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OCTOBER 2011
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
SECTION 1
.................................. ES-1
INTRODUCTION ........................................................... 1-1
1.1
BACKGROUND ................................................................................... 1-1
1.2
AUTHORIZATION AND AGENCY ROLES ..................................... 1-2
1.3
PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION ............................................... 1-3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.3.1
Bureau of Land Management ................................................... 1-3
1.3.2
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ................................................. 1-3
AGENCY DECISIONS TO BE MADE ............................................... 1-3
1.4.1
Bureau of Land Management ................................................... 1-3
1.4.2
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ................................................. 1-4
PROJECT LOCATION AND ACTION ALTERNATIVES ................ 1-4
1.5.1
Project Location ....................................................................... 1-4
1.5.2
Action Alternatives .................................................................. 1-4
NEPA SCOPING and Draft EIS Public Participation........................... 1-6
1.6.1
Scoping..................................................................................... 1-6
1.6.1.1 Notice of Intent ........................................................... 1-6
1.6.1.2 Scoping Bulletin .......................................................... 1-6
1.6.1.3 Additional Scoping Notifications ................................ 1-6
1.6.1.4 Scoping Meetings ........................................................ 1-7
1.6.1.5 Scoping Comments ..................................................... 1-7
1.6.2
Draft EIS Comment Period ...................................................... 1-8
1.6.2.1 Draft EIS Meetings and Comments ............................ 1-8
1.6.2.2 Draft EIS Late Comments ........................................... 1-9
1.7
CONFORMANCE WITH LAND USE PLANS, LAWS,
REGULATIONS, AND POLICY ....................................................... 1-10
1.7.1
Conformance with Land Use Plans ........................................ 1-10
1.7.1.1 Bureau of Land Management .................................... 1-10
1.7.1.2 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service .................................. 1-11
1.7.1.3 Harney County .......................................................... 1-12
1.7.2
Conformance with Federal Laws, Regulations, and
Policies ................................................................................... 1-17
1.7.2.1 Federal Land Policy and Management Act
(FLPMA), 43 U.S.C. §§ 1701-1785 .......................... 1-17
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1.7.2.2 National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement
Act of 1997................................................................ 1-18
1.7.2.3 National Environmental Policy Act .......................... 1-19
1.7.2.4 Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and
Protection Act of 2000 .............................................. 1-19
1.7.2.5 Migratory Bird Treaty Act ........................................ 1-21
1.7.2.6 Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act ..................... 1-21
1.7.2.7 Congressional and Executive Policies Regarding
Renewable Energy .................................................... 1-21
1.7.3
Others Laws, Regulations, and Policies ................................. 1-22
1.8
FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL PERMITS, LICENSES,
AND APPROVALS ............................................................................ 1-22
1.9
ORGANIZATION OF THE EIS ......................................................... 1-23
SECTION 2
Proposed Action and Alternatives .............................. 2-1
2.1
ALTERNATIVE A – NO ACTION ..................................................... 2-1
2.2
ALTERNATIVE B – WEST ROUTE (PROPOSED ACTION) .......... 2-2
2.2.1
Right-of-Way Location ............................................................ 2-2
2.2.2
Transmission Line .................................................................... 2-2
2.2.3
Interconnection Station and Connection to the Regional
Grid .......................................................................................... 2-9
2.2.4
Laydown Areas and Tensioning Sites .................................... 2-11
2.2.5
Access Roads ......................................................................... 2-11
2.2.6
Water Use ............................................................................... 2-11
2.2.7
Distribution Line Relocation .................................................. 2-11
2.2.8
Construction Period ................................................................ 2-12
2.2.9
Operation and Maintenance ................................................... 2-12
2.2.10 South Diamond Lane Route Option ....................................... 2-16
2.2.11 Hog Wallow Route Option ..................................................... 2-16
2.2.12 Alternative B – 115-kV Transmission Line Option ............... 2-17
2.3
ALTERNATIVE C – NORTH ROUTE (PREFERRED
ALTERNATIVE) ................................................................................ 2-17
2.3.1
Right-of-Way Location .......................................................... 2-17
2.3.2
Transmission Line .................................................................. 2-17
2.3.3
Interconnection Station and Connection to the Regional
Grid ........................................................................................ 2-18
2.3.4
Laydown Areas and Tensioning Sites .................................... 2-18
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2.4
2.5
OCTOBER 2011
2.3.5
Access Roads ......................................................................... 2-18
2.3.6
Water Use ............................................................................... 2-18
2.3.7
Construction Period ................................................................ 2-18
2.3.8
Operation and Maintenance ................................................... 2-19
2.3.9
Alternative C - 115-kV Transmission Line Option ................ 2-19
ECHANIS WIND ENERGY PROJECT ............................................. 2-19
2.4.1
Wind Turbines ........................................................................ 2-21
2.4.2
Power Collection System ....................................................... 2-24
2.4.3
Substation ............................................................................... 2-24
2.4.4
Operation and Maintenance Building..................................... 2-24
2.4.5
Access Roads ......................................................................... 2-24
2.4.6
Concrete Batch Plant and Aggregate Quarry ......................... 2-25
2.4.7
Water Requirements during Construction .............................. 2-25
2.4.8
Construction Period ................................................................ 2-25
2.4.9
Operation and Maintenance ................................................... 2-25
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED BUT ELIMINATED FROM
DETAILED ANALYSIS .................................................................... 2-26
2.5.1
Route Selection Process ......................................................... 2-26
2.5.2
Alternatives Considered but Rejected .................................... 2-27
2.5.2.1 Steens Mountain CMPA Route Alternative .............. 2-27
2.5.2.2 East Steens Road/Hwy 78 to Crane Route
Alternative ................................................................. 2-27
2.5.2.3 East Steens Road to Fields Route Alternative ........... 2-29
2.5.2.4 West Route Underground Alternative ....................... 2-29
2.6
PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES, BEST MANAGEMENT
PRACTICES, AND COMPARISON OF ENVIRONMENTAL
EFFECTS ............................................................................................ 2-30
SECTION 3 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL
CONSEQUENCES, AND MITIGATION ...................... 3.0-1
3.1
GEOLOGY, SOILS, BIOLOGICAL SOIL CRUSTS, AND
EROSION........................................................................................... 3.1-1
3.1.1
Methodology ......................................................................... 3.1-1
3.1.2
Affected Environment ........................................................... 3.1-1
3.1.2.1 Geology .................................................................... 3.1-1
3.1.2.2 Soils .......................................................................... 3.1-4
3.1.2.3 Biological Soil Crusts ............................................ 3.1-15
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OCTOBER 2011
Environmental Effects and Mitigation ................................ 3.1-15
3.1.3.1 Alternative A – No Action ..................................... 3.1-15
3.1.3.2 Echanis Project Effects Common to All Action
Alternatives ............................................................ 3.1-15
3.1.3.3 Alternative B – West Route (Proposed Action) ..... 3.1-17
3.1.3.4 Alternative C – North Route (Preferred
Alternative) ............................................................ 3.1-23
3.1.3.5 Residual Effects after Mitigation ........................... 3.1-24
3.1.3.6 Summary Comparison of Alternatives ................... 3.1-25
3.2
WATER RESOURCES (SURFACE AND GROUND WATER)
AND FLOODPLAINS ....................................................................... 3.2-1
3.2.1
Methodology ......................................................................... 3.2-1
3.2.2
Affected Environment ........................................................... 3.2-2
3.2.2.1 Surface Water ........................................................... 3.2-2
3.2.2.2 Floodplains ............................................................... 3.2-3
3.2.2.3 Groundwater............................................................. 3.2-3
3.2.2.4 Water Quality ........................................................... 3.2-5
3.2.3
Environmental Effects and Mitigation .................................. 3.2-6
3.2.3.1 Alternative A – No Action ....................................... 3.2-7
3.2.3.2 Echanis Project Effects Common to All Action
Alternatives .............................................................. 3.2-7
3.2.3.3 Alternative B – West Route (Proposed Action) ..... 3.2-20
3.2.3.4 Alternative C – North Route (Preferred
Alternative) ............................................................ 3.2-26
3.2.3.5 Residual Effects after Mitigation ........................... 3.2-27
3.2.3.6 Summary Comparison of Alternatives ................... 3.2-27
3.3
VEGETATION, SPECIAL STATUS PLANT SPECIES, AND
NOXIOUS WEEDS ........................................................................... 3.3-1
3.3.1
Methodology ......................................................................... 3.3-1
3.3.2
Affected Environment ........................................................... 3.3-3
3.3.2.1 Vegetation ................................................................ 3.3-3
3.3.2.2 Special Status Plant Species ................................... 3.3-20
3.3.2.3 Noxious Weeds ...................................................... 3.3-22
3.3.3
Environmental Consequences and Mitigation..................... 3.3-23
3.3.3.1 Alternative A – No Action ..................................... 3.3-27
3.3.3.2 Echanis Project Effects Common to All Action
Alternatives ............................................................ 3.3-27
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3.3.3.3 Alternative B – West Route (Proposed Action) ..... 3.3-31
3.3.3.4 Alternative C – North Route (Preferred
Alternative) ............................................................ 3.3-39
3.3.3.5 Residual Effects after Mitigation ........................... 3.3-41
3.3.3.6 Summary Comparison of Alternatives ................... 3.3-41
3.4
WETLANDS AND RIPARIAN AREAS .......................................... 3.4-1
3.4.1
Methodology ......................................................................... 3.4-1
3.4.2
Affected Environment ........................................................... 3.4-3
