California Code of Regulations › Title 20 - Public Utilities and Energy › Division 2 - State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission › Chapter 5 - Power Plant Site Certification › Appendix C - Information Requirements for a Geothermal Notice of Intent

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 28, July 12, 2024
(a) In a section entitled "Project Description," the notice
				  shall contain:
(1) A map indicating the location or tentative location of
				  the geothermal leasehold and the location or tentative location of each
				  proposed power plant site and related facility, along with a description by
				  section, township, range, and county of the leasehold.
(2) The location or tentative location of production and
				  reinjection well sites, resource conveyance lines, access roads, and waste
				  disposal sites in relation to each geothermal power plant.
(3) Photographic and/or other suitable graphic
				  representations of the geothermal leasehold and each proposed geothermal power
				  plant, and the visual appearance and general surroundings of such proposed
				  power plant.
(4) A description of the process by which the tentative site
				  was selected within the geothermal leasehold and the consideration given to
				  site geology and ease of engineering, physical environmental impact,
				  socioeconomic impacts, resource conveyance constraints, electric transmission
				  constraints, land use constraints, and any other factors considered by the
				  applicant and not listed herein.
(5) A preliminary description of the type, quality, and
				  characteristics of the geothermal resource encountered or expected, including,
				  to the extent known, pressure and temperature, flow rates, concentrations of
				  non-condensible gases, concentrations of dissolved solids, and descriptions and
				  concentrations of any substances potentially harmful to the environment or to
				  the public health and safety.
(6) Where a notice is filed early in the resource development
				  process, and where the pressure, temperature, flow rate, and constituency and
				  concentration of dissolved solids in the geothermal resources are uncertain, an
				  estimate of the probable range of the various resource parameters based upon
				  nearby development, leasehold exploration if it has occurred, or any other
				  information sources available to the applicant and resource developer. In
				  addition, the basis for such estimations shall be clearly identified.
COMMENT: The 18-month certification process is particularly
				  appropriate for the instances described in this subsection.
(7) The maximum estimated generating capacity of each
				  proposed power plant.
(8) A tentative project schedule including permit approvals
				  from the commission and other agencies from which permits must be issued prior
				  to construction or operation, construction lead times, anticipated date of
				  commercial operation, and anticipated operating plant life.
(9) For each of the following facilities and/or systems a
				  general description, which includes dimensions, surface area requirements, and
				  typical operating data, performance and design criteria for protection from
				  impacts due to geotechnical hazards, flood hazards, and meteorological
				  extremes, performance and design criteria for assurance of public health and
				  safety and protection of the environment.
(A) Power generation system;
(B) Heat dissipation system;
(C) Cooling water supply system;
(D) Reinjection system;
(E) Atmospheric emission control system;
(F) Waste disposal systems and disposal sites;
(G) Geothermal resource conveyance lines;
(H) Pre-plant cooling water treatment systems, where
				  applicable;
(I) Switchyards/transformer systems; and
(J) Other significant facilities, structures or system
				  components proposed by the applicant not listed above.
COMMENT: The term "performance criteria," when used in these
				  regulations, refers to performance goals which the applicant proposes to use in
				  designing the proposed facilities. For example, a component of the seismic
				  performance criteria would be designing a turbine generator so as to allow
				  continued operation of the proposed facility at full load after the occurrence
				  of a design basis earthquake at the site. Performance criteria are an alternate
				  statement of acceptable risk and are usually semi-quantitative in
				  nature.
The term "design criteria" refers to the limiting criteria
				  used for detailed design of a structure or component. The design criteria
				  produce a design which will meet or exceed the desired performance criteria.
				  For example, design criteria include design loads and the methods for
				  determining loads.
(10) A list of all project participants and their legal
				  interests in the power plant facilities, the geothermal leasehold, the
				  geothermal resource conveyance lines, the geothermal reinjection system, and
				  the electric transmission facilities.
