Massive $1 Billion RivCo Solar Project 1 Step Closer To Approval

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — The final environmental impact reports for a proposed $1 billion solar project in Blythe were made public Thursday, moving the project a step closer to breaking ground.

If approved, the Desert Quartzite Project would feature a 450-megawatt solar energy facility on 3,800 acres of public land, Bureau of Land Management spokeswoman Sarah Webster said.

The stretch of land used -- managed by the BLM -- is eight miles south of Blythe and 10 miles south of Interstate 10.

The project is expected to generate enough energy to power about 117,000 homes, provide about 870 jobs during peak construction and 10 permanent operational jobs.

The environmental studies provide a comprehensive analysis of the potential impacts of the project, according to the BLM.

The publishing of the Environmental Impact Statement and Environmental Impact Report will open an appeal period that includes a 30-day protest window and a 60-day governor's consistency review that begins Friday, Webster said.

Once the appeal period is finished, a decision will be made to decide if the project will be done.

— By City News Service