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Energize Eastside Project
Final Environmental Impact Statement
VOLUME 1
MARCH 2018
PREPARED FOR:
The Cities of Bellevue, Newcastle,
Redmond and Renton
PREPARED BY:
ESA
Contents
FINAL EIS PAGE I
TABLE OF CONTENTS MARCH 2018
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.1 Energize Eastside Project ........................................................................................................... 1‐1
1.2 Need for a SEPA EIS .................................................................................................................... 1‐3
1.3 Applicant’s Objectives for the Energize Eastside Project ........................................................... 1‐4
1.4 SEPA Review Process for the Project ......................................................................................... 1‐6
1.5 How this EIS was Developed ...................................................................................................... 1‐8
1.6 Partner City Review Process ....................................................................................................... 1‐8
1.7 Public Input ................................................................................................................................ 1‐9
1.8 Alternatives Evaluated in the Final EIS ....................................................................................... 1‐9
1.8.1 No Action Alternative ...................................................................................................................... 1‐10
1.8.2 PSE’s Proposed Alignment: New Substation and Overhead 230 kV Transmission Lines ................. 1‐10
1.9 Environmental Review and Next Steps in the Energize Eastside EIS Process .......................... 1‐10
1.10 Elements of the Environment not Analyzed in the Final EIS .................................................... 1‐11
1.11 Key Findings of the EIS (Summary by Element of the Environment) ....................................... 1‐13
2.1 Final EIS Project Alternatives ...................................................................................................... 2‐4
2.1.1 No Action Alternative ........................................................................................................................ 2‐4
2.1.2 PSE's Proposed Alignment: New Substation and 230 kV Transmission Lines .................................... 2‐5
2.1.3 Construction .................................................................................................................................... 2‐35
2.2 Alternatives Considered but Not Included ............................................................................... 2‐44
2.2.1 From the Phase 1 Draft EIS .............................................................................................................. 2‐44
2.2.2 From the Phase 2 Draft EIS .............................................................................................................. 2‐44
2.2.3 For the Final EIS ............................................................................................................................... 2‐44
2.3 Benefits and Disadvantages of Delaying the Project ............................................................... 2‐45
3.1 Phase 1 Draft EIS Errata Items .................................................................................................... 3‐1
3.2 Phase 2 Draft EIS Errata Items .................................................................................................. 3‐10
4.1 Land Use and Housing ............................................................................................................. 4.1‐1
4.1.1 Relevant Plans, Policies, and Regulations ....................................................................................... 4.1‐3
4.1.2 Land Use and Housing in the Study Area ........................................................................................ 4.1‐3
4.1.3 Long‐term (Operation) Impacts Considered ................................................................................... 4.1‐3
4.1.4 Long‐term Impacts: No Action Alternative ..................................................................................... 4.1‐4
4.1.5 Long‐term Impacts: PSE’s Proposed Alignment .............................................................................. 4.1‐5
4.1.6 Mitigation Measures ..................................................................................................................... 4.1‐22
4.2 Scenic Views and the Aesthetic Environment ......................................................................... 4.2‐1
4.2.1 Relevant Plans, Policies, and Regulations ....................................................................................... 4.2‐1
4.2.2 Scenic Views and the Aesthetic Environment in the Study Area .................................................... 4.2‐2
4.2.3 Long‐term (Operation) Impacts Considered ................................................................................... 4.2‐4
4.2.4 Long‐term Impacts: No Action Alternative ..................................................................................... 4.2‐8
4.2.5 Long‐term Impacts: PSE’s Proposed Alignment .............................................................................. 4.2‐8
4.2.6 Mitigation Measures ..................................................................................................................... 4.2‐51
4.3 Water Resources ..................................................................................................................... 4.3‐1
4.3.1 Relevant Plans, Policies, and Regulations ....................................................................................... 4.3‐3
FINAL EIS PAGE II
TABLE OF CONTENTS MARCH 2018
4.3.2 Existing Water Resources in the Study Area ................................................................................... 4.3‐3
