For Release: August 31, 2006
Contact: Steve Razo (951) 697-5217; cell (951) 316-5996 or Lynda Kastoll (760) 337-4421
CA-CDD-06-88

BLM, CPUC Invite Public Comment for Proposed Sunrise Powerlink Project

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), together with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), invite public participation in the scoping process as they begin preparation of a joint environmental impact statement and environmental impact report (EIS/EIR) for the Sunrise Powerlink project proposed by San Diego Gas and Electric Company (SDG&E).

BLM Desert District Manager Steve Borchard said the proposed 130-150 mile long power line would cross approximately 30-35 miles of BLM-administered public lands in Imperial County and approximately one mile of public land in San Diego County. The remainder of the line crosses lands owned by private, state, and local agencies and is under the regulatory jurisdiction of the CPUC. CPUC will announce its scoping process in a separate notice.

SDG&E is proposing a new 500 kV transmission line from the existing Imperial Valley substation near El Centro to a new "Central" substation to be located in San Diego County. Of the total length of the project, 56 miles are estimated in Imperial County and 93 miles in San Diego County. SDG&E also proposes to build two new 230 kV lines connecting the Central substation to the existing Sycamore Canyon substation and one new 230 kV line between the Sycamore Canyon substation and the existing Peñasquitos substation.

A notice of intent to prepare the joint EIS/EIR was published in today's Federal Register, Borchard said, and initiates a scoping period for a minimum of 30 days. The public is invited during the scoping period to review the project proposal and provide the agencies with input regarding the issues and alternatives to be addressed in the draft EIS/EIR. Comments should be submitted in writing to Field Manager, Bureau of Land Management, 1661 South 4th Street, El Centro, CA 92243.

Several public meetings will be held in Imperial and San Diego counties, he said. Dates and locations will be announced soon.

A land use plan amendment will also be required, Borchard explained, because the project deviates from BLM designated utility corridors within the California Desert Conservation Area plan.