Lake Tahoe Basin Biomass Energy Facility

Placer County is proposing to construct a 1 to 3 megawatt (MW) biomass energy facility at one of two locations. Either on a 1.3-acre site (APN: 090-041-006) in Kings Beach, which would require the installation of either an underground or aboveground connection to NV Energy’s Kings Beach Substation on the adjacent 21.8-acre parcel (APN: 090-030-029), or on a 9.6-acre site (APN: 090-010-036) in Tahoe City adjacent to the Placer County Administrative Offices, which would require switching equipment and a connection to NV Energy’s distribution line on the lake side of SR 28. With respect to the Kings Beach site, the 1.3-acre parcel is within the Kings Beach Industrial Community Plan area. The 21.8-acre parcel is within TRPA Plan Area Statement (PAS) Martis Peak – 019. The 9.6-acre alternative site in Tahoe City is within TRPA PAS Fish Hatchery – 006.

The proposed project would include construction of a +6,400 square-foot, two-story structure that would house the power generating and emissions control equipment and an adjacent, single-story +5,500 square-foot covered materials storage structure. Additional on-site improvements would include a four-space parking lot, paved vehicle circulation area, a stormwater/snowmelt detention and treatment area, and perimeter screening and landscaping. For the Kings Beach site, all power generated at the site would be transferred to an existing power line that transects the site and extends southward from a transformer at the Kings Beach Substation. For the Tahoe City site, all power would be transferred to the distribution line that parallels SR 28. Waste heat from electricity production would be used to heat on-site buildings and melt snow and ice from on-site roofs, parking areas, and roadways. Biomass materials (fuel for the plant) would be processed (ground and screened) at off-site locations, primarily the Cabin Creek Processing Facility and Transfer Station (formerly Eastern Regional Landfill) located outside of the Lake Tahoe Basin on SR 89; the proposed project could require that additional processing equipment to be added at the Cabin Creek facility. Some biomass processing may also occur at in-forest fuels reduction sites.

Notice of Preparation

Draft Environmental Impact Report

Final Environmental Impact Report