Consent 5.
Regular Board of Supervisors Meeting
Community Development
- Meeting Date:
- 06/26/2012
- Title:
- County Comment Letter to the BLM Regarding the Proposed EIS for the Proposed Southline Transmission Line Project
- Submitted By:
- Mike Turisk, Community Development
- Department:
- Community Development
- Division:
- Planning
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:
n/a
TITLE
of PRESENTER:
of PRESENTER:
n/a
Docket Number (If applicable):
Mandated Function?:
Not Mandated
Source of Mandate
or Basis for Support?:
or Basis for Support?:
Information
Agenda Item Text:
Approve the comment letter to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regarding the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and possible land use amendments for the Southline Transmission Project.
Background:
The BLM and Western Area Power Administration have requested public participation to gather input regarding the preparation of an EIS as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act for the proposed Southline Transmission Line Project (project), a 225-mile, 345-kV and 230-kV transmission line between existing substations at Afton, New Mexico, and Apache, Arizona. During the public scoping period, the BLM is soliciting public comments on behalf of all cooperating agencies regarding issues, concerns, and opportunities that should be considered in the analysis of the proposed action.
The proposed project would also make improvements to approximately 130 miles of existing transmission lines between the Apache and Saguaro, Arizona substations. Southline has filed a ROW application with the BLM proposing to construct, operate, maintain, and eventually decommission these high-voltage, AC transmission lines. 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 (located south of Las Cruces, New Mexico) and Apache, Arizona. This segment would enable up to 1,500 megawatts (MW) of transmission capacity. The second segment is an upgrade and rebuild of approximately 120 miles of existing 115 kilovolt (kV) transmission line, providing up to 1,000 MW of increased transmission capacity between the Apache Substation and the Saguaro Substation northwest of Tucson. Southline is expected to connect with up to 11 substations along its route.
Approximately 40 percent of the proposed transmission line would be on public land, 30 percent would be on State land, and the remaining 30 percent would be on private land. The transmission lines may be supported by lattice steel structures or tubular steel pole structures. However, final decision on the specific type of structure will be based on topography, structural requirements, economics, the environment, etc. The structures are anticipated to be from 110 to 170 feet in height, and the distance between each structure is expected to be approximately 800 to 1,500 feet.
The proposed project would also make improvements to approximately 130 miles of existing transmission lines between the Apache and Saguaro, Arizona substations. Southline has filed a ROW application with the BLM proposing to construct, operate, maintain, and eventually decommission these high-voltage, AC transmission lines. 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 (located south of Las Cruces, New Mexico) and Apache, Arizona. This segment would enable up to 1,500 megawatts (MW) of transmission capacity. The second segment is an upgrade and rebuild of approximately 120 miles of existing 115 kilovolt (kV) transmission line, providing up to 1,000 MW of increased transmission capacity between the Apache Substation and the Saguaro Substation northwest of Tucson. Southline is expected to connect with up to 11 substations along its route.
Approximately 40 percent of the proposed transmission line would be on public land, 30 percent would be on State land, and the remaining 30 percent would be on private land. The transmission lines may be supported by lattice steel structures or tubular steel pole structures. However, final decision on the specific type of structure will be based on topography, structural requirements, economics, the environment, etc. The structures are anticipated to be from 110 to 170 feet in height, and the distance between each structure is expected to be approximately 800 to 1,500 feet.
Department's Next Steps (if approved):
Have the Chairman sign and send the letter.
Impact of NOT Approving/Alternatives:
The County would not provide comments regarding the preparation of the EIS and potential land use plan amendments for the Southline Transmission Line Project.
To BOS Staff: Document Disposition/Follow-Up:
Please send the letter as soon as possible (the deadline for comments is 5 July) to:
Bureau of Land Management
Las Cruces District Office
Southline Transmission Project
Attention: Tom Hurshman, Project Manager
1800 Marquess St
Las Cruces, NM 88005
and
Bureau of Land Management
Las Cruces District Office
Southline Transmission Project
Attention: Frances Martinez, Realty Specialist
1800 Marquess Street
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88005
Bureau of Land Management
Las Cruces District Office
Southline Transmission Project
Attention: Tom Hurshman, Project Manager
1800 Marquess St
Las Cruces, NM 88005
and
Bureau of Land Management
Las Cruces District Office
Southline Transmission Project
Attention: Frances Martinez, Realty Specialist
1800 Marquess Street
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88005