Providing Cultural Resources and Biological Services to Support Transmission Line Development
Challenge
TRC supported Xcel Energy in the development of two major transmission line expansions around the Seven Rivers interchange. The first was a 230-kV transmission line from Seven Rivers Interchange to Pecos Interchange, and a second, connecting a 230-kV line from the Pecos Interchange to Potash Junction Interchange, in Eddy County, New Mexico. The Seven Rivers Interchange is south of Artesia, near US 285, and the Potash Junction Interchange is northeast of Carlsbad, near the junction of US 62/180 and NM 31. The project included the construction of 39.4 km (24.5 miles) of new power line.
Solution
TRC conducted a biological evaluation, a cultural resource survey and cultural resource monitoring and data recovery for the Area of Potential Effect (APE) extending 35.25 miles in length and 100 feet in width, with an additional 50- foot buffer on either side of the APE. We supported the preparation of an Environmental Assessment (EA) under the Bureau of Land Management (the Bureau of Reclamation was a consulting party), and provided expert testimony before the New Mexico Public Regulatory Commission (PRC) Administrative Law Judge in for both projects.
Results
TRC’s efforts resulted in both a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the EA, and a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) from the PRC.
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