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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/2/2012 - STAFF REPORTS - 4D �® Cop 1 6-5 TO CO-u N " L C o-N fA Cj; Ln^j RESOLUTION TO CITY COUNCILS 74 • RE: CPV SENTINEL POWER PLANT Whereas, CPV Sentinel LLC corporation has misrepresented the negative environmental impact that its local power plant will have on the Coachella Valley for the neat 30 years, and Whereas, the mitigation fees for stated impact are insufficient and were not negotiated openly with the people who will be most deeply affected, and Whereas, the City Councils of the Coachella Valley do have the authority to create tax districts and assess mitigation fees, and the responsibility to protect the health and welfare of their constituents, therefore let these measures be adopted: 1. Prior negotiated mitigation fees from the AB 1318 Mitigations Fees Fund shall be used as mandated "only for emission reduction purposes."(SCAQMD Agenda# 27. June 3, 2011). 2. A citizens' oversight board shall be established with one elected member from each city in the Coachella Valley to monitor pollutant emissions and plant operation independently of the South Coast Air Quality Management District, with these provisions: a. Will produce a comprehensive environmental audit yearly. b. Will coordinate and share findings with CVAG. c. Will work with City Councils and staff to establish a continuing taxing agency for CPV Sentinel LLC, with mitigation fees based on pollutant quantities produced by the facility. d. Will be funded solely by yearly mitigation fees. e. Will seek to establish a separate air quality management district for the Coachella Valley, to include the Salton Sea Air Basin. 3. Yearly assessed mitigation fees on the CPV Sentinel plant shall be used to fund the following programs: . a. Medical programs for those suffering from pulmonary disease associated with or aggravated by air-borne pollutants. Cc 'P1155 To CbvNCIL Co N '-R CT: Lt-w S E W A ra- RESOLUTION TO CITY COUNCILS • RE: CPV SENTINEL POWER PLANT Whereas, CPV Sentinel LLC corporation has misrepresented the negative environmental impact that its local power plant will have on the Coachella Valley for the next 30 years, and Whereas, the mitigation fees for stated impact are insufficient and were not negotiated openly with the people who will be most deeply affected, and Whereas, the City Councils of the Coachella Valley do have the authority to create tax districts and assess mitigation fees, and the responsibility to protect the health and welfare of their constituents, therefore let these measures be adopted: 1. Prior negotiated mitigation fees from the AB 13181 Mitigations Fees Fund shall be used as mandated "only for emission reduction purposes."(SCAQMD Agenda# 27. June 3, 2011). 2. A citizens' oversight board shall be established with one elected member from each city in the Coachella Valley to monitor pollutant emissions and plant operation independently of the South Coast Air Quality Management District, with these provisions: a. Will produce a comprehensive environmental audit yearly. b. Will coordinate and share findings with CVAG. c. Will work with City Councils and staff to establish a continuing taxing agency for CPV Sentinel LLC, with mitigation fees based on pollutant quantities produced by the facility. d. Will be funded solely by yearly mitigation fees. e. Will seek to establish a separate air quality management district for the Coachella Valley, to include the Salton Sea Air Basin. 3. Yearly assessed mitigation fees on the CPV Sentinel plant shall be used to fund the following programs: a. Medical programs for those suffering from pulmonary disease associated with or aggravated by air-borne pollutants. df�z fzoi� -77ZA4 A�.O • b. Monitoring and compliance with EPA and Coachella Valley Air Quality Management District. c. Legal requirement that CPV Sentinel LLC install industry standard best practice pollution-control devices as they become available. d. Zero-interest loans to install solar and other energy-saving technology in Coachella Valley homes and businesses. �2 V N 1p ALMS.* F k VI 441 F°"`'N City Council Staff Report Date: May 2, 2012 UNFINISHED BUSINESS Subject: DISCUSSION OF POTENTIAL PROJECTS FOR THE AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT (AQMD) GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE SENTINEL POWER PLANT MITIGATION FUNDING From: David H. Ready, City Manager Initiated by: Public Works and Engineering Department SUMMARY At its meeting of April 11, 2012, the City Council requested that staff undertake basic analysis of potential projects located within 6 miles of the Sentinel power plant, for inclusion in the SCAQMD Sentinel Grant Application. The analysis below is provided to the Council as a method of determine which projects to pursue for grant funding. This AQMD program is funded by emission offset mitigation funds provided by CPV Sentinel, LLC for the purpose of funding emission reduction projects pursuant to California Assembly Bill 1318. RECOMMENDATION: Identify the final list of projects to submit to AQMD for consideration of funding as part of AQMD's call for projects. STAFF ANALYSIS: In June 2011, the Governing Board of AQMD approved the establishment of the AB1318 Mitigation Fees Fund, required of the Sentinel power plant to offset its air emissions. This