UltraSystems Provides Construction Monitoring Services for Imperial Solar Energy Center South
As alternative energy technology projects continue to be on the rise in California, UltraSystems’ expertise as environmental consultants is needed more than ever. These large projects require comprehensive environmental documentation in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the specific experience and knowledge that UltraSystems can provide. Staying abreast of new energy technologies and their impact on California’s energy goals is always a priority for the UltraSystems team.
UltraSystems has worked on a wide variety of energy projects over the years. In 2010, it provided environmental services in support of Lompoc Wind Energy Project in Santa Barbara County. The team at UltraSystems conducted sensitive-species surveys, prepared environmental documents, and handled permitting and coordination with public agencies. This project was followed by an Environmental Impact Report for the proposed development of wind turbines in Tehachapi Wind Resource Area of Kern County. Most recently though, UltraSystems was contracted by Tenaska and CSolar IV South LLC to perform biological and cultural field monitoring services during pre-construction and construction activities planned for CSolar’s projects, located near the Mexican border in the unincorporated Mt. Signal area of Imperial County, CA.
The Imperial Solar Energy Center (ISEC) South project is a large solar facility using photovoltaic technology on approximately 1,640 acres of land. The ISEC South project required the construction of a transmission line that would interconnect to the existing Imperial Valley electrical substation, located on lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). UltraSystems conducted biological and cultural field monitoring services during pre-construction and construction activities and was responsible for the Mitigation and Monitoring, Compliance and Reporting Program (MMCRP). The project required approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) from Imperial County, Plan of Development (POD) and Right of Way (ROW) approvals from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and staffing approvals from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). The project also required approval of a Wildlife Mortality Reporting Plan and Avian and Bat Protection Plan. UltraSystems’ experience working with a wide variety of regulatory agencies played an important role in assisting them in this process.
Since California embarked on an initiative to go green with 100% clean energy by 2045, alternative energy projects are a high priority across the State. In fact, the California Energy Commission recently adopted a comprehensive strategic plan to advance offshore wind energy that is designed to supplement other clean energy solutions the State has already developed.
According to 2021 data from the California Energy Commission, more than 37% of the State’s electricity comes from renewable sources like solar and wind. The Solar Energy Industries Association ranks California second nationwide in expected solar energy growth over the next 5 years. With large corporations like Kaiser Permanente, Apple and Prologis converting to solar energy in California, it’s easy to see why the State ranks number one in the United States for solar energy production. Thanks to large solar farms like Mount Signal Solar Farm in Calexico, developed by 8 Minute Energy in 2018, that generate enough electricity to power 146,345 homes, California is well positioned to achieve its clean energy goals in the coming years. And given UltraSystems’ deep understanding of the scope of environmental compliance in the energy sector, it will continue to be a valuable partner for these types of development projects.
About Tenaska
For nearly four decades, Tenaska has been a stable and reliable leader in the energy industry, putting our strength to work and building value for our customers and the communities where we do business.
About Csolar
Csolar is a group of partners that are focused on creating and developing long-lasting and environmentally friendly solar projects. Csolar has a renewable energy goal of having 5GW of renewable power in its portfolio by 2027.
About UltraSystems
UltraSystems, founded in 1994, is a multi-disciplinary, full service environmental consulting and planning firm serving both the public and private sectors. The 30-year-old firm provides expertise in development planning; site selection and analysis; CEQA and NEPA compliance; technical studies, and environmental compliance during construction. UltraSystems Environmental is a certified DBE, SBE, and WBE company that is headquartered in Irvine, California.