Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-04-26 City Council Item No. 10CITY OF LAKE LSIHORE DREAM EXTREME- REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: ROBERT A. BRADY CITY MANAGER DATE: APRIL 26, 2011 SUBJECT: NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT TALEGA-ESCONDIDO/VALLEY-SERRANO 500 KV INTERCONNECT PROJECT(LEAPS) Background Beginning in 1992, the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District ("EVMWD") and the Nevada Hydro Company ("Nevada Hydro") first began the process to obtain a permit from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") for construction of a power generation facility and high voltage transmission lines. The power generation facility is generally referred to as the Lake Elsinore Advanced Pumped Storage project or "LEAPS" project and involves pumping water from Lake Elsinore at night to a reservoir in the Cleveland National Forest (when electrical rates are low) and releasing the water through hydroelectric turbines during peak demand periods. The water then flows back to the Lake. In order to accommodate the electric power generation from LEAPS, high voltage power lines would need to be constructed that would travel from a substation located north of the 1-15 and Indian Truck Trail interchange, cut across the west side of the Lake along the Cleveland National Forest and continue south to the Camp Pendleton area. A map showing the anticipated route is attached. These high voltage lines would not only serve the LEAPS but would also serve a dual purpose of enhancing the State's power grid network. As a result, construction of the high voltage power lines is not strictly dependent on construction of the LEAPS. This transmission line project component is generally known as the Telega- Escondido/Valley-Serrano Interconnect 500kV Interconnect ("TENS Interconnect") and also includes ancillary transmission lines discussed below. While regulatory agencies have treated the LEAPS and the TE/VS Interconnect as an integrated project for environmental purposes, the LEAPS falls within federal jurisdiction AGENDA ITEM NO. 10 Page 1 of 5 Re: Notice of Preparation (LEAPS) April 26, 2010 Page 2 by FERC as a power generation facility and the TENS Interconnect falls within the jurisdiction of the California Public Utility Commission as a power transmission facility. As noted above, EVMWD and Nevada Hydro initially processed an application with FERC. The application process stretched out over several years and included preparation of a federally required Environmental Impact Statement ("EIS"). The City of Lake Elsinore participated in that process and prepared extensive comments to the Draft EIS in April 2006. Although it appears that progress has been made, FERC has not yet issued a final decision regarding the LEAPS hydroelectric license. On June 15, 2010, Nevada Hydro filed an application requesting the CPUC issue a "Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity" ("CPCN") for construction of the TENS Interconnect. Notably, EVMWD is not a party to that application and has indicated to the CPUC that it does not support the TENS Interconnect as a "stand alone" project without the LEAPS component. In connection with the processing of the application, the CPUC has determined that an Environmental Impact Report ("EIR") under the California Environmental Quality Act must be prepared for TENS Interconnect and, because it is directly related, the LEAPS. Late last month, the City received a notice of preparation of the EIR for the TENS Interconnect and the LEAPS. As part of the notice of preparation, interested parties are given an opportunity to submit written comments, suggest mitigation measures and suggest alternatives. The deadline to provide such comments is April 29, 2011. The City and other interested parties will be provided an opportunity to comment on the Draft EIR following preparation and circulation in accordance with CEQA. Discussion City staff requests direction from the City Council regarding providing comments. Our initial evaluation of Nevada Hydro's environmental assessment documents shows that much of the data concerning the Lake is outdated. As a result, some of the presumed benefits of the LEAPS with respect to water quality have been addressed by subsequent projects. LEAPS continues to pose potential issues related to lost recreation use during construction activities, permanent loss of existing Lake recreation surface area near the pumping and return water flow facilities, adverse effects along the shoreline to ramps, docks and habitat due to continually shifting water levels, and Lake sediment disturbance as water rapidly returns to the Lake from the turbines. Additionally, the TENS Interconnect includes other ancillary transmission lines such as a 115-kV transmission line which effectively wraps around the southern half of the Lake and Back Basin area. This transmission line was not previously evaluated in the federal EIS. A map depicting this 115-kV transmission line is attached. The City may want to Page 2 of 5 Re: Notice of Preparation (LEAPS) April 26, 2010 Page 3 request that the Environmental Impact Report include the undergrounding of all new transmission lines as an Alternative Project to mitigate against negative visual impacts. The City's participation in the environmental review process is consistent with the City's existing agreement with EVMWD regarding management of the Lake. The 2003 Lake Elsinore Comprehensive Water Management Agreement between the City and EVMWD provides as follows: "The District [EVMWD] has explored and continues to explore the possible approval and implementation of the Lake Elsinore Advanced Pumped Storage facility. This project envisions drawing water from Lake Elsinore as part of the project. The City agrees to cooperate with the District in analyzing and to discuss plans regarding the use of water stored in the lake to implement the LEAPS facility. In no event shall the LEAPS facility result in the permanent diversion or increased evaporation of water already in the lake without providing for the introduction of suitable replacement water at the District's or the project proponent's sole cost. Moreover, the LEAPS facility, if implemented, shall not interfere with the recreational use of Lake Elsinore, adversely impact fish and wildlife enhancement in and around Lake Elsinore, or in any way frustrate the ability of the parties, or either of them, to accomplish the objectives and purpose of this agreement." Fiscal Impact City staff does not anticipate extensive comments at this time. Accordingly, the scope of work necessary to provide such comments is within existing budget allocations. Recommendation It is recommended that the City Council direct staff regarding submittal of scoping comments in response to the Notice of Preparation. Prepared by: Barbara Leibold City Attorney Approved by: Robert A. Brady City Manager ATTACHMENTS 1. Map of 500-kV TENS Interconnect Tower Facilities 2. Map of 115-kV Ancillary Transmission Facilities Page 3 of 5 NuUm of preparation-Malice of h& kScgwq Meetap T ~a0e,5emw 500 kV onertontted project 12 Page 4 of 5 Mobm of Ptepwadw-ffotkeof Pubk smpugMeermp T Fs NaHe.bewjwSODIN kdwconnett PmjM 14 Page 5 of 5