HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-09-09; Historic Preservation Commission; ; ENCINA POWER PLANT SMOKESTACKITEM #7
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Meeting Date: September 9, 2019
To: Historic Preservation Commission
From: Suzanne Smithson, Deputy Library Director
Staff Contact: Dianna Galindo
Subject: Encina Power Plant Smokestack
Recommended Action:
Commissioners will receive staff report and additional information
Executive Summary:
At the July 8, 2019 Historic Preservation Commission meeting, the commissioners heard public comment
from community member Jim Strickland regarding his interest in designating the smokestack at the
Encina Power Plant as a historic site. Mr. Strickland distributed a print copy of his information to the
commissioners. The commissioners moved to add the item to the next meeting agenda.
Attached to the staff report is a memo from Deputy City Manager Gary Barberio regarding the property.
His information notes that the owners of the property 11
• ... will not provide consent for a proposed historic
landmark designation ... "
Exhibits:
1. Memo from Deputy City Manager Gary Barberio
2. Email from community member
Memorandum
Sept. 4, 2019
To: Heather Pizz uto, Library & Cultural Arts Director
From: Gary T. Barberio, Deputy City Manager -Community Services
f'city of
Carls a
Re: NRG/SDG&E/City of Carlsbad Settlement Agreement -Encina Power Plant
Property
On January 14, 2014, the City Council approved a Settlement Agreement (Agreement) involving
NRG, the owner of the Encina Power Plant-and property, SDG&E, the region's current utility
provider, and the City of Carlsbad. Amongst the numerous provisions included, the Agreement
provided for the construction of a new S00MW "peaker" plant located between the railroad
tracks and the 1-5, in exchange for the shutdown, decommissioning, and above-ground
demolition of the existing Encina Power Plant. Since that time, all three parties have relied upon
the Agreement in conducting business going forward. It is important to note, that since 2014,
the City Council has not provided any new direction to city staff regarding the property. It is
also important to understand that the City of Carlsbad does not own the plant property, nor will
the City acquire ownership of the plant property as a result of the Agreement.
The Agreement does provide a schedule for the shutdown, decommissioning, and demolition of
the above ground facilities for the Encina Power Plant, to include both the smokestack tower
and plant buildings. Specifically, the Agreement states that concurrent with the start-up of the
new "peaker" plant, which occurred on December 12, 2018, the Encina Power Plant shall
shutdown (turn-off) and begin efforts to decommission the plant (disconnect power, gas, etc.).
Secondly, within one year of the shut-down of the old plant (December 12, 2018), NRG must
start the above-ground demolition of the plant and shall complete the demolition within two
years of the commencement of demolition activities. The above-ground demolition shall
include the both the smokestack tower and plant buildings.
As is relates to a designation of the Encina Power Plant site as a historic landmark, Carlsbad
Municipal Code section 22.06.030.E states that "Without the property owner's con sent to the
proposed designation, a site shall not be designated a historic site or landmark." NRG has
verbally indicated to City staff that they will not provide consent for a proposed historic
landmark designation in light of its commitments in the Agreement.
Community Services
799 Pine Avenue, Suite 200, Carlsbad, CA 92008-2428, 760-434-2822
Dianna Galindo
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
-----Original Message-----
Suzanne Smithson
Thursday, Septembe r 5, 2019 4:00 PM
Dianna Galindo
FW: Encina power plant
From: Lind a Wheeler <elwhee ler4525@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, September 2, 2019 9:51 PM
To: Suzanne Smithson <Suza nne.Sm ithson@ carlsbadca .gov>
Subject: Encina power plant
Hi Ms Smithson
I read that some people would like to make the power plant a historic place and not have it torn down. I am adamantly
opposed to having it declared historic and my hu sband and are look forward to the day it is go ne. Do you know if this is a
rumor or is the plan to still have it demolished?
Sincerely
Linda Wheeler
Sent from my iPhone
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