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Vantage to Pomona Heights Chapter 2 230 kV Transmission Line Project FEIS Proposed Action and Alternatives PAGE 2-79 • Cause substantial disruption of underground utilities serving the Ammunition Supply Point, resulting in the need to relocate and reconstruct the utilities. This work would adversely affect the safe operation and maintenance of the Ammunition Supply Point; • Undergrounding east of the Vagabond Army Heliport would interfere with a proposed runway expansion; and • An alternative to undergrounding was available through re-routing around the perimeter of the Cantonment Area (Route Segment NNR-2). 2.5.1.4 Route Alternatives Considered and Eliminated This FEIS does not identify other route alternatives considered and eliminated not already addressed in the DEIS or SDEIS. Multiple preliminary route alternatives for Pacific Power’s proposed Vantage to Pomona Heights 230 kV Transmission Line Project were identified and presented for public and agency review during the scoping period for the DEIS from January 5, 2010 through March 8, 2010. During 2010, there were numerous changes to the route alternatives presented in the formal scoping period. As a result of the changes to the route alternatives, the BLM opened a second comment period between January 2011 and February 2011 to receive comments on the revised route alternatives. As previously described in Section 1.1, comments received on the DEIS resulted in the reconsideration of a route alternative similar to one previously considered and eliminated during the scoping period The NNR Alternative (FEIS Agency Preferred Alternative) is similar to a northern JBLM YTC route that was considered and eliminated from consideration because of the WECC line separation requirements in place at the time the alternative was being considered. Previously, the separation distance required the placement of the line in areas that would create conflicts with JBLM YTC’s aerial operations and training. After the publication of the DEIS, these separation requirements were revised by the electrical regulating authorities, WECC and NERC, and now would allow a much closer distance between existing lines and the proposed Project which would minimize impacts to JBLM YTC training operations and allowed the NNR Alternative to be reconsidered. Other route alternatives that remain considered and eliminated are discussed in this section. Alternative Route Segment along Highway 243-Grant County This alternative route segment generally followed SR-243 in Grant County, past the Desert Aire community, crossing the Saddle Mountains to a point just south of Beverly where it then paralleled the existing Midway-Vantage 230 kV Transmission Line into the Vantage Substation for a total route segment distance of 12.5 miles (see Figure 2-16). The concept with this alternative route segment was to utilize SR-243 for construction and maintenance access, with the placement of single steel or wood poles just outside of the edge of the highway ROW. The WSDOT , Aviation Division expressed concern about the impact this alternative route segment would have on the long-term viability of the Desert Aire Airport and its ability to function as an essential public facility. WSDOT conducted an airspace assessment of the route segment and concluded that based on the estimated pole height of 75 to 85 feet and an average span length of 600 feet, the route segment would encroach on the Desert Aire Airport airspace. Potential airspace conflicts included penetrating the approach surface of Runway 28 by 35 feet and being located in the Runway Protection Zone. These potential conflicts would represent significant threats to aircraft operations and safety at the airport. WSDOT recommended that this alternative route segment be eliminated from further consideration. This alternative route segment was eliminated from further consideration due to the significant threats to aircraft operations and safety at the Desert Aire Airport.