[Federal Register: February 27, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 38)]
[Notices]
[Page 8896-8899]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr27fe09-20]
========================================================================
Notices
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings,
delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency
statements of organization and functions are examples of documents
appearing in this section.
========================================================================
[[Page 8896]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Eldorado National Forest, CA; Kirkwood Meadows Power Line
Reliability Project EIS/EIR
AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare a joint environmental impact
statement/report.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the USDA Forest Service, Eldorado
National Forest (Forest Service), together with the Kirkwood Meadows
Public Utility District (KMPUD), will prepare a joint Environmental
Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) to disclose the
impacts associated with authorizing a 50-year term Special Use Permit
for the construction, use and maintenance of a Kirkwood Meadows Public
Utility District power line connecting the electrical grid near Salt
Springs with the community of Kirkwood Meadows, located in Amador,
Alpine and El Dorado Counties, California.
The new power line would potentially be located along Highway 88
and within the Eldorado National Forest. The power line would connect
with an existing 115 kV transmission line near the PG&E hydroelectric
facility at Salt Springs Reservoir. The proposed project also includes
two substations to be built, one near the Salt Springs hydroelectric
facility and the other on KMPUD property within the Kirkwood Meadows
valley, as well as ancillary improvements on National Forest System
lands needed to maintain this system (e.g., poles, roads, communication
equipment).
DATES: The comment period on the proposed action will extend 45 days
from the date this Notice of Intent is published in the Federal
Register. Completion of the draft EIS/EIR is expected in March 2010 and
the final EIS/EIR is expected in October 2010.
ADDRESSES: Send written comments to 100 Forth Road, Placerville, CA
95667. Comments may also be sent via e-mail to comments-
pacificsouthwest-eldorado@fs.fed.us, or via facsimile to (530) 621-
5297.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Copies of the proposed action and
other information concerning this proposed action may be found on the
project Web site at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado/projects/. Copies
of the proposed action or requests for further information may be
addressed to Sue Rodman, 100 Forth Road, Placerville CA 95667. Project
information can also be requested by leaving a voice message at (530)
621-5298.
Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD)
may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339
between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Purpose and Need for Action
The purpose of the proposed project is to replace the use of
diesel-fired generators within Kirkwood Meadows as the primary supply
of power for current and future needs within the KMPUD service area.
Additionally, the proposed project would increase the reliability of
the power supply for the KMPUD service area; remove a source of
particulates, noise and emissions from the Kirkwood Meadows valley,
provide access to cost effective renewable sources of power for the
Kirkwood Meadows valley, and help stabilize rates within the KMPUD
service area. The following needs for this proposed action have been
identified as follows:
Due to its remote location, high altitude, and challenging load
pattern (peak loads may occur during periods of heavy snowfall),
providing electrical power using diesel fired generation is
challenging. The quality and reliability of the power supply is low as
compared to typical grid-supplied electricity elsewhere in California
due to a combination of factors. An interconnection between the KMPIJD
service area and the California electrical grid would provide a more
robust and reliable source of supply. The proposed project would also
be able to accommodate buildout currently approved for Kirkwood Meadows
as described in the Kirkwood Meadows Specific Plan and the on mountain
improvements described in the Kirkwood Mountain Resort Mountain Master
Development Plan.
The existing diesel generation system within Kirkwood Meadows is
subject to the air quality permitting authority of the Great Basin
Unified Air Pollution Control District (GBUAPCD), and meets the
criteria set forth in the permits issued by the GBUAPCD. Nonetheless,
the proposed project would reduce the emissions of diesel particulates
in Kirkwood Meadows valley, as the existing diesel generation system
would retire from primary generation to backup generation only as a
result of the proposed project.
Since the existing generation system is relatively small and relies
on diesel fuel, the price of electrical power within the KMPUID service
area is heavily dependent on the price of diesel. The recent
fluctuations in the price of diesel caused power prices within the
KMPUD service area to spike dramatically. The proposed project would
allow KMPUD to access the California electrical grid, and enter into
long term, stable contracts for power supply.
The 2001 National Energy Policy goals are to increase domestic
energy supplies, modernize and improve our nation's energy
infrastructure, and improve the reliability of the delivery of energy
from its sources to points of use. Executive Order 13212 encourages
increased production and transmission of energy in a safe and
environmentally sound manner. According to Executive Order 13212, for
energy related projects, agencies shall expedite their review of
permits or take other actions as necessary to accelerate the completion
of such projects. The agencies shall take such actions to the extent
permitted by law and regulations, and where appropriate.
Proposed Action
The proposed project would involve authorizing a 50-year term
Special Use Permit for the construction, use and maintenance of a
Kirkwood Meadows Public Utility District power line connecting Kirkwood
Meadows (in Alpine, Amador and El Dorado Counties) to an existing 115
kV transmission line owned by Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E)
near the PG&E hydroelectric facility at Salt
[[Page 8897]]
Springs Reservoir, in Amador County. The proposed project also includes
two substations to be built, one within the KMPUD service area and the
other near the PG&E Salt Springs hydroelectric facility, as well as
ancillary improvements on National Forest System lands needed to
maintain this system (e.g., poles, roads, communication equipment).
The proposed project would involve lands managed by the Eldorado
National Forest in portions of Sections within Township 8 North, Range
15 East; Township 8 North, Range 16 East; Township 9 North, Range 16
East; Township 9 North, Range 17 East; and Township 10 North, Range 17
East, Mt. Diablo Base and Meridian.
The proposed project alignment is referred to as the Carson Spur
Alignment. The proposed project alignment commences near PG&E's Salt
Springs powerhouse, crosses the ridge to Bear River Reservoir, travels
up to the State Highway 88 and Old Alpine Highway route and generally
follows those alignments to Kirkwood Meadows. The proposed project will
be constructed in the various alignment segments described below,
utilizing underground or above ground installation methods, as
required.
Segments PGE 1: Salt Springs substation along Salt Springs
penstock--1.2 miles utilizing an overbuild of the existing PG&E 12 kV
pole line.
Segment PGE 2: Cole Creek to Bear River Reservoir via PG&E 12 kV
distribution line--1.9 Miles utilizing an overbuild of the existing
PG&E 12 kV pole line.
Segment BRR 1: Bear River Reservoir to Hwy 88--3.6 miles (from the
south side of Bear River Reservoir, across the Bear River Reservoir dam
to Highway 88).
Segment OAH 1: 13.1 miles generally parallel to Hwy 88 on the Old
Alpine Highway alignment where possible.
Segment OAH 2: 2.1 miles generally parallel to Highway 88 from
Tragedy Springs past Silver Lake.
Segment CS 1: Oyster Springs to top of Carson Spur, generally
parallel to Hwy 88 on Old Alpine Hwy--2.8 miles.
Segment CS 2: Carson Spur in Hwy 88--0.9 Miles.
Segment CS 3: Departs Hwy 88 East of the Carson Spur to KMPUD
facilities 0.9 miles.
A map of the proposed project alignment is available at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado/projects/, will be available for view at the
Scoping Meetings listed below (see Scoping Process), or may be
requested from the Forest Service at the addresses listed above (see
For Further Contact Information).
Background
The Kirkwood Meadows power system currently uses a set of diesel
generators with a maximum permitted capacity of 5.34 MW and a peak load
of approximately 4 MW to power the ski resort, residences, and other
businesses of Kirkwood Meadows. Since the approval of the first
Kirkwood Master Plan in 1974, the ski resort has grown and now has
power demands approaching the capacity of the existing diesel power
plant. The Kirkwood Specific Plan completed in 2003 and the Mountain
Master Plan completed in 2007 approved continued expansion of the
resort and related recreational opportunities which will in turn
require more electrical capacity.
Electrical energy can be unreliable in the Kirkwood Meadows service
area, due to a combination of challenges related to generation and
delivery of energy at high altitude and difficult winter conditions.
Weather and equipment-related outages and low power quality occur in
the Kirkwood Meadows area despite high rates and continuous investment
in the system. One method of achieving a more reliable, higher capacity
electricity source is to connect the Kirkwood community to the public
electrical grid.
Several discussions regarding line extensions and interconnection
have occurred with both PG&E (in California) and Sierra Pacific Power
(SPP, in Nevada and California) since 1996 and a resolution was not
reached. Energy demand is expected to exceed capacity within the next
few years, therefore, KMIPTJD has taken on responsibility for pursuing
a connection to the grid. The new power line is expected to meet the
following needs: increase the reliability of the power supply for the
KMPUD service area, reduce particulates, noise and emissions from the
diesel generation in Kirkwood Meadows valley, provide access to cost
effective renewable sources of energy from the California electrical
grid, and stabilize rates within the KMPUD service area.
The Forest Service is the lead Federal agency for the preparation
of a joint EIS/EIR in compliance with the National Environmental Policy
Act (NEPA) and all other applicable laws, executive orders,
regulations, and direction. KMPUD is the lead State of California
agency for the preparation of a joint EIS/EIR in compliance with the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), California Public Resource
Code Division 13, and all other applicable laws and regulations. Both
agencies have determined a joint EIS/EIR is needed to efficiently
analyze the proposed action and evaluate its impacts. Pursuant to CEQA,
a Notice of Preparation of Joint EIS/EIR has also been prepared.
Possible Alternatives
The Forest Service will identify alternatives to the proposed
action that address significant issues brought forward by the public
during the scoping process. Possible alternatives could include:
alternate alignments for the proposed power line, as well as
construction alternatives to locate all or portions of the proposed
power line underground, or an alternative for the types and number of
poles and voltage that would be used.
In addition, KMPUD has identified two preliminary alternatives for
analysis: the Silver Lake alignment and the Long Valley alignment.
The Silver Lake Alignment follows much of the Carson Spur Alignment
until it reaches the north end of Silver Lake. The Silver Lake
Alignment would depart from the proposed action alignment from Hwy 88
just north of Silver Lake, travel northeast of the lake to the top of
Chair 6 at Kirkwood Meadows, and follow the Chair 6 alignment into
Kirkwood Meadows Valley. The Silver Lake Alignment includes Segments
PGE 1, PGE 2, BRR 1, OAR 1, OAH 2, NR 1, NR 2, NR 3.
Segments PGE 1, PGE 2, OAH 1, OAR 2--These segments are described
in the Carson Spur Alignment above.
Segment NR 1 & NR 2: Around northeast end of Silver Lake, and from
Silver Lake to top of Chair 6--2.9 miles.
Segment NR 3: Top of Chair 6 down a ski slope to KMPT.JD system--
1.3 miles.
The Long Valley Alignment would be an overhead alignment along Long
Valley, at 115 kV. The Long Valley Alignment commences near PG&E's Salt
Springs powerhouse, follows the PG&E penstock north, then swings
northeast and generally parallels Cole Creek Road. The alignment then
heads generally northeast through Long Valley to just south of Kirkwood
Meadows, then swings north to Kirkwood Meadows valley. The Long Valley
Alignment would be considered a corridor; and a precise alignment
location would be surveyed in the future. The Long Valley Alignment
includes Segments PGE 1 and LV 1, LV 2, LV 3.
Segment PGE 1: Salt Springs substation along Salt Springs
penstock--1.2 miles. Segment LV 1, LV 2, LV 3: LV 1 is top of Salt
Springs penstock to Squaw Ridge, LV 2 is
[[Page 8898]]
Squaw Ridge to Allen Ranch, and LV 3 is Allen Ranch to Kirkwood.
In addition to the alignment alternatives, various construction
technologies will be evaluated for applicability on all alignments.
Construction technologies include:
[cir] Underground Construction: Underground construction would
utilize direct burial or a conduit and vault system. Underground
construction would require a nominal trench excavation of 18
W x 66 D, constructed within a cleared construction corridor
of 30 to 40 feet in width. For direct burial, the power cables must be
bedded in select backfill material 6 inches below and 12 inches above
the cable. Trench sections of up to 3000 feet in length will be opened
for installation of the cable. Power line sections crossing under
roads, narrow waterways and other special crossings will be installed
using directional boring techniques in rigid conduit on an as needed
basis. An above ground switching cabinet will be required approximately
every mile along the underground power line route. The cabinet and
supporting concrete pad will be approximately 8 feet square and about 4
feet high. For a conduit and vault system, the trench requirements will
be the same as the direct burial sections except that the trench can be
backfilled immediately after installing the conduit and the cable
installed at a later date. The cable is then pulled in the conduit from
one vault to the next. Depending on the terrain profile and lateral
changes in direction, pull and splice vaults are generally spaced about
500-800 feet apart.
[cir] Overhead Lines: Overhead lines would be constructed in
cleared corridors of 40 to 80 feet, depending on line voltage, terrain,
snow depth and configuration of the pole structures. Weathering brown
metal poles and low reflectivity conductors will be utilized wherever
possible to better fit in with the surrounding forest.
Construction and maintenance may utilize helicopter techniques.
Lead and Cooperating Agencies
The Forest Service and the KMPUD will be joint lead agencies in
accordance with 40 CFR 1501.5(b), and are responsible for the
preparation of the EIS/EIR. The Forest Service will serve as the lead
agency under NEPA. The KMPUD will serve as the lead agency under CEQA.
Scoping will determine if additional cooperating agencies are needed.
Responsible Official
The Forest Service responsible official for the preparation of the
EIS/EIR is the Forest Supervisor of the Eldorado National Forest,
Ramiro Villalvazo.
