MINUTE ITE;v1

This Cnl~ndJr Item rJo. {!, tj wc:s ~>proved as f·,1i.1utc Item No. by the Stnte Lu11ds

~m?ssi~ ~~ n~f:/flc meeting.

CALENDAR ITEM

4/28/83

1~1A 75

s 38

... ·cog w 22800 Childt·css PRC 6405

GENERAL LEASE - RIGHT-OF-WAY USE

APPLICANT:

AREA, TYPE LAND

LAND USE:

San Diego Gas and Electric Co~pany P. 0. Box 1831 San Diego, California 92112

AND LOCATION: A Strip of land 200 feet wide, consisting of a 1).719-acre parcel of Seate school land, located in Imperial County.

Construct, operate and maintain a 500 KV overhead transmission line and all appurtenant facilities thereto.

T£RMS OF PROPOSED LEASE: Initial period: 49 years from March 15,

1983.

Public liability insurance: $1,000,000 combined single limit cover.age.

CONSIDERATION: $282.96 per annum with the State reserving the right to fix a different rental on each fifth anniversary of the lease.

BASIS FOR CONSIDERATION: Pursuant to 2 Cal. Adm. Code 2003.

PREREQUISITE TERMS, FEES AND EXPENSES: Filing fee and first year's rental have been receiveii.

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CALENDAR ITEM NO. C 0 9( CONTD)

STATUTORY AND OTHER REFERENCES: A~ P.R.C.: Div. 6, Pnrts 1 and 2; Div. 13.

AB 884:

B. Cal. Adm. Code: Title 2, Div. 3; Title 14, Div. 6.

12/22/84.

OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION: 1. The San Diego Gas and Electric Company

EXHIBITS:

proposes to construct and operat~ a single - circuit 500 KV transmission line (approximately 280 miles long) from the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, 40 miles west of Phoenix, Arizona to within ten miles of San Diego, California. The system will interconnect with local power networks in Imperial Valley and the Yuma area.

San Diego Gas and Electric Company _s very dependent on oil and n~tural gas (82 percent). The proposal project would: (1) help reduce dependence on oil and natural gas; (2) furnish access to the economy energy market; (3) enhance system reliability; and (4) help meet f0recasted power needs.

2. A final EIR was prepared an~ certified by the Bureau of Land Management and the California Public Utilities Commission, pursuant to CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines. The Bureau of Land Management and the California Public Utilities Commission found that the project ~ill not have a significant effect on ~he environment.

3. The project ls not situated on lands identified as possessing significant environmental values pursuant to P.R.C. 6370.1.

A. Land Description. B. Location Map. C. Summary of EIR .

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CALENDAR ITEM No"' .. C Q 9( CONTD)

IT IS F~;coMMENDED THAT THE COMMISSION:

1. DETERMINE THAT AN EIR HAS BEEN PREPARED AND CERTIFIED FOR THIS PROJECT BY THE BUREAU OF LAND MANAGE~ENT AND THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION.

2. CERTIFY THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE EIR HAS BEEN REVIEWED AND CONSIDERED BY THE COMMISSION.

3. DETERMINE THAT THE PROJECT WILL NOT HAVE A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON THE ENVIRONMENT.

4. AUTHORIZE ISSUANCE TO SAN DIEGO GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY OF A 49-YEAR GENERAL LEASE - RIGHT-OF-WAY USE. FROM MARCH 15, 1983; IN CONSIDERATION OF ANNUAL RE~:T IN THE AMOUNT OF $282.96, WITH THE STATE RESERVING THE RIGHT TO FIX A DIFFERENT RENTAL ON EACH FIFTH ANNIV£RSARY OF THE LEASE; PROVISION OF PUBLIC LIABILITY Il\'Sf'RANCE IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,000,000 FOR COMBINED SINGLL LIMIT; FOR THE CONSTRUCT ION, OPERATION AND MAINTENA~ZCE OF A 500 KV OVERHEAD TRANSMISSION LINE AND ALL APPURTENT FACILITIES THERETO ON THE LAND DESCRIBED ON EXHIBIT "A" ATTACHED AND BY REF~RENCE MADE A PART HEREOF.

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LAND DESCRIPTrON w 22800

A strip of State school land 200 feet wide extending across Sections 27 and 28, Tl6S, R9E, SBM, Imperial County, California, lying 100 f~et on each side of the following described centerline:

BEGINNING at a point on the south line of said Section 28 which bears S 89" 48' 39" W 1105. 75 feet from a brass capped pipe marked USGLO Tl6S, R9E, set at the corner common to Sections 27, 28, 33 and 34 (so marked on sJid brc:'.SS capped pipe) having California Coordinate System, Zore 6 coordinates of x = 2,065,768.970 and y = 208,730.333; thence N 26° 58' 19" E 3423.59 feet to a point on the east line of Lot 7 in Tract 57 and the tenninus of the herein described centerline.

The sidelines of the herein described ~00 foot wide strip shall be lengthened or shortened so as to te1~inate on the ~outh line of said Section 28 and the east lfne of said lot 7.

~ ENO OF DESCRI?TION

DXH

REVISED JANUARY 5, 1983 BY BOUNDARY AND TITLE UNil, LEROY WEED, SUPERVISOR .

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EXHIBIT "C"

~'he fr.ll<Jwing ia n copy of a summary: APS/SDG&E Interconnection Project; SCH# 79061204 1 FEIR October 1981. The document was jointly prepared by th~ BLM and the Cnlifornin Public Utilities Com~ission.

SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION

Arizona Public- Scrv. ·.:e (APS) and Son Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) (the Applit..•:ir.is or 11lilities) propose to construct and operate o transmission syst~m to int1.?rconncct :he ~l<~clric pow~r netwC'rks of APS, SDG&E and the Imperial Irrigation Dic:trict OID). This cnvironrr.cnta: document is a joint submittal by ·~he Bureau of Lend Manogcmenr ·;81.M) and California Public Utilities (o,nmission (CP1...IC} i:, c~mpliaricc wilh the !'1ctioncl Environmental Policy Act (l\JEPA) and California Environment JI Quality Act (CEQA) for consideration with the utilities' opplic'.'.!ti0ns for ::irantirg ~ Certific-::te of Public Convenience dnd Necessity and approval of a right-of-way.

