Action 11.
Regular Board of Supervisors Meeting
Community Development
- Meeting Date:
- 05/21/2013
- Title:
- Letter to BLM Regarding Southline Transmission Line Project – Electromagnetic Spectrum Within Electronic Test Range as a Natural Resource
- Submitted By:
- Mike Turisk, Community Development
- Department:
- Community Development
- Division:
- Planning & Zoning
Presentation:
No A/V Presentation
Recommendation:
Approve
Document Signatures:
BOS Signature Required
# of ORIGINALS
Submitted for Signature:
Submitted for Signature:
1
NAME
of PRESENTER:
of PRESENTER:
Michael Turisk and Kim Mulhern
TITLE
of PRESENTER:
of PRESENTER:
Planning Manager and Consultant
Docket Number (If applicable):
Mandated Function?:
Not Mandated
Source of Mandate
or Basis for Support?:
or Basis for Support?:
Information
Agenda Item Text:
Approve a letter from the Board of Supervisors affirming the Electromagnetic (EM) Spectrum within Ft. Huachuca's Buffalo Soldier Electronic Test Range (BSETR) as a Natural Resource for Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Planning and Management Purposes for the Southline Transmission Project (project).
Background:
The attached letter is to uphold the Electromagnetic (EM) Spectrum within the Buffalo Soldier Electronic Test Range (BSETR) as a Natural Resource for BLM Planning and Management Purposes for the Southline Transmission Project (project). The BSETR has been designated and protected by Arizona Senate Bill 1387, and Ft. Huachuca has identified the EM spectrum as a natural resource that can be severely damaged like other natural resources by an increase in EM interference generated by utility-scale energy projects.
By acknowledging the BSETR as a unique and irreplaceable natural resource, BLM would evaluate the BSETR along with other natural resources in the NEPA documentation for the project. Although military activities are afforded consideration in NEPA processes and associated documentation, identifying the BSETR as a natural resource would ensure that it would be incorporated into all alternative analyses throughout the NEPA and BLM resource management planning processes for the project.
Cochise County is a Cooperating Agency per our BLM MOU, and has partnered with BLM through Coordination and Cooperation under NEPA and FLPMA on project analysis.
BACKGROUND
The Southline Transmission Line Project is a 225-mile, 345-kV and 230-kV transmission line between existing substations at Afton, NM, and Apache, AZ. The project would also make improvements to approximately 130 miles of existing transmission lines between the Apache and Saguaro, AZ substations. The proposed project would consist of two segments: The first segment would be the construction of a new double-circuit 345-kV transmission line linking existing substations at Afton and Apache. The second segment is an upgrade and rebuild of approximately 130 miles of existing transmission line between the Apache and Saguaro Substations northwest of Tucson. Approximately 40% of the transmission line would be on public land, 30% would be on State land, and the remaining 30% would be on private land.
By acknowledging the BSETR as a unique and irreplaceable natural resource, BLM would evaluate the BSETR along with other natural resources in the NEPA documentation for the project. Although military activities are afforded consideration in NEPA processes and associated documentation, identifying the BSETR as a natural resource would ensure that it would be incorporated into all alternative analyses throughout the NEPA and BLM resource management planning processes for the project.
Cochise County is a Cooperating Agency per our BLM MOU, and has partnered with BLM through Coordination and Cooperation under NEPA and FLPMA on project analysis.
BACKGROUND
The Southline Transmission Line Project is a 225-mile, 345-kV and 230-kV transmission line between existing substations at Afton, NM, and Apache, AZ. The project would also make improvements to approximately 130 miles of existing transmission lines between the Apache and Saguaro, AZ substations. The proposed project would consist of two segments: The first segment would be the construction of a new double-circuit 345-kV transmission line linking existing substations at Afton and Apache. The second segment is an upgrade and rebuild of approximately 130 miles of existing transmission line between the Apache and Saguaro Substations northwest of Tucson. Approximately 40% of the transmission line would be on public land, 30% would be on State land, and the remaining 30% would be on private land.
Department's Next Steps (if approved):
Have each member of the Board sign the letter, and have staff forward the letter to Mr. Mark Mackiewicz, National Project Manager, BLM.
Impact of NOT Approving/Alternatives:
The Buffalo Soldier Electronic Testing Range will not be acknowledged as a natural resource for the purposes of BLM review of the Southline Transmission Line Project.
To BOS Staff: Document Disposition/Follow-Up:
Please send the letter directly to Mr. Mark Mackiewicz, National Project Manager, BLM, at the address listed in the letter.