Parker-Blythe NO. 2 Transmission Line Rebuild Project, DOE/EA-2168

Project Description

Western Area Power Administration’s (WAPA) is proposing to rebuild and upgrade components of the existing Parker-Davis transmission system to improve overall system reliability, safety, and to better meet future transmission needs. The existing Parker-Blythe #2 161-kilovolt (kV) transmission lines are part of the Parker-Davis Transmission System. The transmission lines were built in 1969 with wood pole H-frame structures. Many of the structures are in poor condition and sections of the line are difficult to access. Project scope consists of the following:

  • Replace all 522 wood H-frame structures with new in-kind structures over 63.9 miles, from the Parker Dam Upper 161-kV Switchyard to the Blythe substation (see​ ​map​).
  • Add wood dead end structures as required.
  • Reuse existing conductors.
  • Upgrade existing ground wire with optical ground wire (OPGW).

Project Location

The project is located within San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, California. The project’s components occur within an established right-of-way on lands controlled by Bureau of Land Management, Colorado River Indian Tribes, California State Lands Commission, and WAPA.​

 

Current Staus

WAPA hosted a public scoping meeting on January 27, 2022. The public scoping period ended on February 9, 2022. WAPA has evaluated the public comments it received and is incorporating them into the Project environmental review. WAPA has determined that an Environmental Assessment (EA) is appropriate for this project and is preparing a Draft EA. WAPA expects to have a Draft EA available for public review by late 2024.

Contact Information

For questions about the proposed Project’s design and schedule, please contact:​

Shawn Berkram, Project Manager
Western Area Power Administration, DSW
Phone: (602) 605-2613
Email: berkram​@wapa.gov​​

For questions about the NEPA process or to submit comments on the proposed Project, please contact:

Becky Hopkins, Environmental Project Manager
Civil Design & Engineering (CD&E) on contract to
Western Area Power Administration, Desert Southwest Region
Phone: (470) 922-1736
Email: rhopkins@wapa.gov

​​​Project Documents

SCOPING

Last modified on October 15th, 2024