SAN DIEGO – Sempra U.S. Gas & Power’s Copper Mountain Solar 1 facility in Boulder City, Nev. has been recognized as the first solar power plant in the U.S. to receive the “Voluntary Protection Programs Star” work site designation from the State of Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Nevada OSHA). The award is the organization’s highest recognition for exemplary safety performance.
“The State of Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration is honored to welcome Copper Mountain Solar 1 into its Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) as a ‘Star’ VPP site,” said Jess Lankford, Nevada OSHA Chief Administrative Officer. “Nevada OSHA welcomes the opportunity to continue working cooperatively with Sempra U.S Gas & Power for the betterment of employee safety.”
Representatives from Nevada OSHA presented Copper Mountain Solar 1 with a Voluntary Protection Programs Star flag and a plaque at a ceremony held at the facility on May 20. Located in Boulder City, Nev., the 58-megawatt (MW) solar plant is the tenth Nevada work site to receive the Star designation since the first one was awarded in 2001.
“We are honored to be recognized by Nevada OSHA for our strong commitment to the health and safety of our employees as well as the local community,” said Kevin Gillespie, senior director of construction & operations for Sempra U.S. Gas & Power. “This recognition is a testament to our strong safety culture and programs. I am proud of each and every team member who contributed to this remarkable outcome.”
Copper Mountain Solar 1 was completed in December 2010. It is the first phase of Sempra U.S. Gas & Power’s Copper Mountain Solar complex, among the largest photovoltaic (PV) solar facilities in the U.S. The 58-MW second phase of Copper Mountain Solar 2 and the 250-MW Copper Mountain Solar 3, jointly-owned with Consolidated Edison Development, were completed in 2015. The solar complex collectively generates 458 MW, enough energy to power approximately 142,000 homes.
Nevada OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs promote effective worksite-based safety and health activities. Acceptance into the organization’s programs reflects and recognizes the outstanding occupational safety and health efforts of employers and employees.
Sempra U.S. Gas & Power’s jointly-owned 150-MW Mesquite Solar 1 facility in Arizona has applied for the prestigious Voluntary Protection Programs Star designation from the State of Arizona’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration.