New technologies and the increasing demand and accountability for more sustainable use of resources present complex challenges to energy developers and providers. Walsh and our parent company, Ecology & Environment, Inc. (E & E) supports all phases of renewable energy development by providing strategic consulting services. We conduct environmental impact assessments, feasibility and siting studies, permitting, and due diligence audits; prepare environmental documentation and permit applications; and identify state and federal compliance issues concerning facility development and operation.
Along with and our parent company, Ecology & Environment, Inc. Walsh has conducted more than 100 major renewable energy projects—including projects on federal lands. We have provided strategic permitting support to expedite approvals. In addition, we have provided support for developers in meeting tight schedules mandated by tax credit legislation, RPS, and other economic incentives.
Services we provide include:
- Facility Siting Analysis
- NEPA and State Permitting and Document Preparation
- Field Surveys
- Wetland/Habitat
- Due Diligence
- Solar Intensity Monitoring and Data Management
- Visual Resources/Glare Studies
- Archaeological/Cultural Resource Assessments
- T/E Species Studies/ Habitat Displacement Evaluation
- Avian/Bat Risk Assessments
- Siting Constraints Analysis and GIS Mapping
- Land Use Planning and Conditional Use
- Water Resource Availability and Impacts
- Community Outreach/ Involvement
- Project Examples
Examples of select projects that focus on solar, wind, geothermal and biomass renewable energy are listed below.
SOLAR ENERGY
While the current contribution of solar energy resources is relatively small, this renewable energy sector is gaining ground. A recent decline in cost to develop solar energy, coupled with an emphasis on clean, domestic energy development and predictions that renewable energy will supply upwards of 60% of the world’s energy by the year 2060, tell us that sustained growth in solar energy development will be increasingly important as we look to supply clean domestic power within the United States in the coming years. To meet the growing demand for solar energy, we partner with developers to provide strategic permitting support; siting, feasibility studies, and environmental assessments; prepa-ration of environmental documentation and permit applications; due diligence assessments; and identification of state and federal compliance issues concerning facility operations.
Silver State Solar Project, Nevada. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) selected Walsh/E & E to prepare the third-party EIS for the proposed development of 400 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy on 2,900 acres of BLM land south of Las Vegas. The objective of the proposed project is to meet increasing demands for clean, renewable electrical power in a manner that is consistent with State of Nevada’s SB 372 and AB 03, mandating that 20% of Nevada’s power be from renewable sources by 2015. The Silver State solar PV project, proposed by NextLight Renewable Power, LLC, includes construction of solar arrays, new access roads, interconnection transmission lines, a substation, and other infrastructure. The EIS, which has attracted significant political and public interest, will set precedents for all future solar projects on public lands. The EIS focuses on the analysis of environmental impacts of project construction and operation on several key resource areas: threatened and endangered species, including the desert tortoise; recreation; and hydrology.
Confidential Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Project, Florida. Preparing environmental documentation to construct a large-scale, 10-MW, solar energy facility in Florida. Preparing an environmental assess-ment (EA) to assess two alternative sites as well as alternative electrical transmission interconnection ROWs. The EA will evaluate land use changes and potential impacts to wetlands and T&E species on two alternative sites that are currently in use by the citrus industry. Construction of the project is expected to require approximately nine months.
Haynes Creek, Colorado. Conducting biological field surveys for a proposed solar facility in Southern Colorado. Walsh biologists are conducting burrowing owl surveys in accordance to Colorado Division of Wildlife protocol and are supporting enXco with agency consultation. Walsh wetlands specialists and hydrologists are also conducting wetland field surveys and floodplains analyses for submission of a county 1041 permit and consultation with the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Confidential PV Solar Energy Project, Southern California.Providing consulting services to a confidential client for a proposed PV solar project in the BLM Barstow Field Office region. The project is slated to leverage new solar technologies to bring on-line 350 MW of electricity to the California energy grid. We recently conducted the siting and initial feasibility studies and have filed the SF-299 ROW application with the field office. Work on the Plan of Development will commence this spring.
BLM Jarbidge Resource Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement, Idaho, Nevada.Our resource specialists are working closely with BLM staff to develop a scientifically based, multiple-use land use strategy for the BLM Jarbidge Field Office, which includes evaluation of decisions related to right-of-way designations, alternative energy (solar and wind) sites.
