BLM Opens 30-Day Public Scoping – El Paso Electric, Talavera Substation Project
BLM Opens 30-Day Public Scoping Period on Environmental Assessment for El Paso Electric Right-of-Way Applications
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Las Cruces District Office is currently preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) for right-of-way (ROW) applications submitted by El Paso Electric. The EA will analyze the potential effects from the construction, maintenance, and operation of the proposed Talavera Substation Project and maintenance of 10.4 miles of existing distribution lines in Doña Ana County. A 30-day public scoping period for the proposed Project is currently underway and will end on March 3, 2017.
El Paso Electric has identified a need to construct a new permanent Talavera Substation and make improvements to the electrical power grid that supports the city of Las Cruces and surrounding communities in southern New Mexico. The substation will convert 115-kilovolt (kV) electricity to 24-kV electricity for distribution and consumption.
The EA’s Proposed Action (Talavera Substation Project) is located on BLM-managed public land 3 miles east of Las Cruces, off Dripping Springs Road. The Talavera Substation would be connected to the existing Salopek to Arroyo 115-kV transmission line and its associated distribution lines.
Further details on El Paso Electric’s Plan of Development are available to the public at the BLM office.
Public comments on the proposed Talavera Substation Project will be accepted until March 3, 2017, and can be submitted via the following methods:
- File comments electronically to BLM_NM_LCDO_Comments@blm.gov. Please include “Talavera Substation EA” in the subject line of your email.
- Mail comments to BLM Las Cruces District Office, Attention: Talavera Substation EA, 1800 Marquess Street, Las Cruces, NM 88005
BLM requests all correspondence (email and mail) to identify if the comments are being submitted as an individual or as the designated spokesperson on behalf of an organization.
If you have questions regarding the proposed project contact Paula Montez, Project Lead, at (575) 525-4387 or via email at pmontez@blm.gov.