AECOM (805)388-3775 tel

1220 Avenida Acaso (805)388-3577 fax

Camarillo, CA 93012

Memorandum

BACT Analysis for Solar Field Fugitive Emissions and Additional Information for the Growth Analysis July 2011

To: Lisa Beckham Page 1

cc: Shirley Rivera, Laurie Lile, Tom Barnett, Mike Carroll

Subject: Supplemental BACT and Growth Analyses for the Palmdale Hybrid Power Project

From: Seemantini Deshpande and Sara Head

Date: July 21, 2011

A Supplemental Best Available Control Technology (BACT) evaluation and a Growth Analysis for the 

Palmdale Hybrid Power Project (PHPP), along with other analyses, were submitted to the U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in July 2010. In a meeting a year later between EPA and the 

City of Palmdale and its development team on June 27, 2011, EPA asked for additional information on 

these two analyses. This supplement to the PHPP Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) BACT 

and Growth Analyses was prepared to address the EPA comments from the discussion at the meeting 

(written comments were not provided by EPA). 

A. BACT Analysis for Fugitive Dust (PM/PM10/PM2.5) Emissions from Vehicles Driving in the 

Solar Field

This memorandum provides documentation of the top-down BACT Analysis for PM/PM10/PM2.5 fugitive 

emissions from vehicles driving in the proposed PHPP solar field. In accordance with EPA guidance, 

BACT was determined through a “top-down” assessment that started with the Lowest Achievable 

Emission Rate (LAER) and proceeded through consideration of progressively lesser levels of control. 

The first step for this assessment was to identify the emissions control technology options to be 

evaluated. In order to identify emissions control technology options for the project, a search of the EPA’s 

RACT/BACT/LAER Clearinghouse (RBLC) was performed. The results of the RBLC search are 

presented in Table 1. As shown in Table 1, paving roads (if practicable) and preventing dust from 

becoming airborne by implementing dust control measures are the methods available for control of 

fugitive dust from unpaved roads and areas. Control measures that are being required by the California 

Energy Commission (CEC) for PHPP and measures implemented on other solar projects were also 

reviewed. 

The second step for this assessment was to compile, based on the findings of the research effort 

described above, a list of emissions control strategies for mitigating fugitive particulate emissions 

associated with the vehicle traffic in the solar field. Vehicles in the solar field perform mirror washing and 

other maintenance activities. For each option that was identified, the technical feasibility of its application 

to the fugitive dust emissions associated with the project was determined. After the elimination of 

technically infeasible control technologies, the remaining options were ranked in order of the level of 

control, thereby establishing the top-down order for the subsequent analyses. The remaining control

option with acceptable energy, environmental or economic impact is then proposed as BACT.
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BACT Analysis for Solar Field Fugitive Emissions and Additional Information for the Growth Analysis July 2011

The CEC issued the Presiding Member’s Proposed Decision (PMPD) for the PHPP in June 2011. The 

CEC included control measures for the PHPP which will reduce the Project impacts to insignificance. For 

example, Conditions of Certification AQ-SC3 (requirement to pave the main access road) and AQ-SC8 

(dust control during operation of the project) of the PMPD include the following requirements: 

• The main access road through the facility to the Main Services Complex must be paved. 

• The site operations fugitive dust control plan shall include the use of durable non-toxic soil 

stabilizers on all regularly used unpaved roads and disturbed offroad areas within the project 

boundaries, and shall include the inspection and maintenance procedures that will be undertaken 

to ensure that the unpaved roads remain stabilized. The soil stabilizer used shall be a non-toxic 

soil stabilizer or soil wetting agent, with or without the use of geotextiles, that can be determined 

to be both as or more efficient for fugitive dust control than ARB approved soil stabilizers, and 

shall not increase any other environmental impacts including loss of vegetation to areas beyond 

where the soil stabilizers are being applied for dust control.

• The owner shall provide a dust control plan that would be applicable to reducing fugitive dust from 

ongoing operations. The plan shall describe the active operations and wind erosion control 

techniques such as windbreaks and chemical dust suppressants, including their ongoing 

maintenance procedures that shall be used on areas that could be disturbed by vehicles or wind 

anywhere within the project boundaries.

• The dust control plan shall also identify the location of signs throughout the facility that will limit 

traveling on unpaved portion of roadways to solar equipment maintenance vehicles only. In 

addition, vehicle speed shall be limited to no more than 10 miles per hour on these unpaved 

roadways, with the exception that vehicles may travel up to 25 miles per hour on stabilized 

unpaved roads as long as such speeds do not create visible dust emissions.

1. Identification of Available Control Measures

The approximately 251-acre solar field associated with the project will consist of parabolic solar-thermal 

collectors and associated heat transfer equipment arranged in rows. Spacing between the rows allows for 

maintenance vehicles to perform periodic spray washing to remove dust and maintain efficiency of the 

solar collectors. Mirror washing will be conducted at regular intervals. The solar field would be kept free of 

vegetation by removal of the vegetation growth or the use of spot spraying of commercially available 

herbicides. Particulate emissions from vehicle travel are caused by a combination of wind erosion and the 

disturbance caused by vehicular traffic. The shearing action between the tires and the road surface lifts 

particles into the air. The prevailing wind can then provide further lift to the already suspended particles. 

Moreover, the turbulence created by the vehicle speed further causes suspension of particulates into the 

air.

The available control technologies for controlling PM/PM10/PM2.5 emissions from vehicle traffic in the 

solar field include: 

a. Paving or Gravel – Paving or use of gravel on unpaved roads and other surfaces can reduce the 

particulate emissions. 
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BACT Analysis for Solar Field Fugitive Emissions and Additional Information for the Growth Analysis July 2011

b. Chemical Surfactants – Dust suppressants such as polymeric binders, resins, emulsions and 

hygroscopic salts help bind the dust particles and prevent dusting. 

c. Surface Watering – Addition of moisture to the unpaved surface not only helps increase the weight of 

the individual particles but also assists in particles binding to one another. This inhibits particles from 

being re-suspended into the air by vehicular movement. 

d. Traffic Speed Control – Lower vehicle speeds, limiting the size (and weight) of the vehicles 

traversing unpaved roads and limiting the traffic activity on unpaved roads helps reduce particulate 

emissions from this PM source. 

Table 1 RBLC Search Results - Roadway Fugitives

RBLC 

ID 

FACILITY 

NAME 

FACILITY 

STATE 

PERMIT 

ISSUANCE 

DATE 

PROCESS 

NAME 

POLLUTANT 

CONTROL METHOD 

DESCRIPTION 

AVG TIME 

CONDITION 

CASE-BYCASE 

BASIS 

OTHER 

APPLICABLE 

REQUIREMENTS 

IL0102

AVENTINE 

RENEWABLE 

ENERGY, INC.

IL 11/01/2005 

ROADWAYS 

AND OTHER 

FUGITIVE DUST

Particulate 

Matter (PM)

PAVE ROADS AND 

PARKING LOTS; 

FUGITIVE DUST 

CONTROL 

PROGRAM.

7.47 T/YR BACTPSD

OPERATING 

PERMIT 

LA0204PLAQUEMINE 

PVC PLANT

LA 02/27/2009 ROAD - 

FUGITIVE DUST

Particulate 

matter, 

filterable < 10 μ 

(FPM10)

PAVINGS ROADS AS 

MUCH AS 

PRACTICABLE

0.22 LB/H BACTPSD

OPERATING 

PERMIT 

LA0240

FLOPAM INC. LA 06/14/2010 Roadway 

Fugitives

Particulate 

matter, total 

(TPM)

Main roadway shall 

be paved where 

practical. 

Precautions shall be 

taken to prevent 

dust from becoming 

airborne

0.04 LB/H HOURLY 

MAXIMUM

BACTPSD

LA0240

FLOPAM INC. LA 06/14/2010 Roadway 

Fugitives

Particulate 

matter, total < 

10 μ (TPM10)

Main roadway shall 

be paved where 

practical. 

Precautions shall be 

taken to prevent 

dust from becoming 

airborne

0.04 LB/H HOURLY 

MAXIMUM

BACTPSD

EMISSION 

LIMIT 

2. Eliminate Technically Infeasible Controls

The available controls identified above were evaluated in light of practicability of application to the 

unpaved areas within the solar field that will be routinely traveled by vehicles. 

a. Paving or Gravel – Paving can achieve up to 99 percent control efficiency (WRAP 2006) and 

covering with gravel is generally considered to provide on the order of 85 to 90 percent control. 

Paving is technically feasible, and generally provides the highest level of control. However, beside 

its high cost, paving can create issues within the solar field such as creating impervious surfaces that 

could increase storm water run-off. Therefore, paving is generally limited to the main access road 
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BACT Analysis for Solar Field Fugitive Emissions and Additional Information for the Growth Analysis July 2011

and power plant area. Use of gravel in the solar field is not feasible, as gravel can cause damage to 

the parabolic mirrors if rocks are thrown into the air by the vehicles traveling over the gravel. 

b. Chemical Surfactants – Use of dust suppressants also is a technically feasible control alternative and 

offers dust control ranging from 62 – 90+ percent (Rosbury and Zimmer 1983; EPA RBLC). The 

operational fugitive dust control plan for the PHPP site includes the use of durable non-toxic soil 

stabilizers on all regularly used unpaved roads within the solar fields. Additionally, the plan stipulates 

that inspection and maintenance procedures are undertaken to ensure that the unpaved roads 

remain stabilized. The proposed soil stabilizer shall be a non-toxic soil stabilizer or soil wetting agent, 

with or without the use of geotextiles, that can be determined to be both as or more efficient for 

fugitive dust control than ARB approved soil stabilizers, and shall not increase any other 

environmental impacts including loss of vegetation to areas beyond where the soil stabilizers are 

being applied for dust control.

c. Surface Watering – According to Flocchini et al. (1994), addition of water to increase the soil

moisture content from 0.56 percent to 2 percent can offer a PM10 control efficiency of up to 86

percent. However, with typical water application rates control efficiencies of 50 to 70 percent are 

generally assumed (WRAP 2006). The availability of water for dust control can be an issue in an 

arid area such as Palmdale. Surface watering is a technically feasible mitigation option for this 

project. 

d. Traffic Speed Control – Lower vehicle speeds and limiting the traffic activity on unpaved areas are all 

technically practical control measures. According to Flocchini et al. (1994), reducing vehicle travel 

speeds on unpaved roads from 25 to 10 miles per hour (mph) can reduce PM emissions by nearly 58

percent in some cases (WRAP 2006). As noted above, the CEC-required fugitive dust control 

measures includes limiting vehicle speeds to no more than 10 miles per hour on unpaved roadways, 

with the exception that vehicles may travel up to 25 miles per hour on stabilized unpaved roads as 

long as such speeds do not create visible dust emissions. 

3. Rank Remaining Control Technologies by Effectiveness

Step 3 of the top-down BACT determination process includes a ranking of the control technologies by 

effectiveness and a listing of the energy, environmental and economic impacts for each technology. After 

elimination of the technically infeasible control technologies, the remaining control technologies are 

ranked by control effectiveness. 

As discussed in Step 2, paving will provide the greatest level of control. The cost of paving such a large 

area is cost prohibitive for roads that are not heavily travelled and where other control measures are 

nearly as effective and much more cost effective. The PM10 and PM2.5 emissions from the solar field 

were very conservatively estimated to be 7.2 and 0.7 tons per year, respectively, in the PSD application. 

These estimates were based on assuming only 50 percent control from the use of soil stabilizers and 

water, actual control efficiencies are expected to be much greater and emissions are expected to be 

much less. Accordingly, the main access road will be paved but additional road paving would not be cost 

effective and would only have minimal environmental benefits. 
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BACT Analysis for Solar Field Fugitive Emissions and Additional Information for the Growth Analysis July 2011

Beside the substantial cost for paving, there are increased maintenance costs and other environmental 

disadvantages associated with paving the travelled areas/roads in a solar field. Paving increases the 

amount of impervious surfaces, which increases storm water runoff and increases costs for maintenance 

of the storm water retention ponds. Paving can also lead to higher temperatures in the solar field. 

Maintenance costs of paved roads are increased due to the intense desert heat affecting the edges of the 

asphalt-on-dirt application, which results in crumbling of the edges at a higher rate. The infrequent rain 

storms in the desert can also erode the dirt out from under the paved edges, which also causes additional 

runoff issues and maintenance. 

Given that the other measures are expected to be highly effective, and because mirror washing and other 

maintenance is only done on a periodic basis, and vehicle usage is low, road paving will be limited to the 

main access road. 

For unpaved roads and surfaces, application of soil stabilizers (chemical surfactants), which provides a 

control efficiency of approximately 80 percent is the next most effective particulate control measure.

Although the referenced study (Flocchini et al. 1994) indicated that surface watering can achieve up to 86

percent control at some sites, a lower level of control would be expected for the PHPP site. Watering

alone would not be expected to achieve 86 percent control at PHPP because the soils are sandy and less 

likely to conglomerate, and this level of control would require significant quantities of water that are not 

available. Surface watering and/or application of surfactants can be supplemented with limiting vehicle 

speed and restricting traffic in the unpaved areas.

