Notice of Availability
Environmental Assessment for
Proposed Solar Photovoltaic System Project
San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Interested parties are hereby notified that the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center (SFVAMC) has prepared a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for proposed development of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system at the SFVAMC campus.
Statutory Authority. This notice is being issued to interested parties in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (Public Law [P.L.] 91-190, 42 United States Code 4321 et seq.) as amended in 1975 by P.L. 94-52 and P.L. 94-83.
Purpose. The purpose of and need for the Proposed Action is to use available energy-efficient technology to generate electricity for the SFVAMC to meet the requirements of Executive Order (EO) 13514, Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance, and to work toward energy reduction goals outlined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for its facilities. Implementation of the Proposed Action would allow the SFVAMC to generate renewable electricity on-site and reduce its dependence on an off-site power supply.
Proposed Action. The SFVAMC proposes to install seven solar PV systems, including five locations on existing rooftops and two locations on existing and proposed parking structures, integrating into the SFVAMC electricity distribution system via new and/or existing electrical equipment. No system would be located upon a structure that is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Construction areas would be limited to the installation sites and adjacent staging areas. Installation of each solar PV system would generally last between two to four weeks.
Alternatives. Two alternatives were analyzed for the proposed project at the SFVAMC. Under the No-Action Alternative, a solar PV system would not be installed at the SFVAMC and the facility’s electricity demand from off-site supplies would remain the same. Under the Proposed Action Alternative, installation of solar PV systems would occur at the seven locations.
Comments. Comments on the Draft EA should be directed to:
Rita Samaniego
Project Consultant for the SFVAMC
AMEC Earth and Environmental, Inc.,
104 West Anapamu Street, Suite 204A
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
rita.samaniego@amec.com
The EA can be downloaded here: http://www.sanfrancisco.va.gov/visitors/Solar_EA.pdf (7.7 MB)
Hardcopies of the Draft EA will be available between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the SFVAMC, Engineering Office, Bldg. 3.
The comment period is open for 30 days and will end on October 13, 2010.
Comments