http://www.sanluisobispo.com/183/story/303055.htmlPosted on Thu, Mar. 13, 2008
Near the Carrizo Plain National Monument
Worries still linger over proposed solar plant plan near Carrizo Plain
Nearby residents want to know how developer would quiet the project’s construction noise
By Stephen Curran
Early suggestions for how to muffle construction noise from a proposed solar power plant near the Carrizo Plain National Monument aren’t good enough, residents of the remote region told state officials Wednesday.
More than two dozen landowners packed the small Carrisa Plains community center off Highway 58 to voice their concerns about the 177-megawatt power plant to representatives for project owner Ausra Inc. and members of the California Energy Commission.
It was the third such discussion between area residents and representatives from the state and Palo Alto-based Ausra. Pacific Gas and Electric Co. has contracted with Ausra to buy electricity.
The Energy Commission is conducting an independent review of the proposed project that it will use to decide whether to license the plant. It’s unclear when the review will be complete.
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