For Release: December 23, 2005
Contact: Doran Sanchez (951) 697-5220; E-mail: Doran_Sanchez@ca.blm.gov
CA-CDD-06-19

Proposed Desert Southwest Transmission Line Project Final EIS/EIR Released for Public Review

The joint final environmental impact statement and environmental impact report (EIS/EIR) analyzing the proposed desert southwest transmission line project has been released by the Imperial Irrigation District (IID) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for public review and comment.

The EIS/EIR assesses potential environmental impacts to construct, operate and maintain the 118-mile long 500 kilovolt (kV) electrical transmission line, which would be located parallel and adjacent to Interstate 10 between North Palm Springs and Blythe, California. The document analyzes four alternatives, which are consistent with the 1980 California Desert Conservation Area (CDCA) plan. Alternative B however is outside the designated utility corridor and would require an amendment to the CDCA plan.

"This type of project could help meet the growing demands for energy in southern California," said Gail Acheson, field manager for the BLM Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office. "And we fully analyzed its impacts."

To request a copy of the EIS/EIR contact the BLM Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office at (760) 251-4800. The document also is available online at www.ca.blm.gov/palmsprings.

The public is provided 30 days to submit comments on this EIS/EIR before a final decision on the project is issued by the BLM. The process to make comments and deadlines are provided with the final EIS/EIR. Comments must be received by Wednesday, January 25, 2006. The BLM will issue a final decision on the project after conclusion of the 30-day review period.

For more information contact BLM's Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office at (760) 251-4800.

-BLM-

California Desert District Office
22835 Calle San Juan De Los Lagos, Moreno Valley, California
(951) 697-5220