Environmental Impact Statement for Boardman to Hemingway Project Released
Organization
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The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Vale District is releasing the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Boardman to Hemingway (B2H) Project. The Final EIS considers resource impacts across 24 routes organized in six geographic segments, as well as a “No Action” Alternative. A final decision will be issued by the BLM as a Record of Decision (ROD) no earlier than 30 days after the Final EIS is made available.
The B2H project is a joint venture proposed by Idaho Power Company, PacifiCorp, and Bonneville Power Administration for a 500 kilovolt, single-circuit transmission line. The proposed transmission line would go between a proposed Longhorn substation in Morrow County near Boardman, Oregon and the existing Hemingway Substation in Owyhee County near Melba, Idaho. The purpose of the proposed line is to provide additional capacity for energy exchange between the Pacific Northwest and the Intermountain West, depending on regional demand.
With the release of the Final EIS begins 30-day notice of availability and a 30-day LUP protest period. There is no formal public comment period for the Final EIS. The Final EIS can be found at: www.boardmantohemingway.com/documents.apsx and the BLM’s ePlanning site at: www.bit.ly/2dWseZL.
The preferred transmission line route was developed in conjunction with cooperating agencies after considering all route alternatives and variations over the six project segments. This route maximizes use of existing utility or infrastructure corridors, avoids or minimizes impacts on resources, and minimizes use of private lands. The deadline for filing a Land-use Plan amendment protest is December 19, 2016. Protests can be submitted by mail:
Regular Mail
Director (210)
Attn: Protest Coordinator
P.O. Box 71383
Washington, D.C. 20024-1383
Overnight Mail
Director (210)
Attn: Protest Coordinator
20 M Street SE, Rm 2134LM
Washington, D.C. 20003
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.