Solar Energy Research Center Project CEQA Public Scoping Meeting May 26, 2010

Solar Energy Research
Center Project
CEQA Public Scoping
Meeting May 26, 2010
Public Scoping Meeting
Solar Energy Research Center
Sheree Swanson
Project Manager
The Goal
Develop the science and technology to
create transportation fuels from sunlight
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The Research
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Find an efficient and affordable process to create carbon
neutral transportation fuels, using solar energy, water and
carbon dioxide as inputs
Mimic natural photosynthesis by using small-scale light
harvesting materials and electro-catalytic molecules
Use abundant non-toxic materials and capture carbon dioxide
from the atmosphere to mitigate climate change
Fuels that might result include hydrogen, ethanol, methanol
and hydrocarbons
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Relevant History
• 2007-2008
– UC proposes the Helios Energy Research Center to house
bioscience and solar energy research
– The community expresses concern over potential
environmental impacts
• 2009
– UC Regents and the State of California approve dividing the
planned research into two facilities
• Bioscience research to be located in downtown Berkeley
• Solar energy research to be located at LBNL
• 2010
– UC initiates CEQA process for the Solar Energy Research
Center
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The Project
• Design and construct a three story ~40,000 gsf
facility to house solar energy research
• Proposed location would be the current site of
Buildings 25A,44,44A, 44B, adjacent to a proposed
General Purpose Laboratory
• Funded by State of California, California Public
Utilities Grant and private gifts
– no DOE/Federal funds, no British Petroleum involvement
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Green Building Focus
• Consistent with the research agenda of SERC
– Goal of USGBC LEED Gold Rating (Silver minimum) with
a focus on energy efficiency
– Minimum 30% more efficient than ASHRAE 90.1 requires
– Contribute to local environmental quality by planning new
vital native habitat
– Control light pollution
– Green roof integrates building with adjacent hillside and
provides habitat
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Sustainable and Efficient Design
• Select long-lasting environmentally-intelligent materials
• Use renewable or recycled sources to the maximum extent
possible
• Orientate building to maximize natural light
• Integrate efficiently - exterior space between General Purpose
Lab and SERC offers collaboration, links with adjacent facilities
• Design will closely follow the research program needs
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Preliminary Schedule
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UC Regents Certify EIR
SPWB Approves Preliminary Design
Start Construction
Complete Construction
Late 2010
Late 2010
Mid 2011
Mid 2013
Public Scoping Meeting
CEQA Presentation
Jeff Philliber
May 26, 2010
Scoping Meeting
• Present basic project information
• Explain CEQA process
• Record public comments
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Scoping Meeting
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Not a Q & A forum or discussion
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Help determine EIR scope of analysis
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Other avenues for questions
CEQA Process
• Scoping
– Notice of Preparation
– Public Scoping Meeting
• Draft EIR
– Public review and comment period
– Public Hearing
• Final EIR
– Public Review
• Regents Meeting
– Decision on EIR
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CEQA Schedule
• Scoping
--------------------- May
– Jun ‘10
– Initial Study / Notice of Preparation
– Public Scoping Meeting
• Draft EIR
----------------------- July – Aug ‘10
– Public review and comment period
(45 days)
– Public Hearing
• Final EIR
----------------------- Oct ‘10
– Public Review (7 – 10 days)
• Regents Meeting ----------------------- Nov ‘10
– Decision on EIR
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EIR
• Project specific, stand-alone EIR
• Key elements 2006 LRDP EIR
• NEPA Environmental Assessment
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EIR Issues to be Evaluated
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Aesthetics
Air Quality
Geology / Soils
Greenhouse Gases
Hazards / Haz Mat
Hydrology / Water
Noise
Traffic
Utilities
• Alternatives
• Cumulative Impacts
Public Comment Period
• Please fill out a speaker card
• Other ways to give input:
– EMAIL: [email protected]
– Letter to: Jeff Philliber at Berkeley Lab
– fill out a comment card this evening
• http://www.lbl.gov/Community
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