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Sewer Authority moves solar PPA to April 13 public hearing as city, Army Corps review easement options
Summary
Staff told the board that a vendor can put panels on plant roofs to avoid ground‑mounted permits and that the city manager favors a short‑term easement while an Army Corps shoreline study proceeds; the PPA is scheduled for public hearing April 13.
The Sewer Authority Mid Coastide placed a proposed power purchase agreement (PPA) for a solar project on the agenda for a public hearing on April 13 after staff reported progress resolving permitting and land‑use questions.
Staff said vendor Coldwell energy proposed a mostly building‑mounted system that would avoid ground‑disturbing permits and environmental reviews. According to the general manager, planning staff (identified by staff as Leslie and Scott) advised that a building‑mounted approach “only requires a building permit which can be issued literally in a week’s time,” allowing the project to proceed more quickly than a ground‑mounted alternative.
A remaining obstacle is land ownership: staff said the parcel in question is owned by Half Moon and that the city manager recommended a short‑term easement because the Army Corps of Engineers is conducting a shoreline/infrastructure study that could lead to recommendations affecting the plant footprint. Staff said PPA terms are typically long (the presenter noted a 25‑year PPA is common) and that the city’s preference for a shorter easement could affect contract economics; staff have shared a draft contract with city staff and vendor counsel and are coordinating next steps.
The general manager also noted the authority has been coordinating with the city and vendor counsel and that, if the land/easement issues are resolved, the project could move forward rapidly. Staff will present the PPA at the April 13 public hearing and report back to the board with any updated land‑use or contract terms.
There was no formal board action on the item at the March 23 meeting beyond scheduling the public hearing.