4.3.3 Long‐term (Operation) Impacts Considered ................................................................................... 4.3‐8
4.3.4 Long‐term Impacts: No Action Alternative ..................................................................................... 4.3‐9
4.3.5 Long‐term Impacts: PSE’s Proposed Alignment .............................................................................. 4.3‐9
4.3.6 Mitigation Measures ..................................................................................................................... 4.3‐21
4.4 Plants and Animals .................................................................................................................. 4.4‐1
4.4.1 Relevant Plans, Policies, and Regulations ....................................................................................... 4.4‐3
4.4.2 Plants and Animals in the Study Area ............................................................................................. 4.4‐5
4.4.3 Long‐term (Operation) Impacts Considered ................................................................................... 4.4‐8
4.4.4 Long‐term Impacts: No Action Alternative ..................................................................................... 4.4‐9
4.4.5 Long‐term Impacts: PSE’s Proposed Alignment .............................................................................. 4.4‐9
4.4.6 Mitigation Measures ..................................................................................................................... 4.4‐23
4.5 Greenhouse Gases ................................................................................................................... 4.5‐1
4.5.1 Greenhouse Gas Compounds Considered in this Analysis .............................................................. 4.5‐1
4.5.2 Carbon Sequestration ..................................................................................................................... 4.5‐2
4.5.3 Greenhouse Gases in the Study Area ............................................................................................. 4.5‐2
4.5.4 Relevant Plans, Policies, and Regulations ....................................................................................... 4.5‐3
4.5.5 Long‐term (Operation) Impacts Considered ................................................................................... 4.5‐3
4.5.6 Long‐term Impacts: No Action Alternative ..................................................................................... 4.5‐4
4.5.7 Long‐term Impacts: PSE’s Proposed Alignment .............................................................................. 4.5‐4
4.5.8 Mitigation Measures ....................................................................................................................... 4.5‐7
4.6 Recreation ............................................................................................................................... 4.6‐1
4.6.1 Relevant Plans, Policies, and Regulations ....................................................................................... 4.6‐1
4.6.2 Recreation Resources in the Study Area ......................................................................................... 4.6‐1
4.6.3 Long‐term (Operation) Impacts Considered ................................................................................... 4.6‐3
4.6.4 Long‐term Impacts: No Action Alternative ..................................................................................... 4.6‐3
4.6.5 Long‐term Impacts: PSE’s Proposed Alignment .............................................................................. 4.6‐3
4.6.6 Mitigation Measures ..................................................................................................................... 4.6‐18
4.7 Historic and Cultural Resources .............................................................................................. 4.7‐1
4.7.1 Relevant Plans, Policies, and Regulations ....................................................................................... 4.7‐1
4.7.2 Historic and Cultural Resources in the Study Area ......................................................................... 4.7‐2
4.7.3 Long‐term (Operation) Impacts Considered ................................................................................... 4.7‐4
4.7.4 Long‐term Impacts: No Action Alternative ..................................................................................... 4.7‐5
4.7.5 Long‐term Impacts: PSE’s Proposed Alignment .............................................................................. 4.7‐5
4.7.6 Mitigation Measures ..................................................................................................................... 4.7‐17
4.8 Environmental Health ‐ Electric and Magnetic Fields ............................................................. 4.8‐1
4.8.1 Relevant Plans, Policies, and Regulations ....................................................................................... 4.8‐1
4.8.2 Magnetic Fields in the Study Area .................................................................................................. 4.8‐6
4.8.3 Long‐term (Operation) Impacts Considered ................................................................................... 4.8‐6
4.8.4 Long‐term Impacts: No Action Alternative ..................................................................................... 4.8‐7
4.8.5 Long‐term Impacts: PSE’s Proposed Alignment .............................................................................. 4.8‐8
4.8.6 Mitigation Measures ..................................................................................................................... 4.8‐17
4.9 Environmental Health – Pipeline safety .................................................................................. 4.9‐1
