Western Seeks Comments on Proposed California Transmission Project

Western Area Power Administration and the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority are seeking public comment on a joint draft environmental impact statement and draft environmental impact report that analyzes environmental impacts of a proposed transmission line in north-central California.

The San Luis Transmission Project includes 95 miles of transmission lines and associated facilities through Alameda, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Merced counties. If constructed, the line will connect the Bureau of Reclamation’s San Luis Unit pumping facilities to Western’s Central Valley Project. The San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority is the lead agency for California Environmental Quality Act requirements.

Citizens, organizations, local officials, tribes and other agencies affected by the proposed project are encouraged to review and comment on the seven project alternatives, including a no-action alternative, environmental resources analyzed and proposed mitigation strategies. Comments sent by Aug. 31, 2015 will be addressed in the final EIS. Specific comments that address the analysis or provide additional considerations not currently covered in the environmental impact statement are the most useful, rather than expressing a preference. Comments can be submitted in writing to:

Western will also accept oral and written comments at two public meetings:

The draft EIS is available electronically at http://www.sltpeis-eir.com/ProjectDocs.html.

For more information on the project, including a map of the proposed route alternatives, visit the SLTP webpage. You can also learn more about NEPA’s environmental processes on its website.