Quail Brush Considering Changes to Reduce Visual Impact

A recent "Staff Status Report" from the California Energy Commission (CEC) shows that Cogentrix, the company applying to build a gas-powered power plant near Santee, is considering changes to the project (read report here).

"Staff is aware that in response to public comment, the applicant is considering
making some modifications to the profile of the proposed project," reads the report.

Cogentrix confirmed that the company is considering ways to reduce the visual impact of the planned 100-foot-tall exhaust stacks, 30-foot-tall water tank and other potentially high-profile structures on an 11-acre site near the , viewable from Santee.

"In response to concerns raised by the community, we have asked our engineers and scientists to explore options for modifying the plant's profile," said Quail Brush Project Manager Lori Ziebart.

"We recognize there have been concerns expressed about the Project, and are working hard to address these issues."

The Santee on a resolution showing the to the proposed project based on the city's General Plan Objectives, policies that seek to "preserve and protect the SR-52 gateway and it's panoramic views, to preserve and protect the natural amenities within , and to ensure that land use incompatibilities" are fully disclosed, analyzed and mitigated.

The CEC reports that the "didn't appear to change public opposition to the project." The large turnout, number of speakers and presentation of a petition with more than 1,000 signatures opposing the power plant clearly impacted the Commission.

In order to build the plant, Cogentrix must get approval from the CEC and the city of San Diego Planning Commission must rezone the power plant site from open space to industrial.

The applicant said they will go before the "for the sole purpose of requesting a of our pending request to initiate a Community Plan Amendment."

Ziebart said the continuance will give Cogentrix staff time to analyze issues and concerns expressed by the community.

The CEC said the public workshop scheduled for April has been cancelled because of the delay to the Planning Commission decision and requests by the applicant for extenions in data collection. A new workshop will be scheduled.