The proposed solar project would span both sides of Interstate 17 on 4,680 acres of state trust land, about three miles north of Cordes Junction.
Dave Cherry, public information officer for Arizona State Trust Land, confirmed that Candela Renewables has submitted an application to use the land for the Dugas Solar Project. Cherry said there is no timeline for approval or denial of the request. If approved, Candela Renewables may lease the land for 45 years, according to the application.
The proposed solar project southeast of Prescott would span both sides of Interstate 17 on 4,680 acres of state trust land, about three miles north of Cordes Junction. A portion of any state trust land transaction would mean more money for public education, as required by state law.
Solar Frontier, another solar firm, has completed an application for 800 acres in part of the same area. This area is enticing to solar companies because of the nearby Dugas Substation where they can join the grid.
Ian Calkins, spokesman for the Dugas Solar Project for Candela Renewables, issued a statement stating that Candela Renewables develops utility-scale solar generation projects in North America and markets the energy to utilities seeking to procure renewable resources for their customers. The statement said the development team is in the early stages of planning the project. “When fully permitted, the company will begin construction of the 450 megawatt photovoltaic facility, which is planned on Arizona State Trust Land. Zoning and land use applications will be filed with the county in coming months,” it read.
Representatives of Candela Renewables gave a presentation to the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors and have spoken with stakeholders, including the Cosanti Foundation and the Upper Agua Fria Watershed Partnership. Stakeholder concerns include potential impact on water quality and wildlife, particularly pronghorn.
Yavapai County Supervisor James Gregory, who represents the district where the state land is located, said he wants more information before he supports the project, but he added that this could be the future. He noted that APS is mandated to use more renewable energy. Gregory believes the initial investment for Candela Renewables would be about $400 million if the project is approved.
Patrick McWhorter, president and CEO of the Cosanti Foundation, has concerns because the state trust land that Candela Renewables plans to use is adjacent to Arcosanti, which is run by the Cosanti Foundation. He said the biggest concern is the impact on the watershed, as the Agua Fria River runs through the property.
McWhorter also is concerned about the impact on wildlife and whether the solar panels will interrupt migratory patterns.
Arcosanti also has grazing rights on 3,000 acres of the state trust land, which is subleased to a local farmer. Orme Ranch and the YMCA also have grazing rights on the state trust land.
As a tourist attraction, McWhorter wonders what the solar panels will look like from Arcosanti. Eighty people live on the Arcosanti site and McWhorter wants to make sure there are no negative impacts on them.
McWhorter said he sees the need for solar energy in general, but wonders what happens to the solar panels after decades of use. He noted that Arcosanti has a small solar setup on its property.
Mary Hoadley, chairwoman of the Upper Agua Fria Watershed Partnership (UAFWP), said the group is concerned about the impact the solar project will have on the water quality and quantity on the Agua Fria River.
In a letter to Arizona State Trust Land Commissioner Lisa Atkins, Hoadley had questions regarding storm water and erosion impacts on the site from construction and operation, and also raised concerns about possible chemical pollution to the Agua Fria River system including Ash Creek, a major Agua Fria tributary. Hoadley told QCBN that Candola Renewables will fence the solar panels for security reasons and she wonders how this will impact the deer, coyotes and javelina.
“I want to see them doing their due diligence to see the impact,” she said. “I understand that green energy is important for our country to fight climate change, and the income for education would be wonderful.”
Hoadley said she has not taken a position on the Candela Renewable proposal because she wants to be more informed before doing that. She has been meeting with Candela Renewable representatives since May and took a field trip to the site with them.
“It’s fair to say Candela wants to be a good neighbor and mitigate what they can,” she said. “They have good answers for a lot of questions. They are fine with open questions.”
Candola Renewables has several solar projects throughout the West. QCBN
By Stan Bindell, QCBN