The Coso Mojave Ground Squirrel Mitigation Program: A Case Study in Mitigation Planning for Cumulative Impacts

Abstract

Obtaining the necessary permits for a geothermal project requires developers to satisfy multiple state and federal agency environmental standards. This can be a lengthy and expensive process, especially when a threatened or endangered species lives on the project site. This paper describes a comprehensive approach to mitigation planning, which resulted in rapid, economical, and environmentally sound development of the geothermal resource. The Coso geothermal field, located in northern Mohave Desert of California, is being developed by California Energy Company, Inc. and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Over the past two years, developed and regulators have designed and adopted a comprehensive program to mitigate development impacts to the state listed threatened Mohave ground squirrel. This program provides mitigation for impacts to some 2,000 acres and will be paid for over the twelve year period of its implementation. The estimated cost of $340 per acre is significantly lower than the cost of alternative mitigation procedures.