PUnPOSE AND N~:ED

Both APS Qnd SDG&E h:ive an inordinak dP.pcr'denry on oil and naturnl gos (70 pcrccr.t and 82 percent, respectively, in the Yur10 and s~n Diego servir.c areasj as primcry fuel-sources for electric-powrr ge·,eration. in addition, forecasts by the Caf;forn:a E·v·~gy Cornmission (C!:C} for the <)OGC:~E service area end by !he App!ic.anls incicmc a growth in dcmJnd for elcciricity in the mid-to­late 1980s in ihc App11cants' respective service territ0rics, wnich the utilities would be uncbl<" to meet without ndditionof power ond trc:insmissi0n car;:11:icity •

. The proposed Project would (I) heir? reduce dependence 1 •• oil and natural gcs for g~nerating elc~tricity ccpsL•rned in 1he APS Lower Colorado Ri·1~r and SDG&E service territories; (2) furnish access to the economy energ~' market; (3) enhance system reli':loilil>'i and (4) help meel the forecast need for power of both utilili~s bl providing lon9-terrn firm tronsmission-capacit~.

~L TEBNATlVES INCLUDING Tl-IE PROPOSED ACTION

Five g~nerul l1lternctive<; were considered br the Applicants to meet the need for oil and gos displccement and additional power in their respective service territories: no a~tion, energy consc:rvction and loC'ri .:icm:::gemer.t, alternative generation sources, alternative transmission systems i:md technolcgies, and the propos~d action with routin:J alternatives.

NO ACTION

The ro-aclion alternative (rcquir<>d for consideration under the NEPA regulctio11s and defined here os the equivalent of the ro-project alternative required uider the CE'-..•\ r~gulotions} lias been interpr!.!kd in this enviroi1mentol do:urncnt to mean that no additional gcncroting or trcr.smission

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facilities bcyood tho:,c included in their current rt!source plans would be constructed by APS or SDG&E. The utilities would, however, attempt to meet their nr~cd for additional power in Son Diego and Yuma with existing facilities end various forms of mitigating measures to compePsate for the anticipated shortfall in the supply of electric powC!r, but would be unable to meet tlieir objective fo~ oil and gos displacement.

Advant~gc:l of the no-action t1lternative would include the saving of constructioo costs f1,;r new facilities and the prt:clusion of a:ssociated environmental impacts. These ad•1antages would have to be weighed, however, against ~he dbadvantagc:; that would result from or in spite of mitigcring measures, Sl•ch as increased gener Jtion from existing oil- and gas-fired po.,.,er plants, continued and expanded conservation efforts, end increasc:d interruptible pow~r-pur ~noses.

Increased generation from existing oil- and gos-fired ..;nits would increcse the utilitie:;' oil de;:>endencc, contrary to nctionol encrg)' policy; increase f•..iel cosis and customer rates; deteriorate existing air-quality in !he Yuma and Son Diego areas; and still fail to compensate fully for the anfa:ipated shortfall in electrical energy. Potential energy savin~s fro:n ~xistir.g end planned conservation programs htJve already been inr.orporoted in the utilities' demcr..d forecasts, and even if projected energy savings could he doubled. ihey woulc be insufficient lo significantly offset the anticipated ihonfa!I in the :;upply of electricity. FL'turc ao1ounts r interruptible trcnsmission capacity Cie expected lo Dt;; substantially le~ than the limikd quantities current!/ available, and could nol be relied upon for systems planning.

Other disadvantages or adverse effects that would result ;r,:m the er.ergy shortfall, even if the above mi ligating measures were implemented, include possible interruptible ~rvice, rolling blackou7s and brownc.:ts end a morctorium on new hook-ups in the Yuma and San Diego service territories ;)f the utilities, with consequent adverse effects on the incomes, healih, safety and general conveni.:-:nce of all classes of customers. Further, the utilities could mt take advantage of potential geothermal Jevelopments in ihe lmpeqol Volley and Mexico, or of cool-fired energy and the economy energy maiket to the east, all of which would require new transmission capacity.

ENERGY CONSERV ! ... TION AND LOAD M;.\NAGf:.~l'\ENT

Energy conscrvo t ion and load management have the advantage of reducing cnergr consum;Jticn and peak demand with n.:> docurnen:e<l adverse environmental i·npacts, although there a;e economic and other ~ons!:-cints that prevent or inhibit implemcntmion of some .:onscrvot1on and !cad-:nanagement programs. Bot11 APS end SDG&E laove compre1 nsive on-go;ng piOgra:ns in con!.ervation ,1nd locd mcn<.~fmeni that have reduced energy cons1.1mpiion and sys·1ern peak demand comparec! to earlier forec<is:s. Currenr cemc~d forecc.~ts for the utilities ircorporotc ont;~ipatcd energy :>ovings and reductions in peak demand fro:n cof'lse;votion and load-management programs .

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ALTERNATIVE GENERATION SOURCES

Although a principal objective of the utilHies is to reduce oil and gas dependence, al! ~yf.iu'.." of potcnliol genl.!rating capabilities wcri! con.>ic!cred, includir.g the c.ddit1on of new oil- and/or gos-fired units, rt.!powering of e;<isting units, the addition of cool or nuclear plants, development of hydroelectric foci Ii tie;, develoorncnt of gcorhermol power, cogP.ncration, purchases from Mexic!', wind turbines, solar energy, biomass and new technologies. These olternntivcs were f01.md not to be reasonaoic for either APS or SDGc(:=: because

· of constri:irnts of C•lpi tal cost:,, national energy policy, environmcnl'al regula­tions, state-of-lh~-art technologies or lead-time required to construct new generating facilities 1n relation lo time-of-need. In the case of APS, no addi­tional g('neratino capability cuuld be justified by the company's lo11q-rang~ forecast l':itil I ~90. Most of 'he al ternativc gcr.eration sources considererl by SDG&E woula be located off-system a:id v,ould reauire new transmi.ssi0n facilities to deliver energy from each of the altr:rnctivc generation so:..irces to the SDG&E service or ea.

