HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.0 Correspondence Craig-Ridle~JO ~ I' 1 ~75 8
( 7-791 .. U.S. DEPARTMEN ~~GY
DA l [' APR 2 7 1982 memorand
HlPLY TO
ATTN Of
SUOJl CT
EP-1
Environmental Assessment
Impact: Craig-Rifle 230
and Proposed Finding of No Significant ~{~
to 345 kV Transmission Line Uprate ~
ro Robert L. McPhail, Administrator
Western Area Power Administration
Pursuant to its authorities under Department of Energy Order
5440.lA, concerning compliance with the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA), and in response to the request contained in
your memorandum of April 7, 1982, the Office of Environmental
Protection, Safety, and Em e r g ency Preparedness has reviewed the
above material. ·
The environmental assessment (EA) describes the impacts of
strengthening and reconductoring an existing transmission line
to increase voltage and thereby improve reliability and allow
the transmission of power from new (already constructed)
generating facilities in western Colorado. Several structures
would be mov e d; however, most of the activity would involve
installing additional equipment on existing towers and all work
would take place within existing rights-of-way and access roads.
A 3-5-mile line will be constructed on new right-of-way between
the Rifle substations of Western and Colorado-Ute. Impacts would
be minimal.
On the basis of our review of the EA, and after consultation
with the Office of the General Co unsel, we have det e rmined that
the EA is adequate and that the proposed action would not be a
major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the
human environment, within the meaning of NEPA. Therefore, the EA
is approved for distribution to the public, and I have sig ned the
proposed Finding of No Significant Impact.
Office of the General Counsel
Concur J. Thomas Wolfe
Nonconcur
-~~~---~----
;J~
William A. Vaughan
Assistant Secretary
Environmental Protection, Safety,
and Emergency Preparedness
Date 4/20/82
Date ------
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lJ.S. DEPARTME:\T OF ENERGY
rn e n:i 01? a: ri cl 1J.1;1
EP-1
Environmental Assessment and Proposed Finding OJ' No Significant
Irnpact: Craig-Rifle 230 to 345 kV Transmission Line Uprate
Robert L. McPhail, Administrator
Western Area Power Administration
Pursuant to its authorities under Department of Energy Order
5440.lA, concerning compliance with the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA), and in response to the request contained in
your memorandum of April 7, 1982, the Office of Environmental
Protection, Safety, and Emergency Preparedness has reviewed the
above material.
The environmental assessment (EA) describes the impacts of
strengthening and reconductoring an existing transmission line
to increase voltage and thereby improve reliability and allow
the transmission of power from new (already constructed)
generating facilities in western Colorado. Several structures
would be moved; however, most of the activity would involve
installing additional equipment on existing poles and all work
would take place within existing right-of-way and access roads.
A 3.5-mile line will be constructed on new right-of-way between
the Rifle substations of Western and Colorado-Ute. Impacts would
be minimal.
On the basis of our review of the EA, and after consultation
with the Office of the General Counsel, we have determined that
the EA is adequate and that the proposed action would not be a
major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the
human environment, within the meaning of NEPA. Therefore, the EA
is approved for distribution to the public, and I have signed the
proposed Finding of No Significant Impact.
Office
Noncon
William A. Vaughan
Assistant Secretary
Environmental Protection, Safety,
and Emergency Preparedness
Date
Date ------
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
FJNDJNG OF NO SJGNJFJCANT IMPACT
Craig-Rifle 230-to 345-kV Transmission Line Uprate
Garfield, Moffat, and Rio Blanco Counties, Colorado
AGENCY: Western Area Power Administration, Department of Energy
ACTION: Proposed transmission line uprate, Craig-Rifle Transmission
Line, Garfield, Moffat, and Rio Blanco Counties, Colorado
SUMMARY: Western Area Power Administration (Western) has prepared an
Environmental Assessment (EA) for the uprate of the existing 230-
kilovolt (kV) transmission line to 345-kV from Craig, Colorado, to
Rifle, Colorado. Based on the findings of the EA, the Department of
Energy (DOE) has determined that the proposed action does not con-
stitute a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of
the human environment within the meaning of the National Environmental
Pol icy Act (NEPA) of 1969, 42 U.S.C. 4321 ~ ~· Therefore, no
environmental impact statement is required.
For further information: The EA and further information are available
to the public at the locations below:
Albert M. Gabiola
Area Manager
Salt Lake City Area Office
Western Area Power Administration
P.O. Box 11606
Salt Lake City, UT 84147
( 801) 5 24-5493
Gary W. Frey
Environmental Manager
Western Area Power Administration
P. 0. Box 3402
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 231-1527
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: As detailed in the EA, the existing 230-kV
transmission system south of Craig has been seriously overloaded. To
alleviate the overloading, Western proposes to uprate the ~xisting
line by utilizing existing structures along the present right-of-way.
Jn order to accommodate the uprate, Western would strengthen the
existing towers, replace insulator assemblies, and add an additional
conductor. Western anticipates that 18 structures would be replaced
or moved to provide electrical clearance. Western proposes to
terminate the uprate at an existing Colorado-Ute Electric Association
345-kV substation about 3.7 miles west of Western's existing 230-kV
substation by constructing a new 345-kV transmission line segment, 3.7
mil es 1 ong, between the 345-k V and 230-k V substations. Thus, the need
to construct a new 345-kV terminal facility wil 1 be postponed. The
new 345-kV transmission line segment would eventually serve as a tie
between the two substations.
A variety of alternatives were considered for the uprate including (a)
no action alternative, (b) system alternatives, (c) design alterna-
tives, and (d) location alternatives. System alternatives to provide
increased transfer capability included installing series compensation,
energy conservation, and constructing a new 345-kV transmission line.
Series compensation would not be feasible for operational and reli-
ability purposes. Energy conservation would only delay the need for
the uprate, and constructing a new 345-kV transmission line would not
be economically feasible at this time. Design alternatives included
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moving 52 towers, transmission line replacement, undergrounding of
cable, and the use of nonspecular conductor. Transmission line
replacement and undergrounding would not be economically feasible
and would cause greater environmental effects. The moving of
structures would be more expensive and cause more construction
damage at more structure sites than the proposed action.
Five alteinative routes including one or more of four new alignment
segments and the utilization of the existing route were invest i g.ated.
Each of the alternative routes would have required new construction ir1
varying degrees along the new alignment segments. None of the alter-
native routes would offer significant environmental advantages over
uprating along the existing line. In many cases, the alternative
routes would have greater impact potentials. The EA describes in
detail the location routes investigated.
Impacts to specific environmental parameters and mitigation measures
that will be taken are as follows:
Air Quality --Air quality will deteriorate slightly during the
construction period. The impact to air quality will be temporary
and localized in the areas immediately adjacent to the existing
alignment. The use of heavy equipment will cause exhaust emis-
sions and fugitive dust. Following the construction period,
disturbed areas will be reseeded so that no long-term fugitive
3
dust problems will remain. State and Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) air quality standards should not be exceeded. No
impact to Class I Air Quality Areas will occur.
Hydrology --Impacts to surface and ground water hydrology due to
construction and maintenance activities will be very minor.
Perennial streams, Intermittent streams, ditches, and unnamed
streams within the preferred and alternative routes have been •
identified. The preferred route crosses the upstream end of
McHatton Reservoir and, when at maximum capacity, is the only
significant surface impoundment crossed. Existing transmission
right-of-way will be utilized at this location. No impact to the
reservoir will occur. Potential for erosion does exist, but
erosion control measures implemented during construction will
avoid this hazard. Short-term increases of suspended sediments
are unavoidable and will occur during construction. Where the
transmission line crosses the Colorado, White, and Yampa Rivers,
bank erosion is not expected to occur due to the wide, flat
topography of the river valleys. Impacts to the surface and
ground water quality could occur due to accidental spills of
fuels and waste materials. The construction contractor will be
required to comply with all Federal, State, and local water
pollution control regulations. Minimal impact to the hydrology
of the area will result from utilizing existing structures for
the uprate. No structure will be relocated or replaced near a
stream course.
