Slides from 5/26 Public Scoping Meeting
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Solar Energy Research Center Project CEQA Public Scoping Meeting May 26, 2010
Transcript of Slides from 5/26 Public Scoping Meeting
Solar Energy Research Center Project
CEQA Public Scoping Meeting May 26, 2010
Public Scoping Meeting
Solar Energy Research Center
Sheree SwansonProject Manager
The Goal
Develop the science and technology to create transportation fuels from sunlight
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The Research
• 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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• 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
The Project
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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
• UC Regents Certify EIR Late 2010• SPWB Approves Preliminary Design Late 2010• Start Construction Mid 2011• Complete Construction Mid 2013
Public Scoping Meeting
CEQA Presentation
Jeff PhilliberMay 26, 2010
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Scoping Meeting
• Present basic project information
• Explain CEQA process
• Record public comments
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• Not a Q & A forum or discussion
• Help determine EIR scope of analysis
• Other avenues for questions
Scoping Meeting
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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• Aesthetics• Air Quality• Geology / Soils• Greenhouse Gases• Hazards / Haz Mat• Hydrology / Water • Noise• Traffic• Utilities
• Alternatives• Cumulative Impacts
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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
