LANL NEWS
In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the Department of Energy (DOE), National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has prepared a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) to analyze the proposed construction and operation of a 10 megawatts (MW) ground-mounted solar photovoltaic system (PV) and associated power transmission line within an existing power transmission line corridor. The EA also analyzes the No Action Alternative of not constructing the PV.
The proposed PV location is on approximately 55-60 acres of which around 50 acres are within a previously disturbed area that was used as a borrow pit at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), on DOE owned property within Los Alamos County, N.M.
NNSA requires a reliable, efficient, diversified, and sustainable electrical supply to support programs and activities conducted in LANL facilities essential to the maintaining the nation’s nuclear deterrent and to meet on-site renewable energy goals. The PV system would be able to increase on-site LANL electrical power generation with efficient and sustainable electrical power capability and resilience.
This Draft EA has been made available for a 30-day review and comment period via distribution to the LANL Public Reading Room, located at 94 Cities of Gold Road, Pojoaque, New Mexico (505 667-0216); and the DOE/NNSA National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) website: https://www.energy.gov/nnsa/downloads/ea-2101-draft-environmental-assessment-proposed-construction-and-operation-solar
Comments on the Draft EA may be provided to NNSA by U.S. mail or email at the following addresses:
Mail: NNSA Los Alamos Field Office, ATTN: NEPA Compliance Officer – PV EA Review Comments, 3747 West Jemez Road, Los Alamos, NM 87544. Email: NA-LA_NCO@nnsa.doe.gov Subject line: PV EA Review Comments.
All comments on the Draft EA provided within the comment period, beginning on the date of this public notice of availability April 8, 2019 will be considered by NNSA during preparation of the Final EA. The Final EA and decision document will also be made available at LANL Public Reading Room DOE/NNSA NEPA website: https://www.energy.gov/nnsa/downloads/ea-2101-draft-environmental-assessment-proposed-construction-and-operation-solar