The Pico Power Project is a nominal 122 megawatt natural gas-fired combined-cycle power plant that was certified by the California Energy Commission (Energy Commission) in September 2003. It is currently under construction, and scheduled for commercial operation in February 2005. The power plant is located on a 2.85-acre parcel located at 850 Duane Avenue in the City of Santa Clara, California. On March 8, 2004, the project owner, Silcon Valley Power (SVP), filed a petition to amend the Energy Commission Decision for the Pico Power Project as described below.

DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED MODIFICATIONS

SVP requests approval for an equipment laydown area for temporary use during construction of the natural gas pipeline this spring. The site is approximately 1.5 acres in size, and is located at the northeast junction of the Montague Expressway and Lafayette St. in Santa Clara. The property is owned by the Santa Clara County Roads and Airports Department, and it is located approximately 1.2 miles north of the Pico Power Plant site. Other than installation of temporary fencing, no physical improvements will be necessary to accommodate the proposed use.

Pursuant to section 1769(a)(2), Title 20, California Code of Regulations, Energy Commission approval for the change is not required if Energy Commission staff determines: 1) that there is no possibility that the modification may have a significant effect on the environment, and 2) that the modification will not result in a change or deletion of a condition of certification, or make changes that would cause the project not to comply with applicable laws, ordinances, regulations, or standards. Energy Commission staff have determined that the proposed modification meets the criteria because:

• The temporary use of the construction laydown areas will not have a significant effect on the environment because the existing conditions of certification are adequate to avoid or minimize potential environmental impacts of the use of this property,


• No changes to, or deletion of an existing condition of certification will be required, and


• The use of the additional laydown area is in compliance with applicable laws, ordinances, regulations or standards.

Any person may file a written objection to staff's determination on the grounds that the project modification does not meet the criteria set forth in Section 1769(a)(2). All objections must be sent either by U.S. mail or other document delivery service to Nancy Tronaas, Compliance Project Manager, at the address above, or by fax at (916) 654-3882, or by e-mail to ntronaas@energy.state.ca.us. If no substantive objection is received by 5:00 P.M. on April 12, 2004, the requested project change will be approved.

If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Tronaas at (916) 654-3864.

Date: ________________

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TERRENCE O'BRIEN, Deputy Director
Systems Assessment & Facilities Siting Division