EIS for North Steens 230kV Transmission Line and Windfarm

Client: Bureau of Land Management, Subcontract to Columbia Energy Partners

Location: Vancouver, WA

Summary: Cardno ENTRIX is currently preparing a Third-Party NEPA Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to analyze the impacts of a proposed 21-mile double-circuit 230kV transmission line. The line would run from the proposed Echanis Wind Energy Project to an existing transmission line operated by Harney Electric Cooperative in Diamond Junction, Oregon. Approximately eight miles of the proposed transmission line would cross Bureau of Land Mangement-administered lands and roughly one mile would cross through the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

The Bureau of Land Management is the lead federal agency under NEPA. The Echanis Wind Energy project is a 100-turbine wind project being developed by Columbia Energy Partners of Vancouver, Washington. The transmission line will be constructed and maintained above ground and supported by steel and/or wooden structures as appropriate for site and span requirements. Permanent roads are not expected to be required for construction or maintenance, but a primitive road system that parallels the transmission lines is to be completed before compliance work begins. Key issues include visual resources, cultural resources, land use, and the Migratory Bird Act and Endangered Species Act. Cardno ENTRIX is serving as the primary contractor responsible for compilation of the EIS and public involvement activities pursuant to NEPA.