Huerfano County Solar and Wind Farm, Colorado.For Sunrise Enterprise Renewable Energy Development, we are performing a site characterization analysis and a delineation of permit require-ments for 30,000 acres at several noncontiguous locations. The proposed energy development facility will render up to 5 MW of PV solar energy and 20 MW of wind power. We are conducting a habitat and wildlife assessment, wetland delineation, and a land use impacts analysis, and our project team is providing strategic permitting guidance with respect to County 1041 permitting.
In addition, under a grant from the State of Colorado Governor’s Office of Energy, Management, and Conservation, we are conducting a bat risk assessment, including acoustical monitoring and hiberna-cula studies, to evaluate the potential project-related impacts on bats.
Solar Energy Sites Prescreening, Riverside, California, Entek Power Services. Conducted rescreening/pre¬liminary site investigation for four sites under consideration for potential solar energy development on BLM Land.
WIND ENERGY
Although wind power is widely regarded as a low-impact, renewable energy source, public concerns over land use, visual quality, noise, and biological impacts sometimes emerge and environmental impacts must be addressed to obtain permits. We have worked on numerous wind energy projects throughout the United States, including projects on federal lands and projects requiring compliance with NEPA. We are also a consulting member of the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). Our staff members are active participants on the AWEA siting committee and have presented training sessions and technical papers at AWEA national conferences and special workshops on topics such as avian impacts, visual analysis, permitting, offshore wind energy development, and public involvement.
Wheatland Wind Project, Wyoming. Walsh conducted the permitting and pre-construction assessment for the Wheatland Wind Farm in Wyoming, including critical issues analysis, agency coordination, SHPO query, wetlands assessment, habitat mapping, pronghorn surveys, bat acoustical monitoring, waterfowl surveys, avian point counts, raptor nesting surveys.
Campbell Hill, Socioeconomic Baseline and Impact Analysis, Casper, Wyoming. The 15,723-acre Campbell Hill wind farm is located in Converse County, Wyoming with an access road improvement planned at the site’s western edge in Natrona County. Walsh performed socioeconomic baseline and impact analysis for wind project using IMPLAN and JEDI model customized for Wyoming counties. We also conducted biological, ecological, cultural and socio-economic surveys, analysis, and reports. In addition, we performed Fatal Flaw analysis for a potential site for a wind production facility.
Silver Mountain Windfarm, Colorado. Walsh completed a prefeasibility study and is providing land use permitting and environmental assessment support for the Silver Mountain Windfarm and Transmission Line project on behalf of Renewable Energy Systems (RES), Americas. Walsh assisted RES in the preparation and submittal of their preliminary 1041 permit application and has performed detailed site assessments to document potential site development constraints and site specific environmental/ecological conditions. Walsh represented RES at the Huerfano County pre-application conference, meetings with Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and public meetings.
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for San Cristobal Wind Farm, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. Conducted an environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) and oversaw the construction of a small wind farm on San Cristobal Island. The objective of the project was to develop a wind-diesel hybrid system that would reduce the demand for diesel power on the island. Our team worked with a complex group of stakeholders to assist in permitting a new wind energy system comprising several wind turbines located in the volcanic highlands; a transmission line from the turbines to the coastal town of Puerto Baquerizo; and a control system to interface between the wind and diesel generation facilities.
EIA on Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Island, Ecuador. Secured a contract with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to prepare an EIA on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos. The opportunity comes on the heels of a push to reduce CO2 emissions in the Galapagos Islands by promoting a shift from fossil fuel to wind-powered energy.
Permitting of Wind Energy Project and Subsea Transmission Line, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. For the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), we are currently permitting second wind energy project on the Galapagos Islands of Baltra in Ecuador. Also included is a subsea transmission line from the wind farm on Baltra to the Island of Santa Cruz. The company also permitted the first wind farm on the islands.
Cedar Creek Wind Farm, Colorado. We assisted BP Alternative Energy (formerly Greenlight Energy) in the permitting of the 300 MW Cedar Creek windfarm and associated transmission line in Weld County, Colorado. We conducted a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment under ASTM protocols, as well as wetland and riparian area surveys over the proposed windfarm and transmission line site (including several river crossings), and assisted in meetings with federal, state, and county regulatory agencies.