In oddition 10 considering individual generation alternatives, cumulative effects were considered of some of thP. alternc.tives in combination that passed an initial screening based on criterio that they reduce oil/~1as r~quiremcnts ar.d meel lhe time limit of the staled need. ,.\ potential range of cap.::city for dght alternat:ves---:idditio"'lal conservaiicn, hydroelectric cr.d 0eotherrnal d~vcloi)rnent, purchases fro1n i\',cxico, cogenerafion: wind, soler and biomass dcveiopm<:nt--was then compared to calisric estimates. However, t>ec.:iuse the values used to quantify the ranqe of pc.tcntial capcc;;y crid realistic estimates were co:-ij~..::tural, and the av,1i!abiiity of maximum cai)acity from all eight altern1.1fr1e5 L'nccrtain, it was concluded that for SDG&E !"he -:umulativ!'! effects of the alte:-nal ives in combination could not be consiaered to meet th stated need. A si:.iilar conclusii::1 was reacf!t:d for APS by demonst:-atinq the.. none of ~he clterna:ives was independently viab!e 1.mJ ~heir effects in combinotion would not meet !he staled need.

AL TEPNA.TIVE mANSi'lilSSION SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES

Another alternative considered for meeting rhe stared need was the transfer of energy from generation sources outside San Diego and Y ...ima usi!"lg existing or new tran::;rnission sy.:.!erns and/or technologrcs. And, since a principal concern of both utilir;es is to obtain reliable base-loud energy rhat i..; not oil-or gas­fircd, ways to trcns;cr energy from exisfr~g co:Jl-fired power plants that hove surplus copccity were analyzed and evaluated.

fhe majoi sources cf a"oilablc coal-fired electrical energy within a practical range of the uri.ities' serv.ice areas arc located in northern end eastern Arizona and in New ,\\ex1co. Theref0ic1 trcnsrnission alternctivcs, including existir.g transmission cc:pobility, bctwct!n coal-fired power sources to the east and Yuma/Sen Drego were investigated. I 1 was determined that sufficient

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• transmission capability will exist in the 1980s for dciivcry of SDG&E'::. firm bulk-power pur::hQses from coal-fired p-lants to Palo Ve:-de Nuclear Generating Station SwitchyrJrd {PVHGS), west of Phoenix. Other delivery points were evaluoted, bL•t PW~GS wa:. identified as the most accessible and acceptable because of environrnerital, cost-effective ond systcms-enginecrincJ reaso11s. Also1 PVNGS is a major regional intertie. Accordingly, the transmission alternot!ws u11der cc-.nsldcrat i.:>n involve capability between PVf\iG5 and San DiL"QO.

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Tiwre ore ot present no existing or planned transmission facil;ties that directly c.,r.;--ect P'/NC';S with :he SDG&[ service area. Lines indirectly connecting the rwo areos are either fully utilized or full/ committed to future plonnt)d requiremcn ts.

Trcnsmission lines of vcltage le•1els other than .5001<V were considered end four1i1 to be unsuitable. A 765kV (2000 MW capacity) transmission line "would have excess capacity, 0'1d two 345!<V lror.srnission lines would be reqrJired to provide th\' 1000 MW capacity of a single SOOkV line. A direct current (de) power transmission-s;1stem .·.cs also considered, ~ut fcund nor ;o be ecei­nornically compc1 lfivc tor rou le-di'itc.mccs less than 400 miles. lJnc.:rgrour.d trar.smission-systems were e'laluatcd as alternatives, but elirrin.:?tec b~ccuse of tt~chnical complications, economic and environmenk!I costs, ~nd accessibility, although some adverse visual and O!~sthetic impact~ would oe avoided •

lnvestigot:on of the alternatives described above led to the condusio:1 that the optimal means for supplying power to the Applicants' respective Sf:rvice territories within the time-fra;r.e ·of ti.~ stcted ::eed (g:ven the econL'mic, envircnmental, not ior.al cnLrgy-policy and state-of-the-art constraints of alternat:<1e actions) would b~· by corstructing an overhead alternatinr curre:-:t (ac) transmissicn-system br-:twcen the 1\PS .,1cin system and its Yum servi-' territory and a bulk--pow1:r aclivery center near San Diego. (SDG&E's acticn tc explore a 1ransmission iine t0 the east is also consistent with a CPUC order of May 1978 that "SDC&E $hall contir:ue to analyze and pursue the concept of building a transmission-line wstem to the Arizona border and apply to rhe appropriate agencies for permits" Order No. 88758.) ·

THE PROPOSED ACTION

Prima~·y facilities of the proposed Projecr include a single-circuit SOOkV trans­mission line (c~proximatcly 280 miles long) from PVNGS, 40 miles west of Phoeriix, Arizona, to iv\iguc:l Substation, approximately 10 miles soutnecst of San Dh:go, California, and a double-circuit 230l<V transmission line from

'1\.\igucl Substa1 ion to Mission Tep, 2f~ miles northwest of Mi~uel Subsiation .. Ancillary faciliti...•:; include intcrmcdiote substations at Yu·na, Arizona and the Imperial 1/0!11.?;, Cali fornic; a 161 kV trar.srnission line to intcrco1111ccr the SOO~V transmission line with the local power network in Imperial Valley; a

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69kV transmission system to interconnect the SOOkV transmission line with the local pow1!r netwo;k in the Yuma. area; and communicatio'1s facilities throughout the system. Of the sub;;tat;ors req•Jired for the proposed action, new SOOkV substations would b11 requirt.~d in the lmpcria~ Valley and po!:sibly at two of the fovr alternative substation-sites in the Yl1ma area (l'lorth Gila end DomP. Volley}. Existin<J suhstutions at rw..iC:S, Miguel, Los Caches or.d ut the o~her two Yuma alternative sites (Yucc.a ond Gila) wculd be expanded or modified. Power-trc:insfer-cnpcbility of the SOOl<V syster.i would be nominally roted at IOOO MW, of which APS w"u'd hove en 11 percent (or 110 MW) en­titlement betwer.n PVNGS or.d Yuma. Constr1.1crion would begin in January 1982 and be completed in May :984. The life of the proposed Project is estimated to be 50 years.

