Big Eddy-Ostrander Conductor Replacement Project (DOE/EA - 2287)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) proposes to replace the existing conductor (the transmission wires) on about 67 miles of its existing Big Eddy-Ostrander No. 1 500-kilovolt transmission line, which begins at BPA’s Big Eddy Substation in The Dalles, Oregon and continues west to Ostrander Substation near Eagle Creek, Oregon. The transmission line was originally constructed in 1960 and consists of lattice steel structures. The existing conductor’s replacement parts are no longer available to maintain the existing conductor, and the existing conductor is past its service-life. In some locations, the existing transmission structures would be increased in height to maintain a safe distance between the ground and the conductor.

The existing access road network would also be improved, as needed. This work could include improving or reconstructing the access roads (blading, grading, rocking), and installing, replacing, or improving drainage features (drain dips, water bars, culverts), fords, gates, and cattle guards. Landings would be created at the base of certain lattice structures to provide safe parking and turnarounds for transmission line maintenance crews and equipment. 

To meet electrical reliability requirements, BPA is also proposing to remove trees (danger trees) that pose a threat of falling or growing into the conductor and causing unplanned electrical outages. Most of the tree removal would occur along the edge of the right-of-way.   
     

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

To understand the potential environmental impacts of this proposal, BPA prepared an environmental assessment (EA) following the procedures of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The EA analyzed the proposed action, as well as the no-action alternative. The EA described anticipated impacts to natural and human resources and identifies mitigation measures to help avoid or minimize impacts. The draft EA was released for public review and comment in March 2025; comments were received on the draft EA from 14 entities. The final EA and FONSI were released on July 10, 2025. 

The proposed schedule for the environmental review was as follows:

Scoping comment period – June 17, 2022 to July 18, 2022

EA determination – January 17, 2025 

Draft EA available for public comment – March 27, 2025 to April 26, 2025

Final EA – July 10, 2025

Finding of No Significant Impact – July 8, 2025

If decision to build, construction start – Spring 2026

CURRENT STATUS

BPA has released its final EA and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). The FONSI includes a Mitigation Action Plan to help avoid or lessen potential impacts.

CONTACT

For environmental information, contact:
Beth Belanger
Environmental Protection Specialist
Bonneville Power Administration – ECT-4
PO Box 3621 Portland, Oregon 97208-3621
Toll-free: 800-622-4519
Direct line: 503-230-7579
Email: babelanger@bpa.gov 

For project information, contact:
Tina Edwards
Project Manager
Bonneville Power Administration – TEPL-CSB-2
PO Box 3621, Portland, Oregon 97208-3621
Toll-free: 800-622-4519
Direct line: 360-418-1792 
Email: tbedwards@bpa.gov

DOCUMENTS

FINAL EA & FONSI:
Final EA – 508 compliant  July 2025
Final EA – Track changes July 2025
FONSI & Mitigation Action Plan  July 8, 2025
Public Letter July 10, 2025

EA Determination January 17, 2025

SCOPING
Scoping comments received 
Public Letter  June 17, 2022
Project Map  June 17, 2022
Comment Form          June 17, 2022