FEE 2012012840 OFFICIAL RECORDS of MOHAVE COUNTY G CAROL MEIER COUNTY RECORDER 03142012 0129 PM Fee 0 PAGE 1 of 34

FEE 2012012840 OFFICIAL RECORDS OF MOHAVE COUNTY g CAROL MEIER COUNTY RECORDER 03142012 0129 PM Fee 0 PAGE 1 of 34

RESOLUTION NO 2012022

A RESOLUTION SETTING FORTH AN AMENDMENT TO BOS RESOLUTION NO 2010231 WHICH SET FORTH THE APPROVAL OF A MAJOR AMENDMENT TO THE STERLING AREA PLAN AND BOUNDARY EXPANSION AND ADJUSTMENT BETWEEN THE STERLING AREA PLAN AND THE DESERT HILLS FIRE DISTRICT AREA PLAN AS NEEDED CONSISTING OF PROPERTIES LOCATED IN SECTIONS 22 23 25 26 27 34 AND 35 TOWNSHIP 16 12 NORTH RANGE 20 12 WEST FROM UDA LR URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREA LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL UDA MR URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREA MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL SDA SR SUBURBAN DEVELOPMENT AREA SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL UDA NC URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREA NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL AND UDA PP URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREA PUBLIC PARKS LAND USE DESIGNATIONS FOR SECTION 30 S 12 OF SECTION 31 EXCEPTING THE SE 14 SE 14 SECTION 32 AND S 12 SW 14 OF SECTION 33 TOWNSHIP 16 12 NORTH RANGE 20 WEST FROM UDA LR URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREA LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL UDA MR URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREA MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL UDA HR URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREA HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL SDA SR SUBURBAN DEVELOPMENT AREA SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL UDA NC URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREA NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL UDA GC URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREA GENERAL COMMERCIAL UDA MU URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREA MIXED USE AND UDA PP URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREA PUBLIC PARKS LAND USE DESIGNATIONS FOR SECTIONS 1 2 3 PORTIONS OF SECTIONS 10 AND 11 SECTION 12 AND A PORTION OF SECTION 13 TOWNSHIP 16 NORTH RANGE 20 12 WEST FROM UDA LR URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREA LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL UDA MR URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREA MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL UDA HR URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREA HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL UDA NC URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREA NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL UDA GC URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREA GENERAL COMMERCIAL UDA LI URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREA LIGHT INDUSTRIAL UDA MU URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREA MIXED USE UDA PF URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREA PUBLIC FACILITIES AND UDA PP URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREA PUBLIC PARKS LAND USE DESIGNATIONS FOR SECTION 6 AND NORTHERN PORTIONS OF SECTIONS 14 15 16 17 AND 18 TOWNSHIP 16 NORTH RANGE 20 WEST FROM UDA LR URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREA LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL UDA MR URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREA MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL UDA HR URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREA HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL UDA LI URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREA LIGHT INDUSTRIAL UDA MU URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREA MIXED USE AND UDA PP URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREA PUBLIC PARKS LAND USE RESOLUTION NO 2012022 PAGE 2

DESIGNATIONS AND FOR THE NORTHERN PORTION OF SECTION 18 TOWNSHIP 16 NORTH RANGE 19 WEST FROM UDA LI URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREA LIGHT INDUSTRIAL AND UDA PP URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREA PUBLIC PARKS LAND USE DESIGNATIONS TO UDA HI URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREA HEAVY INDUSTRIAL LAND USE DESIGNATION FOR A SOLAR POWER PLANT AND RELATED USES AND ADDING SECTION 36 TOWNSHIP 16 12 NORTH RANGE 20 12 WEST SECTIONS 19 AND 29 N 12 SECTION 31 AND A PORTION OF SECTION 33 TOWNSHIP 16 12 NORTH RANGE 20 WEST PORTIONS OF SECTIONS 10 14 AND 15 TOWNSHIP 16 NORTH RANGE 20 12 WEST AND ALSO THE POSSIBLE REMOVAL OF THE NORTHERN PORTIONS OF SECTIONS 14 AND 16 TOWNSHIP 16 NORTH RANGE 20 WEST FROM THE DESERT HILLS FIRE DISTRICT AREA PLAN ALL WITHIN THE RDA RR RURAL DEVELOPMENT AREA RURAL RESIDENTIAL LAND USE DESIGNATION TO ALL BE INCORPORATED INTO THE STERLING AREA PLAN AND TO BE ASSIGNED AN UDA HI URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREA HEAVY INDUSTRIAL LAND USE DESIGNATION FOR A SOLAR POWER PLANT AND RELATED USES AND AMEND THE STERLING AREA PLAN LAND USE EXHIBITS TO MATCH CONSISTING OF APPROXIMATELY 21 SQUARE MILES IN THE MOHAVE COUNTY GENERAL AREA MOHAVE COUNTY ARIZONA

WHEREAS at the regular meeting of the Mohave County Board of Supervisors held on February 6 2012 a public hearing was conducted to determine whether approval should be granted to amend BOS Resolution No 2010131 setting forth a Major Amendment to the Sterling Area Plan and Boundary Expansion and Adjustment between the Sterling Area Plan and the Desert Hills Fire District Area Plan as needed to the abovedescribed property as requested by Andrew Gleason Esq of Phoenix Arizona representing Sterling Solar LLC of Mercer Island Washington and

WHEREAS the language to be added has been bolded and double underlined The language to be deleted has been struck and

WHEREAS the area to be amended covers some 21 square miles of contiguous private land and State Trust land surrounded by other private properties and Bureau of Land Management holdings including Warm Springs Wilderness Area to the north The site lies north adjacent to Interstate 40 and approximately two miles east of South Oatman Highway County Route One the community of Golden Shores and the Havasu Wildlife Refuge The planning area is comprised low desert terrain consisting of rolling hills washes and arroyos forming the rising pavilion of the Black Mountains to the east with all drainage toward the Colorado River The Sacramento Wash crosses the along the southern boundary between Interstate 40 and the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe rail line The surrounding land uses consist of vacant land and widely scattered single family dwellings on large parcels and

WHEREAS the General Plan was first amended in 1999 via BOS Resolution No 99156 to accommodate the Sterling Area Plan a multiple use standalone residential community covering some 16squaremiles of contiguous private land holdings Sterling was envisioned as the western residential and commercial gateway to Mohave County offering amenities for those wishing to retire to the Southwest along the Colorado River and RESOLUTION NO 2012022 PAGE 3

WHEREAS presently the Sterling Area Plan provides elements for Land Use Transportation Public Infrastructure Public Facilities Safety and Support as well as Parks and Recreation The eight villages designate 3230 acres for 2445 low 19305 medium and 4860 high density residential units In addition 480 Suburban Residential lots are planned on 480 acres Commercial uses will utilize 400 acres Mixed Use areas comprised of high density residential office and commercial uses are planned on 1665 acres Light Industrial uses along Interstate40 consist of 810 acres Parks and open space would make up 3170 acres and

WHEREAS the applicant requests the major General Plan and Area Plan amendments to Heavy Industrial to allow for a land use redesignation of the entire Sterling Area Plan and add a sixsquare mile expansion of the Area Plans boundary The Mohave County General Plan currently designates the land use in the expansion area as a Rural Development Area including portions Sections 14 and 16 Township 16 North Range 20 West north of Interstate40 which will have to be removed from the Desert Hills Fire District Area Plan and incorporated into the Sterling Area Plan boundary The amendment allows for other solar technologies to be employed in addition to Stirling dish engines and

