POSTED JUNE 9, 2007
East Montrose Electric System Improvement Project
Project Update
Delta-Montrose Electric Association (DMEA) and Tri-State
Generation and Transmission Association (Tri-State) thank those who attended
the March 21, 2007 Public Workshop, and those who provided comments on the East
Montrose Project’s preliminary transmission line routing alternatives. We are sending you this update to explain:
1) the overall process that DMEA and Tri-State are using to identify a proposed
route for the transmission line, 2) how your comments are being considered, and
3) when you will have an opportunity for further public input.
The Phase 1 study effort
was completed in 2006 as the first step in a multi-phase program to help
identify the best route for the proposed Project. Phase 1 studies for this Project identified several possible
transmission line routes which considered existing physical and environmental
data, field reconnaissance, and agency input.
Note that a proposed route was not selected by DMEA and Tri-State during
this Phase 1 effort.
The March 21st Public Workshop and comment period
(March-April 23, 2007) initiated Phase 2 of the siting process (the Public Outreach
Program). The purpose of this
workshop and comment period was to gather public comments on several route
alternatives. Public comments are an
important consideration in identifying a transmission line route. Comments have provided valuable information
on specific landowner concerns and siting issues. At this time, we are in the process of reviewing all comments,
evaluating how impacts to private landowners can be minimized, and evaluating
the feasibility of route refinements.
Alternatives on BLM lands will also be considered along with new and/or
revised alternatives across private lands.
Consideration of public input and routing refinements are Phase 2 of the
study process.
We anticipate that Phase 2 studies will be completed in the
late summer of 2007. As part of
the continuing Public Outreach Program, you will be notified this autumn of the Phase 2 findings. Additional opportunities for public comment
will be provided at that time. Again,
public comments will be an important consideration in identifying a
transmission line route.
Following Phase 2 studies and additional public and agency
input, DMEA and Tri-State will again consider a number of factors prior to
identifying a proposed route for the Project.
These factors will include considerations such as the permitting
feasibility of various alternatives, engineering and cost factors, public and
agency comments, and environmental and land use constraints. A proposed route for the Project is expected
to be identified in late 2007.
During Phase 3 of the siting process, permit
applications for the proposed Project will be prepared and submitted to the BLM
and Montrose County in late 2007/early 2008.
At that time the East Montrose Delivery Point Project Siting Study
will be finalized with the results from the Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies
incorporated, the final proposed route identified, and the Study submitted to
the agencies as part of the permit supporting documentation. Once the permit applications have been
submitted to the agencies, there will be additional opportunities for public
input and comment as part of their review and permitting processes. We anticipate that the permit applications
will be processed by the BLM and Montrose County in 2008.
Again, thank you for your interest and comments concerning
this Project. We look forward to
providing you with updated Project information once it becomes available.
Kindest Regards,
Kent Davenport Steve
Mundorff
DMEA Tri-State