Panorama prepared a Petition to Amend (PTA) for proposed modifications to the Bottle Rock Power Plant for the plant’s Application for Certification (AFC) with CEC. The project included developing a new steam field connected through new pipelines to the existing power plant, which would enable the power plant to reach its permitted output of 55 MW. The project included development of two new well pads, drilling of new wells, and construction of new access roads and pipeline corridors.

The PTA was prepared in accordance with CEC’s Power Plant Site Certification regulations. The document was relied upon by Lake County to fulfill the requirements of CEQA for its consideration of a Conditional Use Permit for the project. The development area was on geothermal leases issued by BLM and, therefore, NEPA was also required. The team prepared the PTA to meet the content and analysis requirements of CEQA, NEPA, and the Warren-Alquist Act. Significant issues addressed included impacts to wetlands and biological resources, impacts to air quality and geology from work in serpentinite soils, impacts to cultural resources, and impacts to hydrology.