(b) In a section entitled "Need for Project," the notice
				  shall contain:
(1) A discussion of the conformity of the proposed facilities
				  with the level of statewide and service area electrical demand adopted by the
				  commission pursuant to Section
				  25309
				  of the Public Resources Code. The discussion shall specify the reasons why the
				  applicant has concluded that the facilities should be added to the applicant's
				  electrical system, including a discussion of whether the facilities are being
				  proposed to meet projected capacity or energy deficits, to displace existing
				  units scheduled for retirement, or to meet requirements for additional
				  reserves.
COMMENT: In the discussion of need, the applicant may
				  incorporate by reference any other relevant filings or submittals to the
				  commission and must include a summary of the referenced material and a
				  discussion of the relevance of such filings or submittals.
(2) An energy and capacity balance showing the forecast of
				  electricity demand as adopted pursuant to Section
				  25309(b)
				  of the Public Resources Code and generating resources expected to be available
				  to the applicant when the proposed plant is scheduled to begin
				  operation.
(3) The anticipated generating capacity of each proposed
				  facility or facilities, and:
(A) The expected annual capacity factor from the date of
				  initial operation through the 12-year forecast period; and
(B) The expected average annual capacity factor over the
				  anticipated operating life of the facility.
(4) The applicant may demonstrate need for a geothermal
				  facility by reference to the most recent Biennial Report, and in making such
				  demonstration the applicant may cite any findings and conclusions resulting
				  from any generic proceedings conducted by the commission.
(c) In a section entitled "Financial Impacts," the notice
				  shall contain:
(1) A discussion of the preliminary financial requirements
				  for constructing and operating the proposed facilities, including a table
				  summarizing capital requirements and operating expenses, and their principal
				  components. The discussion shall indicate and explain the basis for any assumed
				  escalation rates and costs of capital, fuel, or other principal components. If
				  more than one site is proposed, significant cost differences between
				  alternative sites should be identified.
(2) A preliminary summary of the cost of the installed
				  generating capacity (expressed in $/kw) and of the cost of energy at the busbar
				  (expressed in H/kwhr). A list of principal cost components, an explanation of
				  the source of derivation of each, and the calculations used to arrive at the
				  summary costs above shall be provided. Any major uncertainties in the cost
				  figures used or assumptions relied upon shall be explicitly identified and
				  their significance shall be discussed.
(3) In situations where electric transmission facilities
				  serve more than one geothermal power plant, the notice shall identify costs
				  associated with such transmission facilities in a manner which recognizes the
				  allocation of such costs over more than one unit.
(4) A general discussion of the estimated impact of the
				  proposed facilities on customer rates during construction and after
				  commencement of operation.
(d) In a section entitled "Applicable Laws, Ordinances,
				  Standards, Permits, and Approvals," the notice shall contain tables which
				  identify:
(1) Laws, regulations, standards, adopted local, regional,
				  state, and federal land use plans, permits, and approvals applicable to the
				  proposed project, and a discussion of the applicability of each.
(2) The agency with jurisdiction to issue applicable permits
				  and approvals or to enforce such identified laws, regulations, standards, and
				  adopted local, regional, state, and federal land use plans, or agencies which
				  would have permit approval or enforcement authority but for the exclusive
				  authority of the commission to certify geothermal sites and related
				  facilities.
(3) The name, title, and address, if known, of an official
				  within each agency who will serve as a contract person for each respective
				  agency.
(4) References to the text of the notice wherein the
				  compatibility of the proposed project with each identified law, regulation,
				  standard, adopted local, regional, state, and federal land use plans, permits
				  and approvals, is discussed.
COMMENT: The information requirements set forth in portion IV
				  of Appendix A applies only to facilities to be constructed by the applicant,
				  and not to the geothermal field. The applicant's discussion in this portion
				  shall give particular consideration to those county hydrologic elements, county
				  solid waste management laws, state water use plans, and water basin plans
				  identified in Appendix A.V.B.
(e) In a section entitled "Environmental Description and
				  Project Effects," the notice shall identify potential physical, biological,
				  social, economic and cultural effects of the proposed project and
				  contain:
(1) With respect to air quality:
(A) Available baseline air quality data including
				  concentrations of pollutants, and a comparison of air quality data with
				  applicable ambient air standards.
(B) Available meteorological data, including wind speed and
				  direction, ambient temperature, relative humidity, stability and mixing height,
				  and available upper air data.
