BLM seeks input on planned line improvements

Transmission infrastructure runs in Inyo, Mono counties

The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment on the Control-Silver Peak project proposal to update existing transmission lines in

Inyo and Mono counties to increase safety and reliability.

Southern California Edison proposes to replace and consolidate structures to increase ground clearance on two existing 55-kilovolt transmission lines, along approximately 61 miles of the Control-Silver Peak lines, which would meet California Public Utility Commission standards and bring the lines into compliance.

“This project ensures the safety and reliability of existing transmission lines and will improve energy transmission generation on public land,” said Shelly Lynch, BLM California Desert District manager.

The proposed project would support approximately 350 construction jobs and would rebuild components of the existing transmission system to ensure reliability and delivery of clean energy to more than 25,000 people in the surrounding communities.

The Notice of Intent in the Federal Register opens a public comment period until Feb. 12, 2024. The public can help identify issues, suggest alternatives, or provide information for potential consideration in the Environmental Impact Statement.

As part of the scoping process, the Bureau of Land Management will hold one virtual and two in-person public meetings on the following dates/ times at the BLM Bishop Field Office - USFS Inyo National Forest Office, 351 Pacu Lane, Suite 100, Bishop, CA 93514.

In-person: Tuesday, Jan. 16, from 2 - 4 p.m. and Wednesday, Jan. 17, from noon – 2 p.m.

Virtual: Wednesday,

January 24, from noon - 2 p.m. The public must register to participate in the virtual public meeting. Registrants will receive a link and phone number to join the meeting.

Public comments can be submitted in the following ways:

Email comments to: BLM_CA_CA_TLRR_ ControlSilverPeak@blm.gov

Mail or hand deliver comments in an envelope labeled “Control-Silver Peak Project EIS” to Joan Patrovsky, Project Manager, Bureau of Land

Management, California

Desert District Office, 1201 Bird Center Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262. Fax: 760-833-7199

The Control-Silver Peak line western terminus is the Control Substation, approximately five miles west of Bishop in Inyo County, and the eastern terminus is at Fish Valley

Substation, approximately six miles west of the California-Nevada border.

For more information contact Joan Patrovsky, Bureau of Land Management Project Manager, (951) 214-1775, or visit the Control Silver Peak Project BLM’s National

NEPA Register.