Raven SR Bioenergy Project

Project Description

The Raven SR Bioenergy Project (project) proposes to construct and operate a bioenergy system composed of the Raven SR multi-patented Steam/CO2 Reformation process at the project site. The non-combustion process would convert blended green waste and food waste, obtained from the existing BMPC operation adjacent to the project site, into renewable, transportation grade hydrogen that would be exported offsite for various renewable energy products. No long-term hydrogen storage would occur onsite. The project would involve the construction of a modular structure and industrial canopy.

City of Richmond has prepared a draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for environmental review of the following described project in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) of 1970, as amended, and the City of Richmond’s Guidelines and Procedures for the  Implementation of CEQA.

An Updated Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) has been prepared. The updated document is meant to clarify, amplify, and refine the language of the draft IS/MND. Among others, the update provides additional description of proposed operational details, information from a health risk assessment (HRA), and more details regarding the project's impacts on air quality and greenhouse gases. The purpose of an IS/MND is to identify any potential environmental impacts that would result from implementation of the proposed project pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. The Updated Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration has concluded that the proposed project will not result in any adverse effects which fall within the "Mandatory Findings of Significance" contained in Section 15065 of the State CEQA Guidelines. With the mitigation imposed, there is no substantial evidence in the record that this project may have direct, indirect or cumulative effects on the environment that are significant. Therefore, the City, as the lead agency proposed to adopt the updated mitigated negative declaration for this project, which is tentatively scheduled to be heard by the City Council on May 16, 2023. The public comment period has been extended to allow additional review time due to corrections shown in Errata Sheet(s) to the Updated IS/MND.

Updated IS/MND Public Review Period Extended: March 9th, 2023 to April 12th, 2023

Review and Comment Period: The public comment period for the Updated IS/MND has been extended to April 12, 2023. Comments on the Updated IS/MND shall be sent in writing and must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at the following address or email:

Lydia Elias
City of Richmond
Community Development Department
450 Civic Center Plaza, P.O. Box 4046 
Richmond, CA 94804
Lydia_Elias@ci.richmond.ca.us


Updated IS/MND Related Documents

Draft IS/MND Public Review Period Extended: October 7th, 2022 to November 22nd, 2022

Review and Comment Period: The public comment period for the IS/MND has been extended to November 22, 2022. Comments on the IS/MND shall be sent in writing and must be received by 5:00 p.m. on November 22, 2022, at the following address or email:

Lydia Elias
City of Richmond
Community Development Department
450 Civic Center Plaza, P.O. Box 4046 
Richmond, CA 94804
Lydia_Elias@ci.richmond.ca.us


Project and Related Documents

Planning Commission - December 15, 2022

PUBLIC HEARING to consider adoption of an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) and Design Review and Conditional Use Permit to construct and operate a bioenergy facility that converts food and green waste into transportation-grade hydrogen for various renewable energy products.

At its December 15, 2022 public hearing, the Planning Commission unanimously voted to adopt an IS/MND and MMRP and approve the Design Review and Conditional Use Permit for the proposed project.

On December 19, 2022, the Planning Commission decision to approve PLN21-282 was appealed. 

Design Review Board Meeting - October 26, 2022

PUBLIC HEARING to consider a recommendation to the Planning Commission of a Design Review Permit for a bioenergy facility that converts food and green waste into transportation-grade hydrogen for various renewable products.

At its October 26, 2022 Design Review Board public hearing, the board unanimously voted to recommend the proposed Design Review Permit to the Planning Commission.

Project Contact

Lina Velasco
Director of Community Development
lina_velasco@ci.richmond.ca.us