Oxnard beach residents criticized a proposed power plant on the coast, even though a recently released city staff report says the facility would not increase noise or air pollution in the area.

"There is absolutely no reason for this plant to be on the shoreline," Oxnard Shores resident Bodine Elias said Tuesday, a day after the city held a community workshop on the proposal.

At issue is Southern California Edison's proposed 45-megawatt plant, which would sit next to Reliant's 430-megawatt plant at Mandalay Beach. In August, the California Public Utilities Commission ordered the utility to build five small plants to bolster energy supplies when the power grid is strained.

So-called "peaker plants" normally operate only during peak usage hours, typically in the summer. But the $50 million, natural gas-powered facility proposed for Mandalay could operate at any time, depending on energy needs, the city report says. The plant would produce enough power for 29,250 homes.

The public has until June 11 to comment on the report, also called a "mitigated negative declaration." If the report is certified by the city, Edison would not have to conduct a more thorough environmental impact report. The Planning Commission will consider the matter June 28.

Construction of the 70,000-square-foot plant from a largely prebuilt kit would take three to four months.

Opponents contend that the plant would be noisy and threaten air quality, despite the report's findings to the contrary.

Critics also questioned the plant's location in Oxnard, saying the city has more than its share of industrial facilities that provide regional benefits. This includes two power plants and several landfills, critics said.

The peaker plant would mostly serve Simi Valley and the San Fernando Valley, where triple-digit temperatures and air conditioners strain the power grid in the summer, critics said.

"It doesn't serve us in any way," Elias said. "It makes Oxnard a dumping ground for an industrial use that's not compatible."

Mark Nelson, Edison's director of generation and planning, countered that the plant would provide local benefits. Whether it's located in a foggy or hot area is "largely irrelevant, because the grid moves the power to where it's needed," he said.

Peaker plants can be fired up in 10 minutes without using outside energy sources, unlike larger plants that take up to six hours to start a boon after a devastating earthquake or wildfire, according to Nelson.

Edison chose the location partly because it already owns the 16.1-acre parcel. The company also needed to strategically position the five plants around Southern California, Nelson said.

With plans to build the other plants in Stanton, Norwalk, Rancho Cucamonga and Ontario, Oxnard was a perfect spot for the western edge of the company's service area, he said.

Nelson supported the city report's findings on air quality and noise.

"We believe our experts, and the city's review is complete and appropriate," he said. "We would be happy to work with anyone with specific concerns."