special revenue fund will be used to finance emission reduction projects in the Coachella Valley. The sum of approximately $53 million, all of which is provided by CPV Sentinel, LLC, was placed in the AB 1318 Mitigation Fees Fund. The City Council, at its meeting of April 11, 2012, directed staff to research the air emission reductions for projects within a 6 mile radius of the power plant (please see map below). The funding available for this area totals approximately$15.9 million. ITEM NO. City Council Staff Report May 2, 2012 -Page 2 AQMD Grant Application Discussion �1 l \11 - F I[rerun L. � - Land Use Rwdnoel I , �, The Council further directed that staff calculate emission reductions for each of the proposed projects, so that Council could consider their benefits, and select those projects the Council determines are most beneficial. k Staff has outlined a list of 12 potential projects within 6 miles of the Sentinel power plant for r Council's further consideration. A short description of each project is provided below, including the cost savings to the City. Following these descriptions, Table 1 provides a comparison of the air emissions savings (both in terms of traditional air emissions and greenhouse gases, each project is estimated to achieve). The projects currently being considered within 6 miles of the power plant are: 1, Solar Photo-Voltaic (PV) system for Desert Highland Community Center This project consists of the installation of solar panels at the James O. Jessie Community Center roof top. In 2011, the annual energy demand of the Center was 85,320 kilowatt hours (kwh), for heating and cooling, lighting, and electronics such as computers, printers and other equipment. The photo-voltaic (IIPW) system will include traditional roof mounted panels, which would be designed with a capacity to substantially meet the Center's annual electric load. For budgeting e t City Council Staff Report May 2, 2012 - Page 3 AQMD Grant Application Discussion purposes, it is estimated the total cost of this project would be $350,000. This installation would recover 100% of the energy demand generated by the Center, representing an annual savings of$14,419 to the City. Solar Photo-Voltaic (PV) system for Fire Station #3 This project consists of the installation of solar panels at Fire Station # 3, which is located at 590 E. Racquet Club. In 2011, the annual energy demand of the Station was 65,998 kilowatt hours for heating and cooling, lighting, and electronics such as computers, printers and other equipment. The photo-voltaic ("PV") system will include traditional roof mounted panels, which would be designed with a capacity to substantially meet the Fire Station's annual electric load. For estimating purposes, it is assumed a PV system size of 20 kilowatts. For budgeting purposes, it is estimated the total cost of this project would be $260,000. This installation would recover 100% of the energy demand generated by Fire Station #3, representing an annual savings of$10,890 to the City. Solar Photo-Voltaic (PV) system for Palm Springs Train Station This project consists of the installation of solar panels at the Palm Springs Train Station, which is located at 63950 PS Station Road. In 2011, the annual energy demand of the Train Station was 39,122 kilowatt hours, generated by outdoor lighting of the parking lot and train station. The photo-voltaic ("PV") system will include traditional roof mounted panels, which would be designed with a capacity to substantially meet the Train Station's annual electric load. For estimating purposes, it is assumed a PV system size of 10 kilowatts. For budgeting purposes, it is estimated the total cost of this project would be $150,000. This installation would recover 100% of the energy demand generated by the Train Station, representing an annual savings of $5,907 to the City. Solar Photo-Voltaic (PV) system for the Visitor's Center This project consists of the installation of solar panels at the Palm Springs Visitor's Center, which is located at 2901 North Palm Canyon Drive. In 2011, the annual energy demand of the Visitor's Center was 62,264 kilowatt hours, generated by heating and cooling, lighting, and electronics such as computers, printers and other equipment. The photo-voltaic ("PV") system may include traditional roof mounted panels', which would be designed with a capacity to substantially meet the Visitors Center's annual electric load. For estimating purposes, it is assumed a PV system size of 20 kilowatts. For budgeting purposes, it is estimated the total cost of this project would be $240,000. This installation would recover 100% of the energy demand generated by the Visitor's Center, representing an annual savings of$11,467 to the City. Solar Photo-Voltaic (PV) system for Roy's Resource Center This project consists of the installation of solar panels at Roy's Resource Center, which is located at 19531 McLane Street. The Center has an annual energy demand of approximately 345,000 kwh, because of its 24/7 residential activities. This project has some challenges, in that, the City does not own or operate Roy's Resource Center. The building is owned by Riverside ' Given the Visitor's Center's Class 1 historic site designation, installing roof mounted PV panels may not be possible. Ground mounted PV panels may be required. City Council Staff Report