(C) A discussion of the extent to which the data in
				  subsections
				  1 and
				  2 above are typical of conditions
				  at the proposed site and the KGRA; also, provide a description of the
				  monitoring program, if any, used to obtain required data, including the
				  location and elevation of monitoring stations, parameters measured, and
				  duration of monitoring.
(D) A worst case air quality impact analysis for each
				  proposed site and related facility and source of air emissions, assuming worst
				  case meteorological conditions and emissions consistent with applicable
				  emission standards, including the cumulative effect of wells and pipelines in
				  normal and shutdown modes of operation, in order to determine the worst case
				  impact on potential sensitive receptors. Such analysis shall include the basis
				  of the worst case and consider topography, meteorology, and contributions from
				  other sources in the KGRA.
(E) A general description of normal and shutdown modes of
				  operation for the proposed facility or facilities that affect the release of
				  pollutant emissions into the atmosphere for existing and proposed sources or
				  groups of sources that would have additive effects, including estimated
				  frequency of occurrence, duration, location, and estimated emission rate for
				  each pollutant of interest.
(F) A general discussion of expected or confirmed chemical
				  constituencies of gaseous and particulate pollutants from the proposed project
				  including wells and resource conveyance lines.
(G) For facilities using an external water supply, an
				  estimate of cooling tower particulate and gaseous emissions associated with
				  each alternative cooling water source considered.
(H) A discussion of applicable rules, including but not
				  limited to standards, new source review, and significant deterioration rules
				  established pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing with # 39000) of Division 26 of
				  the Health and Safety Code, and the methods proposed to satisfy these
				  rules.
(2). With respect to hydrology, water supply, and water
				  quality:
(A) A description of surface waters which may be a source of
				  cooling water or which may be potentially impacted by the proposed project.
				  Such description shall indicate the proximity of such surface waters to the
				  geothermal field and power plant site, availability of cooling water for the
				  project, competitive uses for the cooling water supply, quality of cooling
				  water supply, and available data on existing quality of surface waters
				  potentially impacted or any programs proposed to identify and monitor water
				  quality.
(B) A description of local and regional groundwater aquifers
				  and related geologic formations, structures, recharge areas, and major
				  groundwater uses.
(C) A description of existing regional and local
				  precipitation and storm runoff data, including maximum probable precipitation
				  and flood potential.
COMMENT: If the applicant proposes to use other than maximum
				  probable precipitation for flood hazard mitigation design criteria, other
				  historical extreme precipitation values used for design criteria shall be
				  provided.
(D) A general discussion of any liquid discharges, permitted
				  or accidental, or disposals of solid waste materials which could impact the
				  quality of surface or groundwater.
(E) A general discussion of potential project impacts on
				  local hydrologic flows and runoff.
(F) A general discussion of the potential for flood hazard to
				  the proposed facilities.
(G) A general discussion of potential mitigation measures to
				  protect surface and groundwaters from project impacts, including the
				  identification of any spill clean-up contingency plans proposed or under
				  consideration at the time of filing of the notice.
(H) A discussion of potential project impacts on the
				  temperature, mineral content, rate of flow, and other aspects of nearby
				  utilized thermal springs.
(3) With respect to geology and seismicity:
(A) A general description based on existing data, including
				  maps, of the tectonic history, fault activity, and historical seismicity within
				  50 km of the site, including all known or inferred potentially active and
				  active faults, an estimate of the magnitude of MCE and MPE derived for each
				  active fault, and the epicenter and date of any earthquake with a magnitude
				  equal to or in excess of M4 or which could be reasonably inferred to have
				  caused ground acceleration of greater than 0.1 G at the site.
(B) The MCE and MPE peak bedrock or ground accelerations
				  derived for the proposed site.
(C) A brief discussion of the known stratigraphic units and
				  significant geologic structures within 10 km of the site with emphasis on those
				  potentially associate with geotechnical problems.
(D) A map and detailed description, based on existing data,
				  of all recognized stratigraphic units, geologic structures, and geomorphic
				  features or processes within the leasehold boundaries or two km of the site,
				  whichever is greater, with emphasis on those associated with geotechnical
				  problems in the site area. The discussion should include the following
				  anticipated site conditions: ground rupture from faulting, mass wasting and
				  slope stability, liquefaction or settlement, subsidence and associated ground
				  rupture, expansion or collapse of soil structures, cavities, and other adverse
				  site or foundation conditions.
(E) A description, with maps, of commercially developed
				  mines, gem, mineral, and fossil collecting localities, fumaroles, geysers, hot
				  springs, or other geologic resources of unique recreational or scientific value
				  which may be affected by the proposed project.
(F) A detailed description, including maps showing location,
				  of potential impacts to the geological environment resulting from construction,
				  operation, or failure of the proposed facilities including inducement or
				  acceleration of mass wasting, subsidence seismicity, and fault rupture.
COMMENT: The geological environment includes, but is not
				  limited to, developed mines, gem, mineral and fossil collecting localities,
				  fumeroles, geysers, and thermal springs.
(G) A general description of typical mitigation measures, if
				  any, under consideration to eliminate or reduce identified geologic hazards and
				  impacts to the geologic environment.
COMMENT: The 2, 10 and 50 km distances in items 4, 3, and 1
				  respectively, are intended as guidelines, and may decrease, if reasons are
				  given, or increase, as geologic conditions warrant.
COMMENT: Also, for purposes of the proceedings on the notice,
				  the MCE, MPE and associated accelerations requested in items 1 through 7 above
				  are intended to establish a common data base with respect to seismic setting
				  and are not meant to imply proposed levels of seismic design.
Furthermore, where an applicant pursues a certification
				  process pursuant to Section
				  1803(a) and files
				  a notice early in the resource development process information related to the
				  geologic environment may be based on existing information without performing
				  original research and investigation.
Finally, the geotechnical information requested above is
				  consistent with the policy adopted by the State Board of Registration for
				  Geologists and Geophysicists on July 17, 1978.
(4) With respect to agriculture and soils:
(A) A map of soils at the site and within geothermal, the
				  leasehold based on available soils information, and a description of mapped
				  soils including soil erodability, soil taxonomy, and physical and chemical
				  characteristics. The description of soils shall be sufficient to allow an
				  evaluation of soil erodability, infiltration rate, permeability, and of the
				  potential for leaching of pollutant deposition and cycling of pollutants in the
				  soil-vegetation system.
(B) An assessment of the general effects of construction and
				  operation of each proposed geothermal power plant facility on soils including,
				  but not limited to, accelerated soil loss, soil dispersal and deposition
				  patterns and quantities, the effects of power plant emissions on surrounding
				  soil-vegetation systems, and the methods used to determine such effects.
(C) A discussion of the effects of construction and operation
				  of each proposed geothermal power plant facility on agricultural resources,
				  including the effects of cooling tower drift on crops and the removal of prime
				  agricultural land from production. The discussion of these effects should be
				  based on land capability classifications and storied ratings for all soil
				  series of the proposed site.
(D) A discussion of mitigation measures under consideration
				  to minimize effects on agricultural resources and soil-vegetation systems and
				  to prevent off-site sediment transport.
(5) With respect to biological resources:
(A) A description of vegetational communities, general
				  wildlife and aquatic resources, and dominant species within the area
				  potentially impacted by the proposed project.
(B) An identification on a map and a description of the known
				  probable distribution of fully protected, rare, threatened or endangered plant
				  and animal species, and commercially or recreationally valued species and
				  habitats that may be adversely affected by the project.
(C) An identification of biological species of special
				  concern and areas of critical biological concern.
COMMENT: In the notice, an attempt shall be made to identify
				  species of special concern and areas of critical concern that may be, or are
				  known by the applicant to be, of special interest to: (1) local, state, and
				  federal agencies responsible for biological resources within the area
				  potentially biologically impacted by the project; and/or (2) educational
				  institutions, museums, biological societies and members of the public that
				  might have specific knowledge of the biological resources within the
				  area.
(D) A description of the potential effects of the proposed
				  project on legally protected and commercially and recreationally valued
				  biological resources, species of special concern, and areas of critical
				  biological concern.