Experience in the existing solar fields (e.g., the Solar Energy Generating Systems (SEGS) facilities near 

Kramer Junction and Harper Lake) show that use of a combination of the above methods to be very 

effective in controlling fugitive dust. Use of soil stabilizers during the first few years of operation of the 

solar facility, followed by application of water and driving slowly in the solar field, leads to a very stable 

surface that yields only minor amounts of fugitive emissions. In addition, after the solar facility is built, it is 

in the operator’s best interest to keep dust emissions to a minimum in order to reduce the amount of 

mirror washing and loss of efficiency from dirty mirrors. 

4. Select BACT

As discussed above, the proposed BACT for controlling fugitive dust emissions from vehicle traffic in solar 

fields will be achieved through a combination of the measures described above. In accordance with the 

Conditions of Certification required by the CEC, the following dust control measures will be implemented: 

• The main access road into the plant site will be paved. 

• A dust control plan will be developed that includes inspection and maintenance procedures 

undertaken to ensure that the unpaved roads remain stabilized.

• A durable non-toxic soil stabilizers will be applied throughout the solar field for dust control. 

Additionally, unpaved roads within the solar field used by wash trucks that spray and clean the 

mirrors will be treated with soil stabilizers periodically. 
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BACT Analysis for Solar Field Fugitive Emissions and Additional Information for the Growth Analysis July 2011

• Water will be applied by water trucks on regularly disturbed areas where soil stabilizers are not as 

effective due to frequent use. The water used in the mirror washing will also provide for some 

incidental dust control. 

• Vehicle speeds will be limited to no more than 10 miles per hour on unpaved roadways, with the 

exception that vehicles may travel up to 25 miles per hour on stabilized unpaved roads as long as 

such speeds do not create visible dust emissions.

Accordingly, the CEC’s Condition of Certification AQ-SC8 of the PMPD satisfies BACT. Therefore, BACT 

for controlling fugitive dust emissions from vehicle traffic in solar fields will be met by the Applicant’s 

compliance with Condition of Certification AQ-SC8. 

5. References

EPA. RACT/BACT/LAER Clearinghouse. United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air 

Quality Planning and Standards, Research Triangle Park, NC. Available at 

http://cfpub1.epa.gov/rblc/htm/bl02.cfm

Flocchini, R. G., T.A. Cahill, R.T. Matsumura, O. Carvacho, and Z. Lu, Study of fugitive PM10 emissions 

from selected agricultural practices on selected agricultural soils, 1994.

Rosbury, K.D. and R.A. Zimmer, “Cost-Effectiveness of dust controls used on unpaved haul roads, 

Volume I – Results, analysis and conclusions.” Prepared for Bureau of Mines, U.S. Department of 

the Interior, by PEDCo Environmental, Inc., 1983.

Western Regional Air Partnership (WRAP), WRAP Fugitive Dust Handbook, 2006. Available at 

http://www.wrapair.org/forums/dejf/fdh/content/FDHandbook_Rev_06.pdf.
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BACT Analysis for Solar Field Fugitive Emissions and Additional Information for the Growth Analysis July 2011

B. Additional Information Related to the PHPP Growth Analysis 

As noted at the beginning of this memo, a supplemental Growth Analysis was provided to EPA in July 

2010. EPA requested that additional information be provided to support this analysis at the June 27, 

2011 meeting. 

Since an extensive socioeconomic analysis was prepared for the Application for Certification (AFC) for 

the PHPP (July 2008), and contains a substantial amount of information related to the breakdown of the 

workforce requirements, the distribution of population throughout the area, and other statistics, we are 

submitting a copy of that section from the PHPP AFC at this time (see Attachment A). 

EPA also noted that a comment has been received indicating that the growth impact information should 

be updated with 2010 Census data that has very recently become available. The 2010 Census 

information for Palmdale has been reviewed. For example, the population of the City of Palmdale in the 

year 2000 (as reported in the AFC) was 117,729. The AFC contained a projection of the 2010 population 

of Palmdale to be 176,506, however, the 2010 population of Palmdale according to the 2010 census is 

152,750. Hence, Palmdale did not grow quite as fast as projected in 2000. 

In order to reflect more current information, some of the discussion and tables in the attached 

Socioeconomics section from the AFC have been updated. In order to make it easy to tell what has been 

changed, that information is shown in “tracked changes” format. Note, this is not a comprehensive 

updating, but is focused on data in light of the 2010 Census, in particular the population and growth 

projections, as that is what was requested at the meeting with EPA. In addition, the Environmental Justice 

table (5.11-17) column on minority populations has been updated. 2010 Census data relative to 

economic factors has not been released, nor has block level data, and hence updates to those data 

cannot be made. 

The conclusions of the Growth Analysis provided for PHPP in July 2010 remain unchanged by the 2010 

census data. Those conclusions included that there is an ample work force in Southern California to 

support the construction of the PHPP (peak of 767 construction workers) without causing secondary 

impacts due to growth. Likewise there are sufficient housing/hotels, services and amenities to support 

these workers in the area during the roughly two year construction period. The operations workforce of 

36 employees can also be easily accommodated in the area without causing secondary impacts from 

growth. The PHPP does not result in any significant environmental impacts therefore there are not any 

significant impacts that may disproportionately impact low income or minority populations. No additional 

analysis is required.
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BACT Analysis for Solar Field Fugitive Emissions and Additional Information for the Growth Analysis July 2011

Attachment A

Socioeconomics Section from PHPP AFC

With Revisions to Population and Growth Data 

Based on 2010 Census
5.11 Socioeconomics 

July 2008 (Revisions July 2011) 5.11-1 Palmdale Hybrid Power Project 

5.11 Socioeconomics 

This section discusses the potential socioeconomic impacts of the construction and operation of the 

PHPP. It includes an evaluation of Project-related impacts on public services and infrastructure (e.g., 

schools, protective services, and housing), as well as an evaluation of impacts on community issues such 

as environmental justice. 

5.11.1 LORS Compliance 

A summary of potentially applicable LORS is presented in Table 5.11-1 and in the text following the table. 

The Project will comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local LORS. 

Table 5.11-1 LORS Applicable to Socioeconomics 

LORS Applicability 

Where 

Addressed in 

AFC 

Federal: 

Executive Order 12898, 

“Federal Actions to Address 

Environmental Justice in 

Minority Populations and Low 

Income Populations.” 

As a result of the Executive Order, U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued 

guidelines requiring Federal agencies and State 

agencies receiving Federal funds to develop 

strategies to address environmental justice issues. 

Section 5.11.3 

State: 

California Government Code 

(GC) Sections 65995-65997 

(amended by SB 50). 

Public agencies may impose fees, charges or other 

financial requirements on developers to offset the 

cost for school facilities. 

Sections 5.11.1 

and 5.11.3 

Title 14 California Code of 

Regulations (CCR), 

Section 15131. 

California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and its 

guidelines state that economic or social factors of a 

project may be included in an Environmental Impact 

Report (EIR), but shall not be treated as significant 

effects on the environment. 

Section 5.11.3 

Local: 

Palmdale General Plan 

(Land Use and Public 

Services Elements). 

Establishes goals and implementing policies to 

achieve a diversified economic base and adequate 

City services and infrastructure. 

Sections 5.11.2 

and 5.11.3 
5.11 Socioeconomics 

July 2008 (Revisions July 2011) 5.11-2 Palmdale Hybrid Power Project 

5.11.1.1 Federal LORS 

Executive Order 12898

This law requires Federal agencies and State agencies receiving Federal funds to identify and address 

disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of their programs, policies, 

and activities on minority and low income populations. Federal agency permits and approvals are 

considered “activities,” making this requirement more broadly applicable than merely to agencies 

receiving Federal funds. Because the PHPP will require a Federal agency approval (a PSD permit under 

the Clean Air Act), the Executive Order applies to the PHPP. 

5.11.1.2 State LORS 

California Government Code Sections 67995-65997

These codes state that public agencies may impose fees, charges, or other financial requirements on 

developers to offset the cost of school facilities. For the Project, the administering agencies implementing 

school impact fees are the Palmdale School District, Westside Union School District, and the Antelope 

Valley Union High School District. 

Title 14, CCR, Section 15131

CEQA and its guidelines state that economic or social factors of a project may be included in a CEQA 

document, but shall not be treated as significant effects on the environment. However, economic or 

social effects of a project may be used to determine the significance of physical changes caused by the 

project. Additionally, economic, social, and particularly housing factors should be considered by public 

agencies, together with technological and environmental factors, in deciding whether changes in a project 

are feasible, to reduce or avoid the significant effects on the environment. 

5.11.1.3 Local LORS 

City of Palmdale General Plan 

Although the proposed Project does not require socioeconomic-related permits, the Palmdale General 

Plan contains goals related to maintaining and improving the socioeconomic aspects of the county. One 

goal of the Public Services Element is to “ensure that adequate public services and facilities are available 

to support development in an efficient and orderly fashion.” Goals of the Land Use Element of the 

General Plan are to “create a vision for long term growth and development in the City of Palmdale which 

provides for orderly, functional patterns of land uses within urban areas, a unified and coherent form, and 

a high quality of life for residents; adopt land use and development policies which encourage growth and 

diversity of the City’s economic base; and to plan for and reserve land to accommodate uses needed for 

public benefit, including open space, recreation, public improvements, schools, and community facilities.” 

5.11.1.4 Involved Agencies and Local Contacts 

No socioeconomics-related permits are required by the proposed Project. Therefore, there are no 

applicable permitting agencies or agency contacts. 
5.11 Socioeconomics 

July 2008 (Revisions July 2011) 5.11-3 Palmdale Hybrid Power Project 

5.11.1.5 Required Permits and Permitting Schedule 

There are no required permits related to socioeconomics. 

5.11.2 Affected Environment 

This subsection discusses existing socioeconomic conditions in the areas potentially affected by the 

PHPP. For purposes of this evaluation, the regional area is defined as Los Angeles County, San 

Bernardino County, and Kern County, including the cities of Palmdale, Lancaster, Santa Clarita, 

Victorville, Hesperia Adelanto, and Apple Valley. The local area is defined as the cities of Palmdale and 

Lancaster and the unincorporated communities of Quartz Hill, Lake Los Angeles, Acton, Little Rock, Sun 

Village, and Pearblossom. The socioeconomic characteristics discussed include population, housing, 

employment and economy, public services, utilities, schools, local government finance, and 

environmental justice. 

5.11.2.1 Regional Setting 

The Project site is located in an area of the High Desert known as the Antelope Valley; all Project facilities 

with the exception of parts of the transmission line and reclaimed water pipeline routes are located in the 

City of Palmdale; the rest of the transmission line and reclaimed water pipeline routes are in 

unincorporated Los Angeles County. The City of Palmdale and the adjacent City of Lancaster are the two 

largest communities of the Antelope Valley. The regional setting is illustrated in Figure 5.11-1. The 

nearest sizeable cities include Santa Clarita (25 miles west), Adelanto (39 miles east) Victorville (40 miles 

east), Hesperia (41 miles east), and Apple Valley (44 miles east). The City of Palmdale is bordered by 

the City of Lancaster and the unincorporated community of Quartz Hill to the north; the unincorporated 

communities of Lake Los Angeles, Sun Village, Littlerock and Pearblossom to the east; the 

unincorporated community of Acton to the south; and the unincorporated community of Leona Valley to 

the west. 

5.11.2.2 Local Setting 

The 377-acre PHPP plant site consists of undeveloped land in an industrial area of the City of Palmdale 

near the boundary with the City of Lancaster. Air Force Plant 42 is located to the south and east. Areas 

northeasterly of the site are undeveloped; the area northwesterly of the site is primarily industrial although 

it also contains a few scattered residences. 

5.11.2.3 Population 

Los Angeles County is the most populous county in southern California, and is the twelfth largest county 

in land area in the State, covering more than 4,000 square miles. The population of Los Angeles County 

grew from 8,863,164 9,519,338in 19902000 to 9,519,3389,818,605 in 2000 2010 and reached an 

estimated 9,878,554 in 2007 (U.S. Census Bureau, 20082010). This growth represents a population 

increase of approximately 11.463.14 percent in 1710 years. The population growth experienced during 

the 1990s 1990s of over 10 percent has continued slowed into inthe first decade of the twenty-first 

century. Population estimates and future population projections for the local and regional area are 

summarized in Table 5.11-2. 
5.11 Socioeconomics 

July 2008 (Revisions July 2011) 5.11-4 Palmdale Hybrid Power Project 

Table 5.11-2 Population Estimates and Projection 

 Year 

County/Community 2000 200732010 20102011 2020 2

Los Angeles County 1 9,578,960 9,519,338 10,331,939 9,818,605 10,718,007 9,858,989 11,501,884 11,329,829  Lancaster 119,416 118,718 143,818 156,633 168,032 157,795 215,468 202,406 25 Palmdale 117,729 116,670 145,468 152,750 176,506 153,334 259,712 257,545 29 Santa Clarita 151,088 177,159 176,320 181,092 176,971 211,367 205,935 28 Acton 2,390 n/a7,596 10,754n/a 14,473n/a  Little Rock 1,402 n/a1,377 19,289n/a 25,585n/a  Quartz Hill 9,890 n/a10,912 19,573n/a 27,244n/a  Lake Los Angeles 11,658 11,523 n/a12,328 11878n/a 12041n/a San Bernardino County 1 1,709,434 2,028,013 2,035,210 2,059,420 2,052,397 2,397,709 2,582,765 2,713, Adelanto 18,176 18,130 27,139 31,765 25,939 31,671 35,351 71,877 4 Victorville 64,871 64,029 102,538 115,903 81,592 117,219 103,353 138,023 12 Apple Valley 54,585 54,239 70,297 69,135 70,873 69,668 83,707 82,005  Hesperia 62,835 62,582 85,876 90,173 95,800 90,726 139,049 148,751 17

AdelantoBarstow 18,176 21,119 27,139 22,639 25,939 22,839 35,351 47,810 

Kern County 2 665,519 661,645 801,648 839,631 1,086,113 846,883 1,352,628  Bakersfield 246,899 247,057 323,213 347,483 342,700 351,443 433,800 
July 2008 (Revisions July 2011) 5.11-5 Palmdale Hybrid Power Project 

n/a = not available

Note 1: 2000 and 2010 Population data in this table is a compilation of three sourcesfrom the U.S. Census. For Victorville, actual po

growth, as estimated by the California Department of Finance, has exceeded expectations (most recent available projectionregional planning agencies, which means that the table seems to predict a population decline between 2007 and 2010. This anomaly of the data, but the forecasts for growth are consistent for all communities shown in the table.

