Conrad-Shelby Transmission Line Project, Pondera and Toole Counties, Montana: Final Environmental Impact Statement

摘要

The Western Area Power Administration (Western) proposes to construct, operate, and maintain approximately 29.8 miles of new 230-kV transmission line between Conrad and Shelby, Montana. The project also includes relocation of approximately 4.9 miles of the existing Havre-Shelby 115-kV transmission line, construction of a new 230/115-kV substation (Shelby No. 2) and construction of approximately 2.6 miles of new 115-kV transmission line to interconnect the proposed Shelby No. 2 and existing Shelby No. 1 substations. The project involves a total of approximately 36 miles of new transmission line. The area is presently served by a single transmission loop consisting of 115-kV and 161-kV facilities. This system is in urgent need of improvements to correct low voltages, overloaded facilities, and loss of service that has been experienced and which will worsen as loads grow in the area. The proposed action would provide improved service to area loads and system reliability, contribute to energy conservation, and provide additional flexibility for future expansion when and if it becomes necessary. Alternatives considered include no action, energy conservation, other generation sources, other transmission systems and technologies, and the proposed action with routing and design alternatives. Unavoidable adverse effects of the proposed action would be construction related impacts on land use, visual, and biological resources. 14 refs., 1 fig., 3 tabs. (ERA citation 13:034929)