WHEREAS the site is not within a fire district with the exception of Sections 14 15 16 17 and 18 Township 16 North Range 20 West and Section 18 Township 16 North Range 19 West that are within the Desert Hills Fire District The site is not served by a water system or a sewer system Parts of the site are served by electric power and telephone service Access to the site will be from South Oatman Highway via Polaris Road The Arizona Department of Transportation ADOT has no objection to the proposed development and WHEREAS the General Plan requires the Department to evaluate a the proposals effect on the character of the neighborhood surrounding the site b the proposals compatibility with adjacent land uses and c the capacity of planned services and facilities to accommodate the proposed use This site is adjacent to Highway 93 providing convenient access and also adjoins the Bureau of Reclamation high voltage transmission line allowing electricity to be delivered to the Western Area Power Administartion power grid Policy 105 states Mohave County shall use its planning and development regulations to protect residential neighborhoods from encroachment of incompatible activities or land uses which may have a negative impact on the residentialliving environment Conversely Policy 218 requires Mohave County to protect industriallydesignated areas from encroachment by incompatible uses such as residential neighborhoods These two policies are also designed to protect property values and discourage disinvestment This proposal should generate minimal traffic once the facility is operational create little additional noise beyond the property line or other emissions from the site sue hi h is f eused within the diameter of eaeh dish Sti nai and be buffered to the north by BLM holdings to the north and east and to the south by the Sacramento Wash and Interstate 40 and

WHEREAS Policy 52 of the General Plan states that the County should limit development impacts on environmentally sensitive areas by encouraging innovative designs and mitigation Natural resource and biological studies have been completed for this site under the National Environmental Policy Act NEPA review and approval processes during the Hualapai MountainSanta Fe Ranch land l t exchange during the 1990s Dish Sterling sys are m teking deviees and y d t d nifi nt site to b ff e in solar and 0 go harnessing RESOLUTION NO 2012022 PAGE 4

WHEREAS Policy 53 of the General Plan states that the County should encourage development proposals that preserve or enhance identified wildlife habitat areas The terrain within the project with numerous washes provides habitat linkages between the Topock Marsh and the Black Mountains and

WHEREAS Policy 64 ofthe General Plan states that the County should support and encourage solar and wind energy The amendment will allow renewable energy opportunities and opportunities for reduced carbon emissions in the generation of energy The amendment is also keeping the Arizona Corporation Commissions Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff rules passed in 2006 that requires 15 of the states energy use be derived from renewable sources and

WHEREAS Policy 117 of the General Plan states that Mohave County shall only approve requests for rezoning special permits the division of land other new development proposals or public projects that are consistent with the Land Use Diagrams the policies contained in the Land Use Element and the other Elements of this General Plan as further set forth in the Countys Development Regulations and

WHEREAS Policy 138 of the General Plan states the County shall consider proposals for rural industrial uses if such proposed uses provide significant employment opportunities for County residents do not require the extension of public urban services do not require a major source pollution permit from Arizona Department of Environmental Quality AC Title 18 Chapter 2 Article 10164 do not mine ground water and are not appropriate for location in a planned industrial area The solar energy project may provide a maximum of approximately 3000 jobs during the 3 to 4 year construction period and approximately 100 fulltime jobs for the operational phase of the project and

WHEREAS Policy 214 of the General Plan states that Mohave County should encourage design of commercial and industrial projects that incorporate natural features of the site that use native vegetation and design themes that recycle gray water andor harvest rainwater and that support use of alternative energy sources as set forth in the Development Regulations and

WHEREAS Policy 362 of the General Plan states Mohave County should encourage the establishment andor relocation of diverse industrial and commercial developments in identified areas of the County consistent with these uses The amendment is to allow for dish Sterling solar technology that will help diversify Arizonas industrial base if the components are produced locally and

WHEREAS Policy 3612 of the General Plan asks Mohave County to pursue and support industries that have smaller environmental footprints as measured by their use of less water and energy resources as well as their creation of fewer emissions when compared to traditional industry The proposed solar project will utilize dish Stefl ng technology a mix of solar technologies which does not require water to produce electricity Water use onsite will be used for cleaning mirrors and for potable use by employees and is estimated to be some 400 acre feet per year The Sterling Area an has a determination of water adequacy from ADWR for 8300 acrefeet of water per year to serve the residential community and RESOLUTION NO 2012022 PAGE 5

WHEREAS Policy 371 of the General Plan notes the Land Use Element and Area Plans should identify areas designated for future commercial and industrial development including sites for renewable energy development Mohave Countys solar resources insoiation value of 70 kWhrs per square meter per day allows the efficient deployment of both residential and commercialscale solar projects and

WHEREAS Policy 434 of the General Plan asks that water systems should be designed to provide for emergency water needs for fire protection and

WHEREAS Policy 494 of the General Plan states that developments should not increase runoff from the site where downstream properties will be adversely impacted by the rate of runoff Mitigation will be provided as required to insure that site runoff meets pre developed conditions and

WHEREAS Policy 503 of the General Plan states that the County should encourage flood controldrainage system design alternatives which maintain a natural appearance The Sacramento Wash and other surrounding washes will not be used for the solar power generation facility and

WHEREAS Policy 504 of the General Plan states that the County shall require that flood control drainage facilities be designed and constructed to minimize the intrusion of pollutants and excess sediments into sensitive areas and onto adjoining properties and

WHEREAS In addition to the above policies Policy 279 of the General Plan states that proposed major amendments will be analyzed for suitability and feasibility The Board will consider the following in determining the suitability of an application as a major amendment

a The applicant must demonstrate a perceived benefit or need to the area affected by the major amendment

b The applicant will need to demonstrate sufficient water availability to support at least a 100year supply to the area as a result of any future development resulting from the I amendment and which will neither pollute nor deplete the aquifer nor drop the water table below the natural recharge coefficient

c The result of the proposed major amendment should provide reasonable continuous support access and service to the location of the amendment so it can be reasonably accessed The location of development as a result of the amendment should not be so remote that stated goals and policies within predicted time development increments cannot be attained

d The purpose and implementation of the amendment should be in character with the regions current land uses or any previously devised natural balance of open space and current land uses

e Proposed future uses as the result of a major amendment will be expected to be environmentally compatible with their surroundings These include ensuring that changes and development that result from the amendment will not deplete water resources RESOLUTION NO 2012 022 PAGE 6

particularly from downstream uses and that protected habitats riparian areas and endangered species will not be disturbed or approved mitigation measures will be utilized and that water and air quality shall be maintained in perpetuity using established standards and requirements

f For proposed major amendments to or in all Development Areas it will be necessary to demonstrate how future land uses and proposed development as a result of the amendment will provide a cohesive selfsupporting community

g For amendments in or to Urban or Suburban Development Areas the amendment will need to describe future land use development with full infrastructure in a logical development pattern with prescribed time frames for completion or the preliminary development steps to be taken leading toward incorporation

WHEREAS a review of various FEMA FIRM Panels indicates that the Area Plan contains various flood hazard areas including the Sacramento Wash and its tributaries and

WHEREAS the Mohave County Planning and Zoning Commission heard this item at its December 14 2011 meeting and voted to continue the item to the January 11 2012 meeting to allow staff to provide additional information and clarification and

WHEREAS the following described Findings of Fact are for the above captioned item

a All notices have been advertised and posted according to regulations b The Needle Mountain Power development team held four public meetings as folllows i June 8 2010 at the Planning and Zoning Commission Workshop in Kingman ii June 9 2010 at the Golden Shores Community Center where 60 people attended iii June 16 2010 at the Golden Shores Community Center where 30 people attended iv August 3 2010 at the Desert Hills Fire Department where 20 people attended C Notification for these meetings were done via mailed invitation based on the Mohave County Tax Assessors data records Mailings were sent to those living in the surrounding area d The concerns and questions raised with the Sterling Area Plan amendment proposal to accommodate a 1200 MW 48000 unit Dish Stirling solar power plant related to impacts on visual resources access to recreation areas water demand and noise created by power operations traffic in Golden Shores and vicinity local workforce and the provision of electricity to local power companies The majority of public comments support the proposed changes to the Sterling Area Plan e The area has multiple forms of legal access f Significant environmental features affecting the planning area include the abovenamed washes and groundwater reserves g The applicant intends to evaluate whether an adequate water supply exists for the proposed uses RESOLUTION NO 2012 022 PAGE 7

h As part of the public outreach for the revision to the plan amendment Sterling Solar LLC conducted an additional public meeting at the Golden Shores Community Center on November 15 2011 where 50 people attended The public expressed concern over the size and bounds of the proposal use of Polaris Road as the main access to the project maintaining access to the area in general the fencing off of State land visibility from Golden Shores reflectivity of the solar array water usage raising the transmission lines to accommodate additional voltages tune of public funding and use of the Community Facilities District CFD I funding employment opportunities and ways to participate at the upcoming public hearings to both support and oppose the nroiect i To further the public outreach for the revision to the plan amendment the Board of Supervisors at their February 6 2012 meeting requested Sterling Solarl LLC to conduct a second public meeting where notification would be provided to all land owners in Golden Shores The meeting was held on February 29 2012 where 180 people attended The public expressed concern over the size and bounds of the proposal increased vehicular use of County Route 1 and the potential conflict with local school traffic wear and tear on existing roads use of Polaris Road as lthe in access to the project maintaining access to the area in general the fencing off of State land visibility from Golden Shores reflectivity of the solar array water usage raising the transmission lines to accommodate additional voltages type of public funding and use of the Community Facilities District CFD funding employment opportunities and ways to participate at the upcoming public hearing to both support and oppose the nroiect

WHEREAS at the public hearing before the Mohave County Planning and Zoning Commission on January 11 2012 the Commission recommended APPROVAL for the proposed Amendment to the text of BOS Resolution No 2010231 setting forth the Major Amendment to the Sterling Area Plan and Boundary Expansion and Adjustment between the Sterling Area Plan and the Desert Hills Fire District Area Plan as needed as follows

1 The land use designations for Sections 22 23 25 26 27 34 and 35 Township 16 12 North Range 20 12 West from UDA LR Urban Development Area Low Density Residential UDA MR Urban Development Area Medium Density Residential SDA SR Suburban Development Area Suburban Residential UDA NC Urban Development Area Neighborhood Commercial and UDA PP Urban Development Area Public Parks land use designations for Section 30 S 12 of Section 31 excepting the SE 14 SE 14 Section 32 and S 12 SW 14 of Section 33 Township 16 12 North Range 20 West from UDA LR Urban Development Area Low Density Residential UDA MR Urban Development Area Medium Density Residential UDA HR Urban Development Area High Density Residential SDA SR Suburban Development Area Suburban Residential UDA NC Urban Development Area Neighborhood Commercial UDA GC Urban Development Area General Commercial UDA MU Urban Development Area Mixed Use and UDA PP Urban Development Area Public Parks land use designations for Sections 1 2 3 portions of Sections 10 and 11 Section 12 and a portion of Section 13 Township 16 North Range 20 12 West from UDA LR Urban Development Area Low Density Residential UDA MR Urban Development RESOLUTION NO 2012 022 PAGE 8

Area Medium Density Residential UDA HR Urban Development Area High Density Residential UDA NC Urban Development Area Neighborhood Commercial UDA GC Urban Development Area General Commercial UDA LI Urban Development Area Light Industrial UDA MU Urban Development Area Mixed Use UDA PF Urban Development Area Public Facilities and UDA PP Urban Development Area Public Parks land use designations for Section 6 and northern portions of Sections 14 15 16 17 and 18 Township 16 North Range 20 West from UDA LR Urban Development Area Low Density Residential UDA MR Urban Development Area Medium Density Residential UDA HR Urban Development Area High Density Residential UDA LI Urban Development Area Light Industrial UDA MU Urban Development Area Mixed Use and UDA PP Urban Development Area Public Parks land use designations and for the northern portion of Section 18 Township i16 North Range 19 West from UDA LI Urban Development Area Light Industrial and UDA PP Urban Development Area Public Parks land use designations to UDA HI Urban Development Area Heavy Industrial land use designation for a solar power plant and related uses and adding Section 36 Township 16 12 North Range 20 12 West Sections 19 and 29 N 12 Section 31 and a portion of Section 33 Township 16 12 North Range 20 West portions of Sections 10 14 and 15 Township 16 North Range 20 12 West and also the possible removal of the northern portions of Sections 14 and 16 Township 16 North Range 20 West from the Desert Hills Fire District Area Plan all within the RDA RR Rural Development Area Rural Residential land use designation to all be incorporated into the Sterling Area Plan and to be assigned an UDA HI Urban Development Area Heavy Industrial land use designation for a solar power plant and related uses and amend the Sterling Area Plan land use exhibits to match as shown on Exhibit A

2 The boundary between the Sterling Area Plan and Desert Hills Fire District Area Plan shall be adjusted to reassign the northern portions of Sections 14 and 16 Township 16 North Range 20 West lying north of Interstate 40 from the Desert Hills Fire District Area Plan to the Sterling Area Plan

3 The proposed development will comply with all Federal State and local requirements including those from the Arizona Corporation Commission Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Arizona Game and Fish Department and the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System

4 The General Plan and Area Plan amendments will not become effective until compliance with the National Environmental Protection Act NEPA standards for development and the securing of permits from Western Area Power Administration WAPA for interconnection with the transmission line is obtained by the applicant This must occur within two 2 years of the approval of this Resolution Without such permitting compliance the General Plan and Area Plan amendments will not be considered vested and land uses will remain unchanged RESOLUTION NO 2012022 PAGE 9

5 Development of the Area Plan shall show sufficient progress within ten 10 years Sufficient progress is the development of the solar power generation plant Without such progress the solar power generation plant portion of the Area Plan will be recommended for reduction in scope or rescission

WHEREAS the Board of Supervisors at their regular meeting on Monday February 6 2012 CONTINUED this item to their March 12 2012 regular meeting to allow for additional public input and

WHEREAS the notice of hearing was published in The Kingman Daily Miner a newspaper of general circulation in Kingman Mohave County Arizona February 26 2012 and posted February 24 2012 as required by Arizona Revised Statutes and the Mohave County Zoning Regulations

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors at their regular meeting on Monday March 12 2012 APPROVED the Amendment to the text of BOS Resolution No 2010231 as recommended by the Mohave County Planning and Zoning Commission and outlined herein

MOHA E C U Y OARD OF SUPERVISORS

ATTEST

Buste Johnson Chairman Llfz GGv Barbara 1111114ii111lII Bracken Clerk S0 y

y m C O

QfUS

9i R 4 itti n0 Exhibit A

34 WARM SPRINGS 32 31 32 33 T17 R20W 35 36 31 T317N R 9W 33 34

THE PLAN AND THE STERLJNG PLAN GENERAL6 LAND USE DESIGNATION TO REMAIN WMIAL

T16 112N R20W 26 T161 28 27 30 STERUNG AREA PLJ ENERGY ZOHING MAP FROM ESEHEAVrRlgWto P N j 33 34 35 36 31 mm w E

IS 24 I 6

ii N 25 t I a P o c 9 10 14 i 7 q 11 12 Y T16N R20 it N T16N R20W T16 R19W

15 14 13 1 IIIIIIIIT 14 X13 18

1 22 23 24 19 2021 22 95 23 24 19 Copyright 02007 Whave County Intonnation Tedlp center 34 57 N 114 224 W Sterling Solar Generating Facility

Area Plan

Submitted By NEEDLE MOUNTAIN POWER LLC MAY 7 2010 Revised November 9 2011

Sterling Solar Generating Facility Area Plan May 7 2010 Needle Mountain Power LLC Revised November 9 2011 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

I THE PROJECT 4

Il SUMMARY STERLING AREA PLAN 4

A Site Elements 4

1 Isolation 4 2 Climate 45 3 Soils 5 4 Slope 5 5 Geology and Seismicity 5 6 Vegetation 5 7 Water Resources Current Sterling Area Plan 56 8 Transmission 8

B The Sterling Solar Generating Facility 8

C Goals of the Sterling Solar Generating Facility 8

Ill STERLING AREA PLAN 9n

A Existing Area PlanLand Zoning Designations 9JD

B Proposed General Plan Amendment and Area Plan Designations 11

C Summary Of Benefits 12

D Phasing 12

E Economic Development 12

1 Gross State Output The total value of goods and services produced withinthe state 12 2 EarningsThe value of wages and benefits earned by workers in the region 12 3 Employment Full and parttime jobs 12 4 FiscalImpact to tax receipts by the County State and Local Governments 12

IV ENVIRONMENTAL 13

A Water Resources 13

B NEPA 14

Sterling Solar Generating Facility Area Plan May 7 2010 Needle Mountain Power LLC Revised November g 2011 2 C Air Quality 14

D Biology 15

V SITE INFRASTRUCTURE 16

A Water and Waste Water Systems 16

B Storm Water and Waste Water Systems 16

C Evaporation Ponds 6

D Circulation Transportation 17

VI MAPS PICTURES AND OTHER DOCUMENTS

a Existing Sterling Area Plan Map 441Q

b Mohave County Well Map 7

C Land Ownership Map 21

d Transmission Power Lines and Land Use 2412

e StiniRgEneFgys SunGatsheF 22

ADWRextension letter 232D

gfNotification Area 22421

k Existing Sterling Area Plan Land Uses by Section 2

VII APPENDIX

a StirrgE yMeIT16 9 heF Selaic FReFgy 404b NREL 2006 Solar Resources

Sterling Solar Generating Facility Area Plan May 7 2010 Needle Mountain Power LLC R vic d Nov ember 9 3 I THE PROJECT

NEEDLE MOUNTAIN POWER LLC Proposes to develop The Sterling Solar Generating Facility which when fully operational will produce 1200 Megawatts of gross output using photovoltaic solar a low water use technology which has minimal impact on other natural resources

II SUMMARY STERLING AREA PLAN

The site is located 19 miles north of Lake Havasu City Mohave County AZ and is bordered on the south by interstate 40 and BLM lands on the north The western border is a mix of private AZ State Trust and BLM land and the eastern border is private land There is one section containing 640 acres of AZ State Trust land Section 36Township 16 North range 20 z West close to the center of the project Other AZ State Trust Lands in the northern portion of section 16 and section 14 Township 16 North Range 20 West and in section 15 and section 14 Township 16 North Range 20 z West Gila and Salt River Baseline and Meridian are included in the Project An application to lease these properties has been submitted to the AZ State Lands Department See addendum 1 for legal descriptions The Amended Sterling Area Plan would be divided into two land use designations as follows

1 The Solar Generation Energy land use designation area contains approximately 9600 acres of land that is ideal for solar generation NMP is in the process of obtaining leases to one parcel of AZ State Trust Land and is seeking additional acreage of private land which would be included in the amended area plan to Heavy Industrial

2 The Heavy Industrial land use designation area which currently has mainly a Light Industrial land use designation and contains approximately 2100 acres The El Paso Natural Gas lines and the BNSF Railroad run through the property and interstate 40 is the southern boundary The area is Ideal for an industrial and Manufacturing park NMP is in the process of obtaining leases to three parcels of AZ State Trust Land in this area

A Site Elements

1 Isolation

The Sterling Solar Generating Facility is located within an area with excellent sunlight isolation Annual energy generation at the site exceeds 300000 kwhrs Per acre See Appendix

Sterling Solar Generating Facility Area Plan May 7 2010 Needle Mountain Power LLC Revised Nov ember 9 2011 4 2 Climate

The average annual rainfall at Sterling Solar Generating Facility is less than 5 inches with slightly higher rainfall in the summer months compared to the winter months The average recorded daily rainfall in Golden Shores is 47 inches There is no recorded average snowfall in the area The sunny climate in the summer months has an average temperature of 9233 degrees F and winter temperatures average 5367 degrees F

1 Soils

During the BLM land exchange in 1994 a soils study was required as part of the exchange The soils are comprised of medium to coarse textured soil gently sloping to the southwest into floodplains and alluvial fans The subject lands are situated on alluvial valley fill that was deposited by the Colorado River and the Sacramento Wash The thickness of these sediments may range to 200700 feet and there is no bedrock exposed throughout the area The area contains several rolling hills on one of which Sterling Solar Generating Facility plans to erect a 1 million gallon water storage tank to allow gravity flow water pressure to serve the entire property Areas that receive rain runoff from adjacent upland such as the wilderness area will support vegetation for seasonal grazing and riparian vegetation along washes and can provide good habitat for wildlife species

4 Slope

Elevations range from about 550 in the southwest corner to about 1060 on the easternmost boundary The slope within the Sterling Solar Generating Facility Area Plan is level to 4 percent sloping to the southwest which is Ideal for placing a solar generation facility Runoff drains into the Sacrament and Cottonwood Washes which flow into the Colorado River

5 Geology and Seismicity

The Sterling Solar Generating Facility Area Plan is located in an area with low potential for Seismic activity the earthquake peak ground acceleration that has a 10 percent chance of being exceeded in 50 years has a value of between 4 and 5 percent The nearest fault with known Holocene younger than 10000 years ago surface faulting is the Hurricane fault zone which is located approximately 80 miles northeast of the site The Sterling Solar Generating Facility is in Seismic Zone C per 2007 IBC

6 Vegetation

Vegetation data was acquired from the Browne and Lowe vegetation database available through Arizona Game and Fish Department AGFD Vegetation classes within the Area Plan include

Sterling Solar Generating Facility Area Plan May 7 2010 Needle Mountain Power LLC Revised Nov mberQ 2011 5 Semidesert Grassland Includes a variety of summeractive perennial grasses Black grama Bouteloua chondrosioides and tobosa grass Hilaria mutica are the most diagnostic grass dominant in semidesert grassland Vegetation within the Area Plan is composed entirely of Semidesert Grassland

7 Water ResourcesCurrent Sterling Area Plan

The current Sterling Area Plan is located within south western portion of the Sacramento Valley water basin This area extends from Yucca on the south to Golden Valley on the north is bound on the west by the Colorado River and Black Mountains and is bound on the east by Hualapai Mountains and Cerbat Mountains The basin fill consists of the three groups of alluvial fill found in many of the basins of the Basin and Range Province the lower Older Alluvium the Intermediate Alluvium and the upper Younger Alluvium The Older Alluvium is the major aquifer as the Intermediate and Younger Alluvium are usually above the ground water table Below or forming a part of the Older Alluvium Groundwater sources includes one Arizona Department of Water Resources ADWR registered well 553713 Information about the ADWR registered well is provided in Table 1 The complete ADWR water studies from 1999 are available

Plan Final 26 JULY 99 of the Arizona Water Atlas shows an increase in the Sacramento Valley Basin agricultural water demand from 8230 acre feetyear in 1999 The increase of agricultural water demand may correlate with a negative net waterlevel change in portions of the Sacramento Valley water basin however wells in proximity to the Sterling Area Plan have experienced a net waterlevel increase from water in year 1996 to 2006 The Project will comply with all applicable ADWR Regulations

TABLE1

ADWR Registered Wells within the Site

Well Depth Water Pump Draw Owner Registry Level Rate Down ID 553713 880 ft 52 ft 200 GPM 0 ft Topock Mesa LTD Partnership 3301 Monte Villa Parkway 101 Bothell Washington 98021

Sterling Solar Generating Facility Area Plan May 7 2010 Needle Mountain Power LLC Revised Nov mh r 4 2011 6 6 fl Ground Water Occurrence and Movement 2006 and WaterLevel Changes Mohave County Arizona

n D r T NI J F j j

Vh Ili Z

s e ualflPe 2 Fa J Vim O

off w

BULANKnON

imocib 3 nRkAiRlD4lOutQTrgMVMTR 5 c o

Area f AIAN4A4 Subjed Q d1 T0 19Y a IA TO 4 9 y uz lATOa9

G o lti worosa9 d Q TSnar aou X 7 F Olu Vniky BASIN DINIME o I 1tMrE3 ra

O li imam rrosruaru

Figmn 1 Net WMIM 6jelchurop In rmta year lM to22Wlfi Ira sehtied sells lknnTal liLubpm allsl acnnlJrano Ngey BviftL hkdutue Cwmly A1001M

Sterling Solar Generating Facility Area Plan May 7 2010 Needle Mountain Power LLC Revised November q 2011 7 8 Transmission

The Sterling Solar Generating Area Plan has Two 2 230 Kv Transmission lines operated by the Western Area Power Administration that cross the private lands of the project The Interconnection Switchyard and Substation will be located all on private land and require no easements from BLM or State or other private land owners

B The Sterling Solar Generating Facility

NEEDLE MOUNTAIN POWER LLC Has made every effort to research and use the most appropriate technology possible in its desire to provided renewable energy generation at its site in Mohave County The Sterling Solar Generating Facility when fully operational in 46 years will produce 1200 Megawatts of gross output using the g 1ReFgYs 9YRGatsher a high effineRGY l9WW eF usephotovoltaic solar technology which will be gentle on the environment and conserve our valuable natural resources

TheStlf Energy StilgRgiRe kRown as the Such photovoltaic solar technology uses no water in the production of electricity water is only used for the cleaning of the FAiFF9F5soIar panels on a Fsenthly ero basis and the generating equipment emits zero carbon into the atmosphere

C Goals of the Sterling Solar Generating Facility

Goal To provide clean renewable energy

Policy Work with local state and federal agencies to ensure that environmental and cultural requirements can be met while building an economically feasible solar generating facility

Goal To implement the goals and policies of the Mohave County General Plan to the fullest extent possible while developing constructing and operating the proposed Project

Policy Work closely with the Mohave County staff elected officials and community residents to formulate a plan that represents the best implementation of the Project in concert with the General Plan The following list is comprised of Goals and Policies from the General Plan that the Sterling Solar Generating Facility Area Plan complements

The following list is comprised of Goals and Policies from the General Plan that the Sterling Solar Generating Facility Area Plan complements

Policy 64 The County should support and encourage solar and wind energy

Goal Implementation The proposed Sterling Solar Generating Facility is a 1200 Megawatt utilitysized Solar Generating Facility

Sterling Solar Generating Facility Area Plan May 7 2010 Needle Mountain Power LLC Revised November9 2011 8 Policy 104 Locations for commercial and Industrial uses should identified to support the Countys economic development objectives including diversification of the economic base

Policy 214 Mohave County should encourage design of commercial and industrial projects that incorporate natural features of the site that use native vegetation and design themes recycle graywater and or harvest rainwater and that support use of alternative energy sources as set forth in the development Regulations

Policy 216 Mohave County should promote increased industrial development in the vicinity of airports in Kingman Lake Havasu City Bullhead City and Colorado City as well the Interstate 40 Corridor

Goal Implementation The Sterling Solar Generating Facility Project will provide significant employment opportunities for County residents during the construction phase up to a maximum of approximately 1300 jobs during 4 to 6 years and will maintain approximately 400 to 500 full time jobs during operation It will not require any extension of public services for electricity water or sewage

Goal implementation The project area has been screened as being ideal for the location of a solar generating facility Additionally there are no residences within the Site vicinity and only five residences within 12 miles of the proposed Sterling Solar Generating Facility

Policy 3612 Mohave County should pursue and support industries that have smaller environmental footprints as measured by their use of less water and energy resources as well as their creation of fewer emissions when compared to traditional industry

Goal Implementation The Sterling Solar Generating Facility Project will utilize photovoltaic solar technology Solar Power as the primary fuel source for electrical generation Such photovoltaic solar generating units produce zero emissions compared to conventional fossil fuel generating faculties

Policy 371 The Land Use Element and Area Plans should identify areas designated for future commercial and industrial development including sites for renewable energy development The Area Plans may include additional policies defining the appropriate types of non residential development

Goal Implementation The project area has been screened as being ideal for the location of the 9 Y her Qhotovoltaic solar generating technology The Industrial portion which currently has a Light Industrial land use designation and contains approximately 2100 acres has El Paso Natural Gas pipelines the BNSF Railroad that run through the property and interstate 40 is the southern boundary Ideal for a industrial and manufacturing park

Sterling Solar Generating Facility Area Plan May 7 2010 Needle Mountain Power LLC Revic d Nov rnh r g 2011 9 III STERLING AREA PLAN

A Existing Area PlanLand Zoning Designations

The existing Sterling Area Plan was developed in accordance with the 1995 Mohave County General Plan The Site referred to as The Sterling Plateau consists of vacant land that has not been disturbed According to the Mohave County General Plan a portion of the Site is located within a Rural Development Area RDA and is classified as AR36A Agricultural Residential with a minimum area of 36 acres The majority of the site is within the current Sterling Area Plan Land use and is designated as a planned mixed use development for a series of 8 Villages with residential homes golf courses lakes and commercial uses see land use Exhibit The Site consists of AR36A Agricultural Residential with a minimum area of 36 acres The mixed use portion of the Sterling Area Plan also has an approved Community Facility District CFD for public Infrastructure development for 400 million approved April 7 2008 by Mohave County Board of Supervisors The Sections include 22 23 27 26 25 34 35 in Township 16 2 North Range 20 h West and Sections 1 2 3 and the northern Portions of SECTION 11 and 12 in Township 16 North Range 20 2 West and SECTION 30 32 Southern 2 of SECTION 31 except for the south eastern 40 acres and the South West Portion of SECTION 33 in Township 16 2 North Range 20 West and SECTION 6 in Township 16 North Range 20 West Gila and Salt River Baseline and Meridian

The Industrial and Manufacturing Area referred to as the Sacramento Station portion includes portions of Sections 10 11 12 and the portion of Section 13 that is bordered by 1 40 on the south in Township 16 North Range 20 z West and the northern portions of Sections 18 17 15 which border 140 on the south in Township 16 North Range 20 West and the portion north of 140 of Section 18 in Township 16 North Range 19 West Gila and Salt River Baseline and Meridian This area also has an approved Community Facility District CFD for public Infrastructure development for 250 million approved April 7 2008 by Mohave County Board of Supervisors Existing Sterling Area Plan

c 84ee 1adU Pun

Sterling Solar Generating Facility Area Plan May 7 2010 Needle Mountain Power LLC Revised November 9 2011 10 B Proposed General Plan Amendment and Area Plan Designations

The amended Area Plan should be thought of in two segments The first is the Solar Generating Area referred to by the developers as the Sterling Plateau and the second is the Industrial and Manufacturing area referred to by the developer as The Sacramento Station

THE STERLING PLATEAU

On the Sterling Solar Generating Facility Sterling Plateau the proposed land use designation change within the project boundary is from Mixed Use and High Medium and Low Density Residential land use and other land uses as defined in the Sterling Area Plan to Heavy Industrial Land use designation to allow for a Renewable Energy E overlay zoning district See Land Use Table in appendix The Sterling Solar Generating Facility is a single purpose project that will be comprised of approximately 10000 13000 acres of Energy Overlay land that will be used to construct and operate a concentrating solar power generating facility Elements within the Site include solar fields power blocks technical and non technical buildings retention ponds rainwater catch basins evaporation ponds waste water treatment water treatment water storage tanks on site housing substation a visitors center substation and switching station interconnection with the Western Area Power Administration powerlines and septic tanks located within the technical and non technical locations within the Site Because the area plan will consist of a single industrial facility any public facilities deemed as public safety will be incorporated within the area plan

