BLM approves transmission line route between Rifle and Parachute
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SILT, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management today announced it has approved a route for a new 230kV transmission line between Rifle and Parachute.
The Xcel Energy transmission line would connect the Rifle Ute Substation, which is about 1.5 miles southeast of Rifle, with the Parachute Substation, which is about 1 mile northeast of Parachute. About six miles of the approximately 18-mile route crosses BLM lands. The route generally follows designated corridors with existing facilities.
Once Xcel secures easements across private land, the BLM will issue a specific 150-foot permanent right-of-way within the 500-foot route it approved today. Construction will not begin until all easements are secured across private land.
The new transmission line is needed because the current transmission system in the area does not have the capacity to meet the needs of anticipated oil and gas production and exploration. As more oil and gas operations, such as compressor stations, move to electric power to reduce cost and air emissions, demand for electricity is increasing in the area. The new transmission line will also help ensure reliable electric power to central Garfield County communities.
More information, including an environmental assessment and a map, is available at www.blm.gov/co/crvfo.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.