The California Army National Guard has completed a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed installation and operation of a solar panel-based renewable energy generation facility (REGF) at Joint Forces Training Base (JFTB).
The project is part of the U.S. Army’s implementation of its Energy, Security and Sustainment (ES2) Strategy to provide secure sources of energy at strategically located installations. JFTB is the only major military installation in the Los Angeles basin capable of supporting large-scale emergency-response operations. The project will also enhance power reliability of the local grid during normal operations.
The EA evaluated a number of issues related to the potential of any adverse environmental effects to humans and the environment – including land use; airspace; visual and aesthetic resources; air quality; noise; geology, topography, and soils; water resources; biological resources; cultural resources; socioeconomics; environmental justice; human health and safety; utilities and infrastructure; traffic and transportation; and hazardous and toxic substances. Special attention focused on potential glint/glare impact from solar panels to aircraft operations at Los Alamitos Army Airfield and to occupants of residences located east, south and west of the base.