The proposed amendments will consist of all of Sections 22 23 25 26 27 34 35 and 36 of Township 16 2 North Range 20 2 West and all Sections 1 2 3 and the Northern portion of section 11 and 12 of Township 16 North Range 20 West and all of Sections 19 293031 32 and the south west portion of 33 of Township 16 2 North Range 20 West and all of Section 6 Township 16 North Range 20 West from Mixed Use and High and Low Density Residential land use as defined in the Sterling Area Plan to Heavy Industrial to allow for a Heavy Industrial Zoning

THE SACRAMENTO STATION

The Sterling Solar Generating Facility The Sacramento Station proposed amendments will also incorporate additional lands in Section 10 11 12 13 of Township 16 North Range 20 West and the northern portions of Section 15 17 18 of Township 16 North Range 20 West and the northern portion of section 18 Township 16 North Range 19 West with proposed new land uses designated of Heavy Industrial which will allow for Heavy Manufacturing MX land use designation

The Amendment would also include Land in the process of being leased from the Arizona State Land Trust all of Section 36 Township 16 2 North Range 20 2 West as Renewable Energy E Zoning Overlay District And all of Section 15 North of Interstate 40 and all of Sec 14 owned by Arizona State Land Trust North of Interstate 40 in Township 16 North Range 20 2 West and the acreage north

Sterling Solar Generating Facility Area Plan May 7 2010 Needle Mountain Power LLC Revised November 9 2011 11 of Interstate 40 in sections 14 and 16 in Township 16 North Range 20 West which will allow for Heavy Manufacturing MX Zoning

C Summary Of Benefits

These land use designation changes are intended to create jobs increase the county tax base increase sale tax revenues and allow for the continued development of Renewable Energy industries clean industry and manufacturing and related industries Ideally a Federal Free Trade Zone may be established and could create good paying jobs A Renewable Energy Incentive District per ARS 1125407 is also planned

D Phasing

Phasing is not anticipated at this time as the project will continually be developed as capacity on the Western Area Power Authority WAPA transmission grid allows

E Economic Development

The Sterling Solar Generating Facility Project will have a direct and indirect economic impact within Mohave County The following economic metrics can be used to measure the direct and indirect economic impact of dollars spent in a given region

1 Gross State Output The total value of goods and services produced within the state

2 EarningsThe value of wages and benefits earned by workers in the region

3 Employment Full and parttime jobs

4 Fiscal Impact to tax receipts by the County State and Local Governments

The economic impacts of Sterling Solar Generating Facility Project can be divided into the construction and operation periods During the construction phase of the project there is a direct economic impact from the portion of goods and services for the project purchased from local vendors There are also indirect economic impacts which include employment created by purchases from vendors and multiplier impacts in the regional economy During the operation phase of the project there is a direct impact from permanent jobs created by the facility and annual purchases of goods and services to support operations and maintenance of the facility There are also multiplier impacts created by the annual facility operations and maintenance expenditures

According to the 2009 Solar Energy and Economics Outlook Patton 2009 the massive level of solar power plant construction in Arizona over the next 20 years generates the lions share of solar powers economic benefits in terms of employment wages and value added The annual amount of direct labor used

Sterling Solar Generating Facility Area Plan May 7 2010 Needle Mountain Power LLC Revised Novemher 9 2011 12 on solar construction and installation projects will increase from 565 jobs in 2010 to a peak 16530 jobs in 2025 The amount of wages generated by solar power construction and installation will be significant The total annual wages direct indirect and induced will rise from 51 million in 2010 to a peak of 1560 million in 2025 The cumulative value of wages over the period 2010 to 2030 amounts to 135 billion The value added created by solar power construction and installation will also be significant The total annual value added direct indirect and induced increases from 74 million in 2010 to a peak of 2240 million in 2025 The cumulative amount of wages from 2010 to 2030 amounts to 194 billion

The Sterling Solar Generating Facility Project can serve as a magnet to draw other solar projects to Mohave County allowing Mohave County to gain a larger percentage of the projected statewide economic benefits related to Solar Generation The Sterling Solar Generating Facility Project will employ up to a maximum of approximately 1300 construction personnel at its peak and approximately 350 to 500 operational jobs within Mohave County during operations of the facility The Sterling Solar Generating Facility Project will represent an increase to Mohave Countys overall tax base by 6 million dollar annually

Goal Implementation Generate increased revenues for Mohave County and job opportunities for local residents through industrial development of the Sterling Solar Generation Facility

Policy Participate with state and local economic development officials to promote job and vending opportunities associated with the construction and operation of the Sterling Solar Generating Facility Project

IV ENVIRONMENTAL

A Water Resources

NEEDLE MOUNTAIN POWER LLC recognizes that water is a precious resource in Mohave County therefore it is exercising due diligence in selecting the best low water use technology to preserve our groundwater resources The Arizona Department of Water Resources ADWR has determined based on hydrogeological studies and other information that 100 years of adequate water for 8300 acre feet of water per year from the Sacramento Valley Basin aquifer This supply is adequate to support The Sterling Solar Generating Facility Project in addition to the current committed demand for water in the region

The Project will comply with all applicable ADWR Regulations Needle Mountain Power LLC understands that the statement of water adequacy from ADWR is a critical precursor for development plans and includes that letter in its package See Appendix As a matter of general policy Needle Mountain Power LLC is open to exploring feasible technologies and conservation techniques that minimize the impact the project has on groundwater resources For purposes of its water use projections the project is calculating that consumption will be less than what 500 average households would use annually The prior land use analysis of adequate water supply based on a different and more intensive use

Sterling Solar Generating Facility Area Plan May 7 2010 Needle Mountain Power LLC R Ag d Nov mb r 4 2011 13 for the property which has been approved by the Arizona Department of Water Resources It is anticipated that the prorated share of water for this project will be approximately 500 acre feet year

Goal Minimize the impact of the project on groundwater resources

Policy Explore technologies and conservation techniques that minimize impact to groundwater resources while still maintaining the technical and economic feasibility of the Project

B NEPA

NEEDLE MOUNTAIN POWER LLC recognizes that compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and related laws and regulations must be accomplished before project construction can begin To prepare for the necessary analyses NMP has retained the services of a firm that specializes in obtaining environmental clearances Existing documentation has been collected and reviewed including the extensive record used by BLM in developing the Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for the 1994 land exchange decision In addition consultation has been initiated with the Arizona Department of Game and Fish as well as the US Fish and Wildlife Service

It is NMPs expectation that the Western Area Power Administration will be the Lead Federal Agency for environmental compliance activities NMP and its consultants will work closely with staff from Western to complete necessary analyses and prepare necessary documents

C Air Quality

The Sterling Solar Generating Facility Area Plan consists of the se4fseRtaned solar n a io The primary fuel source for this facility will be conversion of the heat energy of natural sunlight into AC power In addition other fuel may be used in the plant for facility startup up to approximately 1 of the annual solar energy input Other fuel sources such as portable equipment using Natural Gas Heaters could also be required for freeze protection as well as for maintaining equipment during down time But because of the Temperatures do not generally get to the hard freeze in the area this use will very minimal if at all The Project will likely not require a Non TitleV Air Permit because the Sterling Solar Generating Facility is not located within a non attainment area Construction and maintenance equipment will meet all applicable air quality requirements