4.9.1 Relevant Plans, Policies, and Regulations ....................................................................................... 4.9‐2
4.9.2 Pipelines in the Study Area ............................................................................................................. 4.9‐3
4.9.3 Reported Causes of Unintentional Pipeline Damage ...................................................................... 4.9‐9
4.9.4 Major Risks to Public from Unintentional Pipeline Release .......................................................... 4.9‐14
4.9.5 Risks During Operation ................................................................................................................. 4.9‐17
4.9.6 Long‐term Impacts on Resources ................................................................................................. 4.9‐25
4.9.7 Impact Comparison by Segment ................................................................................................... 4.9‐30
4.9.8 Mitigation Measures ..................................................................................................................... 4.9‐37
FINAL EIS PAGE III
TABLE OF CONTENTS MARCH 2018
4.10 Economics.............................................................................................................................. 4.10‐1
4.10.1 Tree Cover Along Transmission Line Corridor ............................................................................... 4.10‐2
4.10.2 Long‐term Impacts from Operation of the Project ....................................................................... 4.10‐3
4.10.3 Mitigation Measures ..................................................................................................................... 4.10‐5
4.11 Earth Resources ..................................................................................................................... 4.11‐1
4.11.1 Relevant Plans, Policies, and Regulations ..................................................................................... 4.11‐5
4.11.2 Seismic Hazards in the Study Area ................................................................................................ 4.11‐6
4.11.3 Long‐term (Operation) Impacts Considered ................................................................................. 4.11‐8
4.11.4 Long‐term Impacts: No Action Alternative ................................................................................... 4.11‐8
4.11.5 Long‐term Impacts: PSE’s Proposed Alignment ............................................................................ 4.11‐9
4.11.6 Mitigation Measures ................................................................................................................... 4.11‐13
5.1 Land Use and Housing ............................................................................................................. 5.1‐1
5.1.1 Short‐term (Construction) Impacts Considered .............................................................................. 5.1‐1
5.1.2 Short‐term (Construction) Impacts: PSE’s Proposed Alignment ..................................................... 5.1‐1
5.1.3 Mitigation Measures ....................................................................................................................... 5.1‐2
5.2 Scenic Views and the Aesthetic Environment ......................................................................... 5.2‐1
5.2.1 Short‐term (Construction) Impacts Considered .............................................................................. 5.2‐1
5.2.2 Short‐term (Construction) Impacts: PSE’s Proposed Alignment ..................................................... 5.2‐1
5.3 Water Resources ..................................................................................................................... 5.3‐1
5.3.1 Short‐term (Construction) Impacts Considered .............................................................................. 5.3‐1
5.3.2 Short‐term (Construction) Impacts: PSE’s Proposed Alignment ..................................................... 5.3‐1
5.3.3 Mitigation Measures ....................................................................................................................... 5.3‐9
5.4 Plants and Animals .................................................................................................................. 5.4‐1
5.4.1 Short‐term (Construction) Impacts Considered .............................................................................. 5.4‐1
5.4.2 Short‐term (Construction) Impacts: PSE’s Proposed Alignment ..................................................... 5.4‐2
5.4.3 Mitigation Measures ....................................................................................................................... 5.4‐7
5.5 Greenhouse Gases ................................................................................................................... 5.5‐1
5.5.1 Short‐term (Construction) Impacts Considered .............................................................................. 5.5‐1
5.5.2 Short‐term (Construction) Impacts: PSE’s Proposed Alignment ..................................................... 5.5‐1
5.5.3 Mitigation Measures ....................................................................................................................... 5.5‐2
5.6 Recreation ............................................................................................................................... 5.6‐1
5.6.1 Short‐term (Construction) Impacts Considered .............................................................................. 5.6‐1
5.6.2 PSE’s Proposed Alignment: New Substation and 230 kV Transmission Lines ................................. 5.6‐1
5.6.3 Mitigation Measures ....................................................................................................................... 5.6‐8