3.4.2.1 Wetlands................................................................... 3.4-3
3.4.2.2 Riparian Areas .......................................................... 3.4-4
3.4.3
Environmental Effects and Mitigation .................................. 3.4-4
3.4.3.1 Alternative A – No Action ....................................... 3.4-5
3.4.3.2 Echanis Project Effects Common to All Action
Alternatives .............................................................. 3.4-5
3.4.3.3 Alternative B – West Route (Proposed Action) ..... 3.4-18
3.4.3.4 Alternative C – North Route (Preferred
Alternative) ............................................................ 3.4-24
3.4.3.5 Residual Effects after Mitigation ........................... 3.4-26
3.4.3.6 Summary Comparison of Alternatives ................... 3.4-27
3.5
FISH, WILDLIFE AND SPECIAL STATUS ANIMAL
SPECIES ............................................................................................ 3.5-1
3.5.1
Methodology ......................................................................... 3.5-1
3.5.2
Affected Environment ........................................................... 3.5-2
3.5.2.1 General Fish Resources ............................................ 3.5-3
3.5.2.2 Wildlife Habitats ...................................................... 3.5-4
3.5.2.3 General Wildlife ....................................................... 3.5-5
3.5.2.4 Big Game Species .................................................. 3.5-17
3.5.2.5 Special Status Species ............................................ 3.5-18
3.5.3
Environmental Consequences and Mitigation..................... 3.5-34
3.5.3.1 Alternative A – No Action ..................................... 3.5-35
3.5.3.2 Echanis Project Effects Common to All Action
Alternatives ............................................................ 3.5-35
3.5.3.3 Alternative B – West Route (Proposed Action) ..... 3.5-60
Alternative C – North Route (Preferred Alternative) .......... 3.5-79
3.5.4
Residual Effects after Mitigation ........................................ 3.5-85
3.5.5
Comparison of Alternatives ................................................ 3.5-85
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3.6
OCTOBER 2011
LAND USES – GRAZING AND REALTY ...................................... 3.6-1
3.6.1
Methodology ......................................................................... 3.6-1
3.6.2
Affected Environment ........................................................... 3.6-2
3.6.2.1 Regional Setting and Existing Land Use.................. 3.6-2
3.6.2.2 Grazing Allotments .................................................. 3.6-3
3.6.2.3 Land Use Plans and Policies .................................... 3.6-5
3.6.3
Environmental Effects and Mitigation ................................ 3.6-10
3.6.3.1 Alternative A – No Action ..................................... 3.6-10
3.6.3.2 Echanis Project Effects Common to All Action
Alternatives ............................................................ 3.6-12
3.6.3.3 Alternative B – West Route (Proposed Action) ..... 3.6-13
3.6.3.4 South Diamond Lane Route Option ....................... 3.6-16
3.6.3.5 Hog Wallow Route Option..................................... 3.6-18
3.6.3.6 115-kV Transmission Line Option......................... 3.6-20
3.6.3.7 Alternative C – North Route (Preferred
Alternative) ............................................................ 3.6-21
3.6.3.8 115-kV Transmission Line Option......................... 3.6-24
3.6.3.9 Residual Effects after Mitigation ........................... 3.6-24
3.6.3.10Summary Comparison of Alternatives ................... 3.6-24
3.7
RECREATION................................................................................... 3.7-1
3.7.1
Introduction ........................................................................... 3.7-1
3.7.2
Methodology ......................................................................... 3.7-1
3.7.3
Affected Environment ........................................................... 3.7-1
3.7.3.1 Federal Lands ........................................................... 3.7-2
3.7.4
Environmental Consequences and Mitigation..................... 3.7-11
3.7.4.1 Alternative A – No Action ..................................... 3.7-16
3.7.4.2 Echanis Project Effects Common to All Action
Alternatives ............................................................ 3.7-16
3.7.4.3 Alternative B – West Route (Proposed Action) ..... 3.7-19
3.7.4.4 Alternative C – North Route (Preferred
Alternative) ............................................................ 3.7-24
3.7.4.5 Residual Effects after Mitigation ........................... 3.7-26
3.7.4.6 Summary Comparison of Alternatives ................... 3.7-26
3.8
PUBLIC SERVICES .......................................................................... 3.8-1
3.8.1
Introduction ........................................................................... 3.8-1
3.8.2
Methodology ......................................................................... 3.8-1
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3.8.3
OCTOBER 2011
Affected Environment ........................................................... 3.8-1
3.8.3.1 Wildfire Protection Services .................................... 3.8-1
3.8.3.2 Law Enforcement Services....................................... 3.8-2
3.8.3.3 Educational Services ................................................ 3.8-2
3.8.3.4 Health Care and Emergency Response Services ...... 3.8-2
3.8.4
Environmental Effects and Mitigation .................................. 3.8-3
3.8.4.1 Alternative A – No Action ....................................... 3.8-3
3.8.4.2 Echanis Project Effects Common to All Action
Alternatives .............................................................. 3.8-3
3.8.4.3 Alternative B – West Route (Proposed Action) ....... 3.8-4
3.8.4.4 Alternative C – North Route (Preferred
Alternative) .............................................................. 3.8-6
3.8.4.5 Residual Effects after Mitigation ............................. 3.8-8
3.8.4.6 Summary Comparison of Alternatives ..................... 3.8-8
3.9
VISUAL RESOURCES ..................................................................... 3.9-1
3.9.1
Applicable Regulations ......................................................... 3.9-1
3.9.1.1 Methodology ............................................................ 3.9-2
3.9.1.2 VRM Methodology - Inventory ............................... 3.9-2
3.9.1.3 VRM Methodology – Analysis ................................ 3.9-7
3.9.2
Affected Environment ........................................................... 3.9-8
3.9.2.1 Existing VRM Classes in the Project Area .............. 3.9-8
3.9.3
Environmental Effects and Mitigation .................................. 3.9-9
3.9.3.1 Alternative A – No Action ..................................... 3.9-10
3.9.3.2 Echanis Project Effects Common to All Action
Alternatives ............................................................ 3.9-10
3.9.3.3 Alternative B – West Route (Proposed Action) ..... 3.9-18
3.9.3.4 Alternative C – North Route (Preferred
Alternative) ............................................................ 3.9-32
3.9.3.5 Residual Effects after Mitigation ........................... 3.9-38
3.9.3.6 Summary Comparison of Alternatives ................... 3.9-38
3.10
CULTURAL RESOURCES ............................................................ 3.10-1
3.10.1 Methodology ....................................................................... 3.10-1
3.10.1.1Federal and State Cultural Resource Laws and
Regulations............................................................. 3.10-1
3.10.1.2Archaeological Methods ........................................ 3.10-5
3.10.1.3Architectural/Historical Methods ........................... 3.10-6
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3.10.1.4Native American Consultation ............................... 3.10-7
3.10.2 Affected Environment ......................................................... 3.10-8
3.10.2.1Prehistory ............................................................... 3.10-8
3.10.2.2Ethnohistory ........................................................... 3.10-9
3.10.2.3History .................................................................. 3.10-10
3.10.2.4Field Survey Results ............................................ 3.10-11
3.10.3 Environmental Effects and Mitigation .............................. 3.10-19
3.10.3.1Project Effects and Mitigation.............................. 3.10-19
3.10.3.2Alternative A – No Action ................................... 3.10-20
3.10.3.3Echanis Project Effects Common to All Action
Alternatives .......................................................... 3.10-21
3.10.3.4Alternative B – West Route (Proposed Action) ... 3.10-22
3.10.3.5South Diamond Lane Route Option ..................... 3.10-24
3.10.3.6115-kV Transmission Line Option....................... 3.10-28
3.10.3.7Alternative C – North Route (Preferred
Alternative) .......................................................... 3.10-28
3.10.3.8115-kV Transmission Line Option....................... 3.10-31
3.10.3.9Residual Effects after Mitigation ......................... 3.10-31
3.10.3.10 Summary Comparison of Alternatives .............. 3.10-32
3.11
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC VALUES AND
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ....................................................... 3.11-1
3.11.1 Methodology ....................................................................... 3.11-1
3.11.1.1Social and Economic Methodology ....................... 3.11-2
3.11.1.2Environmental Justice Methodology...................... 3.11-2
3.11.2 Affected Environment ......................................................... 3.11-3
3.11.2.1Social and Economic Values .................................. 3.11-3
3.11.2.2Environmental Justice .......................................... 3.11-15
3.11.3 Environmental Consequences and Mitigation................... 3.11-21
3.11.3.1Alternative A – No Action ................................... 3.11-21
3.11.3.2Echanis Project Effects Common to All Action
Alternatives .......................................................... 3.11-21
3.11.3.3Alternative B – West Route (Proposed Action) ... 3.11-27
3.11.3.4Alternative C – North Route (Preferred
Alternative) .......................................................... 3.11-33
3.11.3.5Residual Effects after Mitigation ......................... 3.11-37
3.11.3.6Summary Comparison of Alternatives ................. 3.11-37
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3.12
OCTOBER 2011
WILD HORSES, BURROS, AND AREAS OF CRITICAL
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN ................................................... 3.12-1
3.12.1 Methodology ....................................................................... 3.12-1
3.12.2 Affected Environment ......................................................... 3.12-1
3.12.2.1BLM Management Plans........................................ 3.12-4
3.12.3 Environmental Effects and Mitigation ................................ 3.12-5
3.12.3.1Alternative A – No Action ..................................... 3.12-5
3.12.3.2Echanis Project Effects Common to All Action
Alternatives ............................................................ 3.12-6
3.12.3.3Alternative B – West Route (Proposed Action) ..... 3.12-6
3.12.3.4Alternative C – North Route (Preferred
Alternative) ............................................................ 3.12-9
3.12.3.5Residual Effects after Mitigation ......................... 3.12-11
3.12.3.6Summary Comparison of Alternatives ................. 3.12-11
3.13
STEENS MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS, WILDERNESS
STUDY AREAS, LANDS WITH WILDERNESS
CHARACTERISTICS AND WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS ........ 3.13-1
3.13.1 Methodology ....................................................................... 3.13-1
3.13.2 Affected Environment ......................................................... 3.13-2
3.13.2.1Wild and Scenic Rivers .......................................... 3.13-3
3.13.2.2Steens Mountain Wilderness Area ......................... 3.13-4
3.13.2.3Wilderness Study Areas/Lands with Wilderness
Characteristics ........................................................ 3.13-5
3.13.3 Environmental Consequences and Mitigation..................... 3.13-5
3.13.3.1Alternative A – No Action ..................................... 3.13-6
