Eastshore Energy Center in trouble at state level

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Aug 18, 2007 | by Karen Holzmeister

HAYWARD -- And then there were ... none?

In the spring, Hayward faced the prospect of two new gas-fired power plants.

However, last month staffers with the California Energy Commission announced that they don't believe the Russell City Energy Center should be built because the 600-megawatt power plant could pose an "aviation safety hazard."

They echoed those remarks Friday, recommending against approval for the proposed Eastshore Energy Center because of potential interference with aircraft approaching the Hayward Executive Airport.

Texas-based Tierra Energy proposed to build the 115.5-megawatt Eastshore Energy Center, which would operate during periods of peak demand, on 6.22 acres on Clawiter Road, just west of Life Chiropractic College West and Heald College.

The Russell City Energy Center would be built near the Hayward shoreline between Depot Road and Enterprise Avenue, west of the city's wastewater treatment plant.

The Eastshore proposal is smaller and likely would produce a lower total amount of pollution than Russell City. More local opposition has been voiced because it would be located closer to homes and businesses.

Mayor Michael Sweeney described the staff assessment as "good news for our community."

"One of the most impressive things in this whole fight is that the community spoke with one voice in opposition to Eastshore," he said. "It's a good step, but we must remain vigilant and hope the California Energy Commission stays on this path."

The staff statement Friday evaluates the environmental, engineering, and public health and safety impacts of the proposed Eastshore project.

Public workshops on this document will be held Sept. 6 at Hayward City Hall.

Information also will be requested from the Federal Aviation Administration, California Department of Transportation, and Alameda County Land Use Commission.

After a subsequent 30-day public comment period, the energy commission staff will release a final assessment later this fall.

Two members of the California Energy Commission will review the testimony and information, then issue a decision. This decision, which will be available for public review, will be provided to the full Energy Commission for a final decision.

The Eastshore plant would be built within the airport's approach zone, potentially causing "significant adverse impacts in the areas of land use and transportation," the staff evaluation states.

If state energy commissioners approve the project, the Hayward City Council also will review the project.

Staff writer Matt O'Brien contributed to this report.