5.7 Historic and Cultural Resources .............................................................................................. 5.7‐1
5.7.1 PSE’s Proposed Alignment: New Substation and 230 kV Transmission Lines ................................. 5.7‐1
5.8 Environmental Health ‐ Electric and Magnetic Fields ............................................................. 5.8‐1
5.9 Environmental Health – Pipeline Safety .................................................................................. 5.9‐1
5.9.1 Risks During Construction ............................................................................................................... 5.9‐1
5.9.2 Risks During Construction: No Action Alternative .......................................................................... 5.9‐2
5.9.3 Risks During Construction: PSE’s Proposed Alignment ................................................................... 5.9‐2
5.9.4 Mitigation Measures ....................................................................................................................... 5.9‐4
5.10 Economics.............................................................................................................................. 5.10‐1
5.11 Earth ...................................................................................................................................... 5.11‐1
FINAL EIS PAGE IV
TABLE OF CONTENTS MARCH 2018
6.1 SEPA and EIS Process .................................................................................................................. 6‐3
6.2 Project objectives ....................................................................................................................... 6‐3
6.3 Alternatives ................................................................................................................................ 6‐4
6.4 Land Use and Housing ................................................................................................................ 6‐4
6.5 Scenic Views and the Aesthetic Environment ............................................................................ 6‐5
6.6 Water Resources ........................................................................................................................ 6‐6
6.7 Plants and Animals ..................................................................................................................... 6‐8
6.8 Greenhouse Gases ...................................................................................................................... 6‐9
6.9 Recreation ................................................................................................................................ 6‐10
6.10 Cultural and Historic Resources ............................................................................................... 6‐11
6.11 Environmental Health– Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) .................................................... 6‐12
6.12 Environmental Health – Pipeline Safety ................................................................................... 6‐12
6.13 Noise ......................................................................................................................................... 6‐14
6.14 Economics................................................................................................................................. 6‐15
6.15 Earth ......................................................................................................................................... 6‐16
6.16 Transportation .......................................................................................................................... 6‐17
6.17 Energy and Utilities .................................................................................................................. 6‐18
6.18 Public Services .......................................................................................................................... 6‐19
7.1 Land Use and Housing ................................................................................................................ 7‐1
7.2 Scenic Views and the Aesthetic Environment ............................................................................ 7‐1
7.3 Water Resources ........................................................................................................................ 7‐1
7.4 Plants and Animals ..................................................................................................................... 7‐2
7.5 Greenhouse Gases ...................................................................................................................... 7‐2
7.6 Recreation .................................................................................................................................. 7‐2
7.7 Cultural and Historic Resources ................................................................................................. 7‐3
7.8 Environmental Health – Electric and Magnetic Fields ............................................................... 7‐3
7.9 Environmental Health – Pipeline Safety ..................................................................................... 7‐3
7.10 Economics................................................................................................................................... 7‐3
7.11 Earth Resources .......................................................................................................................... 7‐4
8.1 Land Use and Housing ................................................................................................................ 8‐1
8.2 Scenic Views and the Aesthetic Environment ............................................................................ 8‐1
8.3 Water Resources ........................................................................................................................ 8‐2
