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Opportunity to Object to the CO Bar Solar Interconnection Project

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and the U.S. Forest Service (Forest Service), as a cooperating agency, prepared a Final Environmental Assessment (EA) for the CO Bar Solar Interconnection Project, located on Coconino National Forest (COF) lands within the Flagstaff Ranger District, private lands, and Arizona State Land Department lands. The Forest Supervisor of the COF has prepared a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and draft Decision Notice (DN) for the portion of the CO Bar Solar Interconnection Project occurring on National Forest System (NFS) lands.

CO Bar Solar, LLC, proposes an interconnection of the CO Bar Solar Complex to the Navajo Southern Transmission System (NSTS) at the Moenkopi to Cedar Mountain 500-kilovolt transmission line in Coconino County, approximately 30 miles northwest of Flagstaff, Arizona. At full buildout, the CO Bar Solar Complex would provide up to 1,000 megawatts of generation output to the transmission line. Reclamation is part owner of the NSTS and must make the decision to approve a Large Generator Interconnection Agreement. The interconnection facilities would include collection lines, a substation, up to two short intertie lines, and improvements to an Arizona Public Service (APS) switchyard that is currently under construction for another renewable energy project. The CO Bar Solar Interconnection Project would also include access improvement and use of National Forest Service Road (NFSR) 417 and NFSR 9003. CO Bar Solar, LLC, has requested a Forest Service Special Use Permit (SUP) from the COF for these activities. The COF has considered this request in accordance with 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 251, Subpart B, and published a draft decision authorizing a special use permit for improvement, use, and maintenance of NFSR 417 and 9003. This opportunity to object is limited to actions occurring on NFS lands (authorization of the SUP).

The Final EA, FONSI, and draft DN are available online at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63379. Additional information can be obtained from Michael Dechter, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Coordinator, at (928) 527-3416 or via email at michael.dechter@usda.gov. The CO Bar Solar Interconnection Project is an activity implementing a land management plan not authorized under the Healthy Forests Restoration Act and is subject to the objection process pursuant to 36 CFR Part 218, Subparts A and B.

How to File an Objection and Time Frame

Objections will be accepted only from those who have previously submitted specific written comments regarding the proposed project during scoping or other designated opportunity for public comment in accordance with 36 CFR 218.5(a). Issues raised in objections must be based on previously submitted, timely, specific written comments regarding the proposed project, unless based on new information that has arisen after the designated comment opportunities. Objections, including attachments, must be addressed to the Regional Forester, filed via mail, express delivery, or messenger service to 333 Broadway Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102; or by email to objections-southwestern-regional-office@usda.gov. Electronically filed objections may be submitted by email in Word (.doc or .docx), portable document format (.pdf), rich text format (.rtf), text (.txt), and hypertext markup language (.html) and should include “CO Bar Solar Interconnection Project” in the subject line. Objections must be submitted within 45 calendar days following the publication of this notice in the Arizona Daily Sun. The publication date in the newspaper of record is the exclusive means for calculating the time to file an objection. Those wishing to object should not rely upon dates or time frame information provided by any other source. The regulations prohibit extending the time to file an objection. At a minimum, an objection must include the following (36 CFR 218.8(d)):

1. The objector’s name and address, with a telephone number, if available.
2. A signature or other verification of authorship upon request (a scanned signature for email may be filed with the objection).
3. When multiple names are listed on an objection, identification of the lead objector (verification of the identity of the lead objector shall be provided upon request).
4. The name of the proposed project, the name and title of the Responsible Official, and the name(s) of the National Forest(s) and/or Ranger District(s) on which the proposed project will be implemented.
5. A description of those aspects of the proposed project addressed by the objection, including specific issues related to the proposed project if applicable; how the objector believes the environmental analysis or draft decision specifically violates law, regulation, or policy; suggested remedies that would resolve the objection; and supporting reasons for the reviewing officer to consider.
6. A statement that demonstrates connection between prior specific written comments on the particular proposed project or activity and the content of the objection. Incorporation of documents by reference is permitted only as provided in 36 CFR 218.8(b).

It is the objector’s responsibility to ensure timely filing of a written objection with the reviewing officer pursuant to 36 CFR 218.9. All objections are available for public inspection during and after the objection process. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.