SCOPING, PROJECT-HEU\ TED STUDIES /\ND PUBLIC REVl~W PROCESS

DRAFT ENV!RONME.NTAL DOCUMENT (DES)11-

Prior to preparation of the DES, enviiOr.mental stuc:es, !nclud;ng r':'gionol­scale and corridor-si.:alc studies, were conducted for more rhar" I, I CO miles of alternative transm'.ssion-line routes between PVNGS and M:ssion Tep vio Miguel. The principul studies, thr0t..1gh which the erwircnrncntal taselin~ for impact assessrne:nt and mitigation (-inning was developed, :nv~ntoried existing conditions for air: gcotechnical and ecological resources in the no:ural environment; laria uses, ogiiculiurci resources and socioecor.omic, visual and acousticai chcract~ristics of the human environment; an~ archo~ological, historiccl ar.d Native American cultural resources in the culture! environment. Studies were also condl.!c~d (I) to determine tne fccsibi!ity of the International 8crcer, ("1lton Seo and Banning Pass alter·~:.tive co:-ri.:ors, proposed in public sco .. · 9 meetings; (2) to assess the potential e:wirc:>mentol Impacts of ancillary i .icilities; (3) to deit!rmine pote"'ltio! grov:1n-1nd1.,;cing effects; and (4) to onolyze potl'lntial electrical, biological, health and safety effects from the proposed Project.

In complicice •.vi th NEPA, appropriate Federal, state cr.d local agencies, and interested persons p~:-ticipatcd in the identification of signific(Jnt issu~s relevant to the prcposer.i Project and in the deve:lopment of t:~e work plan for environmental stuoies. The comprehensive scoping process inc!u<!ed the folil}wing sequential steps:

*The APS/SOG&E lnrerconnection Project Draft ~nvironr.'entol Document (EIS/EIR) is referred to in this document as the DES; the Supplement to the DES is referred tc as the SDES, and this Final Enviro~mentcl Document is referred to as the FES •

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Reviev.1 of published and unpublished pertinent data, includin~1 u number of previcus environmental !itucHes end environmental stat-ements germonP. to the study area.

lckmtific<Jtion ~:1d development of odditiona! data where il was deemed necessary.

Selection of a preliminary network of alternai'ivC' transmissicn corridors for the 5001<'1 trart5mission line b~twecn PVNGS and Migue!, and for the ~?30kV transmission line bi::tw~en Miguel and Mission Tap.

Four ~ublic meetings to determine siqnificcmt cnvironmentCJI issues to be emphasized in the environmentcl studies cmd review the prelimir1.:iry corridors under consideration.

Selection of the final network of alternative transrnission corrk!~, s, and identification by the Ap;:>iiconts of a proposed ctmterline within· each corridor and alternative study areas for ancillary fccilit:es.

Preparation of a scope of work.

An extensive program to COifact and inform the p:..iblic was conducted to ;:irovid(' informatic.i en the proposed Project to agcmcies, grouos and individuals; to solicit input and obtain data for the environm~ntal stL·dk:s; end to ide:-itify is~ues ond concerns ahout the proposed Project early in the planning process. SLM: C?UC, APS, SDG'&E end Wirth As::ociates (the er.vironmental consultant) oil participmed in the program.

SUPPLEMENT TO IHE DRAFT ENVIRONMENT AL DOCUMi::NT (SDES)

Subsequent to the publication of the DES in October 19801

end as a result of isst.es, concerns and objections raised by vcrious public agencies, special­interesi groups and ~he general public, additional studies were conducted and a decision made to issue a supplement to the DES (SDES). New alternatives wen~ studied either at a Phase II !eve/ (corridor ::;cale), or for their general feasibility/suitability to see if th~y warrarited Phase II studies. Alternatives studied for the SDES are briefly described below.

Yuma - Alternative SOOkV transmission rout~s, 500kV/69kV sub:;tation sites Oi1dossociated 69kV transmission s~stems were studied at a Phase II level in the Yuma area.

Sand Hills - One alternative SOOkV transmission route crossino the southern portion of the Sand Hills was studied at a Phase II level in. addition to a feasibility/suitability study conducted on a route further north •

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lm~erial Valle·1 - Orie SOOkV and two I 611<V transmission-line alternatives were stu 1P.d at a i.Jhase II level. Also, the Solton Sea and Banning Poss alternative routes, and 500kV/161kV substaHon sile:1 previously studied for the DES were reevaluated. The rloltville Drain nlignment was analyzed with respect to engir.ecring, design and agricultural constraints. Existing data r~levant to the Palo Verde-Dever.-; ~ransmission route, Mesquite Lake Substation, and the .medim strip of !r."erstate 8 (1-8) were reviewed.

Dulzuro - Three new alternative SOOkV transmission routes south of Ovlzura were studied al a Pha:.e ll level, and the Otc.y International Border Route was studie<l for fe<Jsibiliry/suitability.

Miguel-Mis:.ion ~·,1£ - Results of previous studies on alternative transmi.ssivn routes bct.,.,een Miguel Substation and Mission Tcip were documented.

The cr.vironmenrally preferred route identified in the $DES included two environmentaliy preferred ro•;tes in the Yuma area, each route reflecting a difterent set of 't1Jlucs, o: point oi vi<!w, in trade-offs between resources. The southern prcierred alt~mative represents the route with the least er.virnn­mental impacts to lhe natural environment. The n0-thern preferrec.i alternalive res~ionds to public concerns express(.><:: and gives greoter significance to lcnd .. use conflicts and agricultural impacts .

FINAL ENVIRCNMEl'1TAL DOCUMENT (FES)

Subsequent to the publicatic. ol the s;::x-:s in April 1?81, the '.Vel!ton-Mohawk Irrigation and Drainage District in Ari:ona and APS requested that BLM con­sider alternative routes in the Mohawk Valle:; and Laguna Mountains to avoid crossing agricultural lands. Also, SDGc~E rnqueslc.!d a modification of ~he northern environm<>ntolly preferred route in the Sand Hills to straigh 1en the propo:.ed olignme:it and thereby save substont!al costs. .i\dciitional e:wir<'n­mental studies were undertaken in those areas, the results of which are presented in this document.

PUBLIC REVIEW PROCESS

The public review proct!SS for the DES and SDES consisted of s~liciting comments frc.11 government agencies, irs~i~v1ions, orgcnizatkms and individuals to whom a;:-,1)roxima!cly 1200 copies of each document v.ere sent, either in the form of letters, or remarks durin~ public hearings coriducted by BLM and CPUC in Phoenix and Yuma Arizona, and El Centro, El Ccjon and Sar. Diego, California •

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The response was voluminous. Two-hundred-two letiers we:-e received commentin'] on th•.: DES and SDCS; opprC'1ximotely 165 people attended the public hooring..>; and 140 p1:oplt~ spoltc at tho public hearings. n('sponses to specific comments received in let tcrs and hearings are included in this FES.

