Cleveland National Forest Power Line Replacement Projects
Project Overview
We currently operate and maintain a network of electric facilities located within the Cleveland National Forest (CNF). In connection with our prior application for a Master Special Use Permit (MSUP) to operate and maintain facilities within the CNF, we've worked closely with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to develop a series of projects and activities aimed at increasing the safety and reliability of existing facilities within and near the CNF. Collectively, these projects and activities are commonly referred to as the “Master Special Use Permit (MSUP) and Permit to Construct (PTC) the Cleveland National Forest Power Line Replacement Projects.”
These projects will enhance safety and reliability by replacing existing electric infrastructure that currently serves the USFS, emergency service facilities, campgrounds, homes, businesses and other customers within the CNF and surrounding areas.
The proposed projects, as outlined in the USFS’s Draft Record of Decision, include the replacement of nine 12- and 69-kilovolt (kV) electric facilities spread throughout an approximately 880-square-mile area in eastern San Diego County. The existing electric lines also extend outside of CNF boundaries. The Draft Record of Decision also calls for the removal from service of TL 626, replacing it with reconstruction of TL 6931 and relocated Circuit 157 outside of designated wilderness areas.
Benefits
The projects include rebuilding five existing 69-kilovolt (kV) power lines and six 12-kV distribution lines. Benefits include:
- Replacing approximately 2,100 existing wood poles with fire-resistant, weatherized steel poles that closely resemble wood.
- Providing real-time weather monitoring.
- Enhancing safety and reliability of the electric transmission and distribution system in and around the CNF.
- Being designed to minimize environmental impacts during construction.
- Combining more than 70 individual permits for operating and maintaining electric facilities on CNF land into one Master Special Use Permit with the U.S. Forest Service.
Next Steps
Certain construction activities require state and/or federal agency approval. We've submitted an application to the USFS in connection with existing facilities located within CNF. Additionally, we've filed a consolidated Permit to Construct application with the CPUC. The CPUC’s Energy Division and USFS issued a Joint Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (DEIR/DEIS) in the Cleveland National Forest Master Special Use Permit and Permit to Construct Power Line Replacement applications on September 5, 2015.
The CPUC and USFS issued the Final Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement in June 2015. The USFS issued a Draft Record of Decision on March 11, 2016. The Final EIR/EIS, USFS Record of Decision and supporting documents may be downloaded here.
A proposed decision was issued on April 26, 2016 and our permit to construct is expected May 2016. Once approved, the project construction will likely occur in phases over a three to five-year period. However, SDG&E crews and contractors will continue to access the existing facilities and undertake maintenance and repair activities as necessary during the environmental review process.
Notice of construction starting Sept. 26, 2016
More Information
Contact SDG&E Regional Public Affairs Manager Todd Voorhees: 844-765-6388 or [email protected].
Fire Risk Mitigation Initiative (FiRM)
As part of our commitment to providing safe and reliable energy, we’re proactively addressing fire risk by “hardening” the critical areas within our service area most at risk for wildfires. This effort, started in 2014, includes replacing older overhead distribution line elements using advanced technology and improving our system to adequately handle known weather conditions.
We have authorized contractors working around certain power poles in our service area. They’re collecting data and taking photos as part of the required analysis to prepare for construction work. Once the new steel poles are in place and the new wires and equipment are secured, the existing wood poles and wires will be removed and properly disposed or recycled.
Benefits
- Enhanced safety and reliability of the distribution system;
- Improved electric system performance during extreme weather conditions; and
- Reduced cost and environmental impacts for future maintenance activities.
More Information
Call the project’s toll-free number: 1-844-804-8106
Maps
Power Line TL625: Approximately 22.5 miles in total length, with approximately 6.5 miles located within the CNF boundary and approximately 16 miles located outside the CNF boundary; runs from Loveland substation located south of Alpine east to Barrett Tap, from Barrett Tap east to Descanso Substation located in the community of Descanso, and from Barrett Tap south to Barrett Substation located near the community of Dearhorn Valley.
Power Line TL626: Approximately 18.8 miles in total length, with approximately 8.2 miles located within the CNF boundary and approximately 10.6 miles located outside the CNF boundary; runs from Santa Ysabel Substation near the intersection of Highway 79 and Highway 78 south to Descanso Substation.
Power Line TL 629: Approximately 29.8 miles in total length, with approximately 9.6 miles located within the CNF boundary and approximately 20.2 miles located outside the CNF boundary; runs from Descanso Substation east to Glencliff Substation located south of Pine Valley, from Glencliff Substation southeast to Cameron Tap near Kitchen Creek road and Interstate 8, from Cameron Tap south to Cameron Substation off Buckman Springs Road, and from Cameron Tap east to Crestwood Substation south of the Golden Acorn Casino on the Campo Indian reservation.
Power Line TL 682: Approximately 20.2 miles in total length, with approximately 2.5 miles located within the CNF boundary and approximately 17.7 miles located outside the CNF boundary; runs from Rincon Substation east along Highway 76 to Warners Substation off Highway 79.
Power Line TL 6923: Approximately 13.4 miles in total length, with approximately 1.7 miles located within the CNF boundary and approximately 11.7 miles located outside the CNF boundary; runs from Barrett Substation near the community of Deerhorn Valley east to Cameron Substation off Buckman Springs Road.
Overview Map of Six Distribution Line Projects
Distribution Line C78: Approximately 1.8 miles in total length, with approximately 1.5 miles located within the CNF boundary and approximately 0.3 mile located outside the CNF boundary; runs from east of Viejas Reservation, east along Viejas Grande Road, to Via Arturo Road.
Distribution Line C79: Approximately 2.2 miles in total length, with approximately 1.8 miles located within the CNF boundary and approximately 0.4 mile located outside the CNF boundary; runs from Boulder Creek Road east to the Cuyamaca Peak communications site.
Distribution Line C157: Approximately 3.5 miles in total length, with approximately 1.8 miles located within the CNF boundary and approximately 1.7 miles located outside the CNF boundary; runs from Skye Valley Road, near Lyons Valley Road, east to Skye Valley Ranch.
Distribution Line C440: Approximately 24.0 miles in total length, with approximately 17.7 miles located within the CNF boundary and approximately 6.3 miles located outside the CNF boundary; runs from Glencliff Substation northeast to Mount Laguna along Sunrise Highway.
Distribution Line C442: Approximately 6.2 miles in total length, with approximately 3.7 miles located within the CNF boundary and approximately 2.5 miles located outside the CNF boundary; runs south from Pine Valley Road to Los Pinos Peak Forest Station and along Pine Creek Road south toward the community of Pine Valley.
Distribution Line C449: Approximately 6.7 miles in total length, with approximately 5.8 miles located within the CNF boundary and approximately 5.8 miles located within the CNF boundary and approximately 0.9 mile located outside the CNF boundary; runs from Old Highway 80 south along Buckman Springs Road to Oak Drive and southwest along Morena Stokes Valley Road to Camp Morena.
Application of SDG&E for a Permit to Construct the Cleveland National Forest Power Line Replacement Projects
Docket Number:
A.12-10-009
Filing Date: Wednesday, October 17, 2012