Background
Through its CPUC application (A.07-07-018) filed on July 20, 2007, pursuant to CPUC General Order (GO) 131-D, PacifiCorp seeks a Permit to Construct (PTC) the proposed Morrison Creek Substation and remove the existing Simonson Substation (Proposed Project). The old Simonson Substation stepped voltage down from 69 kilovolt (kV) to 12.5 kV was replaced with the new Morrison Creek Substation which has the same distribution capabilities. The objective of the new Morrison Creek Substation Project was to increase system reliability in order to continue safe and reliable electric service to customers in the area. Construction was completed on the project in September 2009. This project is now complete.
The new Morrison Creek Substation site is in northwest Del Norte County approximately one quarter mile southeast of the community of Smith River, California, and approximately five miles south of the Oregon/California border (see map below). The site is south of Rowdy Creek and adjacent to the eastern side of U.S. Highway 101 and an existing 69 kV transmission line with 12.5 kV distribution underbuild.
Environmental Review
On January 30, 2008, the CPUC prepared a Final Mitigated Negative Declaration (Final MND) pursuant to the CEQA for consideration of PacifiCorp's Application to Construct the Morrison Creek Substation Project (A.07-07-018). The Final MND detailed the Proposed Project, evaluates and described its potential environmental impacts, identifies those impacts that could be significant, and presented mitigation measures to avoid or minimize these impacts.
Availability of Final MND. Copies of the Final MND were available for public review at the Smith River Community Library and the Crescent City Branch of the Del Norte County Library, and by clicking here.
On November 20, 2007, the CPUC published a Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for the Morrison Creek Substation Project, showing that the Proposed Project, as mitigated, would not have any significant effects on the environment. The Draft IS/MND was available for a 30-day public comment period November 20, 2007 through December 21, 2007.
The CPUC held a public information meeting on December 12, 2007 at the Smith River Community Hall, 241 First Street, Smith River, California, between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Proponent's Environmental Assessment (PEA)
PacifiCorp filed a PEA with its Application dated July 10, 2007. This document provides the Applicant's views on the environmental impacts of the Proposed Project. It is used as the starting point for the independent environmental review process conducted by the CPUC. |