BLM releases Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Proposed Ten West Transmission Line Project
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PHOENIX – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Proposed Ten West Link Transmission Line Project and draft amendments to the BLM Yuma Field Office Resource Management Plan and California Desert Conservation Area Plan.
The 500-kilovolt transmission line would connect existing substations near Tonopah, Arizona, and Blythe, California. The project, which has been identified as a priority under Title 41 of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, would strengthen grid reliability and efficiency for customers in Arizona and California.
The Draft EIS analyzes several alternatives, with the BLM’s preferred alternative being a 126-mile-long route mostly located within existing utility corridors or parallel to existing infrastructure. This route is responsive to stakeholder input by avoiding popular recreation areas, the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, and Tribal lands. The route also minimizes impacts to local communities and the U.S. Army’s Yuma Proving Ground, avoiding impacts to military readiness, and provides interconnections for future energy development projects.
“Ensuring the reliability of our electric grid is crucial and our preferred route accomplishes that while avoiding impacts to communities, outdoor recreation, and sensitive wildlife habitat,” said Lucas Lucero, BLM Arizona’s Deputy State Director for Energy, Lands and Minerals. “We listened closely to stakeholder input and believe this alternative strikes the right balance.”
The 90-day public comment period on the Draft EIS begins tomorrow and runs through November 29. The public is invited to submit comments on the Draft EIS and preferred alternative online through the BLM’s ePlanning website at https://eplanning.blm.gov/epl-front-office/eplanning/planAndProjectSite.do?methodName=dispatchToPatternPage¤tPageId=79203 or in writing to: Ten West Link Project Manager, BLM Arizona State Office, One North Central Avenue, Suite 800, Phoenix AZ 85004. The BLM is also planning public meetings in September and October. Details will be announced as soon as dates and locations are confirmed.
A Notice of Availability of the Draft EIS will be published in tomorrow’s Federal Register.
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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.