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Oroville planning panel certifies mitigated negative declaration, approves three-site solar project amid Superfund concerns
Summary
The Oroville Planning Commission voted 5–0 (two absent) on Nov. 10 to certify a mitigated negative declaration and approve a use permit covering three solar sites — including a parcel within the Copper Superfund boundary — after public commenters raised dioxin and environmental‑justice concerns. The commission imposed mitigation, monitoring and coordination with state agencies.
The Oroville Planning Commission on Nov. 10 certified a mitigated negative declaration and approved a use permit, variance and fence findings for a three‑site solar project, including a parcel within the Copper Superfund boundary. The commission voted to accept staff’s recommended Option 1 by a 5–0 vote with two members absent.
The project as presented covers three locations: the former copper site, a 50‑acre parcel on South 7th Avenue (the Sillars site), and the Reynoso parcel. Staff told the commission the CEQA evaluation had been completed and made the mitigated negative declaration available for public review; four written comments were received from site managers, the Department of Toxic Substances Control, a law firm and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The staff recommendation included mitigation and a mitigation monitoring and reporting program. Staff said one consultant recommended pre‑construction surveys for bird species, including a conservative recommendation to survey a 500‑yard radius for the tricolored blackbird before…
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