8.4 Plants and Animals ..................................................................................................................... 8‐2
8.5 Greenhouse Gases ...................................................................................................................... 8‐2
8.6 Recreation .................................................................................................................................. 8‐3
8.7 Historic and Cultural Resources ................................................................................................. 8‐3
8.8 Environmental Health – Electric and Magnetic Fields ............................................................... 8‐3
8.9 Environmental Health – Pipeline Safety ..................................................................................... 8‐3
8.10 Economics................................................................................................................................... 8‐4
8.11 Earth Resources .......................................................................................................................... 8‐4
FINAL EIS PAGE V
TABLE OF CONTENTS MARCH 2018
LIST OF APPENDICES (BOUND SEPARATELY AS VOLUME 2)
APPENDIX A: Construction and Access
APPENDIX B: Supplemental Information: Land Use
APPENDIX C: Scenic Views and Aesthetic Environment Methodology
APPENDIX D: Critical Areas Regulations by City
APPENDIX E: Supplemental Information: Vegetation
APPENDIX F: Recreation Policies
APPENDIX G: Supplemental Information: Historic Resources
APPENDIX H: Supplemental Information: EMF (Unique Uses in the Study Area)
APPENDIX I: Supplemental Information: Pipeline Safety
APPENDIX J: Comments and Responses on the Phase 1 Draft EIS*
APPENDIX K: Comments and Responses on the Phase 2 Draft EIS*
APPENDIX L: Comparison of Data Sources
APPENDIX M: Mitigation Measures
* For printed copies of the Final EIS, Appendix J‐2 and Appendix K are bound separately as Volume 3 and
Volume 4, respectively
FINAL EIS PAGE VI
TABLE OF CONTENTS MARCH 2018
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1‐1. PSE 230 kV Transmission System in the Eastside .................................................................... 1‐2
Figure 1‐2. Phased EIS Process ................................................................................................................... 1‐7
Figure 1‐3. Permitting Required for the Energize Eastside Project by Partner Cities .............................. 1‐12
Figure 2‐1. PSE's Proposed Alignment: 230 kV Transmission Line Corridor Summary, by Segment
(Conceptual) ............................................................................................................................... 2‐6
Figure 2‐2. Conceptual Site Plan for the New Richards Creek Substation ................................................. 2‐8
Figure 2‐3. Existing Conditions at the New Richards Creek Substation ..................................................... 2‐9
Figure 2‐4. Construction Sequencing ....................................................................................................... 2‐38
Figure 2‐5. Transmission Line Pole and Wire Installation ........................................................................ 2‐42
Figure 4.1‐1. Study Area for Land Use and Housing ............................................................................... 4.1‐2
Figure 4.2‐1. Study Area for the Analysis of Scenic Views and Aesthetic Environment ......................... 4.2‐3
Figure 4.2‐2. Locations of Key Viewpoints used in the Aesthetic Environment Analysis ....................... 4.2‐6
Figure 4.2‐3a. Existing Conditions for Cellular Equipment at 13630 SE Allen Road, Bellevue,
Looking Northeast ................................................................................................................. 4.2‐10
Figure 4.2‐4. KVP 1, Existing and Proposed Conditions of Richards Creek Substation from SE 30th
Street Looking East ................................................................................................................ 4.2‐14
Figure 4.2‐5. KVP 2, Existing and Proposed Conditions from Redmond Way Looking Northwest ....... 4.2‐17
Figure 4.2‐6. KVP 3, Existing and Proposed Conditions from 13540 NE 54th Place Looking
Northeast .............................................................................................................................. 4.2‐20
Figure 4.2‐7. KVP 4, Existing and Proposed Conditions from 13508 NE 29th Place Looking South ....... 4.2‐21
Figure 4.2‐8. KVP 5, Existing and Proposed Conditions from 2160 135th Place SE Looking
Southeast ............................................................................................................................... 4.2‐24
Figure 4.2‐9. KVP 6, Existing and Proposed Conditions from 703 130th Place SE (Kelsey Creek
Park) Looking Northeast ........................................................................................................ 4.2‐25
Figure 4.2‐10. KVP 7, Existing and Proposed Conditions from 13606 Main Street Looking North ...... 4.2‐26
Figure 4.2‐11. KVP 8, Existing and Proposed Conditions from 13636 Main Street Looking West ........ 4.2‐27
Figure 4.2‐12. Bellevue South Segment ‐ Aesthetic Impact Area and Scenic View Obstruction
Area in the Somerset Neighborhood .................................................................................... 4.2‐31
Figure 4.2‐13. KVP 9, Existing and Proposed Conditions from 4411 Somerset Drive SE Looking
Southeast ............................................................................................................................... 4.2‐32
Figure 4.2‐14. KVP 10, Existing and Proposed Conditions from 13300 SE 44th Place, Looking East ..... 4.2‐33
Figure 4.2‐15. KVP 11, Existing and Proposed Conditions from 4730 Somerset Drive SE Looking
