[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 173 (Friday, September 7, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51404-51406]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-17168]


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 Notices
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 173 / Friday, September 7, 2007 / 
Notices  

[[Page 51404]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Angeles National Forest, CA, Tehachapi Renewable Transmission 
Project

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare a joint environmental impact 
statement/report.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The USDA Forest Service, together with the California Public 
Utilities Commission (CPUC), will prepare a joint Environmental Impact 
Statement (EIS) and Environmental Impact Report (EIR) in response to 
applications received from Southern California Edison for construction 
of a series of transmission system improvements to deliver electricity 
from new wind energy projects in eastern Kern County. The proposed 
project would be located in Kern, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino 
counties. The purpose of the project is to provide the electrical 
facilities necessary to integrate levels of new wind generation in the 
Tehachapi Wind Resource Area, and accommodate solar and geothermal 
projects currently being planned or expected in the future. It would 
also improve the reliability of the transmission grid in the Antelope 
Valley and address existing constraints in the transmission system 
south of the Lugo Substation in Hesperia, California. The Forest 
Service is the lead Federal agency for the preparation of this EIS/EIR 
in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and all 
other applicable federal laws, executive orders, regulations, and 
direction. The CPUC is the lead State of California agency for the 
preparation of the EIS/EIR in compliance with the California 
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), California Public Resource Code 
Division 13, and all other applicable state laws and regulations. Both 
agencies have determined an EIS/EIR is needed to effectively analyze 
the proposal and evaluate impacts.
    The proposed project involves several types of transmission 
upgrades, including: (1) Constructing new 500-kV transmission lines; 
(2) constructing o new single-circuit 220-kV transmission lines; (3) 
rebuilding existing 220-kV lines to 500-V standards; (4) rebuilding 
existing single-circuit transmission lines to double-circuit 
transmission lines; (5) relocating several existing 66-kV 
subtransmission lines; (6) constructing a new 500-kV substation; and 
(7) upgrading five existing substations. Approximately 46 miles of the 
project would be located in a 200- to 400-foot right-of-way on National 
Forest System land (managed by the Angeles National Forest) and 
approximately 3 miles would require expanded right-of-way within the 
Angeles National Forest. The USDA Forest Service and the CPUC invite 
written comments on the scope of this proposed project. In addition, 
the agencies give notice of this analysis so that interested and 
affected individuals are aware of how they may participate and 
contribute to the final decision.

DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received 
by October 1, 2007. Nine public scoping meetings are planned to provide 
information about the proposed project and to allow people to comment 
on the proposed project. The draft EIS/EIR is expected to be published 
in July 2008 and the final EIS/EIR is expected in December 2008.

ADDRESSES: To request a copy of the draft or final EIS/EIR and/or to 
send written comments, please write to the Angeles National Forest and/
or California Public Utilities Commission, c/o Aspen Environmental 
Group, 30423 Canwood Street, Suite 215, Agoura Hills, CA 91301.
    E-mail communications are also welcome; however, please include 
your name and a return address in the e-mail message. E-mail messages 
should be sent to [email protected]. Information about this application 
and the environmental review process will be posted on the Internet at: 
Ftp://ftp.cpuc.ca.gov/gopher-data/environ/tehachapi_renewables/TRTP.htm. This site will be used to post all public documents during 
the environmental review process and to announce upcoming public 
meetings. See SUPPLMENTARY INFORMATION for dates and addresses of 
future public meetings.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information related to 
the project on National Forest System land, contact George Farra, 
Project Manager, Forest Service, Angeles National Forest, 701 N. Santa 
Anita Ave., Arcadia, CA 91006, phone: (626) 574-5301. For additional 
information related to the project on non-National Forest System land, 
contact John Boccio, California Public Utilities Commission, 505 Van 
Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102; phone: (415) 703-2641. Project 
information can also be requested by leaving a voice message or sending 
a fax to the Project Information Hotline at (888) 331-9897.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Proposed Action

    Southern California Edison would construct, use, and maintain a 
series of new and upgraded high-voltage electric transmission lines and 
substations to deliver electricity generated from new wind energy 
projects in eastern Kern County, California. The proposed transmission 
system upgrades are seperated into eight distinct segments. The 
proposed projects's major components include the following, by segment:
     Segment 4: Construct a new ~16-mile single-circuit 500-kV 
transmission line from the new Whirlwind Substation to the existing 
Antelope Substation. The existing right-of-way would be expanded by 200 
feet and construct two new parallel ~4-mile single-circuit 220-kV 
transmission lines from the proposed Cottonwind Substation (not part of 
this project) to the new Whirlwind Substation. The transmission line 
would be initially energized at 220 kV with the intent of energizing 
the system to 500 kV in the future as more wind projects are developed.
     Segment 5: Replace two single-circuit 220-kV transmission 
lines (Antelope-Vincent and Antelope-Mesa) with a new ~18-mile single-
circuit 500-kV transmission line in existing ROW between Antelope 
Substation and Vincent Substation.
     Segment 6: Replace 27 miles of the Antelope-Mesa 220-kV 
transmission line and 5 miles of the Rio Hondo-Vincent No. 2 with a 
single-circuit 500-kV transmission line between Vincent

[[Page 51405]]

Substation and the southern Angeles National Forest boundary.
     Segment 7: Replace ~16 miles of the Antelope-Mesa 220-kV 
transmission line with a single-circuit 500-kV transmission line from 
the southern boundary of the Angeles National Forest to the Mesa 
Substation.
     Segment 8: Replace ~33 miles of 220-kV transmission line 
from the San Gabriel Junction (2 miles east of Mesa Substation) to the 
existing Mira Loma Substation. Relocate 66-kV subtransmission lines in 
the Mesa and Chino Areas within existing or public right-of-way. 
Additionally, ~45 existing double-circuit 66-kV subtransmission lines 
in the Mesa and Chino Areas would be removed/relocated within existing 
or public right-of-way or undergrounded.
     Segment 9: Construct new 500/220-kV Whirlwind Substation 
adjacent to Path 26 and upgrade the Antelope Substation to include new 
500-kV facilities. Expand and upgrade 500-kV facilities at Vincent 
Substation. Install reactive compensation equipment at Vincent 
Substation and Antelope Substation. Upgrade the Gould Substation, Mesa 
Substation, and Mira Loma Substation within the existing fence line.
     Segment 10: Construct a new ~17-mile single-circuit 500-kV 
transmission line in a new 330-foot-wide corridor from the approved 
WindHub Substation to the new Whirlwind Substation.
     Segment 11: Replace ~19 miles of single-circuit 220-kV 
transmission line with a single-circuit 500-kV transmission line from 
Vincent Substation to Gould Substation. Install ~18 miles of 220-kV 
circuit on the vacant side of existing double-circuit 220-kV lattice 
steel towers (now carrying the Eagle Rock-Mesa 220-kV transmission 
line) between Gould Substation and Mesa Substation.
    Construction activities associated with the proposed action would 
include upgrading 5 existing substations, construction of 1 new 
substation, installation of approximately 851 new towers, repairing 
existing access and spur roads along with the temporary use and 
construction of spur roads, and the temporary use of approximately 141 
new pulling locations and 103 new splicing locations. Only segments 6 
and 11 are located on National Forest System lands.

Purpose and Need for Action

    The purpose for this action is to provide the electrical facilities 
necessary to integrate levels of new wind generation in excess of 700 
MW and up to approximately 4,500 MW in the Tehachapi Wind Resource 
Area, and accommodate solar and geothermal projects currently being 
planned or expected in the future. The project will also address the 
reliability needs of the CAISO-controlled grid due to projected load 
growth in the Antelope Valley and the South of Lugo transmission 
constraints.

Background

    Southern California Edison has proposed the construction of a 220/
500-kV transmission system that would include a series of new and 
upgraded high-voltage electric transmission lines and substations to 
deliver electricity from new wind energy projects in eastern Kern 
County, California. The project would provide the electrical facilities 
necessary to integrate levels of new wind generation in excess of 700 
MW and up to approximately 4,500 MW in the Tehachapi Wind Resource 
Area.
    Under Sections 210 and 212 of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824 
(i) and (k)) and Sections 3.2 and 5.7 of the California Independent 
System Operator's Tariff, Southern California Edison is obligated to 
interconnect and integrate this wind energy project into its system. In 
addition, 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. Based on the 2005 Angeles National 
Forest Land and Resource Management Plan, the proposed routes are 
within designated utility corridors.

Possible Alternatives

    Presently, the USDA Forest Service and the CPUC have identified 
preliminary action alternatives for consideration in the environmental 
analysis. The alternatives currently under consideration (besides the 
proposed action) are:
     The No-Action Alternative, under which the proposed 
transmission line would not be constructed and no expansion activities 
would occur.
     The Non-National Forest System Land Alternative that would 
avoid proposed activities on National Forest System lands. This 
alternative would be developed during the environmental review process.
     Alternate routing between Windhub and Whirlwind 
Substations (Segment 10).

    Additional alternatives will be developed, as needed, during the 
environmental review process. The final alternatives analyzed in detail 
will depend on the issues raised during public scoping and further 
investigation of the feasibility of alternatives.

Lead and Cooperating Agencies

    The USDA Forest Service and the CPUC 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 CPUC will serve as the lead agency under CEQA in 
accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, 
Article 4, Sec.  15050.

Responsible Official

    The Forest Service responsible official for the preparation of the 
EIS/EIR is Jody Noiron, Forest Supervisor, Angeles National Forest, 701 
N. Santa Anita Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91006.

Nature of Decision To Be Made

    The Forest Supervisor for the Angeles National Forest will decide 
whether to authorize a 50-year term Special Use Permit for 
construction, use, and maintenance of 500-kV transmission lines and a 
new 220-kV circuit. The authorization will include ancillary 
improvements on National Forest System lands needed to maintain this 
system (e.g., towers, roads, communication equipment, helicopter 
landing sites). The Forest Supervisor will only make a decision 
regarding impacts on National Forest System lands.

Scoping Process

    Public participation will be especially important at several stages 
during the analysis. The lead agencies will be seeking information, 
comments, and assistance from Federal, State, local agencies, and other 
individuals and organizations that may be interested in or affected by 
the proposed project. This input will be used in preparation of the 
draft EIS/EIR.
    Nine scoping meetings are proposed to provide information about the 
proposed project to the public and to allow people to comment on the 
proposed project. The scoping meetings will be held on the following 
dates, times, and locations:

[[Page 51406]]

    1. September 6, 2007, 6:30 p.m.; La Serna High School, Cafeteria, 
15301 Youngwood Drive, Whittier, CA 90605; 562-698-8121.
    2. September 10, 2007, 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Palmdale Cultural 
Center, 38350 Sierra Highway, Palmdale, CA 93550; 661-267-5656.
    3. September 11, 6:30 p.m.; Kern County Library--Wanda Kirk Branch, 
3611 Rosamond Blvd., Rosamond, CA 93561; 661-256-3236.
    4. September 12, 6:30 p.m.; Duarte Community Center, 1600 
Huntington Drive, Duarte, CA 91010; 626-303-8429.
    5. September 13, 2007, 6:30 p.m.; Garvey Community Center, 9108 
Garvey Avenue, Rosemead, CA 91770; 323-720-5213.
    6. September 19, 2007, 6:30 p.m.; Altadena Community Center, 730 E. 
Altadena Drive, Altadena, CA 91001; (626) 398-6174.
    7. September 20, 2007, 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Chino Hills Council 
Chambers, 2001 Grand Avenue, Chino Hills, CA 91709; 909-930-8495.

Preliminary Issues

    A number of potential impacts were identified in the Proponent's 
Environmental Assessment Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project 
issued by Southern California Edison on June 29, 2007. The following 
preliminary issues were identified in this report related to the 
proposed project's potential effects on the environment: Visual 
resources; agriculture; air quality; biological, cultural, and 
geological resources; hazards and hazardous materials; hydrology and 
water quality; land use and planning; mineral resources; noise; 
population and housing; public services and utilities; recreation; 
traffic and transportation; and paleontological resources. Other issues 
identified are impacts to future forest management projects (e.g., fuel 
hazard reduction projects and fire fighting strategies).

