BLM issues draft environmental assessment on proposed El Paso Electric Substation and plans public meeting
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LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Today, the Bureau of Land Management Las Cruces District released the Talavera Substation and Distribution Project Draft Environmental Assessment (EA), starting a public comment period that will run until April 30. In addition, the BLM will host an informational meeting on the draft EA on April 5 at the Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum’s Ventura Room from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., with a formal presentation at 6 p.m. The Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum is located at 4100 Dripping Springs Road in Las Cruces.
The BLM is committed to supporting improved transmission development that stabilizes the grid and otherwise strengthens America’s energy infrastructure. El Paso Electric has identified a need to add an additional permanent substation to the electrical grid that supports the city of Las Cruces and surrounding communities in southern New Mexico.
The EA analyzes potential environmental effects from the construction, operation, and maintenance of a proposed new permanent El Paso Electric substation and associated transmission and distribution lines in Doña Ana County.
The EA was prepared in response to right-of-way applications submitted by EPE. The EA is available at: www.eplanning.blm.gov by clicking on NEPA, Text Search, Advanced Search, enter NEPA#: DOI-BLM-NM-L000-2017-0008-EA (All CAPS) and click Search.
The EA analyzes seven alternatives. The BLM administered two separate scoping periods for the project (February 3–March 3, 2017 and June 17–August 17, 2017) in preparation of the EA.
If you are unable to attend the meeting, you can also provide comments by April 30, 2018 through one of the following methods:
- File your comments electronically by sending them to: BLM_NM_LCDO_Comments@blm.gov. Include “Talavera Substation EA” in the subject line of your email.
- Mail your comments to: BLM Las Cruces District Office, ATTN: Talavera Substation EA, 1800 Marquess Street, Las Cruces, NM 88005.
For more information on the proposed project, the draft EA, and how to submit comments, please contact Paula Montez, BLM Realty Specialist and Project Lead, at 575-525-4387 or via email at pmontez@blm.gov.
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.