CEQA and NEPA Compliance for Caltech Astronomy Projects in Owens Valley
In 2010 and 2011, TEAM successfully completed a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Environmental Assessment (EA) for Caltech and project proponent New Jersey Institute of Technology for the expansion of the Owens Valley Solar Array (OVSA) on leased land from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). The EA was completed for the National Science Foundation (NSF)’s NEPA review within five months and resulted in a Finding of No Significant Impact. As part of this project, TEAM also produced a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) with LADWP serving as lead agency. This MND successfully navigated the public and agency review process and received a Notice of Determination in 2011.
On a short timeline due to a project funding deadline from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, TEAM performed biological and cultural resource field surveys at the OVSA in addition to conducting background research and producing the EA. The project interfaced with multiple stakeholders, including the Big Pine Paiute Tribe, Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Historic Preservation Office, Inyo County, Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District, and the State Clearinghouse. TEAM worked directly with two governmental lead agencies and established a Project Team of subcontractors to efficiently complete the work and meet all deadlines within budget.
In 2019, Caltech reengaged TEAM for NEPA and CEQA compliance associated with two new projects at the OVSA: the Long Wave Array Stage III and the Deep Synoptic Array projects. In support of the funding and permitting of these projects, TEAM worked with NSF, local Tribes, and LADWP to coordinate and conduct the environmental assessment requirements. TEAM conducted archaeological and biological surveys, established avoidance/mitigation measures and a Tribal Monitoring program, and assisted the lead agencies in documenting compliance with CEQA and other environmental laws. This project was permitted successfully and is currently being implemented by Caltech.
Project Info
CLIENT:
California Institute of Technology, New Jersey Institute of Technology
LOCATION:
Owens Valley Radio Observatory, Big Pine, California