By Brian CHERNICK

Glendale Water & Power released to the public late last week the final environmental impact (EIR) report for the pending Grayson Repowering project. The project has received substantial pushback from community members prompting the city to complete a thorough response to the over 1,200 written and voiced public comments regarding the city’s $500 million project.

Most comments submitted by the public brought into question Glendale’s decision to make a large financial investment into a gas-fired power plant during a time of growing development and the availability of renewable and green energy alternatives. Responses to the comments pointed to Grayson, located at 800 Air Way, as being “a part of the City’s integrated, diversified plan” to provide energy to the city, and stressed that the city already derives 47% of its energy from renewable sources such as wind and biomass. The report states the Grayson project is part of a “long-term renewable energy strategy” as the power plant would provide power reliability and allow for the city to dispatch energy to needed areas should renewable sources, such as solar and wind, become intermittently unavailable due to weather patterns.

With or without the project, Glendale is “continually seeking additional cost-effective opportunities for renewable energy projects,” according to the report.

If passed, the Grayson Repowering will entail a major rebuilding of much of the 76-year-old facility that provides power to the city.

The final EIR is expected to be presented to council for review during its regular meeting at 6 p.m. on April 10 in council chambers, 613 E. Broadway, Glendale.

To view the EIR, visit http://graysonrepowering.com/#final-eir.

  Brian CHERNICK