HomeMy WebLinkAboutC_Whitworth_response
November 26, 2019
Janet Whitworth
1122 N 38th Street
Renton, WA 98056
SUBJECT: Puget Sound Energy’s Energize Eastside / LUA18-000055 CU-H, SME
Dear Ms. Whitworth:
Thank you for your comments on Puget Sound Energy’s Energize Eastside Conditional Use Permit
Application, your comments have been included in the official file for consideration by the decision maker.
In addition, you have been added as a party of record for this project, as a party of record, you will receive
copies of correspondence from the City on this project. Your original letter to me included concerns
related to project need, safety concerns with respect to pole proximity to the Olympic pipeline, tree
removal, and other less costly options for energy reliability. My responses to your comments are provided
below:
1. Project Need: The proposed transmission line upgrade is permitted within the City of Renton
subject to the approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) by the Hearing Examiner. The City’s
regulations do not require that the applicant demonstrate that the project in needed in order for
a Conditional Use Permit to be granted. However, PSE has conducted studies regarding the need
of the project and has made those studies available for City staff and the public to review.
2. Pipeline Safety: Safety concerns regarding transmission line pole proximity to the Olympic
Pipeline is a concern that is shared by the City and was studied extensively during the
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process. Appendix J of the Final EIS addresses many of
these comments (see page J1-28 and J1- 51). In addition, sections 4.9, 5.9, 6.12, 7.9, 8.9, and
Appendix I of the FEIS address pipeline safety. The EIS established potential mitigation measures
that would be adopted as project conditions focused on project safety in proximity to the Olympic
Pipeline.
3. Tree Removal: The City will review the proposal for compliance with the adopted Tree Retention
and Land Clearing Regulations. As the proposed transmission line upgrade is proposed within
PSE’s existing transmission line corridor, fewer trees will be required to be removed than if PSE
were proposing a new corridor. Although vegetation will be removed within the corridor as part
of the project, PSE is proposing to replace removed trees with transmission line compatible
species. Outside of the corridor, opportunities exist to replace removed trees with taller growing
species.
4. Lower Cost Alternatives: The City’s CUP process does not require that the applicant identify
alternatives to the project proposal. However, as part of the EIS process PSE was required to study
other alternatives, including conservation/energy efficiency, new generation, and batteries.
These alternatives were eventually eliminated because they did not solve the problem, did not
meet federal planning standards, and would be difficult to permit, or rely on voluntary
participation. Here is a link to the submitted Eastside System Energy Storage Alternatives
Assessment submitted by PSE:
https://edocs.rentonwa.gov/Documents/DocView.aspx?id=1338646&dbid=0&repo=CityofRento
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A public hearing on the proposal has been tentatively scheduled for December 17th at 9:00 am in the City
Council Chambers located on the 7th floor of City Hall, you may wish to attend and testify.
Please contact me at (425) 430-6598 or jding@rentonwa.gov if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Jill Ding
Senior Planner