Air quality impacts resulting from fugitive dust emissions from the subject lands will be lessened by paving currently unpaved roads that have been installed by the developer in the project area Dustdirt affects the performance of the 9wnGatGheF solar panels Therefore after development of the solar fields the ground surface may be treated with an ecofriendly binding agent or tackified to reduce potential fugitive dust In addition to minimizing the effects this dust would have on the photovoltaic solar panels this

Sterling Solar Generating Facility Area Plan May 7 2010 Needle Mountain Power LLC Revised November Q 2011 14 would also significantly reduce the amount of fugitive dust from these lands that could affect local air quality

The Clean Air Act is the law that defines the US Environmental Protection Agencys EPAs responsibilities for protecting and improving the nations air quality and the stratospheric ozone layer The Clean Air Act which was last amended in 1990 requires EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards NAAQS for pollutants considered harmful to public health and the environment The Clean Air Act established two types of standards Primary standards set limits to protect public health including the health of sensitive populations such as asthmatics children and the elderly Secondary standards set limits to protect public welfare including protection against visibility impairment damage to animals crops vegetation and buildings

EPA has set NAAQS for six principal pollutants which are called criteria pollutants including ozone 03 carbon monoxide CO oxides of nitrogen NOx measured as nitrogen dioxide NO2 sulfur dioxide SO2 lead Pb and particulate matter less than 10 and 25 microns in diameter PM10 and PM25 respectively EPA 2009 Areas of the country that persistently exceed the NAAQS for criteria pollutant may be designated as nonattainment areas which would require an implementation plan to reach attainment of the criteria pollutant

In addition the Clean Air Act as amended defined areas for additional regulation of PM and SO2 Class I areas are specifically designated natural areas that include national parks wildernesses and other protected Federal areas Class II areas are all other areas that are not designated Class I and include urban areas as well as natural areas that have not been designated as Class I The Sterling Solar Generating Facility Area Plan is not located within a nonattainment area nor a Class I area The closest Class I area is located approximately 70 miles north and is associated with the Grand Canyon National Park

The Project will apply for and operate within the constraints of an air permit from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality

Goal Implementation To reduce the dust during all phases of construction

Policy Create a BMP that addresses dust control

Policy Educate workers in dust control policy

D Biology

The 1994 BLM EA includes the following

A threatened and endangered species survey showed no special status plants are known to existing area The only special status animal species that occurs is the desert tortoise This property is classified as Category III Desert Tortoise habitat due to low desert tortoise densities and BLMs management capability with the checkerboard land pattern Category III Habitat is not essential to maintenance of a viable desert tortoise population

Sterling Solar Generating Facility Area Plan May 7 2010 Needle Mountain Power LLC Revised November 9 11 15 In recent years the AZ Department of Transportation has been evaluating possible corridors for the extension of US 95 north of 140 The ADOT consultants have investigated a onemile wide corridor that crosses north and east of the Sterling Property and they found no desert tortoises in that corridor Although this information is helpful a full biological survey of the entire Sterling Property is needed and will be conducted in the fall of 2010 Until that survey is completed biological issues associated with the Project cannot be fully addressed

V SITE INFRASTRUCTURE

A Water and Waste Water Systems

The Sterling Solar Generating Facility water system will include systems for the supply of demineralized water for the cleaning of the m4ief2hotoyoltaig solar panels and also potable water for the plant facilities In order to supply the facility with water of the required quality a water treatment plant will be a component of the facility The water treatment plant will supply water by mechanical and chemical treatment of water collected from an external water source wells pumped to at least a 1 million gallon storage tank for gravity feed to the site The Project will continue to provide water at no cost to neighboring residences who wish to haul water from the pickup point to be determined to their property The small amount of wastewater from the site will be contained using approved on site septic system in accordance with applicable regulations

The Sterling Solar Generating Facility shall be covered by an on site wastewater treatment plan in accordance with existing environmental regulations with the intention to reuse as much wastewater as possible The reuse of would satisfy the intent of Mohave Countys

Policy 439 The County should encourage developers to recycle gray water and rainwater onsite andor use treated effluent for landscape irrigation and other non potable uses including fountains water features commercial car and truck washes and fire suppression systems to name a few

B Storm Water and Waste Water Systems

The storm water system would consist generally of open ditches including all necessary ponds gutters gullies traps catch pits etc for the collection recharge and evaporation discharge of the clean storm water from the surface of the plant site For the design of the drainage system the rates of rainfall indicated by the local meteorological records as well as the effective runoff coefficient for different surfaces of the site natural habitat roofs roads paved areas free uncovered areas etc will be considered and incorporated in the design The volume of the retention basins will be determined in the detailed design phase of the project with consideration of the effective site level based on a detailed topographical survey of the site

The domestic waste water will be collected and treated in septic tanks located within the Project boundary

Sterling Solar Generating Facility Area Plan May 7 2010 Needle Mountain Power LLC Revised November 9 2011 16 C Evaporation Ponds

Evaporation ponds will be a necessary component in the reuse treatment process The purpose of pond treatment is to minimize the effluents and to recycle the water as much as possible The effluent concentrate from reverse osmosis and other similar wastewaters will be collected and discharged into evaporation ponds where the water evaporates naturally and can be mixed with runoff the remaining components will be retained in the evaporation ponds for the life of the project and disposed of upon decommissioning

D Circulation Transportation

Interstate 40 is a major EastWest transportation corridor in Arizona The Sterling Solar Generating Facility Area Plans southern boundary is Interstate 40 The project plans to utilize and improve the current Needle Mountain Road interchange as the primary entrance into the project from 140 The road going north from the Needle Mountain Road interchange will be improved to handle heavy equipment and will include an overpass over the BNSF Railroad tracks and the Sacramento Wash This access is intended to bring in the Heavy equipment construction materials and tools and additional labor required for power plant construction

The Initial access to the Property is Oatman Rd Mohave 1 at Polaris Road Section 23 T16N

R21 W south of Golden Shores and will become a secondary access to the property when the Needle Mountain Road interchange can be upgraded A traffic study will be performed and the consultation process has been initiated with ADOT

After the site is constructed traffic circulation will be associated with approximately 300 to 500 full time employees accessing the Sterling Solar Generating Facility from Needle Mountain Rd A new access road that would parallel the north side of interstate 40 from Needle Mountain Road to AZ Highway 95 is planned This road will provide access to the industrial area along Sacramento Wash and will be used for transportation of materials associated with plant operation

Goal Construct and maintain safe access to the site from existing Federal State County and private roads

Policy Work with ADOT and Mohave County to develop access roads according to Mohave County Road Standards

Sterling Solar Generating Facility Area Plan May 7 2010 Needle Mountain Power LLC Revised November Q 2011 17 Land Ownership Map

Proposed Sterling Area Plan Ownership Pattern within Amendment Area

I 17

0 to

Legend

OC 01 S1w11ep4FRGR0r3Dtg iaTtV Q9yv r x0 a 050230 05 t 13 2 a 61kc Hnym Qom u0 1z UiO6aEuoiic

Sterling Solar Generating Facility Area Plan May 7 2010 Needle Mountain Power LLC Revised November 9 2011 18 Transmission Poorer Lines And Land Use Map

STERLING SOLAR GENERATING FACILITY A project by NEEDLE MOUNTAIN POWER LLC

r91

r r 54r r C Jn Yr73

t F 1 i

t 1 IT S 11 iiS

1 u

i 1 A

Sterling Solar Generating Facility Area Plan May 7 2010 Needle Mountain Power LLC Revised November Q 2011 19 dORCIIrrrcr s CU RC tGh

Sterling Solar Generating Facility Area Plan May 7 2010 Needle Mountain Power LLC Revised November 9 2011 20 ADWR EXTENSION OF AN ANALYSIS OF ADEQUATE WATER SUPPLY

ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES Office of Assn red and Adequate Water Supply Floor 3550 N Coflral Ave Phoenix AL 85012 Telephome602 771 8585 Fax 602 771 8689

