Allston to Astoria Rebuild Project (DOE/EA-2260)

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 some vegetation and danger trees would be removed. In addition, access roads would be improved and reconstructed; 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 substations.

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 draft EA was released for public review and comment in June 2024; comments were received on the draft EA from two entities. The final EA and FONSI were released on January 6, 2024.

The schedule for the environmental review was as follows:

Comment period         May 6, 2022 - June 6, 2022

Draft EA for public comment  June 13, 2024 - July 13, 2024

Final EA December 2024
Finding of No Significant Impact (if warranted) December 19, 2024

If decision to build, construction start Winter 2025

 

CURRENT STATUS

BPA has released its final EA and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). The FONSI includes a Mitigation Action Plan (MAP), which identifies actions to help avoid or lessen potential impacts. 

 

CONTACT

For environmental information, contact:

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

For project information, contact:

Lisa Casey
Transmission Line Project Manager         
Bonneville Power Administration – TEPP-3
PO Box 3621 Portland, Oregon 97208-3621
Toll-free: 800-622-4519
Direct line: 360-418-1771
Email:lacasey@bpa.gov

 

DOCUMENTS

FINAL EA & FONSI
Final EA - 508 compliant  December 2024
Final EA - Track Changes December 2024
FONSI and Mitigation Action Plan December 19, 2024
Public Letter   January 06, 2024

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