Big Eddy-Ostrander Conductor Replacement Project

Clackamas, Hood River and Wasco counties, Oregon

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) proposes to replace the existing conductor (the transmission wires) on 68.5-miles of its Big Eddy-Ostrander No. 1 (BEOS) 500-kilovolt (kV) transmission line, which begins at BPA’s Big Eddy Substation in The Dalles, Oregon and continues west to Ostrander Substation near Eagle Creek, Oregon. The transmission line was originally constructed in 1960 and consists of lattice steel structures. The existing conductor is past its service-life and replacement parts are no longer available to maintain the existing conductor. In some locations, the existing transmission structures would be increased in height to maintain a safe distance between the ground and the conductor.

The existing access road network would also be improved, as needed. This work could include improving or reconstructing the access roads (blading, grading, rocking), installing drainage features (drain dips, water bars, and cleaning, replacing, or installing new culverts), installing, replacing, or improving fords, gates, and cattle guards. Landings would be created at the base of certain lattice structures to provide safe parking and turnarounds for transmission line maintenance crews and equipment.

To meet electrical reliability requirements, BPA is also proposing to remove trees (danger trees) that pose a threat of falling or growing into the conductor and causing unplanned electrical outages. The majority of the tree removal would occur along the edge of the right-of-way.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

To understand the potential environmental impacts of this proposal, BPA may prepare an environmental assessment (EA) following the procedures of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). If BPA determines that an EA should be prepared, the EA would analyze anticipated impacts to natural and human resources and would identify mitigation measures to help avoid or minimize impacts.

The proposed schedule for the environmental review is as follows:

Comment period        June 17, 2022 – July 18, 2022
Draft EA comment period (if warranted)         Spring 2023
Final EA (if warranted) Spring/Summer 2023
Finding of No Significant Impact (if warranted)  Spring/Summer 2023
If decision to build, construction start Summer 2024

CURRENT STATUS

BPA has concluded scoping and the comment period closed on July 18, 2022. BPA is now considering comments to help determine if an Environmental Assessment is warranted and the issues that should be addressed in the environmental review. 

CONTACT

For environmental information, contact:
Beth Belanger          Toll-free: 800-622-4519
Environmental Protection Specialist Direct line: 503-230-7579
Bonneville Power Administration – ECT-4 Email: babelanger@bpa.gov 
PO Box 3621
Portland, Oregon 97208-3621

For project information, contact:
Amanda Williams Toll-free: 800-622-4519
Project Manager         Direct line: 360-619-6634
Bonneville Power Administration – TEPL-TPP-1 Email: amloran@bpa.gov 
PO Box 3621
Portland, Oregon 97208-3621

DOCUMENTS

SCOPING
Scoping comments received 
Public Letter  (06/17/2022)
Project Map  (06/17/2022)
Comment Form          (06/17/2022)