormwater management system is a huge risk we are not willing to risk.
Moreover, the safety risks associated with BESS cannot be overlooked. There have been
numerous incidents globally, including a significant explosion in Surprise, Arizona, that resulted
in injuries to firefighters. The nature of lithium-ion batteries poses unique hazards, including the
potential for catastrophic fires that are difficult to extinguish and can lead to long-lasting
environmental damage.
The development of a solar facility in our area would also likely contribute to increased ambient
temperatures, contradicting our goal of escaping the urban heat island effect. Studies have shown
temperature increases of up to 7.2°F around solar power plants, which could adversely affect our
plans for sustainable farming.
Additionally, the issue of glare from solar panels is a concern. Glare can lead to discomfort and
health issues, impacting not only my family's quality of life but also the use and enjoyment of
our property.
Lastly, the potential devaluation of my property cannot be ignored. In my 23 years in real estate,
I have observed that properties adjacent to solar farms often experience significant declines in
market value. The mere prospect of living in close proximity to extensive solar installations
would deter prospective buyers, thereby diminishing our investment in the land.
I urge the Board to consider the long-term implications of the proposed CPA and zoning change,
including environmental degradation, health and safety risks, and the negative impacts on
property values. These factors far outweigh any short-term financial gains that may be
anticipated from this project.
I respectfully request that you deny the application for the Comprehensive Plan Amendment and
zoning change for the Grande Verde Energy Solar Project. Thank you for your attention to these
serious concerns. I trust you will take my objections into account when making your decision.
Sincerely,
Jacob Gaston
1
Joseph Mueller (PND)
From:
Karen Sutter <sutterrk@gmail.com>
Sent:
Wednesday, September 11, 2024 4:25 PM
To:
Joseph Mueller (PND)
Subject:
Case # CPA 2024005, Z240007
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Hello Joseph,
My name is Rick Sutter. I own 400 acres next to the solar panel project.
I have concerns and questions about the project.
What are the details and location of Case# Z240007?
My property, Rick Sutter Farm, has ingress and egress from highway 85 via Komatke Road, which must be preserved.
There are a series of levies, dams, and dikes, which were built for flood control to protect Rick Sutter Farm and the
Paloma Canal from flooding from nearby mountains. This is also evidenced by how flood waters cross over syphon
through the Paloma Canal and crosses over Old US HWY 80. How is the solar project going to manage the impact of
increased flood waters created by the solar panel project in regards to Rick Sutter Farm, syphon, and Old US HWY 80?
Case# 2024005 includes electrical storage batteries. Please provide the dimensions; length, width, height, and
weight, along with the number of batteries permitted for this project now and throughout the future. Also, is there a
hazardous waste dump and recycling facility for these batteries in Arizona or any other state? What is the plan and
procedures for disposing or retiring ineffective batteries?
It takes 5,000-8,000 gallons of water to contain or extinguish an electric car battery. How many gallons of water
would it take if one of the massive batteries needed for this project were to catch on fire? When a battery becomes
hazardous and emittes smoke, fumes, leakage, or toxins of any kind endangering humans, animals, plants, groundwater,
or soil affecting Rick Sutter Farm, what is the policy and procedures for notification, clean-up, and insurance policy to
protect Rick Sutter Farm from any and all damages?
Thank you for your time and consideration of these concerns and questions.
Sincerely,
Rick Sutter
623 695 5969
PO Box 1198
Buckeye, AZ. 85326
sutterrk@gmail.com