The twelve mc1jor issues raised most irequently l)y rev!ewcrs of ih~ documents were: electrical dtccts, property voiue, growth impacts, ogricult~Jrol impacts, alternative energy sources and conservation, bird-collision hazard, Linderground transmission systems, use of public vis-.:i-vis private land, ec1.>log;col vis-a-vis human vaiues, Link 28, avoiding Eucoly?tu.s !-fills, and the volidity of corridor­scale stL1dies and corridor-selection process.

THE AFFECTED ENVlRONiV1T.::NT

The envi,.onment potentially affected by the proposed action in southwestern Arizona and southern California is or.e of diverse natural features; !onCl u~e::; and cultura: resources. With the exception of a few urban cer.t~rs. the area is sparsely populated. The eastern portion of the stuJy area is la~gely cesert with characteristically hot summers, ecol wintP.rs and scant precipii'atic'1, while the W(:Stern portion has (J climate typical of the Coastal Mount:.iin Range, wit{"i wo, m summers 7 cocl winters and moderate precipitaricn.

The Arizonri portion of the study a;ea fells within fre Sono:·an Desert section of th~ Basin ond Range Pro·1ince and is characterized by stork, rugged mountains rising abrupt'ly from the desert floor tc less then 2,000 foet elevatic:-: •

The Peninsular Ra!"lge sectk:-:1 in the Lower C<.11if1.Jrnia Province, the westernmost portion of the study ar~a, Is characteri:::ed by major no:-thwest­trending ridges, comrncnly 5,000 to 8,000 fc..:r in el~vation, bou.ided by steep scarps and apl'oned by numerous small alluvial fans e:·~tcnding 'rom large drainages into adjccent valleys. T~e Salton Trough section of ·.he Lower California Province, including the Imperial or.d Coache:la valleys as well as the inland Salton Sea, eYten<.!s eastward from the Penin:;ular Rcnye tr, the edges of the Chocolate and Cargo N1uchccho mcuntoins, end is ooundcd on the northecst and southwest b 1 major cctive folJ!ts. The Salton Trough is noted for its iow relief and cxce~ tionally low elevalions (-200 iect near the Sci ton Seo, which provide~ drcina~ e for this section of the Province), and for the Sord Hills in eastern lmperia County, whicn provide en t!Xceptior.q! example of migrating sand dtJnes opd :.,faticnary sand deposits.

Tr.:! easternmost California c!fernative corridors c:oss the Colorado Desert in the Lower Culifornio Provincet a region dominated by northwest-rrenoing eroded mountains scpa:-cted by broad flat alluvi•.1;;1-fillcd valley,;, The Colorado River, which iz the largest water S(1urce i,1 Imperial County: fo:-rns the eastern boundary of the Colorado Desert an<J the natural a;1d political boundary between Arizona and California •

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The most significant rnsour':es 01d land uses within the alternative tronsmissL.>n-line corridors include the riparian habitat along the Colcrado and Gila rivers; unictt.:e vegetative communities; Federal- end state-protected plant and wildlife species; oig game animals; irrigated farmlcnds; the Salton Se.a National Wildlif~ Refuge; the Anza Borrego State Park (the second lc:-9<.:.s~ state park in the Notion); the Gila Bend (Papogo), Cocopoh, Fort Yuma (Quechan) md Camro O<umcycoy) Indian reservoti-:ins; Luke Ai1 Force Gunnery ·Range; Yuma Proving Ground; the scenic qua Ii ti' of riporiu:i and mountain landscapes; the Sand Hills; and archaeological, historical and Native American cultural resources.

ENViRO'l11~El"T AL CCNSEQUC:NCES

iMPACT ASSESSMENT/MITIGATION PLt NN!NG PROCESS (!A/MPP)

Environmer.tcl :::onsequences from the proposed action .and alrc:rnotivcs ore the residual inipt.'cts derived through a process that first identified, and sub­sequent I)' evc..\luated end intt:?grc1e.:l, initial (unrni ti~iatd) inmacts and appropriate mdigc~iC"l mcusures. The process invoivi::d asse~->i11g impacts based 1..9on a corr.c .. :rison of the proposed Projcr.. t wi !h the pre-Project environment; deter m::'ling rnitig'Jtion that would avv:d, effoctivel)' reduce er elimin.-ite impact:;; cna identifying "residual'' !rnpccts, or impccts remaining after the applicc.tion of miti~ation committed to by bo~h the Appliccnts and BLM. The impact c.;:;cs:;mcn t was conducted en cl !crnafr:~ :-o:.:~c• .:md assumed a geographic toler1.mce of one-half .niie (ore-quarter mile on each side of the Ap?licants' prclimincry centerline).

TRANSMISSION - 500kV/230kV

Significa11t type.s· of impacts 1 elevont to ecological resources include any impact that affects officiaily regulated or protected species, communities or areas; interferes with migration of wildlife; alters the di·;ersity of biotic

· communities or population of plant or animal species; affects important hab­itat; or incre'Jses potential for wildfir<:.

In Arizona, potential significant impncts may occur to special-status pl.mt species, e.g., elephant trc~'!i migratory 1Naterfowl, bighorn sheep and Sc:ir ran pronghorn habitat, and possible habitat for Gila monster, desert torto1 ,e a=td flot-1ailcd horned lizard. In the California study arcc, potential significant jr,,,...acts may occur to unique plant s~>ccies, Andrew's scarab beetle, bi~horr. 5heep ron9e, raptor ne:;ting crcas, good-quality habitat and a •1ernal pool •

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Chorcc~cri.:ticolly, direct and long-t':!rm ;mpoct t;tpes for social and economic land U~'.s :nclude <my irnpc:ct that displaces, .J/ tcr s or otherwise µhysicolly aff1..'CL; aiy existin~J, developing or pl\Jnr~ecl rc~iC.cntiol, commercial, inci1..1s1riol or institutional U!:c or ~ctivity, utility line or facility, communications f~.:;rity or relok<l r.i<:.i;viiy, a:r-fadlity or rc:ated ac:fr :ry;· off ·~cts official ~1enera1 or regional plans, policies, goals or .>pi::rafion~ ...,: communities or 9over.imenrol 1..igencics; or affects relic:1bility of e:ectrical service because of potential rncn­induced hazards.