Permits or Licenses Required

    A 50-year term special use permit for the construction, 
maintenance, and use of the transmission line would be authorized to 
Southern California Edison by the Forest Supervisor for the Angeles 
National Forest for Segments 6 and 11, and a Certificate of Public 
Convenience and Necessity would be issued by the California Public 
Utilities Commission as part of this decision. Additional permits that 
may be required of Southern California Edison to construct the proposed 
project could include: A Permit to Operate issued by the South Coast 
Air Quality Management District, a National Pollutant Discharge 
Elimination System General Construction Permit issued by California's 
Regional Water Quality Control Board, a Section 404 Permit (per Section 
404 of the Clean Water Act) issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 
and a Streambed Alteration Agreement ( per Section 1601 of the 
California Fish and Game Code) issued by the California Department of 
Fish and Game.

Comment Requested

    This notice of intent initiates the scoping process that 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. Comments received on this notice, including the names 
and addresses of those who comment, will be considered as part of the 
public record on this proposed project, and will be available for 
public inspection. Comments submitted anonymously will be accepted and 
considered; however, those who submit anonymous comments will not have 
standing to appeal the subsequent decision under 36 CFR Part 215. 
Additionally, pursuant to 7 CFR 1.27(d), any person may request the 
agency to withhold a submission from the public record by showing how 
the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) permits such confidentiality. 
Persons requesting such confidentiality should be aware that, under the 
FOIA, confidentiality may be granted in only very limited 
circumstances, such as to protect trade secrets. The Forest Service 
will inform the requester of the agency's decision regarding the 
request for confidentiality. Where the request is denied, the agency 
will return the submission and notify the requester that the comments 
may be resubmitted, without names and addresses, within a specified 
number of days.
    Early Notice of Importance of Public Participation in Subsequent 
Environmental Review: A draft EIS/EIR will be prepared for comment. The 
comment period on the draft EIS/EIR will be 45 days from the date the 
Environmental Protection Agency publishes the notice of availability in 
the Federal Register.
    The Forest Service believes, at this early stage, that it is 
important to give reviewers notice of several court rulings related to 
public participation in the environmental review process. First, 
reviewers of draft EISs must structure their participation in the 
environmental review of the proposal so that it is meaningful and 
alerts an agency to the reviewer's position and contentions. Vermont 
Yankee Nuclear Power Corp. v. NRDC, 435 U.S. 519, 553 (1978). Also, 
environmental objections that could be raised at the draft 
environmental EIS stage but that are not raised until after completion 
of the final EIS may be waived or dismissed by the courts. City of 
Angoon v. Hodel, 803 F.2d 1016, 1022 (9th Cir. 1986) and Wisconsin 
Heritages, Inc. v. Harris, 490 F. Supp. 1334, 1338 (E.D. Wis. 1980). 
Because of these court rulings, it is very important that those 
interested in this proposed action participate by the close of the 45-
day comment period so that substantive comments and objections are made 
available to the Forest Service at a time when it is meaningful to 
consider and respond to comments in the final EIS/EIR.
    To assist the Forest Service in identifying and considering issues 
and concerns on the proposed project, comments on the draft EIS/EIR 
should be as specific as possible. It is also helpful if comments refer 
to specific pages or chapters of the draft statement. Comments may also 
address the adequacy of the draft EIS/EIR or the merits of the 
alternatives formulated and discussed in the statement. Reviewers may 
wish to refer to the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for 
implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA at 40 CFR 1503.3 in 
addressing these points.

(Authority: 40 CFR 1501.7 and 1508.22; Forest Service Handbook 
1909.15, Section 21)

    Dated: August 23, 2007.
Jody Noiron,
Forest Supervisor.
 [FR Doc. E7-17168 Filed 9-6-07; 8:45 am]
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