Allston to Astoria Rebuild Project

Columbia and Cowlitz counties, Oregon

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) proposes to rebuild its existing approximately 22-mile-long Allston to Driscoll No. 2 and the approximately 21-mile-long Driscoll to Astoria No. 1, 115-kilovolt transmission lines (see enclosed project map). Together, the proposed rebuilding of the two lines is referred to as the Allston to Astoria Rebuild Project. The lines are located in Clatsop and Columbia counties and cross sections of lands owned by the State of Oregon. The Allston-Driscoll No. 2 and Driscoll-Astoria No. 1 transmission lines, having been in service for around 70 years, are rapidly approaching the end of their service lives and are experiencing performance issues due to age, inadequate design, and overall condition which results in continued loss of service. The lines need to be rebuilt to ensure reliable electric service and the safety of the public and transmission workers.

Along both lines, the work would include replacing the existing conductors, H-frame wood pole structures, wood monopoles, selected steel structures, and all hardware. The transmission line rights-of-way would be cleared of conflict vegetation and danger trees would be removed. In addition, access roads would be improved and reconstructed; and a small amount of new roads would be constructed.

The proposed project would also involve work within BPA’s Allston and Clatskanie Public Utility’s Delena substations.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

To understand the potential environmental impacts of this proposal, BPA may prepare an environmental assessment (EA). If BPA determines that an EA should be prepared, the EA will describe anticipated impacts to natural and human resources and include mitigation measures that would help avoid or minimize impacts.

The proposed schedule for the environmental review is as follows:

Comment period         May 6, 2022 – June 6, 2022
Draft EA (if warranted) Fall 2022
Final EA (if warranted) Spring 2023
Finding of No Significant Impact (if warranted) Summer 2023
If decision to build, construction start Fall 2023

CURRENT STATUS

BPA has concluded scoping and the comment period closed on June 6, 2022. BPA is now considering comments to help determine if an Environmental Assessment is warranted and the issues that should be addressed in the environmental review. 

CONTACT

For environmental information, contact:
Laura Roberts         Toll-free: 800-622-4519
Environmental Protection Specialist Direct line: 503-230-5073
Bonneville Power Administration – ECT-4 Email: laroberts@bpa.gov 
PO Box 3621
Portland, Oregon 97208-3621

For project information, contact:
Mark Nadeau Toll-free: 800-622-4519
Project Manager         Direct line: 503-230-4019
Bonneville Power Administration – EC-4 Email: mhnadeau@bpa.gov 
PO Box 3621
Portland, Oregon 97208-3621

DOCUMENTS

SCOPING
Scoping comments received
Public Letter (May 6, 2022)
Project Map (May 6, 2022)
Comment Form (May 6, 2022)