Nature of Decision To Be Made
The Forest Supervisor of the Eldorado National Forest will decide
whether or not to authorize a 50-year term Special Use Permit for the
construction, use and maintenance of a Kirkwood Meadows Public Utility
District power line along the proposed alignment, to make such
authorization based upon an alternative alignment, or decide to take no
action, based upon the findings of the Final EIS/EIR. The Forest
Supervisor of the Eldorado National Forest will only make a decision
regarding impacts on National Forest System lands. Once the decision is
made, a record of decision/notice of decision to disclose the rationale
for the decision will be published.
Permits or Licenses Required
Depending on the final alignment and configuration of the project,
other necessary permits for the project may include, but are not
limited to, an encroachment permit from Caltrans in order to construct
the line within the right-of-way of State Highway 88 and Overload
Permits; encroachment permits from Amador, Alpine and El Dorado
Counties required to cross county rights-of-way; other local agency
permits as may be required; air pollution permits from Amador County
Air Pollution Control District (ACAPCD), El Dorado Air Quality
Management District (EDAQMD), and Great Basin Unified Air Pollution
Control District (GBUAPCD); National Pollution Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES), General Construction permit issued by California's
Regional Water Quality Control Board; Section 404 permit from the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers in the event of construction within
jurisdictional waters (e.g., navigable waters or wetlands); Section
1601 Streambed Alteration permit from the California Department of Fish
and Game for construction within the bed or banks of any streams or
creeks; California Department of Toxic Substance Control, EPA Hazardous
Waste Generator Identification; State Historical Perservation Officer
(SHPO) Section 106 Compliance.
Scoping Process
This notice of intent initiates the scoping process, which guides
the development of the EIS/EIR. The Forest Service is seeking public
and agency comment on the proposed project to identify major issues to
be analyzed in depth and assistance in identifying potential
alternatives to be evaluated. It is important that interested parties
provide their comments at such times and in such manner that they are
useful to the lead agencies' preparation of the EIS/EIR. Therefore,
comments should be provided prior to the close of the scoping period
and should clearly articulate the interested party's concerns and
contentions to the Addresses stated above. Interested parties are also
given the opportunity to provide comments at the Scoping Meetings on
the dates/ times/locations scheduled below. This input will be used in
preparation of the draft EIS/EIR.
Information about the environmental review process will be posted
on the Internet at: http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado/projects/. This
site will be used to post all public documents during the environmental
review process and to announce upcoming public meetings.
The Forest Service and KMPUD will hold two scoping meetings to
provide information about the proposed action to the public, and to
allow people to comment on the proposed action and possible
alternatives. The scoping meetings will be held on the following dates,
locations and times:
1. April 7, 2009, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Jackson Civic Center, 33
Broadway, Jackson, CA 95642.
2. April 8, 2009, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., KMPUD office, 33540 Loop
Road, Kirkwood, CA 95646.
The scoping period on the proposed action and possible alternatives
will extend from 45 days from the date that this NOT is published in
the Federal Register.
Early Notice of Importance of Public Participation in Subsequent
Environmental Review
The draft EIS/EIR is expected to be filed with the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and to be available for public review in March
2010. The EPA will publish a notice of availability of the draft EIS/
EIR in the Federal Register. The comment period on the draft EIS/EIR
will extend 45 days from the date the EPA notice appears in the Federal
Register. At that time, copies of the draft EIS/EIR will be distributed
to interested and affected agencies, organizations, and members of the
public for their review and comment. It is very important that those
interested participate at that time. The final EIS/EIR is expected to
be completed by October 2010. In the final EIS/EIR, the Forest Service
and KMPUD are required to respond to comments received during
[[Page 8899]]
the comment period that pertain to the environmental consequences
discussed in the draft EIS/EIR and applicable laws, regulations, and
policies considered in making the decision.
It is important that reviewers provide their comments at such times
and in such a way that they are useful to the Agency's preparation of
the ETS. Therefore, comments should be provided prior to the close of
the comment period and should clearly articulate the reviewer's
concerns and contentions. The submission of timely and specific
comments can affect a reviewer's ability to participate in subsequent
administrative review or judicial review.
Comments received in response to this solicitation, including names
and addresses of those who comment, will be part of the public record
for this proposed action. Comments submitted anonymously will be
accepted and considered; however, anonymous comments will not provide
the respondent with standing to participate in subsequent
administrative review or judicial review.
Dated: February 20, 2009.
Ramiro Villalvazo,
Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. E9-4119 Filed 2-26-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-M