Horse Creek Wind Production Facility, Iberdrola (formerly CPV), Baca County, Colorado. Conducted an ecological screening and site assessment for the Horse Creek Wind Production Facility located in Baca County, Colorado.
Due Diligence for Two Wind Energy Projects, Brazil, Confidential U.K. Client. For a British-based investor, we conducted a due diligence project on a two wind energy projects Brazil: a 25.6 MW plant under construction in the state of Ceara, and a n 18 MW project under development in the state of Piaui.
Due Diligence of Wind Energy Project, Costa Rica. We evaluated the financial, technical, and permitting viability of a 49.5 MW wind project being built by a multinational consortium in Costa Rica.
Ely Wind Project, Elko, Nevada, EnXco. Performed an environmental permitting feasibility study for a 100-MW wind generation facility on BLM land in the Egan Range.
Cabazon Wind Project Environmental Assessment and Permitting, San Gorgonio Pass, California. Constellation Power, Inc., and Cabazon Wind Partners, LLC (a division of Shell Wind Energy).Prepared a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Addendum and Initial Study/Negative Declaration; consulted with federal and state agencies to obtain construction permits for this 41-megawatt (MW), wind-generated electric power facility; conducted field surveys; prepared the individual Section 404 permit application and the Section 1603 Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement for the California Department of Fish and Game; prepared a biological assessment; and developed and implemented a habitat mitigation and monitoring plan (HMMP). ""[The Walsh/E & E] team did an outstanding job finalizing the addendum and the 1603 application under very tight time requirements, and exhibited amazing grace under pressure." Kimberly McCormick, Constellation Power, Inc. (July 6, 2001)"
Padoma Power Wind Projects, Western United States, NRG Energy, LLC. Performed due diligence review for three 150-MW wind projects belonging to Padoma Wind Power, a privately held wind energy developer, to support acquisition of the facilities by NRG as part of its "ecoNRG" program, the goal of which is to be more environmentally friendly.
Ely Wind Project, Elko, Nevada, EnXco. Performed an environmental permitting feasibility study for a 100-MW wind generation facility on BLM land in the Egan Range.
White Creek Wind Energy Project, Goldendale, Washington, White Creek Project, LLC. Acted as an independent consultant to ensure the appropriate studies were conducted for a 100-MW wind energy project.
Permitting Wind Farm Project - Petromont. Walsh Peru is currently working on a Permitting Wind Farm project for Petromont (Petrolera Monterrico). The permits that are required for this project include an archaeological permit; and Environmental Impact Assessment Study; and permits for collection of local species (fauna and flora).
GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
Geothermal energy as a source of baseload power is widely recognized as a clean and safe alternative to nonrenewable energy sources. However, construction of a geothermal power plant comes with the potential for adverse effects on land stability in the region surrounding the project site. To address this concern, we provide due diligence and on-site environmental monitoring during facility construction and operation. To address policy and regulatory constraints of land use plans, and federal and state requirements, we offer tactical plans for siting and permitting of geothermal facilities, and our public outreach experts will help improve public and tribal perception of perceived and real environmental issues associated with geothermal energy development.
Truckhaven Geothermal Leasing EIS for BLM, Imperial County, California. Prepared a NEPA EIS for the BLM El Centro Field Office (California Desert District Office) to address the impacts of three proposed geothermal leasing alternatives in the Truckhaven Geothermal Leasing Area near the Salton Sea. The area includes over 14,700 acres of federal mineral estate managed by BLM within the California Desert Conservation Area. The California State Lands Commission intends to circulate the completed EIS as a CEQA-equivalent draft Environmental Impact Report for consideration of geothermal leasing on the state lands adjacent to the federal properties.
Geothermal Power Plant Negotiations, Pahua, Hawaii. Prepared the successful applications for a new EPA underground injection control (UIC) permit for geothermal activities and the renewal of an existing State of Hawaii UIC permi in a manner that enabled the state and federal permit conditions to coincide.