West ...................................................................................................................................... 4.2‐34
Figure 4.2‐16. Aesthetic Impact Area resulting from the Newcastle Segment Option 1 (No Code
Variance) ............................................................................................................................... 4.2‐36
Figure 4.2‐17. KVP 12, Existing and Proposed Conditions from 8446 128th Avenue SE Looking
Northeast (Option 1) ............................................................................................................. 4.2‐38
Figure 4.2‐18. KVP 13, Existing and Proposed Conditions from Lake Boren Park Looking
Southwest (Option 1) ............................................................................................................ 4.2‐39
FINAL EIS PAGE VII
TABLE OF CONTENTS MARCH 2018
Figure 4.2‐19. KVP 12, Existing and Proposed Conditions from 8446 128th Avenue SE
Looking Northeast (Option 2) ................................................................................................ 4.2‐42
Figure 4.2‐20. KVP 13, Existing and Proposed Conditions from Lake Boren Park
Looking Southwest (Option 2) ............................................................................................... 4.2‐43
Figure 4.2‐21. KVP 14, Existing and Proposed Conditions from 1026 Monroe Avenue NE
Looking North ........................................................................................................................ 4.2‐48
Figure 4.2‐22. KVP 15, Existing and Proposed Conditions from Glennwood Court SE
Looking North ........................................................................................................................ 4.2‐49
Figure 4.2‐23. Existing Views from the Cedar River Trail ...................................................................... 4.2‐50
Figure 4.2‐24. Example of a Painted 115 kV Transmission Line Pole in Bellevue
(near the intersection of NE 24th Street and Bel‐Red Road) ................................................. 4.2‐55
Figure 4.3‐1. Water Resources in the Study Area ................................................................................... 4.3‐2
Figure 4.4‐1. Study Area and Land Cover for Plants and Animals .......................................................... 4.4‐2
Figure 4.4‐2. Vegetation Management Zones for 115 kV Transmission Lines ....................................... 4.4‐4
Figure 4.4‐3. Vegetation Management Zone for 230 kV Transmission Lines ......................................... 4.4‐5
Figure 4.4‐4. Total Trees Surveyed ......................................................................................................... 4.4‐6
Figure 4.4‐5. Total Trees and Significant Trees Subject to Removal, by Segment ................................ 4.4‐10
Figure 4.4‐6. Percentage of Surveyed Trees Subject to Removal, by Segment .................................... 4.4‐11
Figure 4.4‐7. Total Trees and Significant Trees per Acre, Subject to Removal, by Segment ................ 4.4‐12
Figure 4.4‐8. Trees in Critical Habitats and Buffers, Subject to Removal, by Segment ........................ 4.4‐13
Figure 4.5‐1. Sources of GHG Emissions in Washington State ................................................................ 4.5‐3
Figure 4.5‐2. Estimated GHG Sequestration Losses in Project Segments ............................................... 4.5‐5
Figure 4.6‐1. Recreation Sites in the Study Area .................................................................................... 4.6‐2
Figure 4.7‐1. Study Area for Historic and Cultural Resources ................................................................. 4.7‐3
Figure 4.8‐1. Study Area for the EMF Analysis ........................................................................................ 4.8‐2
Figure 4.9‐1. Existing Electric Transmission Lines and Natural Gas/Petroleum Pipelines in the
Study Area ............................................................................................................................... 4.9‐4
Figure 4.9‐2. Number of Reported Pipeline Incidents by Cause, 2010–2015 ....................................... 4.9‐10
Figure 4.9‐3. Average Volume (Barrels) Per Incident by Cause, 2010–2015 ........................................ 4.9‐11
Figure 4.9‐4. Cathodic Protection System Components ....................................................................... 4.9‐13
Figure 4.9‐5. Shield Wire ....................................................................................................................... 4.9‐14
Figure 4.9‐6. Typical Pool Fire and Heat Flux Areas Diagram ............................................................... 4.9‐16
Figure 4.11‐1. Seismic Hazards in the Earth Resources Study Area ...................................................... 4.11‐2
Figure 6‐1. Comment by Type .................................................................................................................... 6‐1
Figure 6‐2. Comment by Type .................................................................................................................... 6‐2
Figure 8‐1. Areas with Significant Impacts to the Aesthetic Environment ................................................ 8‐1
FINAL EIS PAGE VIII
TABLE OF CONTENTS MARCH 2018
LIST OF TABLES
Table 2‐1. Summary of Proposed Typical Pole Types .............................................................................. 2‐15
Table 2‐2. Summary of Proposed Atypical Pole Types ............................................................................. 2‐16
Table 4.2‐1. Key Viewpoints Selected for the Visual Quality Analysis in the Final EIS ........................... 4.2‐4
Table 4.2‐2. Potential Placement of Cellular Equipment on Project Facilities ....................................... 4.2‐9
Table 4.2‐3. Considerations for Selecting Pole Finishing ...................................................................... 4.2‐54
