In our last SVS EIS News, published in September 2001, the Western Area Power Administration (Western) presented a summary of the alternatives that Western was considering carrying forward for analysis in the Sacramento Area Voltage Support Environmental Impact Statement (SVS EIS). Western identified potential new transmission line routes, provided preliminary results of each of the alternatives evaluated, and invited all interested parties to a public workshop to discuss the potential project.
The September 19, 2001 workshop focused on alternatives development. The workshop explained the purpose and need, identified and explained a range of alternatives, including those dropped from further consideration, and those that would be carried forward for environmental review.
Alternatives presented at the workshop included: (1) reconductoring existing transmission lines from the O’Banion Substation to the Tracy Substation and (2) constructing a new transmission line from the O’Banion Substation to the Elverta Substation along one of three routes.
Since that time, a number of events have occurred that we would like to bring to your attention in this SVS EIS News. Originally planned as a programmatic environmental impact statement (EIS), the document has evolved to an EIS with a specific Proposed Action and alternatives.
Through the continuing evaluation and analysis of alternatives during this EIS process, it was determined that a third alternative, a new transmission line from the Elk Grove Substation to the Tracy Substation, south of Sacramento, should also be analyzed.
This issue is being mailed to those on the existing project mailing list and landowners of record located near the route of one of the project alternatives. We invite your participation in the project and will continue to advise you of specific upcoming project events.
Cordially,
Loreen McMahon
Environmental Project Manager
Sacramento Area Voltage Support EIS
Western Area Power Administration
Sierra Nevada Region
In late summer, Western will host a series of public hearings to provide everyone an opportunity to comment on the Draft EIS. These hearings will be held approximately 30 days after release of the Draft EIS. The public will be notified when the hearings are scheduled. Public hearings will be held in Marysville, Folsom, and Lodi, California.
At the public hearings, there will be a short presentation about the project, with the remaining time reserved for you to provide comments. Comments may be made verbally or in writing. For those unable to attend any of these public hearings, comments can still be submitted by following the instructions on the last page of this SVS EIS News.
On September 19, 2001, Western held a public workshop to present the alternatives that Western was considering carrying forward for analysis in the Draft EIS and gain feedback from the community.
The workshop was attended by landowners, developers, Western customers, and other interested parties. The meeting allowed direct public input on the alternative transmission line upgrades under evaluation for improving the voltage reliability and security in the Sacramento area.
Alternatives presented included reconductoring the existing transmission line between the O’Banion Substation and the Tracy Substation and constructing a new transmission line from the O’Banion Substation to Elverta Substation. Reconductoring is the process of replacing existing conductors (wire) with larger, higher capacity conductors and could include replacement of some insulators and towers.
Based on input from workshop attendees and additional Western evaluation, specific project alternatives have been identified for the EIS. The Proposed Action consists of reconductoring the existing transmission lines between the Elverta Substation and the Tracy Substation and building a new transmission line from the O’Banion Substation to the Elverta Substation. Some realignment is possible for the existing Cottonwood–Roseville transmission line and the O’Banion–Elverta transmission line under the Proposed Action.
Alternatives to the Proposed Action include reconductoring the existing O’Banion to Tracy transmission lines (Alternative 1) and building new O’Banion–Elverta transmission lines (Alternative 2) along one of three option routes. Some realignment is possible for the existing Cottonwood–Roseville transmission line and the O’Banion–Elverta transmission line under this alternative.
An additional alternative was recognized during the evaluation process. Identified as Alternative 3, this new transmission line could be constructed from the Elk Grove Substation to the Tracy Substation. The Elk Grove Substation is owned and operated by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD).
This new alternative transmission line would begin near the intersection of Highway 99 and Grant Line Road. It would run parallel to the two existing Western transmission lines and would continue 45 miles south to the Tracy Substation. The figure at right illustrates the location of this alternative.
All alternatives consist of upgrading or building new double-circuit 230-kV transmission lines. In some areas, Western’s transmission lines consist of two single-circuits on parallel towers. In the EIS, each alternative is compared to No Action, which serves as a benchmark or basis for comparison for all actions.
Due to the addition of a new alternative and to reaffirm its commitment to public involvement, Western is mailing this SVS EIS News to our existing project mailing list and to others who have been identified as landowners located near the route of one of the project alternatives.
In the coming months, project activities will increase and it’s very important to Western that the public is given every opportunity to be involved in the decision-making process. We have enclosed a return postcard to have your name added to our project mailing list (if you haven’t already responded) and request specific documents related to this EIS. We invite your participation in the project and will continue to keep you aware of upcoming events.
Figure 1 Image Description
Please look for these upcoming events and opportunities to participate. In addition, you may contact us by telephone, fax, e-mail or U.S. mail at one of the addresses on the back of this SVS EIS News.