Environmental Baseline Studies For Geothermal Development, Java, Indonesia, Union Geothermal of Indonesia Ltd. Conducted comprehensive environmental surveys to provide a basis for the preparation of an environmental and social impact assessment (designated as an ANDAL in Indonesia) for geothermal development in the Awibengkok portion of the Gunung Salak area of West Java.
Aidlin Geothermal Power Plant Due Diligence, Edison Mission Energy (EME), Cloverdale, California. Phase I due diligence evaluation for the sale of EME’s share of the 20-MW Aidlin geothermal power plant to Calpine, the major shareholder and plant operator. The Geysers Known Geothermal Resource Area, where the plant is located, generates more energy than any other developed geothermal field in the world. The purpose of the audit was to determine potential environmental liabilities associated with the property’s surface structures and subsurface soil and groundwater.
Geothermal Power Plant Due Diligence, Confidential Client, Imperial Valley, California. Performed desktop due diligence assessments for 10 operating and two proposed geothermal power plants in Imperial Valley.
Sulfur Creek Geothermal Site, U.S. EPA Region 9, Sonoma County, California. Provided support to EPA to plug, cap, and abandon seven highly dangerous shut-in geothermal wells in the Geysers geothermal district in northern Sonoma County.
BIOMASS ENERGY
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 requires 7.5 billion gallons of biofuels to enter the nation’s fuel supply by 2012. This has sparked strong growth in development of ethanol and other biomass/biofuel production facilities. We have been at the forefront of these clean energy development projects—providing strong environmental permitting, siting, and analysis to support the building of ethanol production facilities.
EIS for Biomass Boiler, Pacífico Pulp Mill, Chile. Completed an EIS for a 90,000-adt/year production increase at the 370,000-adt/year Pacifico Mill, which substitutes wood bark for coal; thus, reducing GHG emissions by replacing fossil fuels with a biofuel.
Biofuel Facilities, Boardman, Oregon. To assist Altra, Inc., in its site development for a 50-million-gallon-per-year (mgy) ethanol plant and 40-MGY biodiesel plant at the Port of Boardman, we performed a Phase I environmental audit and biological survey, identified the requirements for Phase II surveys, and prepared permit applications for submission to the State’s Energy Facility Siting Council.
Nordic Biofuels Master Services Agreement, Washington. Providing as-needed environmental consulting services for the siting, permitting, construction, and operation of biofuel facilities. We are performing environmental assessments and preparing multimedia environmental permits; providing agency negotiation support; and conducting due diligence activities associated with the acquisition of land and existing facilities.
Ethanol Plant Envir. Review/Permitting, Longview, Washington, Nordic Biofuels, LLC. Provided environmental permitting/SEPA compliance for 160-million-gallon ethanol production facility.
EIS for Biomass Boiler, Pacífico Pulp Mill, CMPC Celulosa, Chile. Completed an EIS for a 90,000-adt/year production increase at the 370,000-adt/year Pacifico Mill, which substitutes wood bark for coal; thus, reducing GHG emissions by replacing fossil fuels with a biofuel.
Altra Biofuel Facility, Altra, Inc., Boardman, Oregon. Supported site development for a 50-million-gallon-per-year (mgy) ethanol plant and 40-MGY biodiesel plant at the Port of Boardman. Conducted Phase I environmental audit and biological survey, identified requirements for Phase II surveys. Prepared exemption permit applications for submission to the State’s Energy Facility Siting Council (EFSC).
HYDROELECTRIC ENERGY
ESIA for Tinguiririca Hydroelectric Project, Chilquinta International AVV, Chile. Conducted an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the Tinguiririca project, a 100 MW hydroelectric project on the Tinguiririca River, with 20 km of canals and tunnels and an underground power station.
Rumorosa Transmission Line, Sempra Generation, San Diego County, California. Provided environmental and regulatory assistance for 1-mile Rumorosa Transmission Line, Mexico to South West Power Link Line. Conducted visual impact analysis, visibility mapping, and visual simulations for associated wind transmission line EA.
Due Diligence of Hydroelectric Project, Confidential U.K. investor, Brazil. For a British investor, evaluated a 19.8 MW hydroelectric plant that is currently under construction in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Evaluated the current status of construction, environmental and other permitting, issues and liabilities associated with resettlement of local population, and status and conditions of the power purchase agreement. Also evaluated adequacy of the water supply and project design.
