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Council approves developer‑funded environmental study for proposed Soledad Renewable Oasis project
Summary
City council approved a developer‑funded contract to begin CEQA review for the proposed Soledad Renewable Oasis project, authorizing the city to hire EMC Planning Group to prepare environmental analysis under a contract not to exceed $120,000.
Senior Planner Diana Mora told the council the item on the consent calendar would authorize the city to initiate environmental work on a project titled “Soledad Renewable Oasis” and to enter a professional services agreement with EMC Planning Group to complete CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) analysis. Mora said the city will act as lead agency, the work will analyze traffic, noise and aesthetic impacts, and the contract is developer‑funded under a reimbursement agreement.
Mora said the proposed contract amount presented to council was “not to exceed $120,000.” She added the consultant contract includes additional optional tasks and the full contract value on file is $265,000; any work beyond the authorized not‑to‑exceed amount would require additional approvals and the developer must reimburse the city under the developer deposit agreement.
During discussion, a council member asked that environmental review include close attention to greenhouse gas and air quality impacts, mitigation measures for truck traffic and the timing and feasibility of hydrogen fuel‑supply infrastructure the project anticipates. The council member noted that hydrogen distribution capacity and federal and state funding for hydrogen hubs have faced delays and funding changes, and asked staff to ensure mitigation and timing assumptions are realistic in CEQA documents.
Council voted to approve the professional services agreement and to authorize staff to proceed with the environmental review. The motion to approve item C‑3 (professional services agreement) passed unanimously.
Mora and staff said the next steps are to complete the environmental studies, return any CEQA documents to the planning commission and then to the council for certification and project approval if the project proponents pursue entitlements.
The city stressed the contract is developer‑funded; the city will monitor the developer deposit account and require additional amendments or funds if extra work is needed.