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Biological Resources
Wildlife Wildlife and wildlife habitat will ~e minimally
affected by the uprate. During construction activities,
larger species will disperse. Individuals of smaller
species will be more severely affected by such activities
but general populations of the species will not. Impacts to
the local elk and deer populations will be minimal.
As a result of consultation with the U.S. Fish and '1i1dl ife
Service, areas have been identified where construction
activities could affect the wintering habitat for the
endangered bald eagle. The period when these impacts might
occur is between November 15 and April 15. Western will
implement scheduling specifications which will prohibit
construction activities in the bald eagle wintering habitat
between November 15 and April 15. The uprate wi 11 thus
not jeopardize the continued existence of the bald eagle or
adversely modify its wintering habitat.
Vegetation·-No federally protected plant species are known
to exist in the study area. During the construction period
vegetation will be impacted; however, these impacts will be
minor since right-of-way is already secured and access roads
already exist.
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Earth Resources
Geology --Construction and maintenance will have an
insignificant impact on geological resources. The presence
of landslide deposits where the existing 230-kV transmission
line is present will not pose a significant hazard. The
existing line crosses an inferred potentially active fault,
arid minor seismic activity has been recorded in this region.
Geologic conditions are well known and due to the nature of
construction no unforeseen impacts should occur.
Soils --Clearing of vegetation and the soil erosion
problems associated with the clearing of vegetation will be
limited. Mitigating measures will be employed when it is
necessary, and any long-term impacts will be minimal and in
most cases nonexistent. Following construction, and if
desired by the landowner, soils that have been disturbed
will be reseeded and mulched.
Cultural Resources --A Cultural Resource Assessment has been
conducted including a literature and file search, a sample survey
of the alternate routes, and an intensive survey of the proposed
action. These investigations revealed that the general study
area has been inhabited for at least 10,000 years. This occupa-
tion is reflected in Archaic and Late Prehistoric Indian Sites
and Historic Sites. Three historic sites located in the general
6
study area are currently listed on the National Register of
Historic Places (Register): the St. James Episcopal Church
and the Meeker Hotel, both in Meeker, and the Thornburgh Battle
Site, about 20 miles northeast of Meeker.
The sample survey of alternative routes indicated that potentially
significant sites could be located on any of the alternative
routes. The intensive survey of the proposed action located 29
sites and 10 isolated finds. Three prehistoric sites are poten-
tially eligible for inclusion on the Register, no sites are
currently listed.
Western will attempt to avoid any adverse impact to these sites
and if physical avoidance is impossible, a data retrieval mitiga-
tion plan will be initiated. The Cultural Resource Assessment,
which was conducted by qualified professionals in consultation
with the State Historic Preservation Office, is being used by
Western to fulfill its responsibility for the consultation
process established by Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act.
Floodplain -Wetlands --In accordance with DOE's Floodplain/
Wetlands Environmental Review Requirements (10 CFR 1022), Western
has conducted a floodplain/wetlands evaluation for the proposed
uprate. Since Federal Insurance Administration Flood Hazard Zone
Boundary Maps were not available for al 1 drainages crossed by the
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proposed uprate, Western equated the flood hazard zone to the
physiographic floodplain boundary to e.'sure the 100-year event
would be included in the evaluation. Palustrine wetfands are
traversed by the existing line and occur in the floodplains and
in association with stock ponds and reservoirs.
The existing Craig-Rifle line was constructed in floodplains/
wetlands in accordance with applicable floodplain design criteria.
