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Approve a contract with Point Impact Analysis LLC for Shiloh IV Wind Energy mitigation monitoring for $79,246; and Delegate authority to the Director of Resource Management to sign the contract and all future amendments, as may be necessary
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No __X_
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No __X_
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Resource Management recommends that the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve a contract with Point Impact Analysis LLC for Shiloh IV Wind Energy mitigation monitoring for $79,246; and
2. Delegate authority to the Director of Resource Management to sign the contract and all future amendments, as may be necessary.
SUMMARY:
The Board is asked to approve a contract for County consultant Point Impact Analysis to provide mitigation monitoring for the Shiloh IV Wind energy project. The contract totaling $79,246 is necessary to complete the monitoring of the conditions of approval and the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) mitigation measures for the project.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There will be no Net County Cost to the County for the contract. The cost is paid by the project applicant/developer, enXco. There is a sufficient appropriation in the Department's budget for this request.
DISCUSSION:
Initial construction grading of roads is expected to be under way very soon for the Shiloh IV Wind Energy project in the Montezuma Hills area of the county. One of the outstanding project requirements is the monitoring of compliance with the mitigation measures adopted during the EIR process to avoid or reduce environmental impacts. The adopted mitigation measures are highly technical and require oversight by a qualified multi-disciplinary firm with experience in wind energy projects, mitigation monitoring, and expertise in biological, avian and acoustical matters. EnXco is proposing an extremely ambitious (expedited) construction schedule to build the project by the end of this calendar year due to investment tax credit requirements.
To accommodate this schedule, the Planning Division contacted two firms with experience involving wind energy projects to solicit cost proposals. Point Impact Analysis LLC responded with a proposal. The Point Impact Analysis proposal was evaluated by staff as comprehensive in scope and it addressed all of the required mitigation measures thoroughly. As such, staff is recommending award of the Shiloh IV mitigation monitoring contract to Point Impact Analysis. The entire cost is paid by the applicant, enXco.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board of Supervisors may choose to not approve the contract. Staff does not recommend this since the mitigation monitoring is necessary to complete the construction work associated with the project.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel and the County Administrator have reviewed this item and concur with the recommendation.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION