Solar Project Update
October 06, 2017 - 09:42 AM
Mt. San Antonio College has amended action on its solar project to allow only for
dirt moving at the site while postponing approval of construction to a later date.
On Wednesday night (Oct. 11, 2017), the Board of Trustees will consider certifying
the project’s draft environmental impact report and authorize grading operations on
the site known as the West Parcel. The move comes as settlement discussions with
the City of Walnut and United Walnut Taxpayers continue to be productive, but key
core terms remain unresolved.
“We remain hopeful that all parties involved will be able to resolve legal differences,
and the amended action will give the parties time to do so,” Mt. SAC President Bill
Scroggins said.
Certification of the draft EIR indicates that the solar project has met all state
and federal environmental requirements; however, the modified resolution separates
the solar project into two construction phases. Phase 1 will include grading, soil
import from the College’s stadium project construction site, and habitat replacement
and restoration of coastal sage scrub on the West Parcel. Beginning grading operations
is critical as it will enable construction of Mt. SAC’s new stadium, which is set
to host the US Track and Field Olympic Trials in June 2020.
Phase 2 includes installation of solar panels and all equipment within the solar pad
to create an operational solar generation facility. Phase 2 cannot proceed without
further Board approval at a future noticed meeting.