Eighteen existing structures are located in floodplains along t!1e
preferred route. These structures will be modified by adding new
steel members for strengthening, replacing insulator assemblies,
qnd adding an additional conductor. By utilizing existing
structures and access roads, the potential for impact will be
low. Two additional structures that are located on the fringe of
a floodplain/wetland will require replacement and relocation.
This action has potential for moderate impact. The relocated
structures will be moved further away from floodplains/wetlands.
Three existing structures are located in wetlands along the pro-
posed uprate. Two of the three are located outside of a flood-
plain near irrigation ditches north of Flag Creek. The third is
located in the floodplain of the White River. None of these
structures will be replaced or relocated.
Western will implement erosion control measures in and near
floodplains/ wetlands to minimize erosion and will require the
8
use of existing access roads. In addition, Western will restrict
the use of heavy construction equip:nent in wetlands, and requir'e
the restoration of any disturbed wetland sites to a near original
state to allow successional rehabilitation. The proposed action
will not destroy any wetland habitat and will be accomplished in
accordance with applicable floodplain regulations.
The location alternatives considered would require the placement
of new structures in floodplains. This action would have poten-
tial for moderate impacts. Two of the alternatives would span
fewer floodplains but would require more new construction in
floodplains and have a higher impact potential. Floodplains
could not be avoided with any of the location alternatives.
Western considered system alternatives that would not have
required construction in floodplains/wetlands; however, these
alternatives were not considered feasible for the reasons given
above.
Land Use -Land Ownership --Since the uprate will utilize the
existing transmission line, the impacts that have already
taken place from the presence of the line will not be reduced
or increased over the long term due to the uprating of the
line. Impact to local ranching activities should be negligible.
The proposal crosses some prime farmland and land of Statewide
importance. None of the alternatives would avoid these lands.
The transmission line will, therefore, continue to impact farming
9
operations that are located near the existing line. No direct
impact will occur to existing urban areas. Few homes are
located near the transmission line. Only about 80 acres of
land will need to be acquired in easement for the new 345-kV
transmission line segment between the 345-kV and 230-kV
substations.
Socioeconomics --Overall socioeconomic impacts of construction
and operation of the proposed uprate will be minimal. Labor
needs will be spread over the length of the project. Much of
the construction labor force will be drawn from the local
area. flJly increase in population resulting from this project
will be temporary and demand on public facilities will be
negligible.
Esthetics --The visual modifications to the landscape fran
construction activities to uprate the existing line will be
temporary. The project will not increase the number of
structures that are already visible to the public.
Based on an evaluation of the EA which addresses the impacts to
the environmental parameters discussed above, OOE has determined
that the proposed uprate of the Craig-Rifle transmission line
does not constitute a major Federal action significantly affecting
the quality of the human environment as defined by NEPA, 42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq., and therefore, no environmental impact
statement is required.
10
Date Issued: ~ 2?, Ir 8 )__,
11
William A. Vau an
Assistant Secretary
'
i
Environmental Protection, Safety,
and Emergency Preparedness
DUPUCATE OR!ClHAt
UN! ED STATE
DEPARTM NT OF EN RGY
WEST~RN AREA O~ER ADM NIS~RATJO~
CRAIG-RIFLE TRANSMlSS10N L1NE
AGREEl~ENT WITH GARFIELD COUNTY) CO~ORADO,
FOR CROSSING CERTAIN COUNTY ROADS
THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into the ___ Go_y of_------------·
19 , bet1,;een GARFIELD COUNTY, of the State of Colorado (COUNTY), 2r;d the
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Department of Energy, Viestern Area Power
Administration (UNITED STATES), represented by the officer executing the
agreement, pursuant to the Reclamation Act, Act of June 17, 1902,
32 Stat. 388, and acts· amencatory ther-of and supple111entary ~.he1·eto, and the
Energy Organization Act, Act of August 4, 1977, 91 Stat. 565.
