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Key Dates

• 4/21/2003 - Small Power Plant Exemption (SPPE) filed
• 4/30/2003 - Commission accepts SPPE as "data adequate."
• 6/29/2003 - Commission staff releases Preliminary Staff Assessment.
• 8/22/2003 - Commission staff releases Final Staff Assessment.
• 11/7/2003 - Committee releases Small Power Plant Exemption Decision.
• 2/4/2004 - Commission approves Small Power Plant Exemption.
• 6/21/2006 - Power plant on line and producing power.

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General Description of Project

On April 21, 2003, the Modesto Irrigation District (MID) filed an application for Small Power Plant Exemption (SPPE) seeking an exemption from the California Energy Commission's licensing requirements.

MID proposes to construct and operate a 95-megawatt (MW) generation plant called the Modesto Irrigation District Electric Generation Station (MEGS). The project is proposed to be located on a 12.25-acre site at South Stockton Avenue and Doak Boulevard in Ripon, California, in San Joaquin County and will occupy approximately six acres near the northern side of the project site. If an exemption is granted, the applicant will need to secure the appropriate licenses and permits for the project from various local, state and federal agencies.

The 95-megawatt natural gas-fired simple cycle plant will consist of two General Electric LM 6000 SPRINT combustion turbines. Part of the proposed project includes the construction of approximately 1/4-mile of new 69-kilovolt sub-transmission line and fiber optic cable, approximately 1/4-mile of new eight-inch natural gas supply line, and water supply and wastewater tap lines into the existing City of Ripon lines located on South Stockton Avenue.

Small Power Plant Exemption Evaluation Process

The SPPE process allows projects between 50 and 100 MW to proceed with local approval rather than requiring an Energy Commission license. This exemption from the Energy Commission licensing process can be applied to projects that would not create a substantial adverse impact on the environment or energy resources. The Energy Commission acts as the lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and will prepare an Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration that examines public health and safety, along with environmental impacts of the proposed project, including all related facilities such as electric transmission lines, natural gas and water pipelines. If the exemption is granted, the applicant would still need to secure the appropriate licenses and permits from relevant local, state, and federal agencies.

For Questions about this Exemption Proceeding Contact:

Mary Dyas
Compliance Project Manager
Siting, Transmission and Environmental Protection (STEP) Division
California Energy Commission
1516 Ninth Street, MS-2000
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-651-8891
E-mail: Mary.Dyas@energy.ca.gov

For Questions About Public Participation In Exemption Proceedings Contact:

Public Advisor
California Energy Commission
1516 Ninth Street, MS-12 Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-654-4489
Toll-Free in California: 1-800-822-6228
E-mail: PublicAdvisor@energy.ca.gov

News Media Please Contact:

Media & Public Communications Office
Phone: 916-654-4989
E-mail: mediaoffice@energy.ca.gov