BEI receives Golden Gate recognition for safety at Eland 2

An aerial view of a large solar farm in a desert-like area, featuring rows of solar panels stretching into the horizon under a clear blue sky. The text overlay reads "Safety First: Golden Gate Recognition," emphasizing a significant safety achievement in solar project development. Icons representing renewable energy and technology are positioned above the image, adding context to the project’s focus.

In September 2024, BEI received notification that it had earned Golden Gate recognition for safety at the Eland 2 solar-plus-storage project in Kern County, California. This is a noteworthy achievement in the engineering and construction industries because it is given by CAL/OSHA, the state’s government authority for safety regulation enforcement and compliance.

The Golden Gate recognition program, which is site—and visit-specific, was originally developed to motivate and support employers who proactively work with their employees and the Cal/OSHA Consultation service branch to maintain the highest safety standards at a particular job site. Only one Golden Gate letter of recognition is provided per company per worksite.

In the letter to BEI acknowledging the recognition, Darrin Stephens, CAL/OSHA Area Manager, wrote:

“Your company has been recognized for its efforts in implementing and maintaining the requirements of T8CCR, section 3203 during the Cal/OSHA Consultation Service Branch visit on August 28, 2024…Your company, your manager, and employees demonstrated a commitment to continuously improving the effectiveness of your workplace Injury and Illness Prevention Program.”

BEI’s continued emphasis on safety

“We are very proud of this recognition from CAL/OSHA,” says Gary Chelini, Principal, BEI Construction. “It’s a testament to how seriously we take safety. Through an extensive training program company-wide, we’ve built a culture of safety here at BEI. From site-specific safety plans to documentation, including Injury Illness Prevention Plans (cited by CAL/OSHA in our letter of recognition), vehicle tracking and maintenance, and accident reporting, we do everything possible to ensure the safety of everyone who works with us, at every phase of a project.”

“In particular, we’d like to commend Mitch Royal, BEI Safety Manager, who oversees safety efforts at Eland 2,” continues Chelini. “His tireless work to ensure the highest safety standards at the project site was essential in earning us this recognition.”

About Eland 2

This 374MW solar installation, coupled with 150MW of energy storage, will provide 240MWac of electricity to serve Southern California’s power needs. Solar generated by this project will be enhanced by Tesla’s Megapack 2 XL battery system, which will ensure seamless power continuity and reliability, particularly during peak-demand periods. BEI is partnering with SOLV Energy, the project’s EPC contractor.

Once completed, the Eland 2 installation, combined with Eland 1, the project’s first phase, will be among the largest operating solar-plus-storage facilities in the country.

Share: