Demonstrating a High Temperature Solar Thermal System at the Land O'Lakes Dairy Processing Facility
Summary
SCH Number
2019038204
Public Agency
California Energy Commission
Document Title
Demonstrating a High Temperature Solar Thermal System at the Land O'Lakes Dairy Processing Facility
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
3/11/2019
Document Description
The purpose of this project is to design, install, and operate a high-temperature solar thermal energy system at a dairy processing facility. This system will convert solar energy into supplemental heat for thermal processes resulting in reduced natural gas consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Natural gas consumption will be measured before and after the system is installed in order to quantify and validate the GHG emissions reductions.
Contact Information
Name
Kevin Uy
Agency Name
CA Energy Commission
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Agency Name
Land O'Lakes, Inc.
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Location
Cities
Tulare
Counties
Tulare
Cross Streets
400 S M St
Zip
93274
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
S: 15301, 15303, 15304
Reasons for Exemption
This project will involve minor alteration of existing mechanical equipment at an existing food processing facility and will result in negligible or no expansion of the existing use. The solar thermal energy system consists of solar collectors, heat exchangers, hot water storage tanks, piping, insulation, and associated racking, wiring, fittings, and fasteners. The materials used to construct the system are chemically inert, not hazardous to human health, and do not have a significant effect on the environment. The system will undergo safety testing prior to installation at the demonstration site to ensure compliance with relevant environmental codes and standards. In addition, all required permits for construction and operation of the system will be obtained prior to system installation and demonstration. The demonstration will not have a significant impact on local air quality, noise, or traffic, and is expected to reduce local criteria pollutant emissions. For these reasons, the project will not have a significant effect on the environment and falls under the categorical exemption listed in 14 C.C.R. §15301.
This project involves the construction location, and installation of new, small facilities, structures, and equipment. In order to perform the demonstration, the system must be installed at the demonstration site. The installation will require minimal construction activity. The equipment may be placed on the roof of the facility or directly on the ground. This minimal construction is well within the size limits listed in the examples given in 14 C.C.R. § 15303 (e.g., it is less than a single-family residence, duplex, and the 2,500 square feet- or 10,000 square feet in urban areas - for a store, motel, office, restaurant, or similar structure). This construction will not have a significant impact on local air quality, noise, or traffic and will not induce additional operations at the site. For these reasons, the project will not have a significant effect on the environment and falls under the categorical exemption listed in 14 C.C.R. § 15303.
See NOD for full details.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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