Rising Tree Wind Farm Project Notice of Preparation - County of Kern

PUBLIC SERVICES
a. Would the project result in substantial adverse
physical impacts associated with the provision
of new or physically altered governmental
facilities, need for new or physically altered
governmental facilities, the construction of
which could cause significant environmental
impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service
ratios, response times, or to other performance
objectives for any of the public services:
i) Fire protection?
ii) Police protection?
iii) Schools?
iv) Parks?
v) Other public facilities?
Discussion:
KERN COUNTY PLANNING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
RISING TREE WIND ENERGY PROJECT
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Unless
Mitigated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
(a) The Kern County Fire Department provides fire suppression and emergency medical services to
the Project area. The Mojave Station, located three (3) miles east of the Project site at 1953 SR 58
in Mojave, would be the primary fire station to service the Project. The Project site is within a
State Responsibility Area (SRA), and CAL FIRE implements wildfire planning and protection for
the SRA. Construction and operation activities may result in increased risk of wildfire, which
could impact firefighting capacity in the area. The potential impact on fire services from
construction in an SRA area and operation of the Project is therefore potentially significant and
will be evaluated in the EIR/EIS.
The Kern County Sheriff’s Department provides police protection services to the Project area.
The Mojave Substation, located three (3) miles east of the Project site at 1771 SR 58 in Mojave,
would be the primary police substation to service the Project area. During construction, on-site
security would be provided. In addition, temporary construction fencing with gated site access
would be installed in accordance with County regulations to assure security and personnel safety
during construction. Where appropriate, fencing and would be constructed to meet standards for
permanent installations. While security and fencing would minimize the need for police
surveillance and response, the Project’s impacts on sheriff services and existing capacities will be
evaluated in the EIR/EIS.
Construction of the Project is expected to require 200 to 300 to workers whose numbers will vary
depending on the stage of construction. Construction workers are expected to travel to the site
from various locations throughout southern California, and the number of workers relocating to
the surrounding area is not expected to be substantial. Operation of the Project would also require
up to eight (8) to 16 full-time or part-time staff. The EIR/EIS will analyze the potential for
population increase related to the construction and operation of the Project that could result in
additional demand for school facilities.
July 2011 42 Initial Study/Notice of Preparation