Table 4.3‐1. Streams in the Study Area ................................................................................................... 4.3‐4
Table 4.3‐2. Wetlands in the Study Area ................................................................................................ 4.3‐6
Table 4.8‐1. Exposure Guidelines and Levels from the ICNIRP, ACGIH, and IEEE ................................... 4.8‐5
Table 4.8‐2. Calculated Magnetic Fields along the Existing Transmission Line Corridor based on
2027–2028 Loading ................................................................................................................. 4.8‐8
Table 4.9‐1. Miles of Transmission Line and Olympic Pipelines Co‐location in Study Area with
PSE’s Proposed Alignment, by Segment ................................................................................ 4.9‐25
Table 4.10‐1. Current Ecological Value of Trees in the Entire Alignment and in Each Segment .......... 4.10‐4
Table 4.10‐2. Loss of Ecological Value .................................................................................................. 4.10‐6
Table 5.3‐1. Short‐term Impacts to Water Resources in the Study Area by Segment ........................... 5.3‐4
Table 5.4‐1. Impacts to Plants and Animals by Segment and Option ..................................................... 5.4‐4
Table 5.6‐1. Short‐term Impacts to Recreation Sites in the Study Area by Segment ............................. 5.6‐2
Fact Sheet
FINAL EIS PAGE I
FACT SHEET MARCH 2018
FACT SHEET
NAME OF PROPOSAL
Energize Eastside Project
PROPONENT
Puget Sound Energy (PSE)
PROJECT LOCATION
The project involves improvements to PSE’s electrical grid in the Eastside area of King County, to
address a deficiency in electrical transmission capacity. The area identified by PSE as having a
transmission capacity deficiency is situated between Redmond in the north to Renton in the south,
and between Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish. The study area goes through the jurisdictions
of Redmond, Bellevue, Newcastle, King County, and Renton.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The purpose of the project is to address a projected deficiency in transmission capacity resulting from
growth in electrical demand, which could affect the future reliability of electrical service for the
Eastside. PSE proposes to construct and operate a major new transformer served by approximately 16
miles of new high-capacity electric transmission lines (230 thousand volts [kilovolts, or kV])
extending from Redmond to Renton. The proposed transformer would be placed at a new substation
near the center of the Eastside. Electrical power would be transmitted to this substation and the
voltage lowered, or “stepped down” (transformed), from 230 kV to 115 kV for distribution to local
customers. PSE has proposed a preferred alignment for the transmission lines, referred to in this Final
EIS as “PSE’s Proposed Alignment.”
The City of Bellevue is overseeing the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process in cooperation
with the jurisdictions of Kirkland, Newcastle, Redmond, and Renton (collectively referred to as the
Partner Cities). The City of Bellevue is the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) nominal Lead
Agency. The Energize Eastside EIS is a Phased EIS (Washington Administrative Code [WAC] 197-
11-060(5)). The Phase 1 Draft EIS (released in January 2016) broadly evaluated at a programmatic
level the general impacts and implications associated with feasible and reasonable options available
to address PSE’s identified objectives for the project. The Phase 2 Draft EIS (released in May 2017)
was a project-level evaluation, describing impacts at a project-specific level for a group of potential
route segments and options. The project-level Phase 2 Draft EIS incorporated the Phase 1 Draft EIS
by reference. Based on the results of the Phase 2 Draft EIS analysis, PSE has refined the proposed
route of the transmission lines and associated project components, as evaluated in greater detail in
this Final EIS. Although the City of Kirkland is a Partner City, the project-level analysis does not
include Kirkland because PSE’s Proposed Alignment for Energize Eastside does not pass within
Kirkland city limits.
FINAL EIS PAGE II
FACT SHEET MARCH 2018
SUMMARY OF ALTERNATIVES AND OPTIONS
No Action Alternative
PSE would continue to manage its maintenance programs to reduce the likelihood of equipment failure,
and would continue to stockpile additional equipment so that repairs could be made quickly. As
appropriate, conductor replacement on existing lines would occur. New 230 kV overhead transmission
lines and a new substation would not be constructed.
PSE’s Proposed Alignment: New Substation and 230 kV Transmission Lines
New Substation Construct a new substation, the “Richards Creek” substation, adjacent to the
existing Lakeside substation in Bellevue.
New Overhead
Transmission Lines
Construct approximately 16 miles of new 230 kV overhead transmission lines
between the Sammamish and Talbot Hill substations. This would occur entirely
within PSE’s existing transmission line corridor connecting these two
substations.
CONSTRUCTION TIMING FOR THE PROJECT
PSE intends to start construction on the new substation and the south portion of the transmission line
by the summer of 2018, if possible. This timeframe is based on a projected capacity deficiency that
could affect system reliability by that date. After the south portion is completed, construction on the
north portion would begin during PSE’s next available construction work window, which is
anticipated to be spring of 2019.
STATE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT LEAD AGENCY
The City of Bellevue is the Lead Agency. The following municipalities are SEPA Co-Lead Agencies
for the project: Kirkland, Newcastle, Redmond, and Renton.
