Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
Summary
SCH Number
2017048448
Public Agency
California Energy Commission
Document Title
Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/24/2017
Document Description
This project provides a simple and scalable method to detect, in real-time, when a vine block needs to be irrigated, or not, to maintain or increase grapes quality or yield. Plant Aware Irrigation technology relies on a sap flow sensor affixed to a few selected vines in the block. In order to extrapolate the results to the whole area, aerial data will be used to extrapolate vine water status over a larger area. The usage of PAI system has two major proven impacts confirmed by several monitored high-end Napa valley vineyards and customer testimonies: 1) 40% of water savings on average and up to 70% in several cases, and 2) a significant improvement of grapes quality and up to 10% increase in yield. The resulting decrease in watering also leads to less electricity use due to decreased pumping frequency and duration.
Contact Information
Name
Heather Bird
Agency Name
California Energy Commission
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Counties
Alameda, Napa
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
S:15304,15306
Reasons for Exemption
Class 4 exemptions apply to minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve the removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees. This project is based on the principle that crops will be watered only when needed, and not just on a set time-interval which is the conventional method of crop watering. Therefore, this method is intended to apply less water to irrigated land and to improve the energy efficiency of the water delivering equipment.
Disclaimer: The document was originally posted before CEQAnet had the capability to host attachments for the public. To obtain the original attachments for this document, please contact the lead agency at the contact information listed above. You may also contact the OPR via email at state.clearinghouse@opr.ca.gov or via phone at (916) 445-0613.