Poter:~'ol sian;fican! residuai lend-use impacts were identified for individual and clusters- of resic.!enccs scattered throughoul the study corridors; a fe\lf private airstrips, some institutional and light industrial land-uses and mobile­hei1 ne pc:irks.

Potential !:ignificant residual impacts to pork, preservation and recreotior land uses incl•Jdc the Fred J. \Veiler 1..:rccnbt> It, SLM-off rnod vehiclP.s (ORV) cptm areas, 8LM concentr::it<'d US'~ !ones, a California Stat'.:? Prest!rvation ·Ari~a of Outstanding Natural Sand Dunes, the Pacific Crest Trnil, !he Coochama Experimental Forest and Cottonwood Golf Course.

The ogricultural study idemified long-term impucts to agricuhural re.)OL'r~es in terms of estimated annual cost<; of additional form equipment, irrigat:on and w~dMcontrol operations: within and around 1ransrnission towers, oddition<Jf aerial applications, and crop-loss. Short-term impacts included costs of crop­loss due to loss of croppinq area, add:tional irrigotion opP.rctions, cost of si~e­reconditioning, cost of perennial croo-rcestoblishmc~nt anJ lo&; of crop due to tree pruning. Impact types considered include any i1T1pact that Clifecrs cr\">p productio:i and farming operations or occupies "prime" or "unique" fcrmlonci. A. moderate level of impact was cppli~d to all ogriculrural land, regardl~ss of the type of crop impacted. (See Agricultural S:udy, Appendix Din the DES.)

Tt'e sociex:conomic impact analysis addressed potential positive and negative construction-worker, expencl:r.1re ond fiscal effects that wo1Jld result from the! comtruction of the proposed facilities. The moxirm•m ccr:i<Jnd by construction workers for temporary accommodations could be met with existing facilities in each community end community services would be od~quate. Potentkl indirel·t-tax revenues that would accrue to communities and taxing jurisdictions in the study .Jrea would be minimal, but would be a bencfkic1I impact cf fhc proposed Proj~cr. Increases in propNty-ta:" revenues durir.g operation wotJld be a significant long-term beneficial impact. Personal income in the region would rise as a result of Project cxp€'r1ditures, which would be a small beneficial impact for the region.

Visual impacts were considered to be adverse, direct and long-term. Typical impact-typ.;s incflJde impcc1s affecting: the quality of any scenic resource; any resource possessing rare or unique value; the view from or the vislJaf setting of cny residential, commercial, institulional or other visually scnsit.ve

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lond-use; the v:ew from a visual setting of any trave 1 route; the view from a visual setting of any established,· designated or plcr.;ned recreation, preservation, 1~ducotionol or scientific facility, use area, acti.,,ity, view point or vista.

Visual intrimon of 11-ie t·ransmission line because of stru:. ture,; contr.(Ht (no simili:r existing c;trL·cturcs), k1r.Jform contrast (new or upgraded access roads and tow·::?r-pad ccmstrut Hon) and vcg<Jtation contrast (ve9el0Hon removal), would con~inu~' ~~roughout tne life of the proposed Project. The greotE:st resiJuol impacts would occur in areas of natural scenic-quality or where the transmis:.ion line would be in ciose proximity to residences, travel routes (e.g., 1-8), use areas (Send Hills), or other sensitive viewing loca~ions.

Impacts tJ orchrJeological resources, which ore nonrern~wable, would b~ adverse end perm.:inent. Construd!on and opcratioP ~tivit:l.!s could result in impact types affecting orcho~olugkal resouices ·:ally and/or visually; sites or distr"ct~ included in or eligible for indv.c;ic:1 1. f\k:t onal Regisler of Historic Ploces; or site~ or areas lden.tdied as having specj, , archaeological value. Impact levels wern µrobaoility levels det~rn1incd C)' o predii:11ve model.

Potential high impoc is to archac0log;.;al resources were prr::iiicted in the Gile b, ... nd 1\-\ountcin51 along th:~ Gila R;w::r, in the Muggir.s and Laguna mot.r.,lains, the roothills of th~ Gila Mountains, the Colo:-ado River Pilot Knob areo, the Picacho Basir. along the or.cient Lake Cahuilla shorelines, the oase of t: llsh Creek lv\ounta:ns, :n the vicinit/ of J~ci.imba: 1JI0119 th"" !nmul, Teccte and Oulzura creeks a ... d the Sycamore Canyon drainage: and clong ~he base of Mother 1\.Uguel Mountain.

"Types of impacts to his tor ica I resources were identified as direct phys ice:! impacts resulting .('rom construction-related activities; indirect physical impacts resul tinq ' m increased access; and visua! impacrs created by the presence of tower,, ar.J lines during the life of lhe proposed Project.

No potential significant impacts to historical resources are e ... pected in Arizon1J. In Ca:ifornia, significant impacts were idcntifieu for the Pilot l<nob historic Native American site, i:1e Plarrk Road Area of Critical Environmental Co1ccrn, Southern Emigrant (Outterfield) Road and the Jrnnul Cement ~Vorks.

Three type.~ of impacts to Notiv~ Ar: ~rican culturnl resources were assessed: physkol, visucl and aural. No specific identification of Native American c1.:ltur1I resources will be disclosed in this document because of Native Ame1 :0·on concern for the sacred nature of many sites and t!'le desire to protect the resources. Potential significant impacts would occur to rnultiple­resourc~ arec.,, rock-art areas1 cremation/burial areas, village sites 1.md sacred mountains.