Construction Support and Environmental Studies for Jataí and Irara Hydroelectric Projects, ACESA, Goías, Brazil. During construction of the Jataí and Irara Hydroelectric Projects (both 30MW projects, on the Doce and Claro Rivers, respectively), we conducted an archeological survey and rescue program, as well as drafting and implementing the environmental management plan. A land ownership survey, vegetation survey, and land use survey were also conducted.
ESIA for Lago Atravesado Hydroelectric Project, SAE-CORFO, Chile. Conducted an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for the Lago Atravesado hydroelectric Project, a 11 MW project in the Aysen region of Chile.
Permitting of the Santa Fé, Monte Serrat, and Bonfante Hydroelectric Projects, BSB Energética, Rio de Janeiro, Mato Grosso, and Espírito Santo, Brazil. Provided support for permitting the Santa Fé, Monte Serrat, and Bonfante Hydroelectric Projects, including cadastral mapping, archeological studies, vegetation inventories, and land use/soil studies within the drainage basin. The projects are 29MW, 25MW, and 19MW, respectively, and are located on the Claro, Pemirim, and Paraibuna Rivers.
Community Involvement Support for Buriti Hydroelectric Project, BSB Energética/ BRENAN, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. For the 30MW Buriti hydroelectric Project on the Sucuriú River, we wrote a project plan that included plans for community relations, resettlement, land use, and environmental conservation.
Public Meetings, Economic Valuations, and Environmental Baseline for Santa Gabriela Hydroelectric Project, BSB Energética, Correntes River, Brazil. Planned and conducted public meetings for the 24MW Santa Gabriela hydroelectric project on the Correntes River, as well as conducting and environmental baseline survey and economic valuations of property diminution for privately held lands in the project area.
Preliminary Environmental Evaluation for Central Hidroeléctrica Duqueco, Colbún S.A, Chile. For the Duqueco hydroelectric project, conducted a preliminary evaluation of environmental and social issues associated with a planned hydroelectric project on the Duqueco River in the Bio Bio region of Chile.
Review of Environmental Constraints for 3 Proposed Hydroelectric Plants, Engineering Consultants, Chile. Under subcontract to Engineering Consultants, completed a study of comparative environmental restrictions for the Liquiñe (125 MW), Pellaifa (108 MW), and Maihue (300 MW) Hydroelectrical Projects proposed by SN Power. These projects are proposed in the Andean highlands of eastern Chile.
ESIA for Mapocho-Molina Hydroelectric Project, Paul Rizzo Associates, Chile. Under subcontract to Paul Rizzo Associates, conducted an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the 26 MW Central Hydroelectric Plant at Mapocho-Molina poroposed by Andean Hydro Company.
Institutional Strengthening in Chile for Hydroelectric Regulatory Agency, Comisión Nacional de Energía (Chilean National Energy Commission), Chile. For the Chilean Comisión Nacional de Energía (CNE), we have conducted three projects to assist the Commission in the effective regulation of hydroelectric projects.
Technical Assistance to Energy Utility, ENDESA, Chile. Provided regional electric provide ENDESA, which operates hydroelectric plants in the Aysen region of Chile’s Andean highlands, with technical and environmental assistance for a drought-related Emergency Electrical Generation Program.
Due Diligence for Operating Hydroelectric Plant, Confidential Client, Bolivia. For a Swiss investor, conducting due diligence on an operating 100+ MW hydroelectric plant in Bolivia. Addressing operating revenues, power purchase agreement, and other factors.
Pangue Hydroelectric Project, Pangue, S.A. (via subcontract from Agrotec Ltda.), Bio Bio Watershed, Chile. Conducted an ESIA for the Pangue hydroelectric project, funded by International Finance Corporation (IFC) and World Bank and located in Chile’s Bio Bio region in the Andes Mountains. Under a subsequent contract we conducted a down-stream impact study to evaluate the effects of river flow modification on aquatic resources and irrigation canals.
Environmental Studies for Planalto Hydroelectric Project, ACESA, Santa Catarina, Brazil. For ACESA’s 17.1 MW Planalto hydroelectric project on the Irani River, we conducted an environmental baseline study that included a vegetation inventory, hydrological studies, faunal surveys, and land use studies.