Biofuel-capable plant may be coming to Schofield

By U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii Public AffairsJanuary 23, 2014

Energy Initiatives Task Force
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii (Jan. 17, 2014) -- The Army invites the public to provide input on the scope of a future Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the construction and operation of a 50-megawatt biofuel-capable power generation plant, here.

The Schofield Generating Station Project (SGSP) would be a source of renewable power that would benefit the Hawaiian Electric Company ("Hawaiian Electric") and Oahu residents by supplying power to the islandwide grid during normal operations.

The SGSP would also provide an energy security service for Schofield Barracks, Wheeler Army Airfield and Field Station Kunia by serving as a backup source of power, should loss of service occur from the normal electricity sources supporting these installations.

Electricity produced from renewable biofuels at the SGSP would help the Army achieve its renewable energy goals.

The EIS will study the impacts of developing the SGSP on existing land at Schofield Barracks.

The Army would lease 10.3 acres to Hawaiian Electric and grant a related 2.5-acre interconnection easement on Schofield's South Range, west of Kunia Road. Hawaiian Electric would construct, own, operate and maintain the power generation plant.

A 46-kilovolt subtransmission line would be built to connect the SGSP to the Hawaiian Electric grid.

Air quality, traffic and storm water are among the key resources that will be studied.

Interested members of the public, as well as federal, state and local agencies, are invited to participate in the scoping process by helping to identify possible alternatives, potential environmental impacts and key issues of concern to be analyzed in the EIS.

During the 45-day scoping period, which runs Jan. 17 to March 22014, the community can participate in public scoping meetings, submit written comments or both.

The scoping meetings will be held the first week of February, as follows:

•Feb. 5: 6:30-9 p.m., Mililani Mauka Elementary School Cafeteria, 95-1111 Makaikai St., Mililani, HI 96789.

•Feb. 6: 6:30-9 p.m., Wahiawa District Park Recreation Center, 1129 Kilani Ave. Wahiawa, HI 96786.

The meetings will start with an informational display viewing at 6:30 p.m., followed by an overview presentation at 7 p.m. and an oral comment period from 7:30-9 p.m.

Related Links:

SGSP