http://boardmantohemingway.com/documents/Final_B2H_JointNewsletter_web_Apr09.pdf
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) have published the first issue of the Boardman to Hemingway Transmission Line Project newsletter – the B2H Newswire. This issue includes information on:
- Project status
- Public scoping phase
- Public involvement opportunities
- Environmental review processes
- Idaho Power’s Community AdvisoryProcess
From the newsletter:
Project Status
• Idaho Power has initiated a public “Community Advisory Process” or CAP to collaboratively develop recommendations for proposed and alternative transmission line routes (page 5).
• Idaho Power has removed the Northwest Source Station, formerly known as the Sand Hollow Substation, from the project proposal.
• Idaho Power has officially suspended its Integrated Resource Plan review with the Oregon Public Utility Commission (page 4).
• Idaho Power has agreed to a “pause” in the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council (EFSC) certifi cate process until they are further along in the CAP (page 4).
Following Idaho Power’s CAP (page 5), the BLM will conduct additional public scoping meetings to provide information on the project and request input. Public comments received during these meetings will supplement input received following the October 2008 meetings.
• The BLM uses scoping comments to develop route alternatives, determine appropriate mitigation to reduce potential effects on resources in the study area and focus the environmental analysis on issues of concern.
• The ODOE reviews the comments to identify the issues that it will require Idaho Power to address in its Application for a Site Certificate.
• Idaho Power will use the scoping comments as it develops recommendations for proposed and alternative routes through the CAP.
How can you be involved?
Public participation is essential to thorough agency analysis and decision-making. The project includes multiple opportunities for you to participate by submitting comments, attending public meetings and keeping informed through the project Web site and newsletters.
The BLM and the ODOE will issue public notices about upcoming public participation opportunities and future comment periods as they are scheduled.