(E) A discussion of measures proposed or under consideration
				  to mitigate impacts to identified biological resources.
(F) A general discussion of the effects of the proposed
				  project upon timber and forest land.
(6) With respect to noise:
(A) A land use map which identifies noise sensitive receptors
				  or groups of receptors in the vicinity of the proposed site and related
				  facility, and geothermal leasehold, which includes future land uses
				  identifiable from adopted land use plans and filed development plans at the
				  time of filing the notice.
(B) A discussion of either the results of daytime and
				  nighttime ambient noise surveys at the site and at sensitive receptors,
				  including the general weather conditions during the surveys, or any plans to
				  conduct such surveys.
COMMENT: If noise concerns are likely to be a significant
				  consideration for site acceptability due to the proximity of the proposed
				  facilities to sensitive noise receptors, the applicant should conduct ambient
				  noise surveys for inclusion in the notice; without such information, no
				  conclusive findings shall be made during the proceedings on the notice
				  regarding the acceptability of project noise impacts.
(C) A description of major plant noise sources and the
				  estimated range of noise emission levels and characteristics.
(D) An estimation of the plant construction and operational
				  noise levels at sensitive receptors potentially impacted by project
				  noise.
(E) A discussion of applicable noise standards and ordinances
				  and the general conformance of the proposed project therewith.
(7) With respect to cultural resources:
(A) A description of all cultural resource properties
				  (archaeological, historical, paleontological, and areas of unique religious or
				  scientific value) within the area potentially impacted by the project
				  identifiable from a literature and reconnaissance survey.
(B) A discussion of those cultural resources listed in,
				  declared eligible for, or nominated to the National Register of Historic
				  Places; those resources that are listed as state or local landmarks or points
				  of historic interest; and those resources that are otherwise protected by
				  existing law.
(C) A description of the methodology and techniques used to
				  identify and evaluate site area cultural resources and any plans for future
				  studies.
(D) A description of potential impacts on identified cultural
				  resources from construction and operation of each proposed geothermal power
				  plant, and the measures under consideration for mitigation of such
				  impacts.
(8) With respect to social and economic effects:
(A) A general description, with an accompanying map, of the
				  existing and proposed future land uses of the proposed power plant site and
				  geothermal leasehold as designated by applicable land use plans or guidelines
				  of local, regional, state, and federal agencies; of the present and proposed
				  land use classifications for the site, leasehold and adjoining areas which are
				  potentially impacted by the project; and the location of municipal, county,
				  regional, state and federal parks, recreational areas, scenic areas, wildlife
				  sanctuaries, religious sanctuaries, or natural areas in the vicinity of the
				  site and leasehold.
(B) A general description of the social and economic setting
				  of the area subject to impact from the proposed project.
(C) An estimation of labor required during construction and
				  operation of the proposed geothermal power plant and the geothermal
				  field.
(D) An estimation of the level of temporary and permanent
				  project-related immigration to the local area.
(E) An estimation of the impact of construction activities
				  and project operation on the local economy and on the availability of public
				  services and facilities fixtures.
(f) In a section entitled "Public Health Impacts," the notice
				  shall contain the following information on the potential public health effects
				  from the construction and operation of the proposed power plant and geothermal
				  field:
(1) An identification, to the extent known, of solid gaseous,
				  and water-borne emissions, such 2S, SO2, NH3, and B, total suspended and
				  respirable particulates, trace metals, and radioactive materials, which may
				  cause adverse health effects in the surrounding population.
(2) An estimation of the ambient concentrations for the
				  pollutants identified in subsection A of this section, and the worst case
				  incremental increase expected as a result of project emissions.
(3) A general discussion of concentrations, to the extent
				  known, required for the creation of potentially significant adverse health
				  effects from identified pollutants as disclosed in available literature. The
				  discussion shall include variables due to differing age groups within the
				  general population and portions of the general population which may be
				  particularly affected by any identified emissions. The discussion shall also
				  include the age distribution and size of the population which may be
				  potentially affected by these emissions.
(4) A discussion of all existing federal, state, and local
				  health standards for identified project emissions.
(g) In a section entitled "Power Plant Reliability" the
				  notice shall contain the following information on site dependent
				  reliability-related factors:
(1) A general discussion of the impact on plant reliability
				  from potential hazards to each proposed facility caused by, but not limited to,
				  ground rupture by faulting, mass wasting, and slope stability, liquefaction or
				  settlement, subsidence and associated ground rupture, expansion or collapse of
				  soil structures, cavities or other adverse foundation conditions, flooding,
				  meteorological and climatic extremes, and cooling water supply
				  reliability.
(2) A general discussion of performance and design criteria
				  for protecting the facilities from potential hazards.
(3) A general description of the basis for formulation or
				  selection of performance and design criteria discussed in subsection B of this
				  section.
(h) In a section entitled "Electric Transmission Facilities,"
				  the notice shall contain the following information:
(1) A description of any electric transmission facilities,
				  lines, stations, or other equipment, whether or not within the exclusive permit
				  authority of the commission, which will be required to carry electrical power
				  from each proposed geothermal power plant at each of the sites presented in the
				  notice to the principal load centers to be served by the new power plant. Such
				  description shall include the width of rights-of-way and the physical and
				  electrical characteristics of towers, conductors, and insulators. For electric
				  transmission facilities outside the exclusive permit authority of the
				  commission, response to this subsection may be limited to information, such as
				  capacity and voltage levels and right-of-way widths, which will allow the
				  commission staff to perform an electric transmission system planning analysis
				  and to assess the cumulative environmental impacts.
(2) A discussion of the need for the additional electric
				  transmission lines, stations, or other equipment referred to in the notice, the
				  basis for selecting principal points of junction with the existing electric
				  transmission system, and the capacity and voltage levels of the proposed lines
				  along with the basis for selection of the capacity and voltage levels.
(3) A discussion of the extent to which the proposed electric
				  transmission facilities have been designed, planned, and/or routed to meet the
				  transmission requirements created by additional generating facilities planned
				  by the applicant or any other entity in the same general area.
COMMENT: A precise definition for "general area" as used here
				  cannot be provided. In some instances the KGRA in which the proposed geothermal
				  power plant is to be located would comprise the "general area." In all cases
				  the applicant should acknowledge whether or not power plants proposed in an
				  area which could be served by common transmission to the main transmission grid
				  where considered in determining the capacity and general route of the proposed
				  electric transmission facilities.
(4) An identification of the owners and operators of the
				  proposed electric transmission facilities and their legal interest in the
				  proposed route or corridor.
(5) A discussion of alternative methods of transmitting power
				  from each proposed geothermal power plant that were considered by the
				  applicant, and the basis for selection of such methods.
(6) A map or maps showing the potential corridor or corridors
				  proposed or alternative points of interconnection, and existing and proposed
				  land uses at and adjoining the corridor(s) as designated by local, regional,
				  state, and federal agencies.
(7) A description of the corridor or route selection
				  process.
(8) A discussion of the physical, biological, social and
				  cultural, environmental, and engineering advantages and disadvantages of the
				  alternatives considered.
(9) A preliminary estimate of the costs of lines, stations,
				  and other equipment that would be required.
(10) If the applicant does not or will not have an ownership
				  interest in those electric transmission lines proposed to transmit power from
				  the power plant to a point of junction with an interconnected system, a
				  discussion of contracts executed or arrangements contemplated for the
				  transmission of electric power from the proposed geothermal power plant.
COMMENT: Where tap lines are proposed, the discussion may be
				  route-specific due to their limited length.
1. Renumbering
				  of subsections I-VIII to (a)-(h), and new subsection (e)(4)(F) filed 1-11-83;
				  designated effective 2-1-83 pursuant to Government Code section
				  11346.2(d)
				  (Register 83, No. 3).
2. Relocation and relabeling of Appendix filed
				  8-10-93; operative 9-9-93 (Register 93, No. 33).
Note: Authority cited: Section
					 25218(e),
					 Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections
					 25001,
					 25006,
					 25110,
					 25502,
					 25504,
					 25506
					 and
					 25506.5,
					 Public Resources Code.