Note 2: Census data is not available for the unincorporated communities of Sun Village, Pearblossom, and Leona Valley. 

Note 3: 2011 population data from California Department of Finance information is compiled only for incorporated cities of California

Note 4: Southern California Association of Governments compiles projection data for census tracts. The population estimates for 20

2030 2035 for the unincorporated communities of Acton, Little Rock and Quartz Hill contain populations of census tracts thaareas that extend beyond the boundaries of the community, thus inflating the estimates. 

Sources: 1 Southern California Association of Governments, 20042008; 

2 Kern Council of Governments, 2007; 3 California Department of Finance, 20072011. 
5.11 Socioeconomics 

July 2008 (Revisions July 2011) 5.11-6 Palmdale Hybrid Power Project 

The population of Palmdale in 1990 2000 was 66,842116,670. As shown in the table, the population 

grew to 117,729152,750 in 20002010. In 20072011, the population of Palmdale was estimated at 

145,468153,334, which represents a more than doubling of the population in 17 years31.4 percent 

increase in eleven years. Palmdale is estimated to grow by another 153,856209,918 people by 

20302035. The estimated population of Lancaster in 2007 2011 was 143,818157,795, an increase of 20 

33 percent since 2000. The growth projections in Lancaster for 2010 2020 and 2020 2035 are 

168,032202,406, and 215,468261,501, respectively (California Department of Finance, 20072011; Kern 

Council of Governments, 2004SCAG, 2008). Santa Clarita, the fourth largest city in Los Angeles County 

had an estimated population of 177,159176,971 in 20072011. The estimated populations for the Cities of 

Victorville and Adelanto, both in San Bernardino County, are approximately 102,538117,219 and 

27,13931,761, respectively. These San Bernardino County cities are expected to grow to 

123,641182,275 and 44,129114,398, respectively by 20302035. 

Average annual population growth rates in the local and regional areas are shown in Table 5.11-3. As 

shown in the table, between 2000 and 20072010, the fastest growth in the vicinity of the Project, based 

on percentage of population, has occurred in Kern County, San Bernardino, and then Los Angeles 

County. In percentage terms, Victorville represents the fastest growing community in the overall area of 

interest. Growth rates in Palmdale for the years 2010 to 2020 and 2020 to 2030 2035 are predicted to 

increase (2010 to 2020) and then decrease (2020 to 2030) from the rates of the recent past, but still are 

expected to exceed the growth rates of the other nearby communities. 

The largest unincorporated community in the local vicinity is Lake Los Angeles with a population of 

11,65712,328 in 20002010. The communities of Acton, Little Rock, Quartz Hills and Lake Los Angeles 

are expected to experience moderate growth to the year 20302035. While Lake Los Angeles is predicted 

to grow by 22.8 percent between 2020 and 2030, its population is expected to stay below 15,000. 

Census information was not available for the communities of Pearblossom, Sun Village or Leona Village. 

5.11.2.4 Housing 

In 20052010, Palmdale had 39,98842,952 housing units, with a vacancy rate of 3.77.7 percent and 

Lancaster contained approximately 43,88951,835 housing units, with a vacancy rate of 3.79.3 percent. 

Renter-occupied housing units represent 29.132.1 percent of the Palmdale housing occupancy and 

41.139.6 percent of the Lancaster housing occupancy (U.S. Census Bureau, 20082010). Lake Los 

Angeles has 3,4693,658 housing units with a vacancy rate of 8.310.7 percent. Renter-occupied housing 

units represent 22.327.3 percent of the Lake Los Angeles housing occupancy.

In 20052010, Los Angeles County contained approximately 3,339,7633,445,076 housing units and had a 

housing vacancy rate of 4.75.9 percent (U.S. Census Bureau, 20082010). Renter-occupied units totaled 

1,621,5431,696,455 units, or 50.952.3 percent of the market. In addition to owner-occupied and rental 

housing, there are motel/hotel accommodations available throughout the local area. Specifically, 

Palmdale has 14 motels/hotels and Lancaster has 16 motels/hotels (California Hotel and Lodging 

Association, 2008). As a comparison, Kern County as a whole contained approximately 262,651284,367

housing units with a vacancy rate of 9.3 10.5 percent and San Bernardino County had 668,378699,637

housing units with a vacancy rate of 11.312.6 percent (U.S. Census Bureau, 20082010). 
5.11 Socioeconomics 

July 2008 (Revisions July 2011) 5.11-7 Palmdale Hybrid Power Project 

Table 5.11-3 Average Annual Population Growth Rates 

County/City 

Annual Growth Rates 

2000-200732000-2010 2010-2020 2020-20302035

Los Angeles County 1 1.12%0.3% 0.73%1.5% 0.62%0.9%

 Lancaster 2.92%3.2% 2.82%2.9% 2.05%2.9%

 Palmdale 3.11%3.1% 4.71%6.7% 1.52%4.1%

 Santa Clarita 2.50%1.7% 1.67%1.7% 3.69%1.7%

 Acton n/a21.8% 3.46%n/a 2.11%n/a

 Little Rock n/a-0.2% 3.26%n/a 2.02%n/a

 Quartz Hill n/a1.0% 3.92%n/a 2.29%n/a

 Lake Los Angeles n/a0.7% 1.37%n/a 22.81%n/a

San Bernardino County 2.66%1.9% 1.64%2.7% 1.31%2.1%

 Adelanto 7.04%7.5% 3.6%12.6% 2.48%5.9%

 Victorville 8.29%8.1% 2.67%1.9% 1.96%3.2%

 Apple Valley 4.11%2.7% 1.81%1.8% 1.43%1.7%

 Barstow 1.90%0.7% 2.68%11.1% 1.97%4.5%

 Hesperia 5.24%4.4% 4.51%6.5% 2.90%4.2%

Kern County 2 2.92%2.7% 2.455.9% 3.37% 

 Bakersfield 4.41%4.1% 2.662.5% 2.66% 

n/a = not available 

Note 1: Growth rates based on population estimates and projections in Table 5.11-2. Growth 

rates are unavailable for Acton, Littlerock, Quartz Hill, Lake Los Angeles, Sun Village, 

Pearblossom, Leona Valley, and Antelope Center. 

 Note 2: California Department of Finance information is compiled only for incorporated cities of 

California. 

Sources: 1

 Southern California Association of Governments, 20042008; 

2

 Kern Council of Governments, 2007; 

3 California Department of Finance, 2007U.S. Census Bureau, 2010. 

5.11.2.5 Economy and Employment 

The 2005 employment by industrial sector for Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Kern Counties is 

summarized in Table 5.11-4. As of November 2006, Los Angeles County employment was 4,100,200, 

and San Bernardino employment was 1,345,100. As shown in Table 5.11-4, the government, 

construction, manufacturing, and retail trade sectors are the largest employers in all three counties. Los 

Angeles County also has a large professional and business services sector that employs 14.5 percent of 

the working population. 
5.11 Socioeconomics 

July 2008 5.11-8 Be

Table 5.11-4 2006 Employment by Industry for Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Kern Countie

Sector Los Angeles County San Bernardino County 

 Employment Employment Employment Percentage Emplo

Government 588,600 231,600 231,600 14.4% 57Agriculture 7,600 16,000 16,000 0.2% 44Construction and Manufacturing 619,000 255,000 255,000 15.1% 32Retail Trade 423,200 181,500 181,500 10.3% 29Professional and Business Services 594,700 152,700 152,700 14.5% 25Education and Health Services 481,300 129,900 129,900 11.7% 22Leisure and Hospitality 387,500 136,000 136,000 9.5% 20Finance, Information, Insurance and Real Estate 457,700 69,400 69,400 11.2% 11Transportation and Utilities 165,700 69,200 69,200 4.0% 9,Natural Resources and Mining 4,000 1,400 1,400 0.1% 9,Wholesale Trade 225,200 57,100 57,100 5.5% 7,Other Services 145,700 45,300 45,300 3.6% 6,Total 4,100,200 1,345,100 1,345,100 100% 277Source: California Employment Development Department, 2007. 
5.11 Socioeconomics 

July 2008 (Revisions July 2011) 5.11-9 Palmdale Hybrid Power Project 

The employed labor force in the City of Palmdale was 48,286 in 2000 and grew to approximately 60,116 

by 2005. The employed labor force in the City of Lancaster was 49,136 in 2000 and grew to 

approximately 58,115 by 2005 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2007). The employed labor force in the City of 

Victorville was 22,385 in 2000 and grew to approximately 23,150 by 2004. Trends indicate that the labor 

force will continue to grow. The Southern California Association of Governments, in its Ninth Annual 

Regional Economic Forecast for Southern California 2006-2007, reported that “the strongest job growth is 

associated with California’s inland counties and Southern California” with total non-farm employment in 

Riverside/San Bernardino Counties estimated to have increased 2.2 percent between 2004 and 2005; 3.9 

percent between 2005 and 2006; and 4.7 percent between 2006 and 2007 for an average annual change 

of 3.6 percent between 2004 and 2007 (SCAG, 2006). Employment data by industrial sector for the City 

of Palmdale are provided in Table 5.11-5. As illustrated in the table, the major sectors of employment in 

the City are Education, Health, and Social Services, Retail Trade, and Manufacturing. 

In 2000, the cities of Palmdale and Lancaster had annual unemployment rates of 6.1 and 6.5 percent, 

respectively (U.S. Census Bureau, 2007). Santa Clarita’s unemployment rate in May 2007 was 2.7 

percent compared to 4.4 percent for Los Angeles County as a whole and 4.9 percent for the State of 

California (California Employment Development Department 2007). In 2005, the Cities of Victorville and 

Adelanto had annual unemployment rates (not adjusted) of 6.0 percent and 7.8 percent, respectively, 

which were both above the rate of 5.0 percent for San Bernardino County for a whole in that year. 

In 2006, Los Angeles County’s workforce makes up approximately 49 percent of its population, with the 

remaining 51 percent including, among others, children, the retired, military personnel, and prisoners. In 

2000, Los Angeles County’s workforce represented 45 percent of the population. Between 2000 and 

2006, Los Angeles County’s workforce grew from 4,312,264 to 4,888,595, representing a total 

employment growth of 13 percent. Between 2001 and 2006, the County’s labor force grew at an average 

annual rate of 1.7 percent, adding 5,800 members. Kern County’s labor force increased from 322,600 in 

2005 to 328,400 in 2006, while employment grew by approximately 7,000 jobs during this same period. 

Total employment grew 2.4 percent between 2005 and 2006, from 296,500 to 303,500 (Kern Economic 

Development Corporation, 2007a). As job growth exceeded labor force growth from 2005 to 2006, 

unemployment decreased from 26,100 to 24,900. Transformation from a resource-based economy to an 

industrial and service-oriented economy has contributed to a drop in the County’s unemployment rate 

from 8.1 percent in 2005 to 7.6 percent in 2006, two percent above the state average. 

In Kern County, industries that experienced rapid growth between 2005 and 2006 included energy and 

chemicals; transportation, logistics, and warehousing; business and professional services; and tourism, 

recreation, and entertainment (Kern Economic Development Corporation, 2007b). Between 2002 and 

2006, the construction employment sector experienced the fastest growth rate of all major industries, 

increasing by 50 percent. The construction sector employed an estimated 4.6 percent of the workforce 

(Table 5.11-5). 

As of January 2008, unemployment rates for the U.S., Los Angeles County, Kern County, and San 

Bernardino County were estimated at 4.8, 4.5, and 7.6 percent, respectively. Available 2006 census data 

for local communities indicates that unemployment rates for Palmdale and Lancaster were 8.6 and 11.7 

percent, respectively. 
5.11 Socioeconomics 

July 2008 (Revisions July 2011) 5.11-10 Palmdale Hybrid Power Plant 

Los Angeles County’s total employment is expected to grow about 10.3 percent between 2004 and 2014; 

adding approximately 450,500 new jobs by 2014. Non-farm wage and salary employment, which 

accounts for 91.6 percent of the total employment, is expected to grow 11.3 percent over the 10 year 

period. Nearly 73 percent of all non-farm wage and salary jobs are forecasted to occur in construction, 

professional and business services, government, retail trade, and education and health services 

(California Employment Development Department, 2007). 

Table 5.11-5 Employment by Industry (Year 2006 Annual Average) 

Industrial Sector 

Palmdale 

Employment

(%) 

Lancaster

Employment

(%) 

Victorville 

Employment 

(%) 

Adelanto 

Employment 

(%)*2000 

Hesperia 

Employment

(%) 

Public Administration 2,570 

(4.5%) 

4,011 

(8.2%) 

1,348 (3.8%) 329 

(6.8%) 

1,864 

(5.2%) 

Education, Health, and 

Social Services 

11,256 

(19.9%) 

10,886 

(22.3%) 

6,859 

(19.2%) 

900 

(18.5%) 

4,880 

(13.5%) 

Professional Services 5,645 

(10.0%) 

3,680 

(7.5%) 

2,905 

(8.1%) 

289 

(5.9%) 

2,928 

(8.1%) 

Arts, Recreation, and 

Food Services 

4,875 

(8.6%) 

4,468 

(9.1%) 

2,201 

(6.2%) 

233 

(4.8%) 

3,262 

(9.1%) 

Retail Trade 7,915 

(14.0%) 

6,484 

(13.3%) 

5,768 

(16.2%) 

602 

(12.4%) 

5,636 

(15.6%) 

Manufacturing 7,004 

(12.4%) 

4,236 

(8.7%) 

3,712 

(10.4%) 

964 

(19.8%) 

4,064 

(11.3%) 

Transportation and 

Public Utilities 

2,141 

(3.8%) 

1,924 

(3.9%) 

3,261 

(9.1%) 

454 

(9.3%) 

3,402 

(9.4%) 

Construction 6,047 

(10.7%) 

4,379 

(9.0%) 

2,397 

(6.7%) 

306 

(6.3%) 

5,461 

(15.2%) 

Finance, Insurance, 

and Real Estate 

3,863 

(6.8%) 

3,037 

(6.2%) 

1,679 

(4.7%) 

168 

(3.5%) 

697 

(1.9%) 

Agriculture and Mining 356 

(0.6%) 

389 

(0.8%) 

212 

(0.6%) 

98 

(2.0%) 

0 

(0.0%) 

Other Services 4,907 

(8.7%) 

5,372 

(11.0%) 

5,367 

(15.0%) 

523 

(10.7%) 

3,856 

(10.7%) 

Total 56,579 

(100%) 

48,866 

(100%) 

35,709 

(100%) 

4,866 

(100%) 

36,032 

(100%) 

5.11.2.6 Public Services and Utilities 

This subsection describes public services and utilities in the Project area. 
5.11 Socioeconomics 

July 2008 (Revisions July 2011) 5.11-11 Palmdale Hybrid Power Project 

Law Enforcement

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is under contract with the City of Palmdale to provide 

police protection and public safety services. These services include traffic and neighborhood police 

protection and public safety services. The Palmdale Sheriff Station is manned by 189 sworn deputies 

and 56 non-sworn employees (Palmdale Sheriff Station Operations, 2008). This station provides law 

enforcement services to an estimated 700 square miles. The County Sheriff would respond to the PHPP 

plant site from the Palmdale Station located at 750 E Ave Q, which is located approximately 4.2 miles 

south of the site. According to the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station, average response time to the PHPP site 

would depends on the severity of the incident and the location of the deputies on call. In extreme cases, 

the Lancaster Sheriff Station may respond to emergencies (Palmdale Sheriff Station Operations, 2008). 

The Lancaster Sheriff Station is located at 501 West Lancaster Blvd. in Lancaster, approximately 3.7 

miles to the north of the PHPP plant site. The Lancaster Station is manned by 189 sworn personnel and 

74 civilian personnel (Lancaster Sheriff Station Operations, 2008). 

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is the primary law enforcement agency for State highways and 

roads. Services include law enforcement, traffic control, accident investigation, and the management of 

hazardous materials spill incidents. 

Fire Protection

Fire protection in the Project area is provided by the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The Los 

Angeles County Fire Department is a full-service department providing fire management, fire operations, 

fire and environmental safety, and emergency medical services to the residents of Los Angeles County. 

There are ten fire stations in the City of Palmdale (FS 24, 37, 93, 136, 79, 80, 81, 92, 114, and 131) and 

seven stations in the City of Lancaster (FS 33, 112 CFF, 117, 129, 130, 134, and 135. The nearest fire 

station is Station Number 129 located one mile to the west of the PHPP plant site at 42110 6th St W in the 

City of Lancaster. Average response time is estimated to be less than two minutes. This station employs 

nine full-time fire fighters and is trained to handle hazardous materials releases. 

Hospitals

Emergency medical services in the Project area are provided by American Medical Response (AMR), 

which provides transportation, including ambulance service and monitoring, service area performance 

standards, and communication systems. According to staff at AMR, patients are transferred to the 

appropriate hospital based on the injury and availability of space at the local hospitals (AMR, 2008). The 

nearest hospitals to the PHPP plant site include Antelope Valley Hospital Medical Center (five miles 

northwest), the LAC/High Desert Hospital (10 miles northwest), and Lancaster Community Hospital (3.2 

miles northwest) (Palmdale Chamber of Commerce, 2008). A hospital, the Palmdale Regional Medical 

Center, is currently under construction in Palmdale. Table 5.11-6 provides a summary of the hospital 

services in the Project area. 
5.11 Socioeconomics 

July 2008 (Revisions July 2011) 5.11-12 Palmdale Hybrid Power Plant 

Table 5.11-6 Hospitals Serving the Project Area 

Hospital/Address Available Services 

Antelope Valley Hospital and 

Medical Center 

1600 W Ave. J, Lancaster 

24-hour Emergency Room, Obstetrical Services, Critical Care 

Units, Rehabilitation, Maternal Child Health Care, Physical Therapy, Home 

Care Services, Radiology, Transportation Services, and Mental Health 

Care. An estimated 420 beds are available. 

High Desert Hospital 

44900 N 60th St., Lancaster 

Multi-service Ambulatory Care Center. An estimated 170 certified 

beds are available. 

Lancaster Community 

Hospital 

43830 10th St W, Lancaster 

Emergency Department, Acute Rehabilitation Unit, Center for Wound 

Care and Hyperbaric Medicine, Cardiac Center. An estimated 117-

licensed acute care beds are available. 

Natural Gas and Electricity

Natural gas services in the Project area are provided by the Southern California Gas Company. Electrical 

service to local consumers is provided by Southern California Edison. 

Water and Wastewater

The Palmdale area receives its potable water from surface sources such as the California Aqueduct and 

local groundwater. The Project will use reclaimed water supplied by the City of Palmdale Water 

Reclamation Plant (PWRP) for cooling tower makeup and other industrial uses. The PWRP’s current 

treatment capacity is 15 million gallons per day (mgd), and in 2004 the PWRP treated an average flow of 

9.4 mgd (Los Angeles County Sanitation District, 2005). The current 15 mgd capacity for the PWRP is 

projected to be reached by 2013, and the Los Angeles County Sanitation District 20 (District 20), which 

encompasses Palmdale, plans to expand the capacity of the PWRP to 22.4 mgd by 2025. 

Treated wastewater management is a particular challenge in District 20 because the Antelope Valley is a 

closed basin with no outlet to the Pacific Ocean. Historically, treated wastewater was disposed of through 

land application or agricultural reuse. In 2000, the Lahontan RWQCB revised its discharge requirements 

for the PWRP due to suspected nitrate contamination in groundwater attributed in part to land application 

and agricultural reuse of treated wastewater. Land application and agricultural use above rates that can 

be utilized by crops or vegetation are no longer acceptable and the PWRP must devise alternative uses 

for treated wastewater. District 20 estimates that 7.8 mgd could be used for municipal reuse for irrigating 

parks, school grounds, golf courses, and similar areas, but this is still much less than the projected flow 

rate of 22.4 mgd in 2025 (Los Angeles County Sanitation District, 2005). Therefore the District is looking 

for additional uses for reclaimed water, including the proposed Project. 

The small quantity of potable water required by the Project's workforce will be provided by the Los 

Angeles County Waterworks District No. 40. This agency uses both surface water from the California 

Aqueduct and from Little Rock Reservoir (60 percent of their supply) and groundwater from local wells (40 

percent of their supply). 
5.11 Socioeconomics 

July 2008 (Revisions July 2011) 5.11-13 Palmdale Hybrid Power Project 

Solid Waste

Waste Management of Antelope Valley operates two landfills within the Antelope Valley. They are also 

responsible for the operation of two special waste facilities and provide information to the residents of 

Palmdale and Lancaster regarding recycling and waste reduction techniques. The nearest landfills that 

serve the Project site include the Antelope Valley Landfill and the Lancaster Landfill, which are located at 

1220 W. City Ranch Road in the City of Palmdale and 600 E Ave F in the City of Lancaster, respectively 

(also see Section 5.16, Waste Management). 

5.11.2.7 Schools 

Educational needs in the Project area are served by the Palmdale School District (PSD), Westside Union 

School District (WUSD), and the Antelope Valley Union High School District (AVUHSD). As of May 2008, 

there were 21 elementary schools, including four kindergarten through 5th grade, eleven kindergarten 

through 6th grade, and six kindergarten through 8th grade, and four intermediate schools, two 6th through 

8th grade and two 7th through 9th grade within the PSD. Table 5.11-7 summarizes location, grades 

served, and student enrollment for schools within the PSD. Total enrollment in the PSD was 

approximately 21,500 students during the 2007-2008 school year. 

Table 5.11-7 Summary of Schools and Enrollment in Palmdale School District 

School Name Grades Location (within the City 

of Palmdale) 

Students 

Barrel Springs Elementary School K – 5 3636 Ponderosa Way 805 

Buena Vista Elementary School K – 8 37005 Hillcrest Drive 915 

Cactus Intermediate School 6 – 8 38060 20th St E 1,104 

Chaparral Elementary School K – 6 37500 50th St E 1,020 

Cimarron Elementary School K – 6 36940 45th St E 936 

Desert Rose Elementary School K – 5 37730 27th St E 1,114 

Desert Willow Intermediate School 6 – 8 36555 Sunny Lane 929 

Golden Poppy Elementary School K – 8 37802 Rockie Lane 884 

Joshua Hills Elementary School K – 5 3030 Fairfield 840 

Juniper Intermediate School 7 – 8 39066 Palm Tree Way 964 

Los Amigos Elementary School K – 8 6640 E Ave R-8 858 

Manzanita Elementary School K – 6 38620 33rd St E 711 

Mesa Intermediate School K – 8 3243 E Ave R-8 1,068 

Mesquite Elementary School K – 6 37622 43rd St E 1,000 

Oak Tree Learning Center K – 8 39139 10th St E 86 

Ocotillo Elementary School K – 6 38737 Ocotillo School Dr. 1,162 

Palmdale Learning Plaza K – 8 38043 Division Street 890 
5.11 Socioeconomics 

July 2008 (Revisions July 2011) 5.11-14 Palmdale Hybrid Power Plant 

School Name Grades Location (within the City 

of Palmdale) 

Students 

Palm Tree Elementary School K – 6 326 E Ave R 918 

Quail Valley Elementary School K – 6 37236 58th St E 829 

Shadow Hills Intermediate School 7 – 8 37315 60th St E 848 

Summerwind Elementary School K – 6 39360 Summerwind Dr. 756 

Tamarisk Elementary School K – 5 1843 E Ave Q-5 834 

Tumbleweed Elementary School K – 6 1100 E Ave R-4 1,139 

Wildflower Elementary School K – 6 39136 35th St E 887 

Yellen Elementary School SDC 37015 Goldenview Way 46 

Yucca Elementary School K – 6 38440 2nd St E 778 

Source: Palmdale School District, 2007-2008 School Year. 