SEPA RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL
Carol Helland
Development Services Department
City of Bellevue
450 110th Avenue NE
Bellevue, WA 98004
EIS CONTACT PERSON
Heidi Bedwell
Energize Eastside EIS Program Manager
City of Bellevue
450 110th Avenue NE
Bellevue, WA 98004
Phone: (425) 452-4862
Email: HBedwell@bellevuewa.gov
FINAL EIS PAGE III
FACT SHEET MARCH 2018
CONTACT PERSON FOR EACH CO-LEAD AGENCY
City of Kirkland
Jeremy McMahan
Development Services - Planning Manager
(425) 587-3229
jmcmahan@kirklandwa.gov
City of Newcastle
Steve Osguthorpe
Community Development Director
(425) 649-4444
steveo@newcastlewa.gov
City of Redmond
Catherine Beam, AICP
Principal Planner
(425) 556-2429
cbeam@redmond.gov
City of Renton
Jennifer Henning, AICP
Planning Director
(425) 430-7286
Jhenning@rentonwa.gov
GOVERNMENTAL ACTIONS
Approvals and permits that may be required for the project are listed below by jurisdictional level.
Federal
Section /404 permit—U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Endangered Species Act consultation—National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Fisheries and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Section 106 National Historic Preservation Act Consultation – Triggered by federal nexus;
lead federal agency must consult with Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation
State
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Construction Stormwater General Permit—
Washington State Department of Ecology
Section 401 Water Quality Certification—Washington State Department of Ecology
Coastal Zone Management Consistency Determination—Washington State Department of
Ecology
Hydraulic Project Approval—Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Utility Rate Approval —Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission
FINAL EIS PAGE IV
FACT SHEET MARCH 2018
Local City or County
Local City or
County
City of
Redmond
City of
Bellevue
City of
Newcastle
City of
Renton
King
County
Shoreline Exemption
Zoning Conditional
Use Permit
Critical Areas Permit
Building and Related
Permits
Clearing and Grading
Permit
Right-of-Way Permit
AUTHORS AND PRINCIPAL CONTRIBUTORS
This Final EIS was prepared under the direction of the City of Bellevue as the Lead Agency, in
consultation with the Co-Lead Agencies (i.e., Partner Cities).
Research and analyses were provided by the following consultant firms:
Environmental Science Associates (ESA) – Alternatives development; analysis of land use
and housing, scenic views and the aesthetic environment, water resources, plants and
animals, greenhouse gas, recreation, historic and cultural resources, electric and magnetic
fields (EMF), pipeline safety, ecosystem services, and earth resources; response to public
comments; and EIS document coordination and production.
Enertech Consultants – Peer review of EMF modeling.
FCS Group – Economic analysis.
EDM Services – Pipeline safety risk analysis.
Stantec – Peer review of pipeline corrosion analysis.
Asher Sheppard Consulting – Literature review of the health effects of EMF.
DATE OF ISSUE
March 1, 2018
FINAL EIS PAGE V
FACT SHEET MARCH 2018
AVAILABILITY OF THE FINAL EIS
Copies of the Final EIS and/or Notices of Availability have been distributed to agencies, tribal
governments, and organizations on the Distribution List in Chapter 10.
The Final EIS may be viewed online or downloaded from the project website
www.EnergizeEastsideEIS.org or may be viewed at the following locations:
Libraries
Bellevue Library
1111 110th Ave NE
Bellevue, WA 98004
Newcastle Library
12901 Newcastle Way
Newcastle, WA 98056
Redmond Library
15990 NE 85th St
Redmond, WA 98052
Newport Way Library
14250 SE Newport Way
Bellevue, WA 98006
Renton Highlands Library
2810 NE 10th Street
Renton, WA 98056
Renton Library
100 Mill Ave S
Renton, WA 98057
Lake Hills Library
15590 Lake Hills Blvd
Bellevue, WA 98007
Kirkland Library
308 Kirkland Avenue
Kirkland, WA 98033
City Offices
City of Bellevue Development Services
Department
City Hall
450 110th Ave NE
Bellevue, WA 98004
City of Newcastle Planning Division
City Hall
12835 Newcastle Way, Suite 200
Newcastle, WA 98056
Redmond City Hall
Development Services Center (2nd floor)
15670 NE 85th St
Redmond, WA 98052
City of Renton Planning Division
City Hall, 6th floor
1055 S Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
City of Kirkland Planning Services
City Hall
123 5th Ave
Kirkland, WA 98033
Printed copies are available to purchase for the cost of reproduction of $275 for Volume 1 (Final
EIS) and Volume 2 (technical appendices), and a CD of Volumes 3 and 4 (response to comments) by
contacting