My name is John Longley. My wife and I own a 40A property and live in a residence, both of which are within 1.8 miles of the study area for the Klamath Falls Energy Center (KFEC). The 40A property owned by my wife, Theresa, and me is directly adjacent to the Green Diamond property.
(1) Because it is close to the designated study area, the property has direct impacts. My wife and I are within 500 feet of the established notice requirement because the access roadway to our 40A partially lies within the study area. Given that the access road is within the study area and, in addition, the large scale of the project, I request notice on matters requiring notice pursuant to OAR 345-020-0011(1)(f)(A)(iii) be sent to John Longley, PO Box 47, Keno, Oregon 97627.
(2) Access to the 40 acres, which my wife and I own, is by Green Diamond permit, utilized at least from the beginning of our ownership in 2015, and was initially issued in 2006. Access is a critical issue that we have worked on extensively with Green Diamond to achieve solid legal standing for the access including the issuance of a gate key, It must be consistently assured and facilitated, and specifically addressed in impact analyses.
(3) I am an Oregon licensed real estate principal broker (201217768), and the externalities of the project will likely have critical impacts on housing and business activity in the Keno area. Therefore, it is crucial that the impacts be fully considered and analyzed and that specific public participation elements be included in the analyses, with the project proponents and analysts meeting and confer with members of the larger Keno community, including those within the Keno Fire District and those with properties adjacent to and within the Green Diamond ownership. This public participation should be specific, and it is critical to engage extensively with the Keno community members.
(4) When talking with members of the Keno community, the concern I hear most often is about fire protection. Folks indicate they have observed other solar projects in the area appear to be susceptible to fires from the solar panels and wiring. This exposure must be considered, evaluated, and reported. An aspect of this must be the ability of community fire resources to meet the need for any fire prevention and suppression. Sufficient mitigation should be provided through project design and improvements in public services to fully mitigate potential exposure to wildfire now and as the project develops. The community should not experience any increase in wildfire exposure as a result of the project, and specific measures to assure wildfire protection and suppression must be fully clarified and implemented.
(5) The increase of any air pollution or ground and surface water contamination. This must be evaluated, and appropriate mitigation measures must be developed and supported indefinitely.
(6) Animal population health is a critical factor. The area has populations of elk, deer, mountain lions, bears, foxes, and, reportedly, wolves on occasion, and many others. On the 40 acres and/or at my home, I have observed owls, bald eagles, turkeys, and others. These populations must be evaluated, and mitigations must be developed so they can remain healthy, move freely, and sustain themselves, including the creation of generous, sustainable wildlife corridors. Fish populations within or adjacent to the study area, including trout and salmon, must be clarified, including any direct or indirect impact upon them.
(7) The use of surface and ground water in support of the project, both short and long-term, must be clarified. The impact of this use on the resource must be established, and measures must be taken to ensure that water available for agricultural, commercial, and domestic use is protected.
(8) The specific benefits of the project to the Keno area, especially those within the Keno Fire District, should be outlined. For example, will it increase the assurance of the availability of electrical energy within the area, both normally and during emergencies? Will there be the creation or expansion of public services in the area? Will access to private Green Diamond and other properties be increased, year-round, for public use, and will access be maintained during hunting season? Will opportunities for direct, “hands-on” public participation and involvement be enhanced? Will there be specific economic benefits to the area, including increased long-term employment and enhanced tax base? Will the project provide assistance and support to current Keno-area facilities, including, for example, the Klamath Sports Park? That is, will the project become participants in the Keno and Western Klamath communities?
Click on the following link for a site map published in the Herald and News: heraldandnewsgraphic
If any of these elements need clarification, please contact me.
Respectfully,
John Longley
541-591-0740
PO Box 47, Keno, Oregon 97627
jlongley@eaglepublic.com