No signifk'ant poter'lfial impacts to air and geotcchnical resources or ccousri­cal charar.teristics were idcnt1f;t:d •

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The ccnstruction and operation of the !mpcrial Valley Substati.:>n sites COt!lC

highly impact crchoeolc:;1icol rt!sourccs. A high probability for er.countr.::-ini;; sites was indicated b~· the predictive model. (Subsequently, an inten~ive survey in July 1980 revea!~d .10 sites at Substation Site 0.) The expansion of faci!;ties a·~ Miguel Suhsratron would potentialiy affect ecological and crchacological resourc~s !:ignificantly. Tr.? expansion of facilities at Los Caches woulc oc.:cur near Lake Jennings ~ark, a hi~hly sensitive land-use. O~pcnd:ng on the fine! location of the Yuc1:a Suh::totion, a high im~act to a single dwelling could occur. No significant potential envirc1nmental impacts were identified for the North Gila Substotioo site; howevE.!r, significant impacts at the Yucca Substation site wn•rlrl OC"ur tn Nntivi> A.rn'!rk<.in <lnd a;;.iricu!t•.•ral resolJrces. (The 50 a~.res of agricvl turo! iand that would be removed from producticn represents the most sigr.lficcnt impact (high in.pact) 10 agricultural resources from the propo~cd Project.) Significnnt (moderate) po~emiol ir.ip<.:cts at the North Gila Subs1c~ion site were identified for histor:cal end vist.'CI re:;o rc<:s1

while ct the Dome Valley Subgtation site there would be a potential significcnt (moderate) imprict to ccoiogical resources.

Construction and operation of the 69kV transmission system would result in $ignificant (moaerotc) potential im;->ccts to ecological resources olo:"g routes that cross riparian iJrec.s a:1d known flat-tailed horned lizard ha~itat. A high Impact could olso result wr."'re the 69kV transmission line wouk.: cross the N.R. Adair County Park. A moC.: ~rate imoact to visual. historic end N'- tive American cul f'.Jral rcsoJrces could also occur along 'sections of the 69kV

. olt~rnative routes.

Significant (high) potential impacts ro ecological resources could cccvr from thl" consrrnction and operation of the 161kV transmis~ion line because of en lmpNtant waterfowl rookery end potential watcrfowi-..;o::;sion hazard. Significant (high) pofent1nl impacts also exist for <1rchc:eoloy:col r~sources along 16 lkV alternative ro1.1tcs bec<;wse of projected high density of si!t::s.

Potential high irr:pacts from the construction of microwave towers c;ould occur to Native Ameiicar cul tura1 resources at one site.

ELECTRICAL, BIOLOGICAL, HEAL TH AND SAFETY EFFECTS

Only the potential impc"':ts from the SOOkV line were analyzed, as o:iy electrical effects experienced by fre public, with the except!on of audible noise, would be less in areas cdjaceni to ~\J;:;station and communications facilities end beneath lower-voltage lines.

The electrical effects considered in the studies wcr e those resulting from corona and electric fields. Corona, which is the discharge of e:1ervY from en energized Hne when the voltag~ gradici'lt exceeds the breakdown strength of

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air, :s gn?<.Jte:;t curing wet Y·eathcr. Effects of corona ore audible noise, visible ligilt, photochemical oxidants, and radio and television interference. No signifkcnt cdverse effocts from audible noise, visible light and photo­chemical oxidants ore anticipl.t(:d. Radio and television interference would be most prcnounced in areas o: weak reception and where antennae are located close to a tran:>mission lin•:!.

Ef~ects frorn cl~trcsk1tic ond magnetic fieids that develop aruund a t1 onsrnission line ore of g~neral concern because of the porential for induced voltage cntci conductive objects within the elf.Cf'"v:>l'atic field, instantaneous ignition of fuel, electric shock to human beings and possible health and biological !iczards.

Short-circuit curre:i~ from induced voltage would be limited by the prorosec Project's lir.e d~si9:" !n ::ompliance with nationol and state safety code.), and the electrostatic potf'ntial would be eliminated for all p~rmanent structures by grounding within 200 feet of the right-of-wcy. Linc design will limit to 5.0 milliamps (mA) the short-circuit current from metallic objects. St1Jdies have shown that ler-go thr~shokfs for people arc cqtJal to er great~r them 5.0 mA.

Interference that ~ight result from induced volta::ie from a magnetic field to pipelines, rcils, overhecd co'1lmunications circuits or other electric lines would be mitigated by the Appliccnts to the satisfaction of affected utilities and imlivid•Jals .

The results of studies, reported to date, c:i biological and health e:fects from electric fields are inconclusive in establishing that such effect5 co occur. On the other hand, it hes not be.:?n clearly ccmonstrcited that such effects co not occur. If the)' do, in feet, occur, experts ere not in agreement rhct they pose a potential biological er health hazard. Reversion of pacemakers is the most :substa!ltial effect no~ed, although it is not considered a scricus problem when It occurs for short periods of time. To date, no evidence that a transmission line has caused a serious problem to the wearer of a pacemaker has been found.

GRO'lffH INDUCEMENT

A growth-inducing irnpc:t study was conducted lo estimate potential economic: and demographic impcc ts to the SOG&E service orea from the proposed Project. A baseline "no-project" alternative was hypothesize<;! using criteria established by CPUC.

The proposed Project was considered to be growth-occornmodatir.g rather than growth-inducing, with cny growth diff ercntial between the Project and no­Project alternatives not attributable solely to the Project •

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Results of the study indicate that potential growth-inducing impacts would not be significant. ·

PREFERRED ROUTES

(See Figure 3-IS(R)F and Table I-IF in Chapter I.)

ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERRED ROUTE

The northern <nd so·;thern environmentally preferred routes identified in Chapter 3 of the SrJFS orP c;ti II the P.nvironmC"'n tally preforrPd rovtes. However1 Link 167 has a!so been identified as an cnvironrnentolly preferred alternative to Lin!~s 134, 162, 163, 164 and 165 in the Sand Hills.

Oc.scripticn of 1h~ Environmentally Preferred Route

PVNGS 1 o Yuma

While the environmental consequences along the Arizona portion of the proposed pref erred route ccin generallv be chcracterized as moder~te-to-low, there remain some significant unavoidc:ble adverse impacts. The preferred rou1e would traverse areas of moderofe-t'J-high natural "rPnir.-<piolit» ond be visible (in close proximity) from residences and portions of 1-8. Visual impacrs would result from structures contrast (no existir.o struclun~s $imikir to that of the proposed Project) and lo~1dform contrasts. The pref erred rouie would pass through special-status plant habitats ( 11.0 miles) and the habitct of the Gila monster. Of the approximately 2.2 rnilcs of agricultural lend crossed, approxi­mately 0.8 acre ... would be eliminated from productive use. One single-family dwelling could be highly impacted. Cul/ural-resource sites important to Native Americans wouid be affected by this route and previously recorded archaeological sites may be crossed.