3.13.3.2Project Effects Common to All Action
Alternatives ............................................................ 3.13-6
3.13.3.3Light Pollution and Glare ..................................... 3.13-16
3.13.3.4Residual Effects after Mitigation ......................... 3.13-16
3.13.3.5Summary Comparison of Alternatives ................. 3.13-16
3.14
TRANSPORTATION ...................................................................... 3.14-1
3.14.1 Methodology ....................................................................... 3.14-1
3.14.2 Affected Environment ......................................................... 3.14-2
3.14.2.1State Highways....................................................... 3.14-2
3.14.2.2County Roads ......................................................... 3.14-5
3.14.2.3Roads on BLM- and USFWS-Administered
Lands ...................................................................... 3.14-6
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3.14.3 Environmental Effects and Mitigation ................................ 3.14-8
3.14.3.1Alternative A – No Action ..................................... 3.14-8
3.14.3.2Echanis Project Effects Common to All Action
Alternatives ............................................................ 3.14-8
3.14.3.3Alternative B – West Route (Proposed Action) ... 3.14-10
3.14.3.4Alternative C – North Route (Preferred
Alternative) .......................................................... 3.14-14
3.14.3.5Residual Effects after Mitigation ......................... 3.14-16
3.14.3.6Summary Comparison of Alternatives ................. 3.14-16
3.15
PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY ................................................. 3.15-1
3.15.1 Methodology ....................................................................... 3.15-1
3.15.1.1Fire Hazards ........................................................... 3.15-1
3.15.1.2Hazardous Materials............................................... 3.15-1
3.15.1.3Electric and Magnetic Fields .................................. 3.15-2
3.15.2 Affected Environment ......................................................... 3.15-3
3.15.2.1Fire Hazards ........................................................... 3.15-3
3.15.2.2Hazardous Materials............................................... 3.15-3
3.15.2.3Electric and Magnetic Fields .................................. 3.15-4
3.15.2.4Aviation and Military Operations ........................ 3.15-13
3.15.3 Environmental Effects and Mitigation .............................. 3.15-14
3.15.3.1Alternative A – No Action ................................... 3.15-14
3.15.3.2Echanis Project Effects Common to All Action
Alternatives .......................................................... 3.15-14
3.15.3.3Alternative B – West Route (Proposed Action) ... 3.15-17
3.15.3.4Alternative C – North Route (Preferred
Alternative) .......................................................... 3.15-31
3.15.3.5Residual Effects after Mitigation ......................... 3.15-34
3.15.3.6Summary Comparison of Alternatives ................. 3.15-34
3.16
AIR QUALITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE/GREENHOUSE
GASES ............................................................................................. 3.16-1
3.16.1 Methodology ....................................................................... 3.16-1
3.16.2 Affected Environment ......................................................... 3.16-2
3.16.2.1Climate ................................................................... 3.16-2
3.16.2.2Air Quality Standards ............................................. 3.16-2
3.16.2.3Attainment Status ................................................... 3.16-3
3.16.2.4Sources of Air Pollutants........................................ 3.16-4
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3.16.2.5Ambient Air Quality .............................................. 3.16-4
3.16.2.6Odors ...................................................................... 3.16-5
3.16.2.7Sensitive Receptors ................................................ 3.16-6
3.16.2.8Greenhouse Gases and Climate Change................. 3.16-7
3.16.3 Environmental Effects and Mitigation .............................. 3.16-11
3.16.3.1Alternative A – No Action ................................... 3.16-12
3.16.3.2Echanis Project Effects Common to All Action
Alternatives .......................................................... 3.16-12
3.16.3.3Alternative B – West Route (Proposed Action) ... 3.16-15
3.16.3.4Alternative C – North Route (Preferred
Alternative) .......................................................... 3.16-21
3.16.1.1Residual Effects after Mitigation ......................... 3.16-21
3.16.3.5Summary Comparison of Alternatives ................. 3.16-22
3.17
NOISE .............................................................................................. 3.17-1
3.17.1 Methodology ....................................................................... 3.17-1
3.17.1.1Acoustics Principles ............................................... 3.17-1
3.17.1.2Ground Vibration ................................................... 3.17-2
3.17.1.3Noise Regulations and Standards ........................... 3.17-3
3.17.2 Affected Environment ......................................................... 3.17-4
3.17.2.1Existing Noise Environment .................................. 3.17-4
3.17.3 Environmental Effects and Mitigation ................................ 3.17-8
3.17.3.1Alternative A – No Action ..................................... 3.17-8
3.17.3.2Echanis Project Effects Common to All Action
Alternatives ............................................................ 3.17-8
3.17.3.3Alternative B – West Route (Proposed Action) ... 3.17-14
3.17.3.4Alternative C – North Route (Preferred
Alternative) .......................................................... 3.17-17
3.17.3.5Residual Effects after Mitigation ......................... 3.17-18
3.17.3.6Summary Comparison of Alternatives ................. 3.17-18
3.18
ENERGY.......................................................................................... 3.18-1
3.18.1.1Methodology .......................................................... 3.18-1
3.18.2 Affected Environment ......................................................... 3.18-1
3.18.2.1Renewable Portfolio Standards and the
Transmission Grid .................................................. 3.18-1
3.18.2.2Transmission System in Harney County ................ 3.18-3
3.18.3 Environmental Effects and Mitigation ................................ 3.18-4
xi
NORTH STEENS TRANSMISSION LINE EIS
OCTOBER 2011
3.18.3.1Alternative A – No Action ..................................... 3.18-4
3.18.3.2Echanis Project Effects Common to All Action
Alternatives ............................................................ 3.18-4
3.18.3.3Alternative B – West Route (Proposed Action) ..... 3.18-9
3.18.3.4Alternative C – North Route (Preferred
Alternative) .......................................................... 3.18-10
3.18.3.5Residual Effects after Mitigation ......................... 3.18-11
3.18.3.6Summary Comparison of Alternatives ................. 3.18-11
3.19
CUMULATIVE EFFECTS .............................................................. 3.19-1
3.19.1 Methodology ....................................................................... 3.19-1
3.19.1.1Geographic Scope .................................................. 3.19-1
3.19.1.2Timeframe of Analysis ........................................... 3.19-2
3.19.1.3Past and Present Actions ........................................ 3.19-2
3.19.1.4Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions ................ 3.19-2
3.19.2 Cumulative Effects Analysis ............................................... 3.19-7
3.19.2.1Geology and Soils .................................................. 3.19-7
3.19.2.2Water Resources (Surface and Groundwater)
and Floodplains .................................................... 3.19-13
3.19.2.3Vegetation, Noxious Weeds, and Special Status
Plants .................................................................... 3.19-17
3.19.2.4Wetlands and Riparian ......................................... 3.19-22
3.19.2.5Fish, Wildlife, and Special Status Animals .......... 3.19-26
3.19.2.6Land Uses - Grazing and Realty .......................... 3.19-38
3.19.2.7Recreation ............................................................ 3.19-41
3.19.2.8Public Services ..................................................... 3.19-43
3.19.2.9Aesthetics/Visual Resources ................................ 3.19-44
3.19.2.10Cultural Resources ............................................. 3.19-54
3.19.2.11 Social and Economic Values ............................. 3.19-56
3.19.2.12 Wild Horses and Burros .................................... 3.19-58
3.19.2.13Wilderness, Wilderness Study Areas, Lands
with Wilderness Characteristics, and Wild and
Scenic Rivers........................................................ 3.19-60
3.19.2.14Transportation .................................................... 3.19-70
3.19.2.15Public Health and Safety .................................... 3.19-73
3.19.2.16Air Quality.......................................................... 3.19-74
3.19.2.17Noise .................................................................. 3.19-77
xii
NORTH STEENS TRANSMISSION LINE EIS
OCTOBER 2011
3.19.2.18Energy ................................................................ 3.19-78
3.20
SIGNIFICANT UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE EFFECTS .............. 3.20-1
3.21
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL SHORT-TERM USES
OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND LONG-TERM
PRODUCTIVITY ............................................................................ 3.21-1
3.22
IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENT
OF RESOURCES ............................................................................. 3.22-1
SECTION 4 Consultation and Coordination ............................................................. 4-1
4.1
CONSULTATION WITH FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL
AGENCIES AND AFFECTED TRIBES.............................................. 4-3
4.2
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT AND SCOPING ....................................... 4-4
4.2.1
Summary of the Scoping Process ............................................. 4-4
4.2.2
Agencies, Organizations, or Individuals Consulted ................. 4-5
4.2.3
Agencies, Organizations, or Individuals who will
Receive the DEIS ..................................................................... 4-6
4.2.3.1 Federal ......................................................................... 4-6
4.2.3.2 State and Local ............................................................ 4-6
4.2.3.3 Tribes........................................................................... 4-6
4.2.3.4 Organizations .............................................................. 4-6
4.2.3.5 Individuals ................................................................... 4-7
4.2.4
Government-to-Government Consultation Process.................. 4-7
4.2.5
Public Consultation Draft EIS .................................................. 4-8
4.2.5.1 Draft EIS Distribution ................................................. 4-8
4.2.5.2 Public Comment Peroid .............................................. 4-8
4.2.5.3 Public Meetings ........................................................... 4-9
4.2.5.4 Public Comments ........................................................ 4-9
4.2.5.5 Response to Public Comments .................................. 4-10
4.2.6
Final EIS................................................................................. 4-10
4.2.6.1 Final EIS Distribution ............................................... 4-10
4.3
SECTION 5
LIST OF PREPARERS ....................................................................... 4-10
4.3.1
EIS Team................................................................................ 4-10
4.3.2
Applicant - Columbia Entergy Partners (CEP) ...................... 4-11
4.3.3
Lead and Cooperating Agencies............................................. 4-11
4.3.4
Local Government, State Agencies and Tribes ...................... 4-13
References.................................................................... 5-1
xiii
NORTH STEENS TRANSMISSION LINE EIS
OCTOBER 2011
List of Tables
Table 1.1-1
Table 2.1-1
Table 2.1-2
Table 2.1-3
Table 2.1-4
Table 2.1-5
Table 2.1-6
Table 2.1-7
Table 2.1-8
Table 2.1-9
Table 2.1-10
Table 2.1-11
Table 2.1-12
Table 2.1-13
Table 2.1-14
Table 2.1-15
Table 2.1-16
Table 2.1-17
Table 2.1-18
Table 3.1-1
Table 3.1-2
Table 3.1-3
Table 3.1-4
Table 3.2-1
Table 3.2-2
Table 3.2-3
Table 3.2-4
Table 3.2-5
Table 3.2-6
Table 3.2-7
Table 3.1-1
Table 3.1-2
Table 3.1-3
Table 3.1-4
Table 3.3-1
Permits, Approvals, and Consultation Requirements ....................................... 1-22
Summary of Effects to Geology and Soils ....................................................... 2-32
Summary of Effects to Water Resources.......................................................... 2-33
Summary of Effects to Vegetation ................................................................... 2-34
Summary of Effects to Wetlands and Riparian Areas ..................................... 2-36
Summary of Effects to Wildlife ....................................................................... 2-37
Summary of Effects to Land Use and Realty ................................................... 2-41
Summary of Effects to Recreation ................................................................... 2-44
Summary of Effects to Public Services ............................................................ 2-45
Summary of Effects to Aesthetics and Visual .................................................. 2-46
Summary of Effects to Cultural Resources ...................................................... 2-47
Summary of Effects to Social and Economic Values and Environmental
Justice ............................................................................................................... 2-49
Summary of Effects to Wild Horses and Burros and Areas of Critical
Environmental Concern.................................................................................... 2-51
Summary of Effects to Wilderness Areas, Wilderness Study Areas, and Wild
and Scenic Rivers ............................................................................................. 2-52
Summary of Effects to Transportation ............................................................. 2-53
Summary of Effects to Public Health and Safety ........................................... 2-54
Summary of Effects to Air Quality and Climate Change ................................. 2-56
Summary of Effects to Noise ........................................................................... 2-57
Summary of Effects to Energy ......................................................................... 2-58
Geological Units Crossed by Proposed Project and Alternatives.................... 3.1-2
Soil Units Crossed by of Alternative B – West Route (150-ft ROW) ............. 3.1-6
Soil Units Crossed by Alternative C-North Route (150-ft ROW)) ................. 3.1-9
Summary of Effects - Geology and Soils ..................................................... 3.1-25
Water Quality Limited Streams in the Project Area........................................ 3.2-6
Waterbodies Crossed by Echanis Wind Energy Project Access Roads ........ 3.2-19
Waterbodies Crossed by the Alternative B – West Route ............................. 3.2-21
Waterbodies Crossed by Alternative B: South Diamond Lane Route Option3.2-23
Waterbodies Crossed by Alternative B: Hog Wallow Route Option ............ 3.2-24
Waterbodies Crossed by Alternative C – North Route ................................. 3.2-26
Summary of Effects - Water Resources ........................................................ 3.2-28
Geological Units Crossed by Proposed Project and Alternatives.................... 3.1-2
Soil Units Crossed by Alternative B – West Route (150-foot ROW) ............. 3.1-6
Soil Units Crossed by Alternative C – North Route (150-foot ROW) ............ 3.1-9
Summary of Effects to Geology and Soils .................................................... 3.1-25
Existing Vegetation Communities (acres) ..................................................... 3.3-15
xiv
NORTH STEENS TRANSMISSION LINE EIS
Table 3.3-2
Table 3.3-3
Table 3.3-4
Table 3.3-5
Table 3.3-6
Table 3.3-7
Table 3.3-8
Table 3.4-1
Table 3.4-2
Table 3.4-3
Table 3.4-4
Table 3.4-5
Table 3.4-6
Table 3.4-7
Table 3.4-8
Table 3.4-9
Table 3.4-10
Table 3.4-11
Table 3.4-12
Table 3.4-13
Table 3.5-1
Table 3.5-2
Table 3.5-3
Table 3.5-4
Table 3.5-5
Table 3.5-6
Table 3.5-7
Table 3.5-8
Table 3.5-9
Table 3.5-10
Table 3.5-11
Table 3.5-12
OCTOBER 2011
Special Status Plant Species Potentially Occurring in the Project Area........ 3.3-20
Noxious Weed Species Potentially Occurring in the Project Area ............... 3.3-23
Summary of Vegetation Types (acres) .......................................................... 3.3-25
Disturbances from the Echanis Project Site (acres) ...................................... 3.3-27
Disturbances from the Transmission Line Alternatives (acres, except where
indicated) ....................................................................................................... 3.3-31
Comparison of Effects to Vegetation (acres) ................................................ 3.3-41
Summary of Effects to Vegetation ................................................................ 3.3-42
Wetland Crossings and Effects Common to All Action Alternatives ............. 3.4-5
Riparian Areas Crossed by Echanis Wind Farm Access Roads .................... 3.4-17
Wetland Crossings and Effects for Alternative B – West Route................... 3.4-19
Riparian Crossings Associated with Alternative B – West Route................. 3.4-19
Wetland Crossings and the Effects of the South Diamond
Lane Route Option ........................................................................................ 3.4-21
Riparian Areas Crossed by the South Diamond Lane Route Option ............ 3.4-22
Wetland Crossings and the Effects of the Hog Wallow Route Option ......... 3.4-23
Number of Riparian Crossings for the Hog Wallow Route Option .............. 3.4-24
Wetland Crossings and the Effects of Alternative C – North Route ............. 3.4-25
Number of Riparian Crossings for Alternative C – North Route .................. 3.4-25
Comparison of the Effects to Wetlands ......................................................... 3.4-27
Comparison of Effects – Riparian Crossings ................................................ 3.4-27
Summary of Effects – Wetland and Riparian Areas ..................................... 3.4-28
Field Surveys Conducted by Northwest Wildlife Consultants ........................ 3.5-2
Perennial Streams in the Project Area and Associated Fish Species............... 3.5-4
Representative Mammal Species and Species Observed in the Project Area
during Field Investigations .............................................................................. 3.5-6
Raptor Species Observed in the Project Area during Avian Use Surveys .... 3.5-10
Raptor Abundance Reported in Avian Use Surveys ..................................... 3.5-11
Waterfowl, Shorebird, and Wading Bird Species Observed in the Project
Area during Field Investigations ................................................................... 3.5-12
Percent Composition of Avian Species that were Waterfowl, Shorebird, and
Wading Bird, and other Water Bird Species, based upon 2010 Avian Use
Surveys for Alternatives B and C .................................................................. 3.5-13
Water Birds Counted during the Small-plot Avian Surveys ......................... 3.5-14
Partial List of Passerines and Other Bird Species Observed in the Project
Area during Field Investigations ................................................................... 3.5-16
Passerine and Other Bird Species Observed during Small
Plot Avian Surveys ........................................................................................ 3.5-17
Summary of Federally Listed, Candidate, and Proposed Species found in
Harney County, Oregon ................................................................................ 3.5-21
Sagebrush Habitat in the Project Area (acres) ............................................... 3.5-24
xv
NORTH STEENS TRANSMISSION LINE EIS
Table 3.5-13
Table 3.5-14
Table 3.5-15
Table 3.5-16
Table 3.5-17
Table 3.5-18
Table 3.5-19
Table 3.5-20
Table 3.5-21
Table 3.5-22
Table 3.5-23
Table 3.5-24
Table 3.5-25
Table 3.5-26
Table 3.5-27
Table 3.5-28
Table 3.5-29
Table 3.5-30
Table 3.5-31
Table 3.5-32
Table 3.5-33
Table 3.6-1
Table 3.6-2
Table 3.6-3
Table 3.6-4
OCTOBER 2011
Summary of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Species of Concern, BLM
Sensitive Species, and Oregon Special Status Species Found in Harney
County, Oregon ............................................................................................. 3.5-30
Summary of Permanent and Temporary Effects by Habitat Type at the
Echanis Project Site ....................................................................................... 3.5-36
Avian and Bat Mortalities for Operating Wind Projects with Habitat Types
Similar to the Echanis Project ....................................................................... 3.5-40
Mean Distance from Roads for Elk ............................................................... 3.5-41
Zone of Influence Applied to Each Side of Road for Deer and Elk .............. 3.5-41
Estimates of Raptor Use and Post-Construction Mortality at Various U.S.
Wind Turbine Locations................................................................................ 3.5-47
Noise Impacts from the Echanis Project to Sagebrush Habitat and Mitigation
Calculations Common to All Alternatives (acres)......................................... 3.5-53
Road Impacts to Sagebrush Habitat and Mitigation Calculations Common to
All Alternatives (acres) ................................................................................. 3.5-55
Summary of Permanent and Temporary Effects by Habitat Type for
Alternative B – West Route........................................................................... 3.5-63
Transmission Line Impacts to Sagebrush Habitat – Project Area (all Private
Lands), Alternative B (acres) ........................................................................ 3.5-70
Transmission Line Impacts to Sagebrush Habitat – Low Density Area,
Alternative B (acres) ..................................................................................... 3.5-70
Land Ownership of Impacted Low Density Sagebrush Habitat (Table 3.5-22)
– Alternative B Transmission Line (acres).................................................... 3.5-71
Summary of Permanent and Temporary Effects by Habitat Type for the
South Diamond Lane Route Option .............................................................. 3.5-74
Summary of Permanent and Temporary Effects by Habitat Type for the Hog
Wallow Route Option.................................................................................... 3.5-77
Summary of Permanent and Temporary Effects by Habitat Type for
Alternative C – North Route ......................................................................... 3.5-82
Transmission Line Impacts to Sagebrush Habitat – Project Area (all Private
Lands), Alternative C (acres) ........................................................................ 3.5-84
Transmission Line Impacts to Sagebrush Habitat – Low Density Area,
Alternative C (acres) ..................................................................................... 3.5-84
Land Ownership of Impacted Sagebrush Habitat – Alternative C
Transmission Line (acres) ............................................................................. 3.5-84
Summary of the Echanis Project Footprint and Transmission Line ROW
Permanent and Temporary Effects by Alternative (acres) ............................ 3.5-86
Summary of the Direct Effects of the Proposed Transmission Line and the
Echanis Project on Big Game Winter Habitat (acres) ................................... 3.5-87
Summary of Effects to Wildlife .................................................................... 3.5-88
Grazing Allotments in the Project Area .......................................................... 3.6-3
Permanent Land Use Effects – Echanis Project ............................................ 3.6-12
Transmission Line ROW Requirements for Alternative B – West Route..... 3.6-13
Access Road ROW Requirements for Alternative B – West Route .............. 3.6-14
xvi
NORTH STEENS TRANSMISSION LINE EIS
Table 3.6-5
Table 3.6-6
Table 3.6-7
Table 3.6-8
Table 3.6-9
Table 3.6-10
Table 3.6-11
Table 3.6-12
Table 3.6-13
Table 3.6-14
Table 3.6-15
Table 3.6-16
Table 3.7-1
Table 3.7-2
Table 3.7-3
Table 3.8-1
Table 3.9-1
Table 3.9-2
Table 3.9-3
Table 3.9-4
Table 3.9-5
Table 3.9-6
Table 3.9-7
Table 3.10-1
Table 3.10-2
Table 3.10-3
Table 3.10-4
Table 3.10-5
Table 3.10-6
Table 3.10-7
OCTOBER 2011
Grazing Allotments Affected by Temporary Laydown Areas for Alternative
B .................................................................................................................... 3.6-15
Transmission Line ROW Requirements for the South Diamond Lane Route
Option ............................................................................................................ 3.6-16
Access Road ROW Requirements for the South Diamond Lane
Route Option ................................................................................................. 3.6-17
Grazing Allotments Affected by Temporary Laydown Areas for the South
Diamond Lane Route Option ........................................................................ 3.6-18
Transmission Line ROW Requirements for the Hog Wallow Route Option 3.6-18
Access Road ROW Requirements for the Hog Wallow Route Option ......... 3.6-19
Grazing Allotments Affected by Temporary Laydown Areas for the Hog
Wallow Route Option.................................................................................... 3.6-20
Transmission Line ROW Requirements for the
Alternative C – North Route ......................................................................... 3.6-21
Access Road ROW Requirements for Alternative C – North Route ............. 3.6-22
Grazing Allotments Affected by Temporary Laydown Areas for Alternative
C – North Route ............................................................................................ 3.6-23
Comparison of Effects - Land Use, Grazing, and Realty .............................. 3.6-25
Summary of Effects - Land Uses, Grazing, and Realty ................................ 3.6-26
Recreation Sites and Relevant Data ................................................................ 3.7-4
Distances to Recreational Sites, Areas, and Events by Alternative (miles) .. 3.7-12
Summary of Effects to Recreation ................................................................ 3.7-26
Summary of Effects – Public Services ............................................................ 3.8-9
Existing BLM VRM Classed Lands Crossed by Project Alternatives and
Route Options (miles) ..................................................................................... 3.9-9
Echanis Wind Energy Project Visual Effects ................................................ 3.9-11
Alternative B - West Route Permanent Effects Visual Resource Analysis ... 3.9-19
Alternative B West Route Project Effects - South Diamond Lane Route
Option ............................................................................................................ 3.9-24
Alternative B West Route Project Effects - Hog Wallow Route Option....... 3.9-28
Alternative C - North Route Project Effects.................................................. 3.9-32
Summary of Effects to Aesthetics and Visual Resources.............................. 3.9-39
Archaeological Resources Identified in the Archaeological APE. .............. 3.10-12
Architectural/Historical Resources within the Project APE. ....................... 3.10-17
Potentially Eligible Archaeological Resources Located in the APE for the
Echanis Project. ........................................................................................... 3.10-21
NRHP Eligible Archaeological Resources Located in the APE for Alternative
B – West Route and the Hog Wallow Route Option. .................................. 3.10-22
NRHP Eligible Archaeological Resources Located in the APE for the South
Diamond Lane Route Option. ..................................................................... 3.10-24
NRHP Eligible Architectural/Historical Resources Located in the APE for
the South Diamond Lane Route Option. ..................................................... 3.10-25
Archaeological Resources Located in the APE for Alternative C – North
Route. .......................................................................................................... 3.10-29
xvii
NORTH STEENS TRANSMISSION LINE EIS
Table 3.10-8
Table 3.10-9
Table 3.11-1
Table 3.11-2
Table 3.11-3
Table 3.11-4
Table 3.11-5
Table 3.11-6
Table 3.11-7
Table 3.11-8
Table 3.11-9
Table 3.11-10
Table 3.11-11
Table 3.11-12
Table 3.11-13
Table 3.11-14
Table 3.11-15
Table 3.11-16
Table 3.11-17
Table 3.11-18
Table 3.11-19
Table 3.11-20
Table 3.12-1
Table 3.12-2
Table 3.12-3
Table 3.12-4
Table 3.13-1
Table 3.13-2
Table 3.14-1
Table 3.14-2
Table 3.14-3
Table 3.14-4
Table 3.14-5
Table 3.14-6
OCTOBER 2011
NRHP Eligible Architectural/Historical Resources Located in
Alternative C – North Route APE. .............................................................. 3.10-30
Summary of Effects - Cultural Resources. .................................................. 3.10-32
Population and Population Change, 1990-2008 ............................................ 3.11-5
Population by Census Block Group in Harney County, 2000 ....................... 3.11-5
Population Projections, 2000 to 2030............................................................ 3.11-6
Nonfarm Employment by Industry, November 2009 .................................... 3.11-7
Changes in Industry Employment, 2001 and 2009 ....................................... 3.11-8
Recent Trends in Unemployment Rates in Harney County, Oregon, and the
United States ................................................................................................. 3.11-9
Per Capita Personal Income, 2001 and 2007 ............................................... 3.11-11
Employee Earnings by Industry, 2007 ........................................................ 3.11-12
Personal Income and Property Tax Revenues, 2006 ................................... 3.11-14
Income and Poverty Rates based upon 2000 Census Data (Incomes in 2009
dollars)......................................................................................................... 3.11-18
Minority Population (Based upon 2000 Census Population) ...................... 3.11-20
Minority Population (Based upon 2008 Population Estimates) .................. 3.11-20
Employment Effects for the Echanis Project............................................... 3.11-22
Income Effects for the Echanis Project ....................................................... 3.11-23
Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Effects for the Echanis Project ...... 3.11-26
Employment Effects for Alternative B – West Route ................................. 3.11-28
Income Effects for Alternative B – West Route .......................................... 3.11-29
Employment Effects for Alternative C – North Route ................................ 3.11-35
Income Effects for Alternative C – North Route......................................... 3.11-36
Summary of Effects - Social and Economic Values,
Environmental Justice ................................................................................. 3.11-37
Herd Management Areas within the Project Area in the BLM
Burns District ................................................................................................ 3.12-2
Appropriate Herd Management Levels ......................................................... 3.12-2
Comparison of Effects - Wild Horses, Burros, and Areas of Critical
Environmental Concern............................................................................... 3.12-12
Summary of Effects - Wild Horses, Burros, and Areas of Critical
Environmental Concern............................................................................... 3.12-13
Acres of WSAs and LWCs with Views of the Echanis Project Wind Turbines
and Transmission Lines Within 5 miles of Project Facilities ...................... 3.13-12
Summary of Effects for the Steens Mountain Wilderness Area, Wilderness
Study Areas, and Wild and Scenic Rivers ................................................... 3.13-17
Access Road Requirements for Alternative B – West Route ...................... 3.14-10
Access Road Requirements for the South Diamond Lane Route Option .... 3.14-12
Access Road Requirements for the Hog Wallow Route Option ................. 3.14-13
Access Road Requirements for Alternative C – North Route ..................... 3.14-14
Comparison of Effects to Transportation .................................................... 3.14-17
Summary of Effects – Transportation ......................................................... 3.14-18
xviii
NORTH STEENS TRANSMISSION LINE EIS
Table 3.15-1
Table 3.15-2
Table 3.15-3
Table 3.15-4
Table 3.15-5
Table 3.15-6
Table 3.15-7
Table 3.16-1
Table 3.16-2
Table 3.16-3
Table 3.16-4
Table 3.16-5
Table 3.16-6
Table 3.16-7
Table 3.16-8
Table 3.16-9
Table 3.16-10
Table 3.16-11
Table 3.16-12
Table 3.16-13
Table 3.16-14
Table 3.16-15
Table 3.16-16
Table 3.17-1
Table 3.17-3
Table 3.17-3
Table 3.17-4
Table 3.17-5
Table 3.17-6
Table 3.17-7
Table 3.18-1
OCTOBER 2011
Electric and Magnetic Field Exposure Guidelines ........................................ 3.15-5
States with Transmission Line Field Limits .................................................. 3.15-6
Military Training Routes (MTRs) and Military Operating Areas (MOAs) in
the Project Area ........................................................................................... 3.15-14
Calculated Peak and Edge of ROW Electric Fields for the Proposed North
Steens Transmission Line Operated at Maximum Voltage ......................... 3.15-23
Calculated Peak and Edge of ROW Magnetic Fields for the Proposed North
Steens Transmission Line Operated at Maximum Voltage ......................... 3.15-26
Physical and Electrical Characteristics of the Proposed North Steens DoubleCircuit Transmission-Line. (See Figure 3.15-1 for drawing of tower) .............. 3.15-27
Summary of Effects to Public Health and Safety ........................................ 3.15-34
Ambient Air Quality Standards ..................................................................... 3.16-3
Attainment Status Summary – Harney County ............................................. 3.16-4
Ambient Air Quality in Project Vicinity - Monitored PM10 .......................... 3.16-5
Ambient Air Quality in Project Vicinity - Monitored PM2.5 ......................... 3.16-5
Proposed Action Transmission Line Sensitive Receptors ............................. 3.16-6
Proposed Action Wind Farm Sensitive Receptors ........................................ 3.16-7
Emissions Significance Thresholds – Prevention of
Significant Deterioration ............................................................................. 3.16-11
Estimated Maximum Construction Emissions – Echanis Wind Farm
(mitigated) ................................................................................................... 3.16-13
Estimated Maximum Construction GHG Emissions –
Echanis Wind Farm ..................................................................................... 3.16-14
Estimated Maximum Construction Emissions - Combined Proposed Actions
(mitigated) ................................................................................................... 3.16-14
Estimated Maximum Construction GHG Emissions - Combined Proposed
Actions ........................................................................................................ 3.16-15
Estimated Maximum Construction Emissions – Alternative B West Route
(mitigated) ................................................................................................... 3.16-17
Estimated Maximum Construction GHG Emissions – Alternative B West
Route ........................................................................................................... 3.16-17
Estimated Maximum Construction Emissions - Comparison of Alternatives
(mitigated) ................................................................................................... 3.16-19
Estimated Maximum Construction GHG Emissions - Comparison of
Alternatives ................................................................................................. 3.16-20
Summary of Effects to Air Quality and Climate Change ............................ 3.16-22
Oregon New Industrial and Commercial Noise Source Standards................ 3.17-4
Estimated Noise Levels of Utility Scale Wind Turbines............................... 3.17-9
Estimated Noise Levels for Typical Construction Equipment .................... 3.17-12
Vibration Source Levels for Construction Activity..................................... 3.17-13
Estimated Noise Levels of the Transmission Line ...................................... 3.17-15
Comparison of Effects to Noise and Vibration ........................................... 3.17-19
Summary of Effects to Noise and Vibration ............................................... 3.17-19
Wind Power Classes ...................................................................................... 3.18-4
xix
NORTH STEENS TRANSMISSION LINE EIS
OCTOBER 2011
Table 3.18-2
Table 3.19-1
Summary of the Effects to Energy .............................................................. 3.18-11
Summary of Project Characteristics for the Four Proposed Wind Energy
Projects .......................................................................................................... 3.19-2
Table 3.19-2 Water Resources and Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions................... 3.19-15
Table 3.19-3 Vegetation Types and Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions1, 2 ............. 3.19-19
Table 3.19-4 Summary of Potential Annual Avian and Bat Mortality for the Four Proposed
Wind Energy Projects.................................................................................. 3.19-35
Table 3.19-5 Sagebrush Habitats and Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions ............... 3.19-36
Table 3.19-6 Potential Project Impacts for the East Ridge, West Ridge, and Riddle
Mountain Projects ....................................................................................... 3.19-47
Table 3.19-7 Socioeconomic Employment Effects for Alternatives B and C and the Four
Wind Energy Projects.................................................................................. 3.19-57
Table 3.19-8 Socioeconomic Income Effects for Alternatives B and C and the four Wind
Energy Projects ........................................................................................... 3.19-58
Table 3.19-9 Acres of WSRs, WSAs, LWCs, and the Steens Mountain Wilderness with
Views of the East Ridge, West Ridge, and Riddle Mountain Projects ........ 3.19-67
Table 3.19-10 Acres of WSRs, WSAs, LWCs, and the Steens Mountain Wilderness with
Views of the Proposed East Ridge, West Ridge, Riddle Mountain, and the
Echanis Projects and the North Steens Transmission Line ......................... 3.19-70
Table 3.19-11 Cumulative Daily Truck Trips for the Wind Energy Projects and
Transmission Line Alternatives................................................................... 3.19-72
xx
NORTH STEENS TRANSMISSION LINE EIS
OCTOBER 2011
List of Figures
Figure 1.1-1
Figure 1.1-2
Figure 2.0-1
Figure 2.0-2
Figure 2.0-3
Figure 2.0-4
Figure 2.0-5
Figure 2.0-6
Figure 2.0-7
Figure 2.0-8
Figure 2.0-9
Project Location and Action Alternatives. ......................................................... 1-5
Harney County Comprehensive Plan Designations and Zoning. ..................... 1-13
230-kV Transmission Line (self-supporting, embedded). .................................. 2-3
230-kV Transmission Line (with weathering steel pole). .................................. 2-4
230-kV Transmission Line – Long Span Crossing Structure. ............................ 2-5
230-kV Transmission Line (angle-guyed, embedded). ...................................... 2-7
Harney Electric Cooperative Underbuild. .......................................................... 2-8
Interconnection Station..................................................................................... 2-13
Laydown Areas and Tensioning Sites. ............................................................. 2-14
Access Roads.................................................................................................... 2-15
Echanis Project and Columbia River Gorge Projects Estimated Typical
Monthly Energy Generation (in percent annual output)................................... 2-20
Figure 2.0-10 Echanis Project Site. ......................................................................................... 2-22
Figure 2.0-11 Example Wind Turbine. .................................................................................. 2-23
Figure 2.0-12 Transmission Line Project Alternatives Considered but Rejected. .................. 2-28
Figure 3.1-1
Geological Units. ............................................................................................. 3.1-3
Figure 3.1-2
Geological Fault Map. ..................................................................................... 3.1-5
Figure 3.1-3
Soils Map....................................................................................................... 3.1-12
Figure 3.1-4
Soil Erosion Potential by Water. ................................................................... 3.1-13
Figure 3.1-5
Soil Erosion Potential by Wind. .................................................................... 3.1-14
Figure 3.2-1 Flood Hazard Zones. ....................................................................................... 3.2-4
Figure 3.2-2a Stream Crossings along the Transmission Line ROWs, Unit 1 of 11. ............ 3.2-8
Figure 3.2-3b Stream Crossings along the Transmission Line ROWs, Unit 2 of 11. ............ 3.2-9
Figure 3.2-4c Stream Crossings along the Transmission Line ROWs, Unit 3 of 11. .......... 3.2-10
Figure 3.2-5d Stream Crossings along the Transmission Line ROWs, Unit 4 of 11. .......... 3.2-11
Figure 3.2-6e Stream Crossings along the Transmission Line ROWs, Unit 5 of 11. .......... 3.2-12
Figure 3.2-7f Stream Crossings along the Transmission Line ROWs, Unit 6 of 11. .......... 3.2-13
Figure 3.2-8g Stream Crossings along the Transmission Line ROWs, Unit 7 of 11. .......... 3.2-14
Figure 3.2-9h Stream Crossings along the Transmission Line ROWs, Unit 8 of 11. .......... 3.2-15
Figure 3.2-10i Stream Crossings along the Transmission Line ROWs, Unit 9 of 11. .......... 3.2-16
Figure 3.2-11j Stream Crossings along the Transmission Line ROWs, Unit 10 of 11. ........ 3.2-17
Figure 3.2-12k Stream Crossings along the Transmission Line ROWs, Unit 11 of 11. ........ 3.2-18
Figure 3.3-1a Vegetation along the Transmission Line ROWs, Unit 1 of 11........................ 3.3-4
Figure 3.3-1b Vegetation along the Transmission Line ROWs, Unit 2 of 11........................ 3.3-5
Figure 3.3-1c Vegetation along the Transmission Line ROWs, Unit 3 of 11........................ 3.3-6
Figure 3.3-1d Vegetation along the Transmission Line ROWs, Unit 4 of 11........................ 3.3-7
Figure 3.3-1e Vegetation along the Transmission Line ROWs, Unit 5 of 11........................ 3.3-8
Figure 3.3-1f Vegetation along the Transmission Line ROWs, Unit 6 of 11........................ 3.3-9
Figure 3.3-1g Vegetation along the Transmission Line ROWs, Unit 7 of 11...................... 3.3-10
Figure 3.3-1h Vegetation along the Transmission Line ROWs, Unit 8 of 11...................... 3.3-11
xxi
NORTH STEENS TRANSMISSION LINE EIS
Figure 3.3-1i
Figure 3.3-1j
Figure 3.3-1k
Figure 3.4-1a
Figure 3.4-1b
Figure 3.4-1c
Figure 3.4-1d
Figure 3.4-1e
Figure 3.4-1f
Figure 3.4-1g
Figure 3.4-1h
Figure 3.4-1i
Figure 3.4-1j
Figure 3.4-1k
Figure 3.5-1
Figure 3.5-2
Figure 3.5-3
Figure 3.5-4
Figure 3.5-5
Figure 3.5-6
Figure 3.5-7
Figure 3.6-1
Figure 3.6-2
Figure 3.6-3
Figure 3.7-1
Figure 3.9-1
Figure 3.9-2
Figure 3.9-3
Figure 3.9-4
Figure 3.9-5
Figure 3.9-6
Figure 3.9-7
Figure 3.9-8
Figure 3.9-9
OCTOBER 2011
Vegetation along the Transmission Line ROWs, Unit 9 of 11...................... 3.3-12
Vegetation along the Transmission Line ROWs, Unit 10 of 11.................... 3.3-13
Vegetation along the Transmission Line ROWs, Unit 11 of 11.................... 3.3-14
Unit 1: Wetland Crossings. ............................................................................ 3.4-6
Unit 2: Wetland Crossings. ............................................................................ 3.4-7
Unit 3: Wetland Crossings. ............................................................................ 3.4-8
Unit 4: Wetland Crossings. ............................................................................ 3.4-9
Unit 5: Wetland Crossings. .......................................................................... 3.4-10
Unit 6: Wetland Crossings. .......................................................................... 3.4-11
Unit 7: Wetland Crossings. .......................................................................... 3.4-12
Unit 8: Wetland Crossings. .......................................................................... 3.4-13
Unit 9: Wetland Crossings. .......................................................................... 3.4-14
Unit 10: Wetland Crossings. ........................................................................ 3.4-15
Unit 11: Wetland Crossings. ........................................................................ 3.4-16
Percent Composition of Species by Season for Alternatives B and C (West
and North Routes, Respectively). .................................................................... 3.5-8
Raptor Habitat and Nest Locations. .............................................................. 3.5-15
Big Game Range Map. .................................................................................. 3.5-19
Map of Documented Occurrences of Special Status Animals....................... 3.5-20
ODFW Greater Sage-Grouse Strategy Areas. ............................................... 3.5-27
Calculation of Rotor Swept Area .................................................................. 3.5-47
ODFW Greater Sage-Grouse Strategy Core Areas and the Echanis Project
Noise Analysis............................................................................................... 3.5-56
Livestock Grazing Allotments......................................................................... 3.6-4
Federal Land Management Areas.................................................................... 3.6-6
Transmission Line Crossing Locations on the Malheur National Wildlife
Refuge. .......................................................................................................... 3.6-11
Recreation Resources ...................................................................................... 3.7-3
Visual Resource Management Classifications. ............................................... 3.9-4
Key Observation Point (KOP) sites................................................................. 3.9-6
KOP Points for the Echanis Wind Energy Project Turbines. ........................ 3.9-12
Existing View of KOP 46, Mann Lake (top). This view is taken from the
parking lot for the Mann Lake Recreation Site. ............................................ 3.9-13
Proposed View from KOP 46 (bottom). The Echanis Wind Energy Project
turbines are approximately 3.5 miles away on the ridge above the lake. ...... 3.9-13
Existing View of KOP 61, East Rim Overlook (top). View of Steens
Mountain from the East Rim Overlook. ........................................................ 3.9-14
Proposed View from KOP 61 (bottom). The Echanis Wind Energy Project
turbines are approximately 7.6 miles away (not visible). .............................. 3.9-14
Obstruction Light Visibility from the Echanis Wind Energy Project Site (20mile viewshed). Courtesy of Harney County. .............................................. 3.9-16
KOP Points for Alternative B – West Route. ................................................ 3.9-20
xxii
NORTH STEENS TRANSMISSION LINE EIS
Figure 3.9-10
Figure 3.9-11
Figure 3.9-12
Figure 3.9-13
Figure 3.9-14
Figure 3.9-15
Figure 3.9-16
Figure 3.9-17
Figure 3.9-18
Figure 3.9-19
Figure 3.9-20
Figure 3.9-21
Figure 3.9-22
Figure 3.9-23
Figure 3.9-24
Figure 3.10-1
Figure 3.11-1
Figure 3.11-2
Figure 3.11-3
Figure 3.11-4
Figure 3.12-1
Figure 3.13-1
Figure 3.13-2
Figure 3.13-3
Figure 3.14-1
OCTOBER 2011
Existing View of KOP 3 (Diamond Lane) (top). View looking northeast
from Diamond Lane, near the town of Diamond. ......................................... 3.9-21
Proposed View from KOP 3 (bottom). The transmission line is
approximately 800 feet from the viewer. ...................................................... 3.9-21
Existing View of KOP 81 South Diamond Lane, Near the South Diamond
Canal (top). This view is from South Diamond Lane, traveling west. ......... 3.9-25
Proposed View from KOP 81 (bottom). The South Diamond Lane Route
Option is immediately adjacent to the road. .................................................. 3.9-25
Existing View of KOP 88 Buena Vista Overlook (top). This view is from the
Buena Vista Overlook, looking southeast towards South Diamond Lane. ... 3.9-26
Proposed View from KOP 88 (bottom). The South Diamond Lane Route
Option has limited visibility due to the distance (1.3 miles), the Project’s
position below the horizon, the rusted finish of the poles, and the perspective
of the viewer looking down (not visible). The arrow shows the location of
the transmission line. ..................................................................................... 3.9-26
Existing View of KOP 87, Highway 205 Near Donner und Blitzen River
(top). This view is from Highway 205, traveling south. .............................. 3.9-29
Proposed View for KOP 87 (bottom). The Hog Wallow Route Option is
located approximately 0.45 mile to the south................................................ 3.9-29
KOP Points for Alternative C – North Route. ............................................... 3.9-33
Existing View of KOP 24 Happy Valley Road (top). This view is looking
southwest on Happy Valley Road. ................................................................ 3.9-34
Proposed View from KOP 24 (bottom). The transmission line is 0.11 mile
away. ............................................................................................................. 3.9-34
Existing View of KOP 27, Round Barn Visitors Center (top). This view is
from the parking lot at the Round Barn Visitors Center. .............................. 3.9-35
Proposed View from KOP 27 (bottom). The alternative route is
approximately 2.25 miles away (not visible). ............................................... 3.9-35
Existing View of KOP 35 Highway 78 Near Crane (top). This view is
looking north from Highway 78, near the town of Crane. ............................ 3.9-36
Proposed View from KOP 35 (bottom). The alternative route is
approximately 200 feet from the road, immediately to the west (left). ......... 3.9-36
Project Area of Potential Effect (APE). ........................................................ 3.10-3
Poverty Rates by Census Block Group. ........................................................ 3.11-4
Historic Unemployment Rates in Harney County, Oregon, and the United
States. .......................................................................................................... 3.11-10
Poverty Rates for Children 17 Years and Under by Census Block Group. . 3.11-19
Residential Properties Near the Transmission Line. ................................... 3.11-32
Project Location, Herd Management Area and Herd Observations .............. 3.12-3
Echanis Project Viewshed Analysis. ............................................................. 3.13-9
Transmission Line Viewshed Analysis. ...................................................... 3.13-10
Echanis Wind Energy Noise Analysis and Wilderness Areas..................... 3.13-13
State highway system forms the primary roadway network within the Project
Area. .............................................................................................................. 3.14-3
xxiii
NORTH STEENS TRANSMISSION LINE EIS
OCTOBER 2011
Figure 3.15-1: Calculated maximum and average electric-field profiles for the proposed
North Steens transmission line: a) Phases I and II; b) Phase III. Line
configurations are described in Table 3.15-5. ............................................ 3.15-25
Figure 3.16-1 Sensitive Receptors. ...................................................................................... 3.16-8
Figure 3.17-1 Noise Receptors............................................................................................. 3.17-7
Figure 3.17-2 Echanis Wind Energy Project Noise Modeling/Analysis. ........................... 3.17-11
Figure 3.18-1 Existing and Proposed Transmission Lines and Development. .................... 3.18-2
Figure 3.18-2 Wind Resources of Harney County. .............................................................. 3.18-5
Figure 3.18-3 Echanis Project and Columbia River Gorge Projects Estimated Typical
Monthly Energy Generation (in percent annual output)................................ 3.18-8
Figure 3.19-1 Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions. ...................................................... 3.19-4
Figure 3.19-2 Geology and Reasonably Foreseeable Future Impacts.................................. 3.19-9
Figure 3.19-3 Soil Erosion Potential (by water) and Reasonably Foreseeable Future
Actions. ....................................................................................................... 3.19-10
Figure 3.19-4 Soil Erosion Potential (by wind) and Reasonably
Foreseeable Future Actions. ........................................................................ 3.19-11
Figure 3.19-5 Water Resources and Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions................... 3.19-12
Figure 3.19-6 Vegetation and Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions. ........................... 3.19-20
Figure 3.19-7 Wetlands and Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions............................... 3.19-25
Figure 3.19-8 RFFAs and Greater Sage-Grouse Core Areas. ............................................ 3.19-37
Figure 3.19-9 KOP 21 View from Kiger Wildhorse Viewing Area, Looking South......... 3.19-48
Figure 3.19-10 Proposed View from KOP 21, Looking South. The Turbines are
Approximately 2.6 Miles Away. ................................................................. 3.19-48
Figure 3.19-11 KOP 58 Kiger Gorge Parking Lot. This View is from the Parking Lot of the
Kiger Gorge Viewing Area on Steens Mountain, Looking North. .............. 3.19-49
Figure 3.19-12 Proposed View from KOP 58, Looking North. The East Ridge and West
Ridge Project Turbines are Approximately 4.10 Miles Away. ................... 3.19-49
Figure 3.19-13 KOP 83, the Base of Riddle Mountain. The View is Provided from
Coontown Road, Looking East. .................................................................. 3.19-50
Figure 3.19-14 Proposed View from KOP 83, Looking East. The Riddle Mountain Wind
Energy Project is Approximately 4.8 Miles Away. ..................................... 3.19-50
Figure 3.19-15 KOP 85, Riddle Mountain Lookout, Looking Northeast. This View is
Provided from the Riddle Mountain Lookout. ............................................ 3.19-51
Figure 3.19-16 Proposed View from KOP 85, Looking Northeast. The Riddle Mountain
Turbines are Approximately 0.50 Mile Away. ............................................ 3.19-51
Figure 3.19-17 KOP Points, Cumulative Effects (East Ridge, West Ridge, and Riddle
Mountain Project Turbines)......................................................................... 3.19-52
Figure 3.19-18 Obstruction Light Visibility for the Proposed Action and Reasonably
Foreseeable Future Actions. ........................................................................ 3.19-53
Figure 3.19-19 Viewshed Analysis of the Echanis Project Wind Turbines. ........................ 3.19-63
Figure 3.19-20 Viewshed Analysis of the West Ridge Project Wind Turbines. .................. 3.19-64
Figure 3.19-21 Viewshed Analysis of the East Ridge Project Wind Turbines. ................... 3.19-65
Figure 3.19-22 Viewshed Analysis of the Riddle Mountain Project Wind Turbines. ......... 3.19-66
xxiv
NORTH STEENS TRANSMISSION LINE EIS
OCTOBER 2011
Figure 3.19-23 Cumulative Viewshed Analysis for the Steens Mountain Wilderness and the
CMPA.......................................................................................................... 3.19-69
List of Appendices
Appendix A:
Appendix B:
Appendix C:
Appendix D:
Appendix E:
Appendix F:
Appendix G:
Project Design Features and Best Management Practices
Vegetation, Noxious Weeds, and Special Status Plants
North Steens EMF Report
Visual Resources Technical Report
Wildlife Data
Mitigation Plans
Comment Response Matrix
xxv
NORTH STEENS TRANSMISSION LINE EIS
OCTOBER 2011
List of Acronyms
ACEC
ACHP
ACOE
AIAN
AIRFA
Alternative A
Alternative B
Alternative C
AMU
APE
ARPA
BG
BGEPA
BIFZ
BLM
BMPs
BPA
BPT
BSCs
CEQ
cfs
CMPA
CPUC
CRBG
CT
dB
dBA
dBC
DEM
DO
Draft EIS
DSL
Echanis
EFRU-1
EFRU-2
EIA
EMF
ESA
ESD
FAA
FEMA
FLPMA
GIS
HCC
HDD
HDH
Areas of Critical Environmental Concern
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
American Indian and Alaska Native
American Indian Religious Freedom Act
No Action Alternative
Alternative B – West Route (Proposed Action)
Alternative C - North Route
Andrews Management Unit
Area of Potential Effect
Archaeological Resources Protection Act
Census Block Groups
Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act
Burns Interagency Fire Zone
U.S. Bureau of Land Management
best management practices
Bonneville Power Administration
Burns Paiute Tribe
Biological soil crusts
President’s Council on Environmental Quality
cubic feet per second
Cooperative Management and Protection Area
California Public Utilities Commission
Columbia River Basalt Group
Census Tracts
decibels
weighted decibels
Decibels Relative To Carrier
digital elevation model
District Office
Draft Environmental Impact Statement
Department of State Lands
Echanis, LLC
Exclusive Farm and Range Use 1
Exclusive Farm and Range Use 2
Energy Information Administration
electro magnetic field
Endangered Species Act
Harney Educational Services District
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976
Geographic Information System
Harney County Chamber of Commerce
horizontal directional drill
Harney District Hospital
xxvi
NORTH STEENS TRANSMISSION LINE EIS
HEC
HMAs
ICS
ILS
IMPLAN
KOPs
kV
KWVA
L1
L10
L50
LDN
LEQ(24)
MBTA
MNWR
MOU
MW
NAGPRA
NHP
NEPA
NHPA
NOA
NOI
NPDES
NRCS
NRHP
NWC
NWI
NWRSAA
OAR
ODEQ
ODFW
ODOE
ODOGMI
ODOT
OEQC
OHV
ONHP
OPRD
ORV
OSP
PA
PDF
PDFs
POD
RAs
RCA-PR
RC-CR
OCTOBER 2011
Harney Electric Cooperative
Herd Management Areas
interconnection station
Intensive Level Survey
Impact analysis for PLANning
Key Observation Points
kilovolts
Kiger Wildhorse Viewing Area
annoying noise
intrusive noise
median audible noise level
Day-Night Sound Level
24-Hour Equivalent Sound Level
Migratory Bird Treaty Act
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge
Memorandum of Understanding
megawatts
Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act
Natural Heritage Program
National Environmental Policy Act
National Historic Preservation Act
Notice of Availability
Notice of Intent
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
U.S. Natural Resource Conservation Service
National Register of Historic Places
Northwest Wildlife Consultants
National Wetland Inventory
National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act
Oregon Administrative Rule
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Oregon Department of Energy
Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries
Oregon Department of Transportation
Oregon Environmental Quality Commission
off-highway vehicle
Oregon Natural Heritage Program
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
Off-road vehicle
Oregon State Police
Programmatic agreement
Project design feature
Project design features
Plan of Development
resource areas
Rural Commercial Area – Princeton
Rural Community – Crane
xxvii
NORTH STEENS TRANSMISSION LINE EIS
RFFA
RFPA
RLS
RMP
ROW
RPS
RSC-DI
RSC-FR
SCE
SCORP
SHPO
SMW
SPCC
SPL
SWPPP
TDML
TECP
THPO
TLV
TMP
USFWS
USGS
VdB
VRM
WMU
WSA
WSR
OCTOBER 2011
Reasonable foreseeable future action
Crane Rangeland Fire Protection Association
reconnaissance level survey
Resource Management Plan
right-of-way
renewable portfolio standard
Rural Service Center – Diamond
Rural Service Center – Frenchglen
Southern California Edison
Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
State Historic Preservation Office
Steens Mountain Wilderness
Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures
sound pressure level
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan
total maximum daily load
threatened, endangered, candidate and proposed species
Tribal Historic Preservation Office
Threshold Limit Values
Travel Management Plan
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
U.S. Geological Survey
Vibration Decibels
Visual Resource Management
Wildlife Management Unit
Wilderness Study Area
Wild and Scenic Rivers
xxviii
NORTH STEENS TRANSMISSION LINE EIS
OCTOBER 2011
Glossary
access road—Roads constructed to each tower site first to build the tower and line, and later to
maintain and repair it.
alternatives—other options to the proposed action by which the BLM can meet its purpose and
need.
baseline — The existing environmental conditions against which impacts of the proposed action
and its alternatives can be compared.
Best Management Practices (BMPs) —A practice or combination of practices that are the most
effective and practical means of preventing or reducing the amount of pollution generated by
nonpoint sources.
blasting — The controlled use of explosives to excavate or remove rock.
capacity — The maximum load that a generator, piece of equipment, substation, transmission
line, or system can carry under existing service conditions.
circuit — One alternating current transmission line, made up of three conductors; this would be
called a “single-circuit line.” A “double-circuit line” would be made up of two sets of three
conductors.
conductor — The wires that carry the electrical current on a transmission line.
conformance—A term that means that a proposed action shall be specifically provided for in a
BLM land use plan or, if not specifically mentioned, shall be clearly consistent with the terms,
conditions, and decisions of the approved plan or amendment. The BLM policy requires that a
statement of land use plan conformance be included in a NEPA compliance document.
connected action—A term to describe those actions that are “closely related” and “should be
discussed” in the same NEPA document (40 CFR 1508.25 (a)(1)). Actions are connected if they
automatically trigger other actions that may require an EIS; cannot or will not proceed unless
other actions are taken previously or simultaneously; or if the actions are interdependent parts of
a larger action and depend upon the larger action for their justification (40 CFR 1508.25 (a)(1)).
Connected actions are limited to actions that are currently proposed (ripe for decision). Actions
that are not yet proposed are not connected actions, but may need to be analyzed in cumulative
effects analysis if they are reasonably foreseeable.
cooperating agency—An agency that assists the lead Federal agency in developing an EA or an
EIS. A cooperating agency may be any agency that has special jurisdiction by law or special
expertise for proposals covered by the NEPA (40 CFR 1501.6). Any Federal, State, tribal, or local
government jurisdiction with such qualifications may become a cooperating agency by agreement
with the lead agency.
corridor — A strip of land forming a passageway for transportation or utility facilities.
cumulative impacts – The impact on the environment which results from the incremental impact
of the action when added to the past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions,
regardless of who undertakes such actions.
xxix
NORTH STEENS TRANSMISSION LINE EIS
OCTOBER 2011
cut-and-fill — Process of constructing a road or canal whereby the amount of material from cuts
roughly matches the amount of fill needed to make nearby embankments.
davit arm — a steel component that attaches at a near horizontal angle to a transmission line pole
and in turn connects to an insulator connected to a conductor.
direct effect—“. . . those effects which are caused by the action and occur at the same time and
place” (40 CFR 1508.8(a).
distribution line — The poles, insulators, conductors, and other equipment used to distribute
electricity from the transmission system to end users.
easement — A grant of certain rights to the use of a piece of land. This includes the right to enter
the property to build, maintain, and repair the facilities. Permission for these activities is included
in the negotiation process for acquiring easements on private land.
Echanis Wind Energy Project — A commercial renewable energy project proposed by Echanis
LLC (a subsidiary of Columbia Energy Partners, LLC of Vancouver, Washington) that would
involve the deployment and operation of 40 to 69 wind turbines on a 10,500 acre privately-owned
parcel in rural Harney County, Oregon. The Project would have a peak generating capacity of up
to 104 megawatts (MW) of electrical power and would include multiple project components,
including wind turbines, a power collection system, a new Substation, access roads, and an
operations and maintenance building.
effect—The impact to the human environment brought about by an agent of change, or action.
Effects analysis predicts the degree to which the environment will be affected by an action. The
CEQ uses both the terms “effect” and “impact” in the NEPA regulations; these terms are
synonymous in the NEPA context. As a noun, other synonyms include consequence, result and
outcome. Effects can be both beneficial and detrimental, and may be direct, indirect, or
cumulative.
environmental impact statement (EIS) — A detailed statement of environmental impacts
caused by an action, written as required by the National Environmental Policy Act.
grid — A term used to describe an electricity network, usually a regional transmission network.
Harney Electric Cooperative (HEC) — A cooperative non-profit electric utility company with a
service area of approximately 20,000 square miles, covering southeastern Oregon and
northwestern Nevada. HEC is headquartered in Hines, Oregon with district offices in Fields,
Oregon and Orovada, Nevada. All power is purchased from the Bonneville Power Administration
(BPA) under a long-term contract. The service territory is defined by definite boundaries as
established by the Oregon Public utilities Commission and the Nevada Public Service
Commission.
high-voltage — Lines with 230-kV or above electrical capacity.
indirect effect—Effects that “…are caused by the action and are later in time or farther removed
in distance, but are still reasonably foreseeable. Indirect effects may include growth-inducing
effects and other effects related to induced changes in the pattern of land use, population density,
or growth rate, and related effects on water and air and other natural systems, including
ecosystems” (40 CFR 1508.8(b)).
xxx
NORTH STEENS TRANSMISSION LINE EIS
OCTOBER 2011
insulators — Nonreflective bellshaped devices made of porcelain or fiberglass that prevent the
interconnection station — A transmission substation that connects two or more transmission
lines. The simplest case is where all transmission lines have the same voltage. In such cases, the
substation contains high-voltage switches that allow lines to be connected or isolated for fault
clearance or maintenance. A transmission station may have transformers to convert between two
transmission voltages, voltage control/power factor correction devices such as capacitors, reactors
or static VAr compensators and equipment such as phase shifting transformers to control power
flow between two adjacent power systems.
intermittent — Referring to periodic water flow in creeks or streams.
kilovolt — One thousand volts. (See Volt.)
laydown areas — an area that has been cleared for the temporary storage of equipment and
supplies. Laydown areas are usually covered with rock and/or gravel to ensure accessibility and
safe maneuverability for transport and off-loading of vehicles.
lead agency — The federal agency designated to supervise preparation of the environmental
analysis. Federal agencies, together with state, tribal or local agencies, may act as joint lead
agencies.
line losses — Energy consumed by the conductor generating heat during transport of power
through each line; a function of load, circuit length, conductor size, and electrical “resistance.”
load — The amount of electric power or energy delivered or required at any specified point or
points on a system. Load originates primarily at the energy󲐀consuming equipment of customers.
megawatts (MW) — A megawatt is one million watts, or one thousand kilowatts; an electrical
unit of power.
milligauss (mG) — A unit used to measure magnetic field strength; one-thousandth of a gauss.
mitigation measures — Steps taken to lessen the impacts of proposed activities on a specific
resource. Measures may include reducing the impact, avoiding it completely, or compensating
for the impact.
mitigation—Measures or procedures which could reduce or avoid adverse impacts and have not
been incorporated into the proposed action or an alternative. Mitigation can be applied to reduce
or avoid adverse effects to biological, physical, or socioeconomic resources.
nacelle — A cover housing that houses all of the generating components in a wind turbine,
including the generator, gearbox, drive train, and brake assembly.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) — The federal legislation that requires an
environmental impact statement be prepared for all major federal actions significantly affecting
the quality of the human environment. [42 U.S.C. 43322(2)(C).]
No Action Alternative — The alternative where current conditions and trends are projected into
the future without another proposed action (40 CFR 1502.14(d)).
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notice of availability (NOA)—the Federal Register notice that an EIS (draft or final) or record of
decision is available. Publication of a notice of filing of an EIS by the Environmental Protection
Agency formally begins the public comment period. A NOA may also be published for an EA.
Notice of Intent (NOI) — A public notice that an environmental impact statement will be
prepared and considered in the decision making for a proposed action.
notice of intent (NOI)—A Federal Register notice that announces that an environmental impact
statement will be prepared. Publication of this notice formally starts the scoping process.
overland access roads —Unimproved access roads located primarily within the transmission line
right-of-way to be used by vehicles during construction and maintenance of the transmission line.
preferred alternative—the alternative the BLM believes would reasonably accomplish the
purpose and need for the proposed action while fulfilling its statutory mission and
responsibilities, giving consideration to economic, environmental, technical and other factors.
This alternative may or may not be the same as the BLM’s or the proponent’s proposed action.
project design features—Measures or procedures incorporated into the proposed action or an
alternative, including measures or procedures which could reduce or avoid adverse impacts.
Because these features are built into the proposed action or an alternative, design features are not
considered mitigation.
proposed action — A plan that contains sufficient details about the intended actions to be taken,
or that will result, to allow alternatives to be developed and its environmental impacts analyzed
(40 CFR 1508.23). The BLM uses the term to refer to a proposal for the BLM to authorize,
recommend, or implement an action to address a clear purpose and need. A proposal may be
generated internally or externally.
pulling/tensioning sites —Areas along the transmission line corridor where power equipment is
temporarily staged during the conductor stringing process.
purpose and need — A brief statement in an environmental impact statement that specifies the
underlying purpose and need to which the agency is responding in proposing the alternatives
including the proposed action (40 C.F.R. §1502.13)
reasonably foreseeable action—actions for which there are existing decisions, funding, formal
proposals, or which are highly probable, based on known opportunities or trends.
record of decision (ROD) — A document prepared by the federal lead agency that states what
the decision is; identifies the alternatives considered, including the environmentally preferred
alternative; and discusses mitigation plans, including any enforcement and monitoring
commitments.
resource management plan (also known as land use plan or management framework plan)
— A set of BLM decision documents that establish management direction for land within an
administrative area, as prescribed under the planning provisions of the Federal Land Policy and
Management Act of 1976, as amended, P.L. 94-579, 90 Stat. 2743; an assimilation of land use
plan-level decisions developed through the planning process outlined in 43 CFR 1600, regardless
of the scale at which the decisions were developed.
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right-of-way — An easement for a certain purpose over the land of another, such as a strip of
land used for a road, electric transmission line, pipeline, etc.
sag —Refers the degree of the gravity induced distortion in the shape of a transmission line
strung between two supports. Transmission lines do not connect between their supporting towers
in a straight line. The shape formed by a line is called a catenary. If there is too much tension,
the sag will be too little and the line can snap. However, if there is too much sag, it will increase
the amount of conductor used, increasing the cost more than is necessary.
scoping (internal and external)—the process by which the BLM solicits internal and external
input on the issues and effects that will be addressed, as well as the degree to which those issues
and effects will be analyzed in the NEPA document. Scoping is one form of public involvement
in the NEPA process. Scoping occurs early in the NEPA process and generally extends through
the development of alternatives (the public comment periods for EIS review are not scoping).
Internal scoping is simply the use of BLM staff to decide what needs to be analyzed in a NEPA
document. External scoping, also known as formal scoping, involves notification and
opportunities for feedback from other agencies, organizations and the public.
string roads — Gravel surfaced access roads connecting individual wind turbines on a wind
energy project site.
substation — A substation is a part of an electrical generation, transmission, and distribution
system, where voltage is transformed from high to low, or the reverse, or many other important
functions.
transmission line — The towers, insulators, conductors, and other equipment used to transmit
electrical power at high voltage to electric distribution facilities (substation).
wind turbines — A mechanical system of rotating blades, gearbox, electrical generator, and
controlling electronics that converts kinetic energy from the wind into mechanical energy used to
produce electricity. Modern wind turbines used in wind farms for commercial production of
electric power are usually three-bladed and pointed into the wind by computer-controlled motors.
Blades can range in length from 66 to 130 feet or more and the tubular steel towers that support
the wind turbines can range from 200 to 300 feet tall.
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