The Project area is also served by the WUSD. The WUSD consists of 12 schools/programs servicing 

kindergarten through 8th grade students within the Antelope Valley. Table 5.11-8 summarizes current 

student enrollment at the 12 schools/programs within the WUSD. Total enrollment for the WUSD was 

approximately 8,900 students for the 2006-2007 school year as of June 2007 (WUSD, 2008). 
5.11 Socioeconomics 

July 2008 (Revisions July 2011) 5.11-15 Palmdale Hybrid Power Project 

Table 5.11-8 Summary of School Enrollment in Westside Union School District 

School Name Grades Location Students 

Anaverde Hills Elementary School K – 8 39360-B Summerwind Drive 

Palmdale, CA 

420 

Cottonwood Elementary School K – 6 2740 W Ave P-8 

Palmdale, CA 

828 

Del Sur School K – 8 9023 W Ave H 

Palmdale, CA 

910 

Esperanza Elementary K – 6 40521 35th St W 

Palmdale, CA 

1,122 

Hillview Middle School 7 – 8 40525 Peonza Lane 

Palmdale, CA 

979 

Joe Walker Middle School 7 – 8 5632 W Ave L-8 

Palmdale, CA 

890 

Leona Valley Elementary School K – 8 9063 West Leona Avenue 

Leona Valley, CA 

164 

Quartz Hill Elementary School K – 6 41820 50th St W 

Quartz Hill, CA 

957 

Rancho Vista Elementary School K – 6 40641 Peonza Lane 

Palmdale, CA 

896 

Sundown Elementary School K – 6 6151 W Ave L-8 

Lancaster, CA 

861 

Valley View Elementary School K – 6 3310 W Ave L-8 

Lancaster, CA 

861 

Mountain School-Home School Program K – 8 Offices at Anaverde Hills 

Elementary School 

Unknown 

Source: Westside Union School District, 2007 

The Project area is also served by the AVUHSD. The AVUHSD consists of 15 schools/programs serving 

students in grades 9 through 12. Table 5.11-9 summarizes current student enrollment at the 15 

schools/programs within the AVUHSD. Total enrollment for the AVUHSD was approximately 24,700 

students for the 2007-2008 school year as of May 27, 2008 (AVUHSD, 2008). 
5.11 Socioeconomics 

July 2008 (Revisions July 2011) 5.11-16 Palmdale Hybrid Power Plant 

Table 5.11-9 Summary of School Enrollment in Antelope Valley Union High School District 

School Name Grades Location Students 

Antelope Valley High School 9 - 12 44900 N. Division Street 

Lancaster, CA 

2,149 

Palmdale High School 9 – 12 2137 E Ave R 

Palmdale, CA 

3,378 

Quartz Hill High School 9 - 12 6040 W Ave J 

Quartz Hill, CA 

3,428 

Knight High School 9 - 12 37423 70th St E 

Palmdale, CA 

3,471 

Lancaster High School 9 - 12 44701 N. 32nd St W 

Lancaster, CA 

3,248 

Highland High School 9 - 12 39055 25th St W 

Palmdale, CA 

3,308 

Littlerock High School 9 - 12 10833 E Ave R 

Littlerock, CA 

2,056 

Eastside High School 9 - 12 3200 E Ave J-8 

Lancaster, CA 

1,995 

Desert Winds Continuation High School 9 – 12 45030 3rd St E 

Lancaster, CA 

West Valley Campus: 

6300 Wt Avenue L 

Quartz Hill, Ca 

672 

R. Rex Parris Continuation High School 9 – 12 38801 Clock Tower Plaza 

Palmdale, CA 

585 

Phoenix Community High School 9 – 12 North: 228 E Avenue H-8 

Lancaster, CA 

South: 2270 E Avenue Q 

Palmdale, CA 

170 

S.O.A.R. 9 – 12 128 

Home Study Program 9 – 12 Offices at Lancaster High 

School 

51 

Desert Pathways 9 – 12 6300 W Avenue L, Rm. 23 

Quartz Hill, CA 

43 

Source: Antelope Valley Union High School District, 2008. 
5.11 Socioeconomics 

July 2008 (Revisions July 2011) 5.11-17 Palmdale Hybrid Power Project 

5.11.2.8 Fiscal Resources 

The local jurisdictions that will contain PHPP facilities and that have taxing power are the City of Palmdale 

and Los Angeles County. For the fiscal year (fy) 2006-2007, net assets as of June 30, 2007 for Los 

Angeles County totaled approximately $15.44 billion, which was an increase of over $1.3 billion (nine 

percent) from fiscal year 2005-2006. Los Angeles County’s key expenditures were on public protection, 

which comprised 36.5 percent of total expenditures. A summary of Los Angeles County’s expenses and 

revenues for the fiscal year is provided in Table 5.11-10. 

Table 5.11-10 County of Los Angeles Expenses and Revenues for FY 2006-2007 

 Amount (in billions) Percentage 

Expenses $13.33 100% 

 General Government $0.81 6% 

 Public Protection $4.87 36% 

 Public Ways and Facility $0.28 2% 

 Health & Sanitation $2.22 17% 

 Public Assistance $4.54 34% 

 Education $0.10 1% 

 Recreation and Cultural Services $0.27 2% 

 Interest on Long-Term Debt $0.24 2% 

Revenues $15.45 100% 

 Charges for Services $2.40 16% 

 Operating Grants & Contributions $6.98 45% 

 Capital Grants & Contributions $0.02 0.1% 

 Taxes $4.69 30% 

 Unrestricted Grants & Contributions $0.76 4.9% 

 Investment Earnings $0.34 2% 

 Miscellaneous $0.26 2% 

Revenues minus Expenses $2.12 -- 

Source: County of Los Angeles, Auditor/Controller, 2008. 

For the fiscal year 2006-2007, the City of Palmdale’s total net assets increased by $33.97 million, due 

primarily to an increase in operating grants, property taxes, and tax increment revenue. As of June 30, 

2007, net assets for the City of Palmdale totaled approximately $709.14 million. Total City revenues, 

which include program and general revenue, were approximately $182.16 million, while total expenses 

were approximately $148.19 million. In the fiscal year 2006-2007, property taxes amounted to 

approximately $17.07 million (approximately 9 percent) of the City of Palmdale’s total revenues. A 
5.11 Socioeconomics 

July 2008 (Revisions July 2011) 5.11-18 Palmdale Hybrid Power Plant 

summary of the City of Palmdale’s expenses and revenues for fiscal year 2006-2007 is provided in Table 

5.11-11. 

Table 5.11-11 City of Palmdale Expenses and Revenues for FY 2006-2007 

 Amount (in millions) Percentage 

Expenses $148.19 100% 

 General Government $18.09 12% 

 Public Safety $20.45 14% 

 Public Services $39.98 27% 

 Community Development $35.77 24% 

 Health & Welfare $1.30 1% 

 Cultural and Recreation $17.60 12% 

 Interest on Long-Term Debt $15.00 10% 

Revenues $182.16 100% 

 Charges for Services $33.57 18% 

 Operating Grants & Contributions $16.12 9% 

 Capital Grants & Contributions $44.18 24% 

 Tax Increment $41.64 23% 

 Property Taxes $17.07 9% 

 Sales Taxes $18.24 10% 

 Other Taxes $7.64 4% 

 Unrestricted Investment Earnings $2.88 2% 

 Other $0.82 1% 

Revenues minus Expenses $33.97 -- 

Source: City of Palmdale, Department of Finance, 2008. 

5.11.3 Environmental Impacts 

The following sections discuss the expected impacts of PHPP construction and operation on the 

socioeconomic resources of the Project area. 

5.11.3.1 Evaluation Methods and Significance Criteria 

For the purposes of this evaluation, local environmental impacts were determined by comparing Project 

demands during construction and operation with the socioeconomic resources of Los Angeles County, 

Palmdale, and nearby communities. The criteria used to determine the significance of Project-related 

socioeconomic impacts are those suggested in the CEQA guidelines. Project-related impacts would be 

considered significant if they: 
5.11 Socioeconomics 

July 2008 (Revisions July 2011) 5.11-19 Palmdale Hybrid Power Project 

 Induce substantial growth or concentration of population; 

 Displace a large number of people or existing housing; 

 Cause a substantial decrease in employment or property values; 

 Result in the addition of students into an impacted school; 

 Cause a substantial increase in the demand for public services that would affect local agencies’ ability 

to provide public services; or 

 Cause substantial disruption or division of the physical arrangement of an established community. 

Project socioeconomic impacts also could be considered significant if they cause substantial change in 

community interaction patterns, social organization, social structures, or social institutions; cause 

substantial conflict with community attitudes, values, or perceptions; or cause substantial inequities in the 

distribution of Project costs and benefits. 

5.11.3.2 Construction 

The following subsections describe the potential construction phase impacts of the Project on population, 

housing, employment, public services, utilities, schools, and the economic base and fiscal resources of 

Los Angeles County and the cities of Palmdale, Lancaster, Santa Clarita, Victorville, Hesperia, Adelanto, 

and Apply Valley. 

Project Work Force and Population

Project construction is expected to occur over a total of 27 months. Including linear facilities as well as the 

plant site facilities, Project construction would require an average of 367 employees per day over the 

entire 27 month construction period with manpower requirements peaking at approximately 767 workers 

in Month 12 of construction (see Table 5.11-12). 

The primary trades required for construction of the proposed Project will include carpenters, cement 

masons, electricians, ironworkers, millwrights, equipment operators, welders, painters, pipefitters, 

insulators, boilermakers, skilled and unskilled laborers, supervisors, teamsters, management, operating 

engineers, and administrative staff. The anticipated number of workers anticipated by trade required for 

Project construction is shown in Table 5.11-12. 

According to the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) report titled Socioeconomic Impacts of Power 

Plants, construction workers will commute as much as two hours to construction sites from their homes, 

rather than relocate (EPRI, 1982). The availability of construction workers by trade in Los Angeles is shown 

in Table 5.11-13; Tables 5.11-14 and 5.11-15 show the same data for the counties of Kern and San 

Bernardino. As shown in Table 5.11-16, nearly 350,000 construction workers are available within the 

combined Los Angeles, Kern, and San Bernardino county region. The proposed Project would be expected 

to draw from the entire construction work force in the region. 
Table 5.11-12 PHPP Construction Workforce by Skill 

Manpower by Trade/Project Element M 

1 

M 

2 

M 

3 

M 

4 

M 

5 

M 

6 

M 

7 

M 

8 

M 

9 

M 

10 

M 

11 

M 

12 

M 

13 

M 

14 

M 

15 

M 

16 

M 

17 

M 

18 

M 

19 

M 

20 

M 

21 

Construction - Combined-Cycle Component

Welders 0 0 0 0 15 25 30 30 30 35 35 40 30 30 30 25 25 30 25 25 20 

 Carpenters, Bricklayers and Masons 20 20 25 30 30 35 35 35 25 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 10 10 10 10 10 

Electricians 12 15 20 20 20 20 20 20 25 25 25 25 25 25 20 20 20 20 20 19 18 Ironworkers 5 10 10 10 10 10 10 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 10 10 5 5 5 Laborers 55 55 55 50 50 50 50 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 27 23 23 23 23 23 23 Millwrights 0 0 0 5 5 15 15 15 18 18 18 20 20 11 10 6 3 3 3 3 3 Equipment Operators 8 10 12 12 12 12 12 12 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 6 6 6 6 Plasterers 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 5 5 4 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 Painters 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Pipefitters 6 10 12 25 25 45 45 45 45 45 40 40 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 Sheetmetal Workers 0 0 0 0 0 3 6 6 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 10 6 6 6 6 3 Sprinklerfitters 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 7 10 7 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Surveyors/Designers 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 Insulation Workers 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 9 15 18 18 18 14 10 7 7 2 Supervisors, Planners, etc. 20 25 30 30 34 34 34 38 38 38 34 34 34 28 28 28 23 23 22 22 22 

Subtotal 129 148 167 185 204 252 263 267 269 272 272 285 272 259 227 210 184 181 167 166 152 

Construction - Solar Component

Unskilled Laborers 0 0 24 24 24 36 48 60 84 108 132 204 216 180 108 48 30 30 0 0 0 Pipefitters 0 0 2 2 2 3 4 5 7 9 11 17 18 15 9 4 2.5 2.5 0 0 0 Welders 0 0 2 2 2 3 4 5 7 9 11 17 18 15 9 4 2.5 2.5 0 0 0 Electrician 0 0 2 2 2 3 4 5 7 9 11 17 18 15 9 4 2.5 2.5 0 0 0 I&C 0 0 2 2 2 3 4 5 7 9 11 17 18 15 9 4 2.5 2.5 0 0 0 

Management, Engineering & Administration 5 5 4 4 4 6 8 10 14 18 22 34 36 30 18 8 5 5 0 0 0 

Masons 0 0 2 2 2 3 4 5 7 9 11 17 18 15 9 4 2.5 2.5 0 0 0 Operating Engineers 0 0 2 2 2 3 4 5 7 9 11 17 18 15 9 4 2.5 2.5 0 0 0 

Subtotal 40 40 40 60 80 100 140 180 220 340 360 300 180 80 50 50 0 0 0 

July 2008 5.11-19 
July 2008 5.11-20 

Table 5.11-12 PHPP Construction Workforce by Skill (Continued)

Manpower by Trade/Project Element M 

1 

M 

2 

M 

3 

M 

4 

M 

5 

M 

6 

M 

7 

M 

8 

M 

9 

M 

10 

M 

11 

M 

12 

M 

13 

M 

14 

M 

15 

M 

16 

M 

17 

M 

18 

M 

19 

M 

20 

M 

21 

Construction - Pipelines (Gas, Water Supply, Etc.)

