Projects Energy Transmission Blythe Energy LLC, Blythe 230 kV Transmission Line Project, California
| Blythe Energy LLC, Blythe 230 kV Transmission Line Project, California |
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Tetra Tech, in cooperation with the client, Blythe Energy, LLC (a subsidiary of FPL Energy), and Western Area Power Administration and Southern California Edison, assembled the necessary information and conducted the studies required to complete the permit applications.
Key issues in project permitting include evaluating desert tortoise habitat, cultural resources (including WWII era military training artifacts), and visual resources. Tetra Tech prepared a Biological Assessment to expedite the review of the project by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and facilitated ongoing communication between FPL Energy and the agencies to ensure timely approvals and a cooperative working relationship during the permitting process. Tetra Tech worked closely with FPL Energy to find the most efficient permitting strategy, which included interaction with both the CEC (for CEQA review) and the BLM (for NEPA review). Field survey protocols were developed in cooperation with the USFWS and California Department of Fish and Game.
Extensive biological surveys and cultural surveys were conducted for the entire length of the transmission line and the planned substation locations. Tetra Tech prepared biological and cultural mitigation plans, construction storm water pollution prevention plans, erosion control plans, and visual mitigation plans for the project. Tetra Tech staff also supported FPL Energy at public hearings and workshops.
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
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Tetra Tech EC, Inc. (Tetra Tech) prepared a Petition for Amendment to Certification for submission to the California Energy Commission (CEC), Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Right-of-Way grant applications, and other state and federal permit applications for 230-kV transmission line components totaling approximately 67.4 miles in southern California. Other facilities include a new 43-acre substation site, modifications to two existing substations, and an impact assessment for downstream upgrades resulting from an interconnection with the existing transmission system.