Jtter wrourwa eart

Ili Ina tiUCKI IICR Dlrmet EXTENSION OF AN ANALYSIS 9f WATER SUPPLY Inatsion Date November S 2006 Original Issue Date July 26 1999

File Number 23 30023011001 Doviopment Sterling Arizona Villages L IL III mid 1 Locatlum Township 16 N Renee 19 W Sectium IS Township 16 N Range 21 W Sections 6 1 S 17 18 Township 16 N Range 20A W Secticw 1 2 3 10 11 12 dt 13 Ivwnship 16 51 N Range 20 W Section 31 R 32 Mohave County Arizona Land Owacr Topcck Mesa Limited Punitership Wann Springs Develupmern Limited Punnership

On July 26 1999 the Arimna Dcpartrnern of Water Rcsotatts WW Analysis ofAdequate Water Supply No 23 300230 Analysis for Stetting Arlanna Village I if 111 and IV Development for 8230 acrerem per year of groundwater for 100 years The term of the Analysis is ten years from Novucmber 13 19916 the date of application On July 31 2006 the atulysis holder applied for all extension of the Alulyais terni A copy ofth Analysis is attached

Pursuant to AAC R1215 71211 the Ilepanmero has reviewed the application for cxtcnsum and has found that prugrcu in developing the land included in the Analysis was delayed for raw outside the control of the analysis holder In particular State Route 95 was redcuilptcd and rsaouted and will provide better access to the Dmclopnnmt Because Me new tune will he built through the Devolapmem the analysis holder could tea have proceeded with the Develapnuan until the new rouge was seknlod

The term of the Analysis is CXIC1111ed for an ndditiumll five years and will expire on November 13 2011 This term may be extended for additional fiveyear periods as provided in AAC R 12 15712H and 1 throughout the term of the Analysis The eatiniated water datand of this Development thw will he met with groundwater will be considared when te0cwing other requests for physical ovnilahi lily ticterrninwitros and determinations of adequate water supply in tho area All otlxr conditions oft he Analysis wtrtiouc to apply

Prior to obtaining plat approval by the local platting authority and approval of the public report by the Department of Real Estate o Water Report molt he obtained for each subdivision plat 71te findings of this Anab of Adequate Water Supply may be turd to demos strofa Ibet Certain requirements for a Water Report have been Met This dctermfmadan may be bnvalldared if the development plan or other conditions change ptior to filing for a Water Report

Qtr ions may be reeled to the Ufnm of Assured and Adequate Water Suppdy at 602 771 8585

j atrdrn Fahritr Whhney elan Diroct WaterStanalrcrrrent rimstun

Sterling Solar Generating Facility Area Plan May 7 2010 Needle Mountain Power LLC Revised November 9 2011 21 NOTIFICATION AREA

PIO7ICES MAP ALL

r 7tTNClitlk1 t3J f 717NRDYi tll Tiff R1 I L a

211tcuq Ir crul 9ii tJ

0 r Sm etlrnb 71d m Na fOGarrna snsax ettoit a s9 ct Gi1L

L 71Y 7aPaeetis bl a Z nas r Irt ppt fQk144ivy l evunaamt

1 ronra rmnnrmr rxur LILIM LIY ID 11 YI ii Y d I apl ctswernrrsAureI t p i ra jbI91a1Gt nrdmM erm wu aaUnaOW ixie

j T16u R201aZYV LOU 1 li7 Qu NVIIHAM pd Ir nem albiv y I ilk nmmwrnwr

WWI

1l077OG0 Qj TAT CeT

amxsrr Al2 Qd881r0 ECERtIrRESZfltL11P2aV7

ulmda Vmrmbb HHdmmb s nnShaarr3d mo tYOlsa0oa0rq rnd s9 pie a rmo mu unpune

Sterling Solar Generating Facility Area Plan May 7 2010 Needle Mountain Power LLC Revised Nov mb r g 2011 22 Existina Ste ing Area Plan Land Uses By Section Township Range Section Existing Land Use 165N 205W 22 Medium Density Residential 165N 205W 22 Public Parks 165N 205W 23 Low Density Residential 165N 205W 23 Medium Density Residential 165N 205W 23 Public Parks 165N 205W 25 Low Density Residential 165N 205W 25 Medium Density Residential 165N 205W 25 Suburban Residential 165N 205W 25 Public Parks 165N 205W 25 Neighborhood Commercial 165N 205W 26 Low Density Residential 165N 205W 26 Medium Density Residential 165N 205W 26 Suburban Residential 165N 205W 26 Public Parks 165N 205W 26 Neighborhood Commercial 165N 205W 27 Low Density Residential 165N 205W 27 Medium Density Residential 165N 205W 27 Suburban Residential 165N 205W 27 Public Parks 165N 205W 34 Low Density Residential 165N 205W 34 Medium Density Residential 165N 205W 34 Suburban Residential 165N 205W 34 Public Parks 165N 205W 35 Low Density Residential 165N 205W 35 Medium Density Residential 165N 205W 35 Suburban Residential 165N 205W 35 Public Parks 165N 205W 35 Neighborhood Commercial 165N 205W 36 Rural Development Area 165N 20W 19 Rural Development Area 165N 20W 29 Rural Development Area 165N 20W 30 High Density Residential 165N 20W 30 Low Density Residential 165N 20W 30 Medium Density Residential 165N 20W 30 Suburban Residential 165N 20W 30 Public Parks 165N 20W 31 High Density Residential 165N 20W 31 Low Density Residential 165N 20W 31 Medium Density Residential 165N 20W 31 Neighborhood Commercial 165N 20W 31 Public Parks 165N 20W 31 Rural Development Area 165N 20W 32 Public Parks 165N 20W 32 Neighborhood Commercial 165N 20W 32 Mixed Use 165N 20W 33 Public Parks 165N 20W 33 General Commercial

Sterling Solar Generating Facility Area Plan May 7 2010 Needle Mountain Power LLC Revised Nov mb 23 Existing Ste ing Area Plan Land Uses By Section Township Range Section Existing Land Use 16N 205W 1 Medium Density Residential 16N 205W 1 Neighborhood Commercial 16N 205W 1 General Commercial 16N 205W 1 Public Parks 16N 205W 1 Mixed Use 16N 205W 2 Medium Density Residential 16N 205W 2 High Density Residential 16N 205W 2 Neighborhood Commercial 16N 205W 2 Public Parks 16N 205W 2 Mixed Use 16N 205W 3 Medium Density Residential 16N 205W 3 High Density Residential 16N 205W 3 General Commercial 16N 205W 3 Public Parks 16N 205W 3 Mixed Use 16N 205W 10 Public Parks 16N 205W 10 Mixed Use 16N 205W 11 Public Parks 16N 205W 11 Mixed Use 16N 205W 12 Public Parks 16N 205W 12 Mixed Use 16N 205W 12 General Commercial 16N 205W 13 Public Parks 16N 205W 13 Mixed Use 16N 205W 13 Li ht Industrial 16N 205W 14 Rural Development Area 16N 205W 15 Rural Development Area 16N 20W 6 High Density Residential 16N 20W 6 Medium Density Residential 16N 20W 6 Low Density Residential 16N 20W 6 Mixed Use 16N 20W 6 Public Parks 16N 20W 14 Rural Development Area 16N 20W 15 Public Parks 16N 20W 15 Light Industrial 16N 20W 15 Mixed Use 16N 20W 16 Rural Development Area 16N 20W 17 Li ht Industrial 16N 20W 17 Public Parks 16N 20W 18 Li ht Industrial 16N 20W 18 Public Parks 16N 19W 18 Light Industrial 16N 19W 18 Public Parks

Sterling Solar Generating Facility Area Plan May 7 2010 Needle Mountain Power LLC Revised Nnvemher 9 2011 24