Unskilled Labor 0 0 0 0 28 28 28 28 42 42 42 42 42 0 0 0 0 0 0 Welders 0 0 0 0 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 Pipefitters 0 0 0 0 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 Equipment Operators 0 0 0 0 9 9 9 9 14 14 14 14 14 0 0 0 0 0 0 Foremen 0 0 0 0 4 4 4 4 8 8 8 8 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 Supervisors, Etc 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Subtotal 0 0 0 0 48 48 48 48 72 72 72 72 72 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Construction- Transmission Lines

General Foremen 3 6 4 4 6 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 4 5 4 0 0 0 Foreman 14 14 8 8 12 8 2 12 16 10 0 4 13 16 11 8 0 0 0 Leadman 19 19 4 4 4 5 6 4 0 1 4 20 20 20 4 4 4 0 0 Journey Lineman 20 32 36 36 51 32 8 12 36 18 0 0 30 40 34 24 0 0 0 Apprentice Linemen 8 14 16 16 18 8 2 4 12 6 0 0 6 8 10 8 0 0 0 Groundman 16 19 20 20 17 10 12 12 12 15 8 8 14 16 10 8 10 0 0 Equipment operators 24 36 28 28 33 26 18 23 28 17 12 24 36 40 28 24 10 0 0 Cement Truck Drivers 18 18 0 0 0 0 0 12 8 0 0 20 20 20 0 0 0 0 0 Welders 8 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 12 3 0 0 0 0 Mechanic 4 4 4 4 6 4 1 3 4 3 0 0 3 4 5 4 0 0 0 Skilled Laborers 24 24 0 0 0 0 0 16 8 0 0 0 28 28 0 0 0 0 0 Carpenters 9 9 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Subtotal 0 0 167 197 120 120 147 97 50 102 124 70 24 76 182 208 110 84 24 0 0 

Total 129 148 374 422 364 432 538 512 507 602 688 767 728 707 661 498 344 315 191 166 152 
5.11 Socioeconomics 

July 2008 (Revisions July 2011) 5.11-22 Palmdale Hybrid Power Plant 

Table 5.11-13 Available Labor: Long Beach Metropolitan Statistical Area (Los Angeles County) 

Occupational Title 

Annual Average 

Employment 

Employment 

Change 

Average Annual Job 

Openings 

2004 2014 Number Percentage

New 

Jobs 

Net 

Replacements Total 

Construction 

Managers 7,300 7,950 650 8.9 65 132 197 

Construction Trades 

Workers 130,460 140,910 10,450 8.0 1,045 2,352 3,397 

Brickmasons and 

Blockmasons 2,210 2,370 160 7.2 16 33 49 

Carpenters 24,680 27,330 2,650 10.7 265 402 667 

Cement Masons and 

Concrete Finishers 3,870 4,370 500 12.9 50 78 128 

Construction 

Laborers 24,820 25,880 1,060 4.3 106 330 436 

Paving, Surfacing, 

and Tamping 

Equipment Operators 

590 660 70 11.9 7 8 15 

Operating Engineers 

and Other 

Construction 

Equipment Operators 

4,080 4,580 500 12.3 50 105 155 

Electricians 13,600 14,550 950 7.0 95 269 364 

Insulation Workers 910 910 0 0.0 0 27 27 

Painters, 

Construction 

and Maintenance 

12,410 13,440 1,030 8.3 103 189 292 

Plumbers, Pipefitters, 

and Steamfitters 12,580 13,780 1,200 9.5 120 289 409 

Plasterers and Stucco 

Masons 2,810 2,930 120 4.3 12 51 63 

Reinforcing Iron and 

Rebar Workers 1,210 1,300 90 7.4 9 24 33 

Sheet Metal Workers 2,810 2,990 180 6.4 18 67 85 

Helpers’ Construction 

Trades 7,070 7,500 430 6.1 43 293 336 
5.11 Socioeconomics 

July 2008 (Revisions July 2011) 5.11-23 Palmdale Hybrid Power Project 

Occupational Title 

Annual Average 

Employment 

Employment 

Change 

Average Annual Job 

Openings 

2004 2014 Number Percentage

New 

Jobs 

Net 

Replacements Total 

Helpers—

Brickmasons, 

Blockmasons, 

Stonemasons, and 

Tile and Marble 

Setters 

1,370 1,500 130 9.5 13 57 70 

Helpers—Carpenters 960 1,100 140 14.6 14 40 54 

Helpers--Pipelayers, 

Plumbers, Pipefitters, 

and Steamfitters 

400 430 30 7.5 3 17 20 

Welders, Cutters, 

Solderers, and 

Brazers 

8,520 8,270 -250 -2.9 0 241 241 

Plant and System 

Operators 4,700 4,890 190 4.0 19 136 155 

Surveyors 730 810 80 11.0 8 25 33 

Engineering 

Managers 6,660 7,270 610 9.2 61 133 194 

Supervisors, 

Construction and 

Extraction Workers 

13,480 14,600 1,120 8.3 112 229 341 

First Line 

Supervisors/Mgrs of 

Construction Trades 

& Extraction Workers 

13,480 14,600 1,120 8.3 112 229 341 

Structural Metal 

Fabricators 

and Fitters 

1,270 1,380 110 8.7 11 25 36 

Machinists 9,550 9,090 -460 -4.8 0 223 223 

Source: California Employment Development Department, 2007. 
5.11 Socioeconomics 

July 2008 (Revisions July 2011) 5.11-24 Palmdale Hybrid Power Plant 

Table 5.11-14 Available Labor: Kern County Statistical Area 

Annual Average 

Employment 

Employment 

Change 

Average Annual 

Job Openings 

Occupational Title 2004 2014 Number PercentNew Jobs 

Net 

Replacements Total 

Construction Managers 530 740 210 39.6 21 10 31 

Construction Trades 

Workers 14,140 19,550 5,410 38.3 541 256 797 

Brickmasons and 

Blockmasons 290 410 120 41.4 12 4 16 

Carpenters 1,990 2,820 830 41.7 83 32 115 

Cement Masons and 

Concrete Finishers 780 1,140 360 46.2 36 16 52 

Construction Laborers 3,500 4,770 1,270 36.3 127 47 174 

Paving, Surfacing, and 

Tamping Equipment 

Operators 

50 80 30 60.0 3 1 4 

Operating Engineers 

and Other Construction 

Equipment Operators 

550 770 220 40.0 22 14 36 

Electricians 1,590 2,180 590 37.1 59 32 91 

Insulation Workers 80 100 20 25.0 2 2 4 

Painters, Construction 

and Maintenance 1,080 1,450 370 34.3 37 16 53 

Plumbers, Pipefitters, 

and Steamfitters 1,080 1,540 460 42.6 46 25 71 

Plasterers and Stucco 

Masons 230 320 90 39.1 9 4 13 

Reinforcing Iron and 

Rebar Workers 80 110 30 37.5 3 2 5 

Structural Iron and 

Steel Workers 60 90 30 50.0 3 1 4 

Helpers—Construction 

Trades 640 920 280 43.8 28 27 55 

Helpers—Brickmasons, 

Blockmasons, 

Stonemasons, and Tile 

and Marble Setters 

170 250 80 47.1 8 7 15 

Helpers—Carpenters 250 370 120 48.0 12 11 23 
5.11 Socioeconomics 

July 2008 (Revisions July 2011) 5.11-25 Palmdale Hybrid Power Project 

Annual Average 

Employment 

Employment 

Change 

Average Annual 

Job Openings 

Occupational Title 2004 2014 Number PercentNew Jobs 

Net 

Replacements Total 

Helpers—Pipelayers, 

Plumbers, Pipefitters, 

and Steamfitters 

150 220 70 46.7 7 6 13 

Welders, Cutters, 

Solderers, and Brazers 810 1,000 190 23.5 19 23 42 

Plant and System 

Operators 1,780 1,990 210 11.8 21 51 72 

Surveyors 70 80 10 14.3 1 3 4 

Engineering Managers 360 390 30 8.3 3 7 10 

Supervisors, 

Construction and 

Extraction Workers 

2,090 2,850 760 36.4 76 36 112 

First Line Supervisors / 

Managers of 

Construction Trades 

and Extraction Workers 

2,090 2,850 760 36.4 76 36 112 

Structural Metal 

Fabricators and Fitters 50 50 0 0.0 0 1 1 

Machinists 460 560 100 21.7 10 11 21 

Source: California Employment Development Department, 2007. 
5.11 Socioeconomics 

July 2008 (Revisions July 2011) 5.11-26 Palmdale Hybrid Power Plant 

Table 5.11-15 Available Labor: Ontario Metropolitan Statistical Area 

(San Bernardino/Riverside Counties) 

Annual Average 

Employment 

Employment 

Change 

Average Annual Job 

Openings 

Occupational Title 2004 2014 Number Percentage 

New

Jobs 

Net 

 Replacements Total 

Construction 

Managers 3,160 4,370 1,210 38.3 121 57 178 

Construction Trades 

Workers 106,020 135,250 29,230 27.6 2,923 1,876 4,799 

Brickmasons and 

Blockmasons 2,630 3,760 1,130 43.0 113 39 152 

Carpenters 28,050 34,500 9,450 33.7 945 457 1,402 

Cement Masons and 

Concrete Finishers 5,170 3,950 1,780 34.4 178 104 282 

Construction 

Laborers 20,010 25,290 5,280 26.4 528 266 794 

Paving, Surfacing, and 

Tamping Equipment 

Operators 

230 280 50 21.7 5 3 8 

Operating Engineers 

and Other 

Construction 

Equipment Operators 

4,0803,980 5,170 1,190 29.9 119 102 221 

Electricians 6,730 7,860 1,130 16.8 113 133 246 

Insulation Workers 220 240 20 9.1 2 7 9 

Painters, 

Construction and 

Maintenance 

7,570 9,410 1,840 24.3 184 115 299 

Plumbers, Pipefitters, 

and Steamfitters 4,660 5,650 990 21.2 99 107 206 

Plasterers and 

Stucco Masons 1,520 1,830 310 20.4 31 28 59 

Reinforcing Iron and 

Rebar Workers 1,580 2,040 460 29.1 46 31 77 

Sheet Metal Workers 3,930 3,480 550 18.8 55 70 125 

Helpers’ Construction 

Trades 4,040 5,350 1,310 32.4 131 168 299 
5.11 Socioeconomics 

July 2008 (Revisions July 2011) 5.11-27 Palmdale Hybrid Power Project 

Annual Average 

Employment 

Employment 

Change 

Average Annual Job 

Openings 

Occupational Title 2004 2014 Number Percentage 

New

Jobs 

Net 

 Replacements Total 

Helpers—

Brickmasons, 

Blockmasons, 

Stonemasons, and 

Tile and Marble 

Setters 

1,450 2,000 550 37.9 55 60 115 

Helpers—Carpenters 860 1,220 360 41.9 36 36 72 

Helpers—Pipelayers, 

Plumbers, Pipefitters, 

and Steamfitters 

700 880 180 25.7 18 29 47 

Welders, Cutters, 

Solderers, and 

Brazers 

3,920 4,420 470 11.9 47 112 159 

Plant and System 

Operators 1,810 2,150 340 18.8 34 53 87 

Surveyors 450 540 90 20.0 9 16 25 

Engineering 

Managers 1,110 1,480 370 33.3 37 22 59 

Supervisors, 

Construction and 

Extraction Workers 

3,810 13,450 3,640 37.1 364 167 531 

First Line 

Supervisors/Mgrs of 

Construction Trades 

& Extraction Workers 

9,810 13,450 3.640 37.1 364 167 531 

Structural Metal 

Fabricators and 

Fitters 

930 1,040 110 11.8 11 22 33 

Machinists 2,740 3,090 350 12.8 35 64 99 

Source: California Employment Development Department, 2007. 
5.11 Socioeconomics 

July 2008 (Revisions July 2011) 5.11-28 Palmdale Hybrid Power Plant 

Table 5.11-16 Available Construction Labor by Skill 

Trade 

Available Workers By Metropolitan Area 

Bakersfield

(Kern) 

Los Angeles/

Long Beach

San Bernardino/

Riverside 

Total for 

Three Areas 

Total Workers

Needed (Peak)

Welders, Ironworkers, 

Millwrights, Boilermakers 960 8,710 4,570 14,040 152 

Carpenters, Bricklayers, 

Masons 2,280 26,890 5,330 34,500 84 

Electricians 1,590 13,600 6,730 21,920 253 

Laborers (Construction) 3,500 24,820 45,300 73,620 65 

Pipefitters, Sprinklerfitters 1,080 12,580 10,310 23,970 339 

Painters, Plasterers 1,310 15,220 20,330 36,860 15 

Unskilled Labor 3,500 24,820 45,300 73,620 44 

Equipment Operators, 

Operating Engineers 550 4,080 10,170 14,800 108 

Insulation Workers 80 910 220 1,210 56 

Supervisors, Planners, 

Management, 

Administration 

4,180 26,960 22,520 53,660 8 

Source: California Employment Development Department, 2007 

The availability of over 350,000 construction workers in Los Angeles, Kern and San Bernardino counties 

alone would be more than sufficient to meet the Project peak needs of 767 employees. Therefore, 

Project construction labor demand would not significantly affect the availability of construction labor in the 

region. 

As described above, it is assumed that few if any construction workers would permanently relocate to the 

nearby communities of Palmdale, Lancaster, Lake Los Angeles, Santa Clarita, etc. during the Project 

construction phase. This is because construction workers typically commute relatively long distances to 

their work sites. Should some construction workers choose to stay temporarily at a local area motel or 

hotel, there are at least 30 hotels in the vicinity (Palmdale and Lancaster) with rooms available to meet 

this demand. Should a portion of the workers relocate to the area for the duration of their construction 

assignments, impacts to available housing and population would be minor, as vacancy rates in Palmdale 

and Lancaster are both estimated at 3.7 percent. 

It is anticipated that the Project construction work force would be drawn from the local area (e.g., 

Palmdale, Lancaster and Lake Los Angeles), from other parts of Los Angeles County (e.g., Santa Clarita 

and parts of the Los Angeles Basin), and from parts of San Bernardino County (e.g., the Victor Valley). 

Because of the size of the regional construction work force, Project construction labor demand would not 

significantly affect the availability of construction labor in the region. 
5.11 Socioeconomics 

July 2008 (Revisions July 2011) 5.11-29 Palmdale Hybrid Power Project 

Population

As noted above, it is anticipated that the vast majority of the construction workforce (a peak workforce of 

767 workers and an average of 367 workers per day over the 27-month duration of PHPP construction), 

would commute to the Project site rather than relocate. Thus, impacts to population are expected to be 

minimal, and the Project would not induce substantial growth. Additionally, the Project would not displace 

existing populations. 

Housing

Because the PHPP construction workforce largely will commute to the area rather than relocate, 

increased demand on the local housing supply are expected to be negligible. In addition, because of the 

availability of hotel and motel accommodations, and the housing vacancy rates in nearby communities as 

described above, workers who choose to relocate temporarily would not be expected to have a significant 

impact on housing availability. 

