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. 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 and steel pole structures, wood monopoles, selected steel-lattice 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 number of new roads would be constructed.

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

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

To understand the potential environmental impacts of this proposal, BPA has prepared an environmental assessment (EA) following the procedures of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The EA analyzes the Allston to Astoria Rebuild Project, as well as a No Action alternative. Under the No Action Alternative, the transmission lines would not be rebuilt and transmission line structures, associated components, and access roads would continue to be repaired as needed. The EA describes anticipated impacts to natural and human resources and identifies mitigation measures to 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 for public comment  June 13, 2024 - July 13, 2024

Final EA Summer/Fall 2024
Finding of No Significant Impact (if warranted) Summer/Fall 2024

If decision to build, construction start Fall 2024

CURRENT STATUS

BPA made a draft EA available for public comment on June 13, 2024. The comment period will close on July 13, 2024. When commenting, refer to the full project name. All comments will be posted on the BPA comment website. There are several ways to comment. 

Online: www.bpa.gov/comment
Mail: Bonneville Power Administration
Public Affairs – DKE-7
P.O. Box 14428
Portland, OR 97291-4428

Toll-Free: 800-622-4519
Fax: 503-230-4019

 

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: 503-230-5889
Bonneville Power Administration – EC-4 Email: mhnadeau@bpa.gov 
PO Box 3621
Portland, Oregon 97208-3621

DOCUMENTS

DRAFT EA
Comments received
Public Letter  June 13, 2024
Comment Form   June, 2024
Draft EA    June, 2024
EA Determination  May 28, 2024

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