El Segundo Power Redevelopment Project

El Segundo Power II LLC submitted an Application for Certification to the California Energy Commission (CEC) for the El Segundo Power Redevelopment Project. The project consisted of replacing two 1950s vintage steam generation units with two higher efficiency combustion turbines. The CEC certification process is almost identical to that required by the CEQA, including analysis of alternatives and disclosure of projected environmental effects. MBC was uniquely qualified to provide marine biological data and analyses since the company has monitored the environment offshore the El Segundo Generating Station for 30 years. MBC staff provided review of prepared documentation, responded to CEC data requests, and provided oral and written testimony at public meetings and evidentiary hearings. After approval of the project, El Segundo Power II modified various aspects of the project including plant components and methods of construction. MBC Biologists also interfaced with regulatory agencies to address their concerns with the Petition to Amend and the Biological Resources Mitigation and Monitoring Plan. MBC performed supplemental field studies to address potential impacts from these modifications, and prepared the biological section of the Petition to Amend. MBC scientists also assisted El Segundo Power with permitting (USACE 404 and LARWQCB 401) for modifications to the existing intake and discharge structures. After acquiring permits, biologists performed marine mammal monitoring and water quality surveys during construction.