Click this link Download Corps.Calera.TA.020209 to see and download a letter from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) about quarry habitat and Pacifica's/Whole Energy Fuels' biodiesel plant and the city's apparent noncompliance with conservation measures at Calera Creek wastewater treatment plant. USFWS meets next week at the plant to discuss previous agreements with the city and the biodiesel plant.
TODD BRAY
RIPTIDE CORRESPONDENT
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4176/is_20070705/ai_n19360733
Interesting article:
"The city has partnered with Pacifica's Livability Project and Whole Energy, a biodiesel production company from Washington, to build a biodiesel plant that will bring recycled veggie fuel to locals and help with the city's energy production and clean sewage water."
Although this will not be the first biodiesel plant in the country, the partnership between the city, a nonprofit group, and a private company, is unique.
"Alternative energy is where our future is going to be and Pacifica is at the forefront, showing that it can be done on a local level," says Vreeland. "It's community-driven, it's city-supported and there is a private sector -- that's a real recipe for a successful project."
The biodiesel production plant was spearheaded by environmental activist Nancy Hall as well as other members of Pacifica's Livability Project, who ran a biodiesel co-op out of a garage. When Hall got her first biodiesel car -- a 1979 Mercedes designed to run on diesel -- she realized that there was a problem with the supply.
"We were getting our diesel from a guy in Richmond," she remembers. "He was the only person I saw who was making pretty decent quantity and pretty decent quality. I realized that was a huge stumbling block with it.
"We couldn't get people to climb on board because it was expensive, it was hard to find and it wasn't always good quality. That troubled me. I thought there is this great alternative, but it's not as available as it should be; it shouldn't be completely rocket science to figure out how to make it on a bigger scale."
Posted by: Lois Rogan | February 26, 2009 at 05:08 PM
"This project was designed and put forward four years ago by me as a then-participant in The Livability Project, a nonprofit organization that sought to create projects that addressed alternative energy issues; the City of Pacifica, in particular its public works department; and eventually Whole Energy Fuels, which answered the City's request for qualifications.
The on-paper partnership took the form of a ground lease because the city's legal counsel seemed to
think it was the only way to keep the two entities autonomous even though they are working on a project together. You can ask her about that if you want to.
There is no formal partnership with the nonprofit entity in regards to this project. I was working on it mostly as an individual but under its umbrella, and of course with its blessing and support. It has since gone on to other projects."
Posted by: nancy hall | February 25, 2009 at 07:22 PM
This explains it...??? on-paper partnership? then-participant?
Can anyone explain what was said in that post or is it just something those under the table can understand?
Posted by: Lois Rogan | February 26, 2009 at 07:36 AM
Nancy, whatever the outcome of the biodiesel facility, you have achieved a great deal personally through this project. You put together an idea for something that is being copied by others like the city of San Francisco, a business plan that is being copied as well, and an application to the CCC for a CDP that was conditionally approved. That's three huge achievements you should be very proud of.
Whatever the outcome, you have achieved these things.
When we talked about this weeks before the council vote, and if you remember, I clearly explained where I thought the weak link lay. I talked about administrative shortcuts and lack of follow-through by others that you had/have no control over. You did your job extremely well.
Posted by: todd bray | February 26, 2009 at 04:09 AM
This project was designed and put forward four years ago by me as a then-participant in The Livability Project, a nonprofit organization that sought to create projects that addressed alternative energy issues; the City of Pacifica, in particular its public works department; and eventually Whole Energy Fuels, which answered the City's request for qualifications.
The on-paper partnership took the form of a ground lease because the city's legal counsel seemed to
think it was the only way to keep the two entities autonomous even though they are working on a project together. You can ask her about that if you want to.
There is no formal partnership with the nonprofit entity in regards to this project. I was working on it mostly as an individual but under its umbrella, and of course with its blessing and support. It has since gone on to other projects.
Posted by: nancy hall | February 25, 2009 at 07:22 PM
Lance wants to know when this party is and who's invited? Seems it should be open to the interested minions.
Posted by: Lance | February 25, 2009 at 11:31 AM
Of interest is the USFWS statement in the letter that the biological part of the Waste Water Treatment Plant EIR is invalid because the city didn't follow the agreed-to recommendations in the EIR, which also invalidates its use by the city to certify the WEF project. But the Fish and Wildlife Service doesn't fully understand who the project sponsor is, what involvement there is by the city, and where exactly WEF fits into all this.
Mr. Gromm's response letter tries to clarify the city's position but contradicts several public statements by elected officials. Though officials such as Councilman Vreeland have identified the WEF project as a partnership between public, private, and nonprofit groups, Mr. Gromm's letter clearly states that there is no relationship between the city and WEF beyond lessor and leasee.
It should be an interesting meeting. I know I'd like to be there.
Posted by: todd bray | February 25, 2009 at 08:23 AM
I'm sure one or two little snakes and froggies will not mind giving their lives for the greater good.
Posted by: Bruce Hotchkiss | February 24, 2009 at 03:38 PM