Current Development Projects

Sand Hill Wind Project - Application No. PLN2013-13, by Ogin, Inc./New Dimension Energy Company, LLC (formerly FloDesign Wind Turbine Corp.)

Ogin, Inc. (formerly FloDesign Wind Turbine Corporation) applied in early 2013 for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for the repowering (i.e., removal and replacement) of 70-80 existing wind turbines equivalent to 4 megawatts (MW) of generating capacity with 40 shrouded wind turbines (a new wind turbine technology, also referred to as mixer-ejector wind turbines or MEWTs) with a combined generating capacity of 4 MWs, to assess the functionality of the new turbine design and the extent to which it could reduce impacts on birds and bats compared to the existing turbines. The project includes an avian impact validation study funded by a grant from the California Energy Commission. The CUP application is for only the 40 shrouded turbines; however, the impacts of future repowering of an additional 320 to 330 existing turbines with the shrouded turbine design for a total, combined generating capacity of 34 MW has been evaluated on a programmatic basis in the EIR.

Public hearings were held on March 27, April 24 and May 22, 2014 before the East County Board of Zoning Adjustments to consider the approval of Sand Hill Wind Project and certify the Environmental Impact Report. The EIR was certified on March 27, 2014; however, the Board continued consideration of the CUP itself to April and May to obtain additional information regarding the avian validation study and to address some other considerations. On May 22, 2014 the Board voted unanimously to approve the CUP for the 40 shrouded turbines.

Final Environmental Impact Report

Sand Hill Wind Project Final Environmental Impact Report (PDF 5450kb) *

Draft Environmental Impact Report

Title (PDF 121kb)*
Executive Summary (PDF 4.47mb)*
Contents (PDF 124kb) *
Chapter 1: Introduction (PDF 178kb)*
Chapter 2: Project Description (PDF 5.48mb)*
Chapter 3-00: Impact Analysis (PDF 9.99kb)*
Chapter 3-01: Aesthetics (PDF 3.43mb) *
Chapter 3-02: Agricultural and Forestry Resources (PDF 2.40mb)*
Chapter 3-03: Air Quality (PDF 935kb)*
Chapter 3-04: Biological Resources (PDF 3.80mb)*
Chapter 3-05: Cultural Resources (PDF 285kb)*
Chapter 3-06: Geology, Soils, and Paleontological Resources (PDF 3.46mb)*
Chapter 3-07: Greenhouse Gas Emissions (PDF 534kb)*
Chapter 3-08: Hazards and Hazardous Materials (PDF 312kb) *
Chapter 3-09: Hydrology and Water Quality (PDF 380kb)*
Chapter 3-10: Noise (PDF 569kb) *
Chapter 3-11: Transportation/Traffic (PDF 1.78mb)*
Chapter 3-12: Utilities and Service Systems (PDF 171kb)*
Chapter 4: Alternatives Analysis (PDF 418kb)*
Chapter 5: Other CEQA Considerations (PDF 2.16mb)*
Chapter 6: Report Preparers (PDF 138kb)*

Sand Hill Wind Project - Appendices

Appendix A: Notice of Preparation (PDF 4.63mb)*
Appendix B: Avian Study Design (PDF 4.64mb)*
Appendix C: Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Analysis Report (PDF 1.92mb)*
Appendix D: Focused Spring Botanical Survey (PDF 2.42mb)*
Appendix E: Avian Baseline Report (PDF 3.97mb)*
Appendix F: Representative Photographs (PDF 3.94mb)*
Appendix G: Native American Consultation (PDF 741kb)*
Appendix H: Desk Top Geologic Assessment (PDF 2.44mb)*
Appendix I: Environmental Site Assessment Update (PDF 9.97mb)*
Appendix J: Noise Technical Report (PDF 5.07mb)*
Appendix K: Radio Frequency Impact Report (PDF 4.49mb)*

Staff Contacts

Sandra Rivera, Assistant Deputy Director
(510) 670-6526

Andrew Young, Project Planner
(510) 670-5400

Current Development Projects

Sand Hill Wind Project - Application No. PLN2013-13, by Ogin, Inc./New Dimension Energy Company, LLC (formerly FloDesign Wind Turbine Corp.)

Staff Reports

Approved Resolutions and Exhibits

CEQA Documents

Sand Hill Wind Project - Appendices

Staff Contacts