WIBAUX WIND FARM
Power proposes to construct the Wibaux Wind Farm Project (Project) in Wibaux County, Montana. The Project would include approximately 100 turbines and associated pads. Other Project components would include an underground power collection system, a new substation, a new overhead transmission line, access roads, and a maintenance and operation center. The Project could generate up to 235 mega-watts and would interconnect to WAPA’s existing Dawson County to Medora 230kV transmission line.
WAPA’S INVOLVEMENT
If there is available transmission capacity on the federal transmission system, WAPA provides open access to transmission services so that energy producers can transmit power to their customers. Any entity requesting transmission services must submit an application for interconnection. For more information about the interconnection process, visit WAPA’s website here. The federal interconnection process is separate from any State, County, or local permitting and approvals that may be required.
The proposed interconnection of the Project to WAPA’s transmission system is a Federal action under NEPA. As a result, an Environmental Assessment (EA) will be prepared to evaluate the environmental effects of the Project. The EA will tier from the analysis conducted in the Upper Great Plains Wind Energy Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS). The PEIS can be viewed here. If WAPA finds there are no significant environmental impacts, the interconnection request will be granted and WAPA will prepare a Finding of No Significant Impact. Together, the EA and the PEIS would comprise the NEPA documentation for this proposed Federal action. If significant impacts are identified, the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process would be initiated. An EIS provides a more thorough evaluation of impacts and alternatives, as well as a more formal public involvement process.
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
WAPA is announcing a public scoping period for the Project. The scoping period provides an opportunity for the general public, government agencies, and tribal governments to identify issues and alternatives that will help WAPA defines the scope of the EA. One public scoping meeting (open house format) will be held to provide an opportunity for interested parties to discuss the Project with resource specialists and submit comments. The meeting will be held:
Thursday, February 6th, 2020
4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Wibaux County Courthouse (203 Wibaux Street, Wibaux, MT 59353)
For your input to be considered during preparation of the draft EA, WAPA requests comments postmarked no later than March 7, 2020. The next step in the NEPA process will be to prepare a draft EA to analyze environmental impacts of the proposal. Once prepared, a draft of the EA will be available for public review and comment. If you wish to be notified when the draft EA is available, please contact WAPA using one of the methods listed below.
PROJECT LINKS
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
Once prepared, a draft of the EA will be available here for public review and comment.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Christina Gomer
Western Area Power Administration
UGP NEPA Coordinator
2900 4th Avenue North
Billings, MT 59101-1266
(406) 255-2811
Last modified on August 8th, 2023