BLM releases Mesa Wind Repower Project for public comment

Organization

Bureau of Land Management

BLM Office:

Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office

Media Contact:

Michelle Van Der Linden

Wind turbines on a desert ridge. Photo courtesy of Aspen Environmental Group. PALM SPRINGS, Calif. –The Bureau of Land Management Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office released for public comment a draft Environmental Assessment on the Mesa Wind Repower Project, located on public lands 11 miles northwest of the City of Palm Springs. The release of the EA begins a 30-day public comment period that closes on June 19. 

Brookfield Renewables proposes to repower the existing 30-megawatt (MW) wind project, which was built in 1983. The repowering of the Mesa Wind project would involve the removal of 460 older generation turbines ranging in height from 85 to 140-foot tall lattice towers, most of which are no longer operational, and the installation of up to 11 new wind turbine generators.

The repower project would remain within the existing right-of-way boundaries. The transmission line currently tying into the Southern California Edison’s Pan Aero Substation can accommodate the repowered project and would not require an upgrade. 

The proposed project supports Executive Order 13783: Promoting Energy Independence and Economic Growth and Secretarial Order 3349: American Energy Independence. 

The draft EA and a presentation summarizing the project are available on ePlanning at: https://bit.ly/3dtnt7C. The public is encouraged to provide substantive written comments using the BLM’s ePlanning site at the link provided above, or by email at  BLM_CA_PS_MesaWind@blm.gov. All written comments received will be considered and evaluated prior to issuing a final decision. 

Before including an address, phone number, email address, or other personal information in a comment, please be aware the entire comment, including the personally identifying information, may be made publicly available at any time. While individuals may request personal information be withheld from public review, the BLM cannot guarantee the information will not be released. 

For further information, contact Dan Ryan, BLM project manager at 530-252-5321, or by email at BLM_CA_PS_MesaWind@blm.gov.

 


The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.