Eastern Placer County Biomass to Energy Facility

What is the biomass to energy facility all about?

Placer County is developing an approach to finance and install a new small scale combined heat and power facility in eastern Placer County. This facility will utilize technology that is powered entirely by woody biomass - a green renewable fuel generated as a byproduct of hazardous forest fuels reduction activities. Scheduled to be operational in the 2014 timeframe, the facility will generate electricity 24/7 for distribution in eastern Placer County. It will also provide a demonstration of heat for the building and to melt snow on the roof, road, and sidewalks of the site.

Placer County has been developing plans for a biomass to energy facility in eastern Placer County for an extended period of time. Several economic and environmental studies have been performed and Placer County is now in a position to move forward to the development phase of the project. Technical information is available in the "Grants" section of this website.

Recently, a TRPA decision has eliminated any proposed sites within their jurisdiction. The Placer County Board of Supervisors has directed staff to move forward with the project at a site known as Cabin Creek located at the Eastern Regional Landfill off Highway 89. A Notice of Preparation (NOP) for the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for Cabin Creek contains a description of the project to date.

Who are our Partners?

The Cabin Creek Biomass Facility project has attracted both equity partners and government partners. Placer County has already received a Congressionally-directed grant for $500,000 from the U.S. Department of Energy sponsored by Congressman Doolittle (technical grant activities are currently in progress) as well as another $1.5 million for project development and environmental review and $1 million grant for construction of the facility sponsored by Senator Feinstein. Our government partners are the USDA Forest Service. Currently Placer County has a contractual relationship with the USFS to remove existing biomass piles for use in generating renewable energy rather than burning piles in the open. The long-term goal is to create a stewardship agreement to allow future woody biomass material from the National Forests to be utilized in the Biomass to Energy Facility.

Who else is supporting the concept of this project? NOTE: Since no specific design has been completed, any such support from organizations is conceptual and in no way should convey anything deeper. Placer County has received wide ranging conceptual support (political, technical and economic) from numerous organizations including:

• US Environmental Protection Agency (both in Washington DC and San Francisco)
• USDA Forest Service
• US Department of Interior
• US Department of Energy
• California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
• California Energy Commission
• California State Parks
• California Tahoe Conservancy
• Sierra Nevada Conservancy
• California Board Of Forestry
• Placer County Air Pollution Control District
• Placer County Water Agency
• UC Davis
• NV Energy (formerly Sierra Pacific Power)
• California Pacific Electric Company (CALPECO)
• North Tahoe Fire Protection District
• High Sierra Resource Conservation and Development Council

In addition, discussions are ongoing with several environmental groups (League to Save Lake Tahoe, Sierra Club, and Sierra Forest Legacy) so as to encourage their acceptance and participation in the project.

What is our Timeline?

The Placer County Board of Supervisors has decided to move forward at the alternative site known as Cabin Creek. The EIR is currently being performed and the project could be ready for a hearing before the Planning Commission Summer 2012. If all is positive, the facility could be operational by the Winter of 2014/15.

Yes. Once the environmental document is complete, the public will have an opportunity to comment on the results. Summary results will be presented at various public meetings.

Are the answers to Frequently Asked Questions available that address this project?

Yes, we have a detailed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document that is updated as new information is available.  Click here to view FAQ. In addition, a new (2011) list of Frequently Asked Questions has been developed based on further research and project studies.