Vi!TNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the United States will construct the Craig-Rifle Transmission Line,
hereinafter called the Transmission Line; and
WHEREAS, this Transmission Line will cross certain County roads in G0rfield
County, Colorado.
NOW, THEREFORE in consideration of the stipulations and covenants herein
contained, it is agreed by and between the parties hereto as follows:
1. The County hereby grants to the United States the perpetual right to
,It". ''-'' · ......
construct, operate, and maintain said Transmission Line over and across those
t 2nd c, beir1c ~es:er~ ~re2 Power Admir:istratior1 (~esiern) Dre~ings
CRAIG-RIFLE ~R4NS~!SSJON ~]NE
:.xhiDit Loca~ior:
fa. Tr~nsrr1iss1on Line
Sta, 55 + 62 .1 Centerline
County Rc,ad No. 315
SE & SW 1/4, Sec. 17, T.6S.,
R.921,, 6th P.M.
B Tra~smission Line Sta.
134 + 18.3 Centerline
County Road No. 333
NE 1/4 Sec. 24, T.6S.,
R.?31,., 6th P.M.
c Trar~s;nission Line
County Road No. 319
E 1/1 NE 1/4, Sec. 23,
T.6S., R.93W., 6th P.M.
2. The United States will construct said Transmission Line without expense
to the County in acco1-dance with 1.-lestern's standards for a 345-kV, 3-phase,
2
6~-~.ertz, s1.ee1 ~o~er, s~ngle-cir·cuit t:-ersrr~ssior lins witr a~u~i~1J~
conductor, steel reinforced~ and twc cv~rt1eaG grsLln~ wir·es ut~1izing an
appr·opriate protective 2r191e. Said ~:-6nSffiission Lin~ is cies~gne~ as S?ecified
c~earances will be equal to or ~rE6ter thar those s~ecif~ed in said Sa~ety
Code. Any rEqui:,ea changes i~ design and const1,uction of said 7ra~srrissi0~
Line over and across said roads differing from Code requirements will be as
~ctually agrEed between the County and the United States.
3. The Tra1:smission Line will, at all tirnes after constt,uction, be opera~ed,
rraintained, repaired, and renewed by the United States without expense to the
County.
4. The Uniied States will require its contractor to observe standard
regu;ations of the County with respect to handling of traffic, and to provide,
erect) and rr,aintain all necessary barric2Ces, suitdble and sufficient red
lights, danger signals, and signs and to ~ake all necessary precautions for
the protection of the work and the safety of the public.
5. If th~ Un-ited States Cc1-,:,ges t/-,e Cc:unty 1 s pr··c,i~';:::rty ;,.,:hi le cc:r~st.ruct·i11g,
rt-;erating 01~ n.aintaining said Trans;;rission Line, a!·1d fails to r2;1a.ir such
c;a;,;age, the County 1-1ill be rei:nbursed for the direct costs of repairing the
~~mage plus ad~inistrative costs not to exceed 15 percent of the direct
costs upon receipt of a certified cost statement.
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6. The liability of the United States under this contract is contingent
upon the necessary appropriation and reservation of funds being made
therefore.
7. No member of or Delegate to Congress or Resident Commissioner shall be
admitted to any share or part of this contract or to any benefit that may
arise herefrom, but this restriction shall not be construed to extend to
this contract if made with a corporation or company for its general bene-
fit.
8. The terms of this contract shall inure to the benefit of and be bin-
ding upon the successors in interest and assigns of the parties hereto.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this agreement as of
the date first above written.
(SEAL)
ATTEST:
Chief Clerk
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
By
~D~ir_e_c~t-or~,~D~i-v~is-i~o-n~of~L-a-n~a~~~
Western Area Power Administration
COUNTY OF GARFIELD
STATE OF COLORADO
Commissioner
Commissioner
Commissioner