Big Eddy-Ostrander Conductor Replacement Project (DOE/EA - 2287)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) proposes to replace the existing conductor (the transmission wires) on about 67 miles of its Big Eddy-Ostrander No. 1 500-kilovolt transmission line, which begins at BPA’s Big Eddy Substation in The Dalles, Oregon and continues west to Ostrander Substation near Eagle Creek, Oregon. The transmission line was originally constructed in 1960 and consists of lattice steel structures. The existing conductor is past its service-life and replacement parts are no longer available to maintain the existing conductor. In some locations, the existing transmission structures would be increased in height to maintain a safe distance between the ground and the conductor.

The existing access road network would also be improved, as needed. This work could include improving or reconstructing the access roads (blading, grading, rocking), installing, replacing, or improving drainage features (drain dips, water bars, culverts), fords, gates, and cattle guards. Landings would be created at the base of certain lattice structures to provide safe parking and turnarounds for transmission line maintenance crews and equipment. 

To meet electrical reliability requirements, BPA is also proposing to remove trees (danger trees) that pose a threat of falling or growing into the conductor and causing unplanned electrical outages. Most of the tree removal would occur along the edge of the right-of-way.   

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

To understand the potential environmental impacts of this proposal, BPA has prepared an environmental assessment (EA) following the procedures of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The EA analyzes the Big Eddy-Ostrander Conductor Replacement Project, as well as a no-action alternative. The EA describes anticipated impacts to natural and human resources and identifies mitigation measures to help avoid or minimize impacts.

The proposed schedule for the environmental review is as follows:

Scoping comment period – June 17, 2022 to July 18, 2022

EA determination – January 17, 2025 

Draft EA available for public comment – March 27, 2025 to April 26, 2025

Final EA – Spring 2025

Finding of No Significant Impact (if warranted) – Spring 2025

If decision to build, construction start – Spring 2026

CURRENT STATUS

BPA is making a draft EA available for public comment on March 27, 2025. The comment period will close on April 26, 2025. When commenting, refer to the full project name. All comments will be posted on the BPA comment website. There are several ways to comment. 

Online: www.bpa.gov/comments
Mail: Bonneville Power Administration
Communications – DKS-7
P.O. Box 14428
Portland, OR 97291-4428

Toll-Free: 800-622-4519
Fax: 503-230-4019

 

CONTACT

For environmental information, contact:
Beth Belanger
Environmental Protection Specialist
Bonneville Power Administration – ECT-4
PO Box 3621 Portland, Oregon 97208-3621
Toll-free: 800-622-4519
Direct line: 503-230-7579
Email: babelanger@bpa.gov

For project information, contact:

Amanda Williams
Project Manager
Bonneville Power Administration – TEPL-TPP-1
PO Box 3621 Portland, Oregon 97208-3621
Toll-free: 800-622-4519
Direct line: 360-619-6634
Email: amloran@bpa.gov 

DOCUMENTS

DRAFT

Comments received
Public Letter March 27, 2025
Comment Form March 27, 2025
Draft EA March 2025

EA Determination January 17, 2025

SCOPING
Scoping comments received 
Public Letter  June 17, 2022
Project Map  June 17, 2022
Comment Form          June 17, 2022