BPA is proposing to build a 500-kilovolt (kV) lattice-steel-tower transmission line that would run from a new 500-kV substation near Castle Rock, Wash., to a new 500-kV substation near Troutdale, Ore. After initially identifying a large number of route segments, BPA combined those segments into four action alternatives (each with options): West, Central, East, and Crossover. The action alternatives and the No Action Alternative are analyzed in the
draft EIS. The alternatives vary in length and include both existing and new rights-of-way.
BPA’s preferred alternative is the
Central Alternative using Central Option 1. BPA accepted comments on the draft EIS from Nov. 13, 2012 through March 25, 2013. All comments received during the comment period will be processed and posted online and can be accessed
here. For more information about how the action alternatives were developed, see
Chapter 2 and
Chapter 4 of the draft EIS.
Purpose and need
A new transmission line would increase the transmission capacity in the southwest Washington/northwest Oregon area and allow BPA to provide for local load growth, maintain reliable power, and accommodate requests for long-term, firm transmission service. For more specific information about why the project is needed, see
Chapter 1 of the draft EIS.
For specific information about this project, including information about proposed towers, substations and other facilities, see
Chapter 3 of the draft EIS.