Generating Plant Site Selection

Burns & McDonnell performed a generating plant site-selection study for the Sierra Pacific Power Company of Reno, Nev. The study area included northern Nevada and northeastern California. The project located suitable sites for up to 600 megawatts of simple and combined cycle combustion turbine generating units.

Thirty-three preliminary sites were identified. This number was pared down through extensive and careful analysis. Three sites were selected as preferred sites which were subjected to additional evaluation in a number of areas including air quality, noise, cultural resources, fuel supply, electrical transmission, water supply and geotechnical concerns. The preferred sites also required permits at the federal, state and local levels, permitting cost estimates and schedules.