Yuma

Arizona Southern - While the environmental consequences along the southern portion of l 1-.c proposed preferred rou tc can generally be characterized as moderate-to-high, there remain some significant .unavoidable adverse impacts.

*Because of adjustments by the Applicant in the proposed centerline, these figures vary from the ones given in th~ co;ridor-scafe study. Total cgricultural land potentially removed in Arizona between PVNGS and the Colorado River on the sculhern cnvironrpentally preferred route wouid be approxim<itc-ly i.9 acres; oo the northern cnvironmcn tally preferred route 1.8 acres; and on the SLM preferred rout~ 1.3 acres •

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The preferred roL•te would be visible (in clei:;e proximity) from residences. ·;.sual impacts would resL~!t from structures c:onlrust (no existing structures similar to !hot of the prooosed Project). The pref erred route would pass through habiiat of the flat-tailed horned liz<Hd. Of the approximately 17.8 miles of ogricu!turol iond ~rc::s~d. cpprr;xirnotcly 7.1 acres would be eliminated from productive use. Two h(iu:;il1g subdivision~ and one airstrip would b~ traversed, and n ::.ingle-iomily dwellings could be highly impacted. Culturc!!­resource sites imoortant to Nativ~ Americ•JPS would be affected by this route.

Arizona Northt'i'il - While the e1wironmental cons~quences along the northern portion of t11e pr ~pose-d pref.:rred route can gt:nt<:rally bf' ci1araclerizf.:d as moderate-to-h;gh, there ieIT'0in som~ significant unavoidable adverse impacts. The preferred rC'lute woutd tra•1erse ore:cs of r.~odercte-tc-high nctu1cl <'Cenic.­quality end be visible (in close proximity) from rcs1at!nces. Vi~uai imprn;ls would result from s!ructures contrast (no existing structures similar to that ,1f the proposed Proj-:?c I) and iandfcrm c.onrrasts. Th~ prderreci rollte \11"lul<l cr0ss the Colorudo River (potentiai bird-collisio11 hazard). Of the approximately 2.0 miles of agricultural land crossed, opptoximotcly 1.0 acre would be eli:nincted from productive use. Culturcl-re.:.,urce si!es important to Na':!ve Americaris would be cff ected by this route.

California Soothern - Tht! southern puition of the environmentally pr~ferr~d route can g'-"?ncro!iy be chor.ccterizcd as having moderaie-to-hig!1 environmental consequences with several significant unavoidable 'C!dverse Impacts. The route wcL.ld !reverse areas of mocierare-ro-h1gh notura: sct:nic­quality. Visual impads resulting h .. 11 structures contrast and landform contrast are predicted for this route. The prefcrrec! route Y:ould pcss through 0.2 mile of Colorado River hobito·; end cross one area of pork, preservation or recreation land-use. The rout,~ would also traverse an area of archaeological, historical and Native American concern designated as an ACEC by the SLM.

California Northern - The nor them portion of the E?nvironmentallt preferred route, wFlich includes two alternatives between the Cargo Muchacho Mourtains and the Sand Hills, can generally be characterized as having moderate-to-high environmental consequences with several signiiicant ur.avoidablc adverse impacts. Both alternctiv!!s woLild traverse creas of moderate-to-h!gh nature! scenic-quality, and visual impacts would r~sult fiom structures contrast ar.d land form contrast. The preferred routes would pass through 0.2 mile of Colorado River hobitor and cross several areas of pork, preservation or recreation land-use. The routes would also traverse areas of archceologicol concern dcsigna t cd by SLM as having "very high" sensi tivlty. Nwnt~rous cultural-resource sites of t-Jctive American concern would be potentially

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The Californir.i portion of the environmentally preferred route can generally be charocterrz:cd as hav:ng moderate environmental consequences with sever ;I significant vnavoidoblt.! adverse impocl.s.. The r01Jte would traverse cr<:as of moderClte-to-high natural sccnic-qu~li ty and be visible from reside:-1ces. Visual impccts resulting from structure contrast and lcndform cor.trast are predic1ec! for a major portion of the route. The preferred route .vould pa!>s ~hrough 79.6 miles of special-stctus plant habitat and traverse rc-p ror nesting areas C'1d the habitats of the Andrew's scarab beetle, flat-tailed horr-ed lizard, bigho; n sheep ond mcgic gecko. Of approximately 22.4 miles cf cgr :c~!t;;:-al lr:nd crossed, approximc tely I 0.1 acres would be excluded from produc\ ive use. The preferrr•d rnute c:ros.c;ec; several areas of park: preservation or recreation lonc­use; one s!nglc-fami!y dwelling and one mobile home would be highly im~ :cted. The route would also traverse areas of archaeological concern cesignated by BLM as having "very high" sensitivity :md "severe density" of sites.· One historical !iite aid nJmcrous cvlturol-rnsourcl! sites of Native Americcn concern would be pot.entially affected.

BLM PREFERRED ROUTE

The BLM Preferred RoiJte on public lands is esesntiolly the some as the northern environ;nentaliy preferr~d route, using Link 167, with t.-.. o deviations . The BLM prr>ferred route crosses the Mohawk Volley on Link 88 to the north of the environmentally ~referred rcute <Jnd crosses Ocme Valley ar.c !'he Log.ma fv',ounta;ns to th-e north of the environmentally preferred route on !_inks 86, 7Sa and 87. The BUA has deviated from the environmentally preferred route to accommodate local preferences.

ARIZONA POWER PLANT AND TRANSMISSION LINE SITING COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDED ROUTE

The Arizona State Siting Committee's recommended route is essentially the same as the SLM preferred ro•.rte in Arizona •:!ith one deviot:on. The Siting Committee's recommended route crosses the Mugains Mcun1cins (and Yuma Proving Ground) on L:nk 28, whereas the OLM (ond cnvironmcntaliy ;'.lrcferred} route skirts the Muggins i'v\ountoins to the sou1h on Links 29 1 3Ca and 301:>. Tobie I-IF lists the preferred rou1cs by link. In the event the Bl.\\ does Pot grant a right-of-way on Link 28, the Siting Committee recommends Links 29 1

300 and 30b as its alternate preferred route •

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