HomeMy WebLinkAboutC_Ossenkop_response
November 26, 2019
Kathleen and Dennis Ossenkop
3316 NE 12th Street
Renton, WA 98056
SUBJECT: Puget Sound Energy’s Energize Eastside / LUA18-000055 CU-H, SME
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Ossenkop:
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 electromagnetic fields, project need, and other less costly options for energy reliability. My
responses to your comments are provided below:
1. Electromagnetic Fields: The potential for environmental impacts related to electro-magnetic
fields (EMF) was addressed during the EIS process. The EIS states, “[t]here are no known health
effects from power frequency EMF. For all proposed segments and options, the calculated
magnetic field levels would be well below reference guidelines. Therefore, under PSE’s Proposed
Alignment, impacts would be less-than-significant.” The EIS also states that: “Operation of the
proposed transmission lines would result in a decrease of magnetic field levels for PSE’s Proposed
Alignment relative to the No Action Alternative” (i.e., current conditions). FEIS at page 4.8-9.
2. 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.
3. 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