Environmental Impact Statement Scoping Meetings Scheduled
The Bureau of Land Management has announced public scoping meetings to solicit public comments on the proposed project. Click here for more information.
Project Update
Nearly 150 people attended three route refinement meetings held in September 2010 and approximately 90 written comments were submitted regarding the project. Information provided by project stakeholders has been reviewed and taken into consideration as the routes continue to be refined. A final route has not yet been selected. Potential routes will continue to be modified over the next several months and a selection of alternatives will be chosen for analysis in an environmental impact statement . An updated map depicting route modifications since September 2010 can be viewed by clicking here.
The photo simulations displayed at the route refinement meetings, along with additional simulated views, are now available. Please click here to view these files. Views 5a, 5b, and 6 have been modified since the September meetings to reflect the change to single-circuit wood H-frame structures instead of the previously proposed double-circuit lattice structures. The project is proposed to be constructed with double-circuit lattice structures from the Shiprock Substation to the proposed Kiffen Canyon Substation. Single-circuit H-frame structures or double-circuit lattice structures are proposed, depending on location, from the proposed Kiffen Canyon Substation to the new Iron Horse Substation.
Frequently asked questions regarding the project are now available . If you have a question that is not answered in the FAQs, please submit it by email or phone at 1-877-457-8393.
San Juan Basin Energy Connect
Increasing electric load growth in the San Juan Basin region of Colorado and New Mexico, both in residential and industrial sectors, has put a strain on the existing electrical system.
Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association (Tri-State), La Plata Electric Association (LPEA), and other regional utilities have been making improvements and additions to the electric system over the years to maintain reliability. While improvements to the local system have helped, there is a need to import more power into the region to meet the needs of growing communities.
The proposed San Juan Basin Energy Connect Project would involve the construction of a 230-kilovolt transmission line by Tri-State from the Farmington, N.M. area to Ignacio, Colo. This line is needed to provide the power delivery infrastructure for the San Juan Basin that will relieve transmission constraints, serve new loads and offer economic development through renewable energy opportunities.
An open and comprehensive process is used in siting transmission lines that considers electric system planning, economics, the environment, public involvement, regulatory issues, land rights, and engineering input.
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act process, a detailed environmental impact statement will be prepared. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is in the process of selecting a third party contractor to analyze Tri-State's proposal. Once a contractor has been selected, the BLM will host scoping meetings for the environmental impact statement.
Project Benefits
The proposed project would: