Routing

Following the review of comments received during the public scoping period (fall 2008/winter 2009), Idaho Power initiated the Community Advisory Process to recommend proposed and alternate routes for the proposed B2H Project. Process participants identified issues and concerns, developed goals for identifying and evaluating proposed transmission line corridors, determined and evaluated potential constraints and opportunities, and recommended proposed and alternate transmission line routes.

Based on the recommendations and feedback of the CAP, Idaho Power selected a proposed route in April 2010. It, along with several alternatives, was submitted in summer 2010 to the state and federal agencies for their separate application review processes.

Prior to implementing the Community Advisory Process, Idaho Power developed, analyzed and refined initial transmission line corridors using an internal route development process. This process included collecting data on existing conditions of the area; reviewing studies and documentation; conducting field visits; and coordinating with the public, resource and regulatory agencies, municipalities and other stakeholders to discuss the project.

Routing goals

Idaho Power adhered to the following goals while identifying and evaluating the initial transmission line corridors:

• Avoid and/or minimize impacts to the environment to the greatest extent possible.
• Develop a corridor that meets engineering and construction requirements in a fiscally responsible manner.
• Connect existing and planned substations.
• Solicit public comment and implement suggestions, where possible.

Evaluating constraints and opportunities

The initial transmission line corridors shown during the public scoping period (fall 2008/winter 2009) were developed based on studies of the area, public and agency comments, topography, existing conditions, access and other factors. The existing conditions information involved evaluating “constraints” and “opportunities,” which were defined as follows:

• Constraint - A resource or condition that potentially limits transmission line routes, including areas that are closed by regulations (e.g., Boardman Bombing Range, municipal airports) or where impacts would be very difficult or impossible to mitigate due to resource protection and other legal requirements. Constraints included a wide array of natural resources and man-made features such as the Oregon Trail, threatened and endangered species, community facilities, urban areas, areas of critical environmental concern (ACECs) and wildlife protection areas.
• Opportunity - A resource or condition that can accommodate a transmission line route, including existing utility or transportation corridors. Opportunities included existing transmission corridors, proposed federal Westwide Energy (WWE) corridors, pipelines, BLM and USFS utility corridors and railroads.

The routing team evaluated opportunities and constraints using geographic information system (GIS) and field reconnaissance data, and through coordination with agencies, municipalities and property owners. Initial transmission line corridors were then developed and presented to the public during the public scoping meetings in October 2008 for review and comment. Following the public scoping period, Idaho Power determined that more extensive coordination with the public was needed to further understand issues and concerns related to the proposed project and to develop proposed and alternate transmission line routes.

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