Minimizing Impact
VISUAL IMPACTS | WATER USE | WILDLIFE HABITAT PRESERVATION | CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS | OPERATIONAL IMPACTS
Avantus was founded in California back in 2009, and it is important to our team that we do right by our home state. That’s why we design and develop our projects with a “smart from the start” strategy to minimize potential impacts to local resources and wildlife.
Visual Impacts
Our initial design for Aratina received thoughtful feedback from local residents and Kern County. We listened to these concerns and have incorporated them into a revised design that increases project setbacks from residential areas by up to a half-mile (almost nine football fields). The revised design, referred to as Aratina 2.0 by Kern County, better preserves existing viewsheds and creates significant open space between residents and our project.
The raised railroad and vegetation along 20 Mule Team Road and other existing infrastructure will also help reduce visibility of the project, and lighting will be minimal and directed away from public rights-of-way.
How far away will Aratina’s panels be from homes? Scott will help us visualize the distance.
Photo Simulations
Below are additional photo simulations showing Aratina from various points in the area. The side-by-side images represent before and after views of the project location. The differences are subtle given the large distance to the project site.
Water Use
Aratina will require minimal water use. During the construction process, water is primarily used for dust suppression. Once operational, the plant may require infrequent cleanings with water to remove dirt and dust from the panels.
Wildlife Habitat Preservation
Avantus is steadfast in its commitment to wildlife protection. Our team conducts rigorous environmental surveys and analyses and works closely with organizations like the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and environmental groups to ensure our projects are designed, built, and operated with minimal impact to threatened or endangered species. However small the scope, Avantus will ensure that potential impacts at the Aratina project site will be addressed.
We are proud of our reputation for environmental stewardship. Our past projects have garnered support from respected groups including the Sierra Club, Audubon California, Defenders of Wildlife, and the Natural Resources Defense Council. Most recently, in coordination with the California Department of Fish & Wildlife, US Fish & Wildlife Service, and the US Bureau of Land Management, Avantus created the Onyx Conservation Project to protect 215,000 acres of critical California habitat and wildlife in Eastern Kern County, CA. The conservation project protects habitat for 20+ sensitive wildlife species, including western Joshua Trees, while investing millions in additional habitat enhancements.
Construction Impacts
During construction, we expect our crew will generate some noise and add cars/trucks to certain roads, and we will aim to minimize those potential impacts. As always, we aim to be respectful of our neighbors and aim to keep construction noise to a minimum. All site activity will be subject to and comply with Kern County noise ordinances.
Dust control methods, including applying water to active roadways, will be used throughout the construction period to minimize airborne dust and the potential impacts on construction workers and the surrounding community.
Operational Impacts
Upon completion, Aratina will not create any significant additional local traffic. Any noise generated by the project is expected to be minimal and should not be heard by neighboring residents. The low hum from inverters and/or low-speed rotating solar trackers is audible only from very close range.
The solar panels typically act as a wind breaker, reducing wind speeds throughout the site and thereby minimizing airborne dust. In addition, the site will be reseeded with a native seed mix, which will add to the existing root system that helps bind the soil together. Because we are in the business of capturing sunlight, we are incentivized to make sure our panels are free from excessive dust.