News Release

For Release:  November 7 2008                                                          
Contact:  Stephen Razo 951-697-5217; email: srazo@ca.blm.gov 
CA-CDD-09-12

BLM Releases Final Environmental Impact Statement for Proposed Wind Energy Project

The final environmental impact statement (EIS) analyzing a proposed wind energy project in Palm Springs, California, has been released by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).  Upon completion of a 30-day review period, the BLM will prepare and issue a decision.

Mountain View Power Partners IV, LLC has applied for a right-of-way on public lands and a conditional use permit on private lands to construct a wind energy generating facility in the Coachella Valley in Riverside County.  The project site is west of Indian Avenue and is within the corporate boundary of Palm Springs.

John Kalish, BLM's Palm Springs-South Coast Field manager, said this site was previously utilized for wind energy production; however, the wind turbines were removed in the late 1990s after the wind farm encountered financial difficulties.  This site has been vacant since that time.

The proposed project would install a total of approximately 42 to 50 wind turbines on public and private lands, with a total generating capacity of approximately 49 megawatts.  Related structures would include access roads, a 34.5kV powerline and an electrical substation.  The proposed project would take approximately seven months to construct.  Operations are expected to last approximately 30 years. 

A public scoping meeting was held in June 2006 in Palm Springs, Kalish said.  The draft EIS was released in April 2007 for public review and comment.  Comments received are addressed in the final EIS. 

For more information, contact Greg Hill, planning and environmental coordinator, BLM Palm springs-South Coast Field Office,  690 West Garnet Ave., North Palm springs, Calif. 92258.  He can be reached by phone at (760) 251-4840. 

-BLM-

California Desert District Office – 22835 Calle San Juan de Los Lagos, Moreno Valley, CA 92553- (951) 697-5217