May 2, 2012 - Page 4 AQMD Grant Application Discussion County. The Coachella Valley Association of Governments ("CVAG") is the administrator of Roy's Resource Center. According to CVAG, CVAG staff previously attempted to coordinate a solar PV system installation for the Resource Center, but was unsuccessful. One of the primary issues appeared to be that the structure of the building will need to be improved to support the solar panels. Given the County's ownership of the building, the County may have certain requirements with regard to the City's proposal of a solar PV system on their building. Staff has not had the opportunity to discuss this project further with County staff. CVAG previously obtained cost estimates that ranged from $400,000 for a system to generate about 34% of the annual usage, to $970,000 for a system that would generate 90% of the Center's annual usage. For budgeting purposes, it has been assumed that a system sufficient to cover all power demand at this facility would run approximately $1.4 million, and result in an annual savings of $55,793 in operating expenses. Purchase of CNG Vans for Roy's Resource Center It has been proposed to request funding to purchase 2 or 4 commuter vans to replace the existing gasoline powered vans currently operating from the Center. These vans are used to transport residents throughout the Valley, to social service agencies, on job and housing searches, and similar activities. Each van is estimated to cost $32,500; for a total of$65,000 for two vans, and $130,000 for four vans. CNG and Electric Charging Station (and Visitor Information Kiosk) As proposed, a compressed natural gas (CNG) refueling station and an electric vehicle charging station will be developed along Interstate-10. The property owner will donate the land to the City. The site is currently undeveloped, and has been moderately impacted by off road vehicles, dumping, and other ground disturbance. In addition, an unmanned kiosk onsite will provide tourists, visitors, and valley residents alike with an informational booth containing text, graphics, and other materials explaining the history of the Valley's renewable energy resources including wind turbines and solar energy production. Project cost is currently unknown, and depends upon the final scope of the project. Further, as the project will not result in a reduction in trips, and cannot be assumed to encourage the replacement of personal gasoline vehicles for CNG or electric vehicles, it cannot be assumed that there would be any reduction in air emissions. Conversion of the Palm Springs Country Club Golf Course This project consists of the conversion of the abandoned golf course located at Whitewater Club Drive and Verona Road into a regional park site. The park would connect to the City's General Plan trail immediately to the north, and thus facilitate non-motorized access. For purposes of this analysis, it has been assumed that 20% the 2,000 children who currently use Demuth Park would travel to the new park by bicycle or other non-motorized means. Approximately, 60% of the 118 acre site is located within the 6 mile radius. This project would require the City to acquire the property (currently estimated by the County at $1.3 Million). Development costs to convert the site may exceed $3 Million (estimated at $25,000 per acre). The primary emission City Council Staff Report May 2, 2012- Page 5 AQMD Grant Application Discussion reduction will be PM10, which is currently a significant problem because of the lack of maintenance of the property. Residential Solar and/or Wind Turbine Program This program will implement a matching grant program for the installation of either solar PV or vertical access wind turbines for City residents living within the six mile radius. The City could match, dollar for dollar, up to a limit set by Council per household (i.e. $25,000 per household). The estimate used by staff assumed a grant funding of $1 million for this program. The City's Sustainability Commission could coordinate the specifics of this residential incentive program. As estimated by the Valley-wide Green For Life Energy Efficiency Program, the City-wide energy consumption within Palm Springs for the residential sector totaled 253,365,000 kwh in 2010, and there were 34,795 dwelling units. Therefore, on average each dwelling unit within Palm Springs consumed approximately 7,282 kwh in 2010. Generally, a 2.5 kW system is expected to offset 50% of the average dwelling unit's energy demand, and a 5 kW system is expected to offset 100%. For budgeting purposes, it is estimated individual PV systems to recover 50% energy use is $25,000, and individual PV systems to recover 100% energy use is $50,000. (which includes design, permitting and other associated costs). Depending on the system selected, the number of households participating, and the total number of homes that can be improved, each household could save an average of approximately $1,240 annually, and an allocation of $1 million would result in the installation of 60 to 75 systems. Residential Cool Roof Program This program will implement a matching grant program for the installation of "cool roofs" for City residents living within the six mile radius. The City could match, dollar for dollar, up to a limit set by Council per household (i.e. $10,000 per household). The estimate