Starlight Solar

PDS2022-MUP-22-010; LOG NO. PDS2022-ER-22-21-002

The Project includes a Major Use Permit (PDS2022-MUP-22-010) for the development of a utility-scale solar generation and battery energy storage facility.

The Starlight Solar Project (Project) consists of a Major Use Permit on approximately 588 acres in southeastern unincorporated San Diego County. The Project includes photovoltaic solar arrays capable of generating up to 100 megawatts (MW) of alternating current (AC) electricity and a 217.4 MW battery energy storage system (BESS), constructed in two phases. Supporting infrastructure includes inverters, transformers, an on-site collector substation, and a generation-tie (gen-tie) line connecting to the SDG&E Boulevard Substation. The gen-tie line would be mostly underground with one overhead crossing of Tule Jim Lane. The Project also includes an off-site biological open space easement on approximately 448 acres to protect sensitive vegetation communities, special-status species, and habitat. Photovoltaic (PV) modules would be mounted on single-axis trackers or fixed-tilt structures with a maximum height of 12 feet. Zoning Use Regulations for the site is General Rural (S92). The General Plan Designation for the site is Rural Lands (RL-80), and the General Plan Regional Category is Rural. The Project is located south of the community of Boulevard, east of Tierra Del Sol Road. Access to the site would be provided by Jewel Valley Road, with secondary emergency access via Tule Jim Lane.

Public Meeting Participation:

A special meeting was held on August 7, 2025 at 39919 Ribbonwood Road, Boulevard, CA, 91905 at 7:00 PM.

Resources from Public Meeting:

Project KMZ File

Hard copies of the Draft Environmental Impact Report are available for public review at the County Planning & Development Services Department at 5510 Overland Avenue and is also available at the Jacumba Library, 44605 Old Highway 80, Jacumba Hot Springs, CA 91934. Comments on this proposed Draft Environmental Impact Report must be received no later than Monday, September 15, 2025 at 4:00 P.M. (a 47-day public review period).

Please direct any questions or formal comments to the project contact below.

Project Contact: Nicholas Koutoufidis | Nicholas.Koutoufidis1@sdcounty.ca.gov | (619) 340-5481

DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
(PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD JULY 31, 2025 - SEPTEMBER 15, 2025)

Cover Page, Table of Contents, and List of Acronyms

Executive Summary

CHAPTER 1 - Project Description, Location, Setting

CHAPTER 2 - Environmental Effects Found to be Significant

2.1 Aesthetics
2.2 Biological Resources
2.3 Cultural Resources
2.4 Hydrology and Water Quality
2.5 Noise
2.6 Tribal Cultural Resources
2.7 Wildfire

CHAPTER 3 - Environmental Effects Found Not to be Significant

3.1.1 Air Quality
3.1.2 Energy
3.1.3 Geologic Hazards, Soils, and Paleontological Resources
3.1.4 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
3.1.5 Hazards and Hazardous Materials
3.1.6 Land Use and Planning
3.1.7 Mineral Resources
3.1.8 Public Services
3.1.9 Transportation and Traffic
3.1.10 Utilities and Service Systems
3.2 Effects Found Not Significant as Part of the Initial Study

CHAPTER 4 - Project Alternatives

CHAPTER 5 - List of Mitigation Measures

CHAPTER 6 - List of EIR Preparers and Persons and Organizations Contacted

CHAPTER 7 - List of References

TECHNICAL APPENDICES

A	NOP, Initial Study, and Public Comments
B-1	Major Use Permit Plot Plans
B-2	Preliminary Grading Plans: Title Sheet-Sheet 2, Sheet 3, Sheets 4-5, Sheet 6, Sheet 7, Sheets 8-9
C	Visual Resources Assessment, Appendix A1, Appendix A2, Appendix A3, Appendix A4, Appendices B-C
D	Biological Resources Report, Appendices A-G, Appendices H-I, Appendix J1, Appendix J2, Appendix J3, Appendix J4, Appendix J5, Appendices K-L
E	Cultural Resources Survey and Inventory, Historic Resources Report, Historic Resources Appendices
F	Geotechnical Site Evaluation
G-1	Preliminary Drainage Study, Appendices A-B, Appendices C-D, Appendix E, Appendix F, Appendix G1, Appendix G2, Appendix G3, Appendix H
G-2	Groundwater Monitoring and Mitigation Plan
G-3	Priority Development Project Stormwater Quality Management Plan
G-4	Revised Water Demand Memo
G-5	Groundwater Resources Investigation Report
H-1	Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Report
H-2	Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Supplemental Memo 2024
H-3	2024 Climate Action Plan Consistency Checklist
H-4	Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Supplemental Memo 2025
I	Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment, Appendix A and B1, Appendix B2, Appendix C
J-1	Noise Analyisis Report
J-2	Construction Traffic Noise Memo
K-1	Transportation Impact Assessment, Appendices
K-2	Traffic Water Truck Memo
L	Fire Protection Plan
M	Agricultural Resources Review Memo
N	Mineral Resources Report
O-1	Preliminary BESS Fire Risk Assessment and Heat Flux Analysis
O-2	Preliminary BESS Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
O-3	Preliminary Balance of Plant Fire Risk Assessment
O-4	Preliminary Balance of Plant Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
O-5	Preliminary Balance of Plant Hazard Mitigation Analysis, Attachment 1 A, Attachment 1 B
O-6	Preliminary First Responders Guide
P	Draft Fire Services Agreement

NOTICE OF PREPARATION
PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD (March 23, 2023 - April 24, 2023)

PDS2022-MUP-22-010; LOG NO. PDS2022-ER-22-21-002

The Project includes a Major Use Permit (PDS2022-MUP-22-010) for the development of a utility-scale solar generation and battery energy storage facility.

In-person Scoping Meeting Information:

Consistent with Section 21083.9 of the CEQA Statutes, a public scoping meeting was held to solicit comments on the NOP. This meeting was held on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at the Backcountry Resource Center located at 39919 Ribbonwood Road. Participation instructions and the powerpoint slides presented at the meeting are at the links below: