If you've been following this blog, you'll know that the Oregon Department of Energy is now writing a Project Order regarding Idaho Power's Notice of Intent to build the B2H transmission line. The Project Order makes relevant regulatory applications to the NOI and will require IP to address these regulations in order to qualify for a Site Certificate.
OAR 345-021-0010 Contents of an Application
(1) The project order described in OAR 345-015-0160(1) identifies the provisions of this rule applicable to the application for the proposed facility, including any appropriate modifications to applicable provisions of this rule. The applicant shall include in its application for a site certificate information that addresses each provision of this rule identified in the project order . . .
(III)(D) If the proposed energy facility is a pipeline or a transmission line or has, as a related or supporting facility, a transmission line or pipeline that, by itself, is an energy facility under the definition in ORS 469.300, a corridor selection assessment explaining how the applicant selected the corridor(s) for analysis in the application. In the assessment, the applicant shall evaluate the corridor adjustments the Department has described in the project order, if any. The applicant may select any corridor for analysis in the application and may select more than one corridor. However, if the applicant selects a new corridor, then the applicant must explain why the applicant did not present the new corridor for comment at an informational meeting under OAR 345-015-0130. In the assessment, the applicant shall discuss the reasons for selecting the corridor(s), based upon evaluation of the following factors:
(i) Least disturbance to streams, rivers and wetlands during construction;
(ii) Least percentage of the total length of the pipeline or transmission line that would be located within areas of Habitat Category 1, as described by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife;
(iii) Greatest percentage of the total length of the pipeline or transmission line that would be located within or adjacent to public roads, as defined in ORS 368.001, and existing pipeline or transmission line rights-of-way;
(iv) Least percentage of the total length of the pipeline or transmission line that would be located within lands that require zone changes, variances or exceptions;
(v) Least percentage of the total length of the pipeline or transmission line that would be located in a protected area as described in OAR 345-022-0040;
(vi) Least disturbance to areas where historical, cultural or archaeological resources are likely to exist; and
(vii) Greatest percentage of the total length of the pipeline or transmission line that would be located to avoid seismic, geological and soils hazards;
(viii) Least percentage of the total length of the pipeline or transmission line that would be located within lands zoned for exclusive farm use;
(E) For any pipeline or transmission line, regardless of size:
(i) The length of the pipeline or transmission line.
(ii) The proposed right-of-way width of the pipeline or transmission line, including to what extent new right-of-way will be required or existing right-of-way will be widened.
(iii) If the proposed corridor follows or includes public right-of-way, a description of where the facility would be located within the public right-of-way, to the extent known. If the applicant proposes to locate all or part of a pipeline or transmission line adjacent to but not within the public right-of-way, describe the reasons for locating the facility outside the public right-of-way. The applicant must include a set of clear and objective criteria and a description of the type of evidence that would support locating the facility outside the public right-of-way, based on those criteria.
(At last, we'll know the answer to these questions!)
https://portal.sos.state.or.us/division/archives/rules/OARs_300/OAR_345/345_021.html