Employment and Economy

Project construction would create a temporary, positive impact on the local economic base and fiscal 

resources. Construction employment wages and salaries would provide additional income to the area, as 

would local expenditures for construction materials and services. The Project construction payroll has 

been estimated at approximately $106 million (approximately $47 million annually), including the power 

generating facilities and linear facilities (transmission line and gas pipeline). Local expenditures for 

construction materials and supplies are estimated at $59 million. These include everything from 

permanent materials and equipment to small tools and consumables, concrete, rebar, formwork materials, 

asphalt, fencing, and local purchases in support of the field staff. 

PHPP construction is expected to create an average of 367 and peak of 767direct jobs. These direct jobs 

will create both indirect and induced secondary employment in the region. Indirect employment is defined 

as employment that will be generated by the purchase of goods and services required by the Project. 

Induced employment is defined as employment that will be generated by the purchase of goods and 

services by the businesses that are indirectly supported by the Project. 

An Input-output model (IMPLAN ProfessionalTM) was used to estimate economic impacts within Los 

Angeles, San Bernardino, and Kern Counties based on Project construction-phase expenditures that 

would benefit the local economies. For the purpose of the input-output model, the following Project 

expenditures (rounded values) were assumed to be the project expenditures which would benefit the local 

economies: 1) Total Payroll ($105,730,000) and 3) Local Expenditures ($58,800,000). The total 

construction estimate ($273,204,000) was determined based on using an employee compensation 

percentage for construction operations and was used as an input into the model to predict economic 

impacts. 
5.11 Socioeconomics 

July 2008 (Revisions July 2011) 5.11-30 Palmdale Hybrid Power Plant 

Based on the assumptions stated above (during the 27-month construction phase), the estimated annual 

beneficial economic output impacts within Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Kern Counties would be as 

follows (rounded values): 

Direct expenditures = $ 273,000,000 

Indirect regional revenues = $ 142,000,000 

Induced regional revenues = $ 134,000,000 

Total impact = $ 550,000,000 

The top ten economic sectors that would benefit the most in terms of economic output impacts include: 

1) other new construction; 2) architectural and engineering services; 3) petroleum refining; 4) wholesale 

trade; 5) owner occupied dwellings; 6) real estate; 7) insurance carriers; 8) offices of physicians – dentists 

and other health; 9) food and drinking places; and 10) hospitals. 

Also, using the assumptions stated above, during the construction phase, the Project’s estimated annual 

job creation within Los Angeles, Kern, and San Bernardino Counties would be as follows: 

Direct (Project) jobs = 367 workers 

Indirect jobs = 937 workers 

Induced jobs = 1,018 workers 

Total jobs creation = 2,322 workers 

These additional jobs would result from the PHPP’s local construction expenditures as well as from 

spending by local construction workers. These indirect and induced jobs are expected to be filled both 

locally and regionally, and would result in positive economic impacts. 

Public Services

No significant impacts are expected on local public services during construction. Current police, fire, 

and medical facilities should be sufficient to handle emergencies at the site. A security fence would be 

erected around the entire perimeter of the construction site; no significant adverse impacts would be 

expected on the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department or the Los Angeles County Fire Department. 

Fire extinguishers will be available on site during “hot work,” and personnel will be trained in their proper 

use; no significant impacts would be expected on local fire fighting agencies. Communication equipment 

will be available on site at all times to contact outside agencies if emergencies arise. No significant 

impacts are expected on local public social and medical services; construction workers would be 

expected to obtain health insurance from their employers. 

Utilities

There would be very minor demands on utility services during construction as a result of onsite activities. 

PHPP construction would require utility services (electricity, water, sanitary wastewater and solid waste 

disposal. Sanitary wastes generated during construction would be collected in portable, self-contained 

toilets and hauled to an appropriate disposal site, and bottled water would be used for drinking. No 

significant impacts would be expected. 
5.11 Socioeconomics 

July 2008 (Revisions July 2011) 5.11-31 Palmdale Hybrid Power Project 

Schools

The overwhelming proportion of the Project construction workforce would be expected to commute to the 

site daily. Further, construction workers who relocate temporarily for a work assignment typically do not 

bring their families with them. Negligible impacts on school capacity would occur. 

Fiscal Resources

Local expenditures on construction materials, supplies, and equipment are estimated to total 

approximately $58.8 million, which, at the Los Angeles County sales tax rate of 8.25 percent, would 

generate approximately $4.9 million annually in sales tax revenue. The 8.25 percent Los Angeles County 

sales tax rate is divided into 7.25 percent for the State and 1.00 percent to the Los Angeles County 

Transportation Commission. Based on local construction expenditures of $59 million, the sales tax 

generated for the State is estimated at approximately $4.3 million and the Los Angeles County 

Transportation Commission sales tax revenues are estimated at approximately $600,000. Fiscal impacts 

associated with operation of the Project are considered beneficial. 

5.11.3.3 Operation 

The following subsections describe the potential impacts of PHPP operations on socioeconomic 

conditions and resources. 

Project Work Force and Population

The Project is expected to employ a total of 36 workers during operation. Some of the Project operations 

jobs may involve relocation to the area for workers with specialized technical or managerial skills. Given 

the moderate size of the Project work force and the likelihood that some of these workers already would 

be residents of the local area, Project population impacts would be less than significant. 

Housing

Operation of the Project is expected to have an insignificant impact on housing because of the small 

number of workers needed for operation of the plant and the availability of local housing (e.g., current 

vacancy rates of 3.7 percent in Palmdale). Because there are no residential areas in the immediate 

vicinity of the PHPP plant site and Project-related population increase will be minimal, no substantial 

change is expected in community interaction patterns, social organization, social structures, or social 

institutions. 

Employment

As stated above, 36 full-time employees would be needed to operate and maintain the PHPP facility, 

including operations and power block routine maintenance staff; solar field project and maintenance staff; 

clerical and technical staff; and administrative and management staff. Most of the 36 employees will be 

hired locally with some specialized employees coming from outside the local area. 

An Input-output model (IMPLAN ProfessionalTM) was used to estimate economic impacts within Los 

Angeles, Kern, and San Bernardino Counties based upon operation-phase Project expenditures which 
5.11 Socioeconomics 

July 2008 (Revisions July 2011) 5.11-32 Palmdale Hybrid Power Plant 

would benefit the local economies. For the purpose of the input-output model, the annual expenditures 

that would benefit local economies were assumed to be $3.7 million annually; and this figure was used as 

an input into the model to predict employment and economic impacts. 

Based upon the Implan model results, the Project’s estimated annual job creation during the operation 

phase) is estimated as follows: 

Direct jobs (Project) = 36 workers 

Indirect jobs = 64 workers 

Induced jobs = 59 workers 

Total jobs creation = 159 workers 

Public Services

Project operation would slightly increase demands on local police, fire, medical, and other emergency 

services. Population immigration is expected to be minimal and one additional industrial facility (the 

PHPP) with a small workforce would not be expected to have a significant adverse impact on the capacity 

of most local public services. 

Utilities

The Project will use reclaimed water supplied by the City of Palmdale Water Reclamation Plant (PWRP) 

for cooling tower makeup and other industrial uses. Potable water for personnel uses such as drinking 

water, sanitary uses, safety showers, etc. will be obtained from Los Angeles County Waterworks District 

No. 40. The Project will be fueled with natural gas delivered via a new natural gas pipeline and will 

generate its own electrical power for onsite consumption. Utilities impacts would be less than significant. 

Schools

Operation of the Project is expected to have an insignificant local and regional impact on schools 

because of the relatively small number of workers needed for operation of the plant (maximum of 36 

employees). 

The PHPP would be required to pay a school impact fee to the Antelope Valley Union High School District 

and the Lancaster Elementary School District. According to local school district personnel, the school 

impact fee for industrial projects in the Antelope Valley Union High School District is $0.11/square foot of 

new industrial floor space and $0.34/square foot for the Lancaster Elementary School District (Thompson, 

2008). Based on a total square footage of 28,800 square feet, the Project would be required to pay total 

school impact fees of approximately $13,000. 

Fiscal Resources

At present, there is no property tax on solar components (mirrors, solar boiler, heat exchangers) 

improvements by law (Section 73 of the California Taxation and Revenue Code). Components included 

under the exemption include storage devise, power conditioning equipment, transfer equipment, and 

parts. The capital costs for the combined-cycle portion of the PHPP are estimated at $615 million to $715 
5.11 Socioeconomics 

July 2008 (Revisions July 2011) 5.11-33 Palmdale Hybrid Power Project 

million (2011 dollars). Assuming that the solar component exemption continues and assuming a Los 

Angeles County tax rate of 1.115433 percent, annual property tax revenues are estimated at 

approximately $685,000 to $797,000. Fiscal impacts associated with operation of the Project are 

considered beneficial. 

The plant is expected to begin operation in the third quarter of 2013. During operation, it is expected that 

local purchases for materials, supplies, equipment, and services would total approximately $3.7 million 

annually. Applying the Los Angeles County sales tax rate of 8.25 percent, approximately $310,000 would 

be generated annually in local sales tax as a direct result of the Project, or approximately $9.3 million for 

the nominal 30-year operating life of the Project. The 7.25 percent Los Angeles County sales tax rate is 

divided into 7.25 percent for the State and 1.00 percent to the Los Angeles County Transportation 

Commission. Based on annual non-labor expenditures of $3.7 million, the sales tax generated annually is 

estimated at approximately $270,000 for the State and $37,000 for the Los Angeles County 

Transportation Commission. 

5.11.3.4 Environmental Justice 

Executive Order 12898, “Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and 

Low income Populations” was signed by then-President Bill Clinton on February 11, 1994. The purpose 

of this Executive Order is to identify and address whether high and adverse human health or 

environmental effects are likely to fall disproportionately on minority and/or low income populations of the 

community. 

According to the guidelines established by the EPA to assist Federal agencies to develop strategies to 

address this circumstance, a minority and/or low income population exists if the minority and/or low 

income population percentage of the affected area is 50 percent or more of the area’s general population; 

Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) guidance additionally suggests determining whether minority 

and/or low income populations in potentially affected areas are present in proportions meaningfully 

greater than those of the general population of the area. The thresholds for poverty level for an individual 

(under 65 years of age) and a family of four (including two related children under 18 years) in 2007 were 

income levels of $10,787 and $21,027, respectively (U.S. Census Bureau, 2008). The CEQ defines the 

term “minority” as persons from any of the following groups: Black/African American; Asian; Native 

Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander; American Indian or Alaska Native; and Hispanic, regardless of race. 

Additionally, for the purposes of this analysis, “minority” also includes all other nonwhite racial categories 

such as “some other race” and “two or more races.” 

The Federal guidelines set forth a three-step screening process: 1) identify which impacts of the Project 

are high and adverse; 2) determine if minority or low income populations exist within the high and adverse 

impact zones; and 3) examine the spatial distribution of high and adverse impact areas to determine if 

these impacts are likely to fall disproportionately on the minority and/or low income population. 

To assess the potential for disproportionate environmental impacts on minority or low income populations 

as a result of the Project, population, poverty, and minority data within a six-mile radius of the Project site 

were gathered using database and mapping software provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. The Project 

site is located entirely within census block group 9101.00.1. There are 51 census tracts and 120 census 

block groups within a six-mile radius of the PHPP plant site. 
5.11 Socioeconomics 

July 2008 (Revisions July 2011) 5.11-34 Palmdale Hybrid Power Plant 

As shown in Table 5.11-17, as of 2000 2010 approximately half of the residents of Los Angeles County 

were considered to be part of a minority population (50.349.7 percent). Figure 5.11-2 illustrates the 

proportion of the minority population in each block groupcensus tract in the area around the PHPP plant 

site. The proportion of minority populations in census block groupstracts located within the six-mile radius 

averaged 48.9952.5 percent, which is lower higher than the minority population percentage of Los 

Angeles County as a whole (51.349.7 percent) Census block group 9101.00.1, which contains the PHPP 

plant site, had a substantially higher minority population (75.79 percent) than the surrounding area and 

the county as a whole, but this statistic is misleading in that the block group includes Air Force Plant 42, 

which is adjacent to the PHPP site and has no residential population. 

Table 5.11-17 shows the proportion of people with income considered below the poverty level (low 

income population) in the census blocks tracts near the plant site, as shown in the 2000 Census. 

Economic data collected in the 2010 Census has not yet been released. Figure 5.11-3 illustrates the 

proportion of the population below the poverty level for each block group within a six-mile radius of the 

PHPP site. The proportion of low income population in the study area ranged from 0 to 53.7 percent. As 

shown in Table 5.11-17, the poverty-level population within the block groupcensus tract that contains the 

plant site is somewhat higher (21.1 percent) than the Los Angeles County average (17.91 percent) and is 

in the middle of the range of poverty populations (12.0 to 30.8 percent) for the block groupscensus tracts

in the immediate area. 

Table 5.11-17 Environmental Justice Characteristics 

Geographic Area 

(Census Tract) 

Census Block 

Group

Total Minority 

Population 

(Percent))

Total Poverty Level 

Population 

(Percent)

U.S. Census, 2000

9101.00 9101.00.1 75.7952.0 21.10 

9005.01 9005.01.1 47.7754.1 20.60 

9005.01.2 55.03

9005.04 9005.04.1 50.7253.9 12.00 

9005.04.2 47.06

9007.04 9007.04.1 56.6759.5 30.80 

9102.01 9102.01.1 28.8043.0 19.20 

County of Los Angeles 51.3049.7 17.91 

 Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, 20002010. Note: Italicized block groupCensus Tract contains the 

PHPP plant site. 

The primary environmental justice issues for power plant siting and development would be related to 

potential air emissions, noise levels, and water use that could adversely affect the health or 

environmental quality of the local community. These issues are discussed in detail in other sections of 

this AFC. Within the context of environmental justice, impacts are determined by evaluating whether the 

Project will have a disproportionate high and adverse impact on low-income and minority populations. 
5.11 Socioeconomics 

July 2008 (Revisions July 2011) 5.11-35 Palmdale Hybrid Power Project 

The proposed Project is not expected to have disproportionate significant adverse impacts on lowincome or minority populations, based on a number of factors. The PHPP plant site is in an industrial 

area with very limited residential populations regardless of ethnicity or income level. The Project is not 

expected to have significant impacts on air quality, public health, noise, or water use. The Project’s linear 

facilities also would have no disproportionate adverse impacts on minority or low-income populations. 

The Project’s various pipelines would be buried and would not traverse residential areas; the transmission 

line route also is in largely non-residential areas (Segment 1) and/or within an existing transmission line 

ROW (e.g., all of Segment 2 which extends from the Pearblossom Substation to the Vincent Substation). 

5.11.3.5 Cumulative Impacts 

The potential for cumulative socioeconomic impacts exists where there are multiple projects proposed in 

an area which have overlapping construction schedules and/or project operations that could impact 

similar resources. Projects with overlapping construction schedules and/or operations collectively could 

result in a demand for labor that cannot be met by the Project area labor pool, which could lead to an 

influx of nonlocal workers and their dependents. This population increase could impact socioeconomic 

resources. Because of the large regional construction work force, no significant cumulative 

socioeconomic impacts associated with construction activities (e.g., population increases that affect 

housing availability) would be expected when considering the PHPP together with the cumulative projects 

identified in Section 5.1. 

The Project would have minimal socioeconomic impacts during operation, and thus would not contribute 

considerably to significant cumulative impacts. It also should be noted that Project employment and local 

expenditures for equipment and materials would benefit the local economy. The Project’s contribution to 

an adequate supply of electrical energy also would be beneficial to the economy. 

5.11.4 Mitigation Measures 

No significant adverse socioeconomic impacts have been identified and thus, no mitigation measures are 

required. 

5.11.5 References 

California Department of Finance, 20072011. City/County Estimates with Annual Percent Change – 

January 1, 2006 2010 and 20072011. 

http://www.dof.ca.gov/HTML/DEMOGRAP/ReportsPapers/Estimates/E1/documents/ 

E-1table.xls. Accessed November 27July 20, 2011. 

California Employment Development Department, 2007. Information regarding labor market information 

for counties. Accessed November. 

California Hotel and Lodging Association, 2008. Personal communication with M. Donohue, June 25, 

2008. 

City of Palmdale, 2008. City of Palmdale Budget. Fiscal Years July 1, 2008 – June 30, 2009. July 2008. 
5.11 Socioeconomics 

July 2008 (Revisions July 2011) 5.11-36 Palmdale Hybrid Power Plant 

City of Palmdale, 2008. Los Angeles County Property Tax Rate. Fiscal Year July 1, 2008 – June 30, 

2009. July 2008. 

EPRI, 1982. Socioeconomic Impacts of Power Plants. February. 

IMPLAN 2006. Minnesota IMPLAN Group, Stillwater, MN. 2006 Data Files for Los Angeles, San 

Bernardino, and Kern Counties. Most current data as of June 2008. 

Kern Council of Governments (Kern COG), 2007. Kern COG 2007 Destination 2030 Regional 

Transportation Plan Final Environmental Impact Report. May. 

Kern Economic Development Corporation, 2007a. Monitoring Economic Development Strategy: Kern 

County, California. Second Annual Report. July. 

Kern Economic Development Corporation, 2007b. Kern County Snapshot. Available at 

http://www.kedc.com/images/documents/182_30704.pdf. 

Lancaster Sheriff Station Operations, 2008. Law Enforcement Report, City of Lancaster, September 

2007, personal communication with staff, and data accessed at http://www.cityoflancasterca.org, June 

2008. 

Los Angeles County, 2008. Los Angeles County Budget. Fiscal Years July 1, 2008 – June 30, 2009. 

July 2008. 

Los Angeles County Auditor, 2008. Los Angeles County Property Tax Rate. Fiscal Year July 1, 2008 – 

June 30, 2009. July 2008. 

Los Angeles County CEO’s Office, 2008. Los Angeles County Tax Rate. Sid Kikkawa. Fiscal Year July 

1, 2008 – June 30, 2009. July 2008. 

Palmdale Chamber of Commerce, 2008 Website http://www.palmdalechamber.org accessed June 2008. 

Palmdale Sheriff Station Operations, 2008. Personal communication with staff. June 2008. 

Palmdale Water District, 2008 Website http://www.palmdalewater.org, accessed June 2008. 

Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), 2004. SCAG Growth Forecasting. 

http://www.scag.ca.gov/forecast/downloads/2004GF.xls. Accessed June 2008. 

Thompson, Cindy. Antelope Valley Union High School District Maintenance. Personal Communication. 

July 29, 2008. 

U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2008. Demographic information from 2000 Decennial Census. Accessed at 

http://factfinder.census.gov.

U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2010, Demographic information from 2010 Decennial Census. Accessed at 

http://factfinder2.census.gov
5.11 Socioeconomics 

July 2008 (Revisions July 2011) 5.11-37 Palmdale Hybrid Power Project 

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 2007. U.S. Housing Market Conditions, Second 

Quarter, 2007. August 2007. Accessed at http://www.huduser.org/periodicals/ushmc/summer07/ 

USHMC_Q207.pdf. 

Waste Management, Inc., 2008. Personal communication with staff, June 2008. 

WUSD, 2008. Woodside Union School District personal communication with staff. June 2008. 
Palmdale Hybrid

Power Project

Figure 5.11-1

Regional Socioeconomic

Setting

LEGEND

Map Location

Project: 10855-002

Date: June 2008 Y:\Projects\InlandEnergy\Palmdale\MXD\AFC_Figures\Figure_5-11-1_Regional_Socioeconomic_Setting.mxd

Plant Site

14

58

58

395

14

5

118

101

EEddwwaarrddssAAiirrFFoorrccee BBaassee

California City

Lancaster

LLaakkee LLooss AAnnggeelleess

Rosamond

TTeehhaacchhaappii

Santa Clarita

138

5

210

210

Saddleback Butte

State Park

Saddleback Butte

State Park

CCaassttaaiicc LLaakkee SSttaatteeRReeccAArreeaa

2

27

14

Palmdale

Los Angeles

Transmission Line

LLiittttlleerroocckk

AAccttoonn

PPeeaarrbblloossssoomm

QQuuaarrttzz HHill ill

Kern County

Los Angeles County

Los

Angeles

County

Ventura

County

Kern County

San Bernardino County

Los Angeles County

San Bernardino County

0 5 10 15

Miles

1:600,000

Kings

Monterey

San

Benito

Tulare

Inyo Fresno

Merced

Madera Esmeralda

Los

Angeles

San

Diego

Orange

Santa

Barbara

Ventura

Riverside

San Luis

Obispo

San

Bernardino

Kern

Nye
Palmdale Hybrid

Power Project

Figure 5.11-2

Percentage Minority Population

By Block Group

LEGEND

Map Location

Project: 10855-002

Date: July 2008 Y:\Projects\InlandEnergy\Palmdale\MXD\AFC_Figures\Figure_5-11-2_Percentage_Minority.mxd

6 Mile Radius

of Plant Site

Plant Site

Air Force Plant 42

(non-residential)

E Palmdale Blvd

Rancho Vista Blvd

E AVE G

E AVE P

E AVE M

E AVE K

E AVE R

Sierra H

wy

E AVE J

50th St E

20th St E

30th St W

W AVE L

W AVE H

W Lancaster Blvd

W AVE G

E AVE S

W AVE M

W AVE N

Eliza beth Lake Rd

W AVE I

W AVE P

10th St W

W AVE J

E AVE Q

W AVE K

Tierra Subida

Ave

20th St W

E AVE I

138

138

14

138

9002.00.2

9107.04.2

9107.03.2

9106.04.1

9106.04.4

9107.06.1

9107.05.2

9107.05.1

9107.04.1

9107.03.1

9106.01.3

9101.00.1

9107.10.1

9107.10.3 9107.10.4

9107.10.2

9107.07.1

9105.03.3

9106.04.2

9106.03.3

9106.03.2

9105.03.4

9105.03.1

9106.03.4

9106.03.1

9106.04.3

9105.02.2 9106.02.1

9105.02.1 9106.01.1 9106.01.2

9104.04.1

9104.04.2

9105.03.2

9105.01.3

9104.03.1

9104.01.2

9104.02.1

9104.02.2 9105.01.1

9105.01.2

9102.01.2

9005.04.2

9005.03.1

9005.03.2

9005.03.3

9006.05.1

9007.04.1 9005.04.1

9007.01.4

9007.01.3

9005.01.1

9007.01.2

9007.01.1

9005.01.2

9006.07.1

9008.06.1

9008.06.2

9006.06.2

9102.01.1

9005.02.1

9005.01.3 9005.02.4

9005.02.2

9005.02.3

9006.07.2

9006.04.1

9006.06.1 9006.04.3

9006.02.1

9006.02.3

9008.04.1

9008.04.2

9006.04.2

9006.02.4 9006.02.2 9006.05.2

9003.00.2

9003.00.1

9010.06.4

9010.06.2 9010.06.3

9010.05.3

9007.03.2

9007.03.1

9008.05.2

9008.05.3

9010.05.1

9010.05.2

9008.05.1

9010.06.6

9011.02.2

9010.06.5

9011.02.1

9010.06.1

9011.02.3

9010.04.2

9010.04.3 9010.04.1

9103.02.2

9103.01.1

9102.02.2

9103.01.2

9102.02.1

9010.07.1 9010.07.2 9007.05.1

9007.05.3

9007.05.2

9007.03.3

9008.03.1

9008.03.4

9008.03.3

9008.03.2

9009.00.2

9108.04.1

9104.01.1

9102.03.3

9102.03.1

9102.03.2

9102.06.1

9102.04.1

9103.02.1

9102.05.1

0 1 2

Miles

1:100,000

0-30%

30-54%

54-69%

69-75%

75-100%

Below State Average 53.3%

Below County Average 68.9%

Above State and County Averge

Percentage Minority Population

by Block Group

Kings

Monterey

San

Benito

Tulare

Inyo Fresno

Merced

Madera Esmeralda

Los

Angeles

San

Diego

Orange

Santa

Barbara

Ventura

Riverside

San Luis

Obispo

San

Bernardino

Kern

Nye
Palmdale Hybrid

Power Project

Figure 5.11-3

Percentage of Population

Below the Poverty Level

By Tract

LEGEND

Map Location

Project: 10855-002

Date: July 2008 Y:\Projects\InlandEnergy\Palmdale\MXD\AFC_Figures\Figure_5-11-3_Percentage_Poverty.mxd

6 Mile Radius

of Plant Site

Plant Site

Air Force Plant 42

(non-residential)

E Palmdale Blvd

Rancho Vista Blvd

E AVE G

E AVE P

E AVE M

E AVE K

E AVE R

Sierra H

wy

E AVE J

50th St E

20th St E

30th St W

W AVE L

W AVE H

W Lancaster Blvd

W AVE G

E AVE S

W AVE M

W AVE N

Eliza beth Lake Rd

W AVE I

W AVE P

10th St W

W AVE J

E AVE Q

W AVE K

Tierra Subida

Ave

20th St W

E AVE I

138

138

14

138

Tract

9107.10

Tract

9102.05 Tract

9107.07

Tract

9108.04

Tract

9104.04

Tract

9105.03

Tract

9106.03

Tract

9106.04

Tract

9107.06

Tract

9107.05

Tract

9107.04

Tract

9106.02

Tract

9107.03

Tract

9104.03

Tract

9104.01

Tract

9104.02

Tract

9105.01

Tract

9105.02

Tract

9106.01

Tract

9102.03

Tract

9102.04

Tract

9102.01

Tract

9102.02

Tract

9101.00

Tract

9010.07 Tract

9007.04

Tract

9007.05 Tract

9010.06

Tract

9005.04

Tract

9007.03 Tract

9007.01

Tract

9005.01 Tract

9005.02

Tract

9005.03

Tract

9006.07

Tract

9008.06

Tract

9010.05

Tract

9008.05

Tract

9006.06

Tract

9008.04

Tract

9008.03

Tract

9006.04

Tract

9006.02

Tract

9006.05

Tract

9003.00

Tract

9002.00

Tract

9102.06

Tract

9011.02

Tract

9010.04

Tract

9009.00

0 1 2

Miles

1:100,000

0-9%

9-14%

14-18%

18-30%

>30%

Below State Average 14.2%

Below County Average 17.9%

Above State and County Averge

Percentage of Population Below

the Poverty Level by Tract

Kings

Monterey

San

Benito

Tulare

Inyo Fresno

Merced

Madera Esmeralda

Los

Angeles

San

Diego

Orange

Santa

Barbara

Ventura

Riverside

San Luis

Obispo

San

Bernardino

Kern

Nye