used by staff assumed a grant funding of $1,000,000 for this program. Table 1 below shows a comparison for coating composition roofs versus tile roofs. As can be seen in the Table, the coating of composition roofs provides for many more homes assisted than the improvements to tile roofs. The City's Sustainability Commission could coordinate the specifics of this residential incentive program. College of the Desert Bike Lane Connection A Class 2 bike lane along Indian Canyon Drive from Sunrise Parkway to Racquet Club Road to facilitate pedestrian, cyclist, and non-motorized modes of transit is proposed to provide interconnection with the future College of the Desert campus. The Palm Springs General Plan designates Indian Canyon Drive as a four-lane divided Major Thoroughfare, with a 100 foot right of way and 76 foot pavement width and a 10 foot median. The General Plan also designated Indian Canyon Drive as a Class II bikeway. Indian Canyon Drive is currently a two lane divided arterial north of Tramview Road and a 4 lane divided arterial south of Tramview Road. The project will cost approximately $100,000. City Council Staff Report May 2, 2012- Page 6 AQMD Grant Application Discussion Cross Walk/Traffic Calming Improvements Roadway improvements such as cross walks, safety lighting and other traffic calming features may be proposed on N. Palm Canyon Dr. between San Rafael Dr. and Vista Chino to enhance the usability and desirability of alternative modes of transportation, particularly at night. Given the fact that this segment of N. Palm Canyon Dr. is under the jurisdiction of Caltrans (as part of Highway 111), installation of any new cross-walks or other traffic calming measures will require Caltrans approval. The project is estimated to cost $50,000 for installation of painted crosswalks and safety lighting. Installation of mid-block crosswalks with in-pavement LED lights and flashing beacons are estimated to cost $50,000 each. These improvements would potentially improve traffic safety, but would not result in any lowering of emissions. Air Emission Reductions Based on the assumptions described above, the following emission reductions would be expected. City Council Staff Report May 2, 2012 - Page 7 AQMD Grant Application Discussion Table 1 1 Emission Reduction Estimates Reduc tion Reduction Program Savings' Net Cost (tons)2 (pounds per year)2 $ $ CO2e CO I VOCI NOx SOX I PM1a Desert Highland Center $14,419 $350,000 44 51 6 81 50 36 Fire Station #3 $10,890 $260,000 34 39 4 63 39 28 Train Station $5,907 $150,000 20 23 3 37 23 17 Visitor Center $11,467 $240,000 32 37 4 59 37 27 Ro 's Resource Center' $55,793 $1,400,000 176 204 23 332 208 149 Ro 's 2 CNG Vans" ? $65,000 13 1,803 229 152 14 1 Ro 's 4 CNG Vans° ? $130,000 -30 1,182 219 139 14 0 CNG & Electric Station/Kiosk N/A ? N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Palm Springs Country Clubs N/A $3,000,000 12 70 7 5 0 7,935 71 Residential Solars $88,162 $1,00,000 239 307 34 498 313 223 205 Residential Cool Roof 152 177 20 287 180 129 Coating7 $47,797 $1,000,000 51 Cool Roof Concrete Tile? $11,949 $1,000,000 38 44 5 72 45 32 COD Bike Lane Connection' N/A $100,000 3 15 1 1 0 0 Crosswalk/Traffic CalmingN/A $50,000 ea. lNone INone INone INone INone None Sources: Clean Air Climate Protection Software; Green for Life Inventory; Solar Power Authority Cost Calculator,and City Data. Assumes PV systems generate 100%of facility energy need(best case). 1. Net Savings from no monthly electric bill (does not include cost of PV system). Assumes cost savings between $0.15 and $0.17 per kwh. 2. Reduction is CACP estimate from replacing traditional energy source with"Green"Electricity. 3.Total kwh is sum of three meters(345,205 kwh per year). 4.Assumes that 68,000 VMT from Gas Vanpool Van are replaced with 68,000 VMT from CNG Vanpool Van. Cost is for 2 CNG Vans(Chrysler). Doubled for 4 vans,assumes that 136,000 miles replaces 68,000 miles 5. Reduction shown is for replacing 2k vmt with biking and PM10 reduction is from development of vacant land (assumes that 529 Ibs of dust are generated from each high wind days, 15 days annually). PM10 is from Urbemis during active site disturbance of all 118 acres mitigated amount of 529 Ibs is used since soils are stabilized and/or assumed to be watered. (Unmitigated generates 2,360 Ibs per day during active site disturbance. 6.Combined roof top PV systems generate 518,599 kwh annually, or the equivalent of the annual energy demand generated by 71 dwelling units. 7. Coating assumes cost of$1.50 per square foot with an average roof area of 3,250 sf. Concrete tiles assumes$6 per sf and same area. Cost data is from Reducing Urban Heat Islands Cool Roofs prepared for EPA. 8. ADTs of Sunrise is 34,700 per CPSP Traffic, assumes 1% of ADT(vehicle trips)are replaced with bike for the length of the 1.25 mile roadway segment,or total of 433 VMT are avoided. FISCAL IMPACT: The grant request will include monies to cover staff time in implementation and administration. Therefore, there should be no fiscal impact associated with any of these projects. City Council Staff Report May 2, 2012 -Page 8 AQMD Grant Application Discussion SUBMITTED: //-" M�O ZVL Marcus L. Fuller David J. Barakian Assistant Director of Public Works Director of Public Works/City Engineer Thomas J. Wi[Wn, Asst. City Manager David H. Ready, City ger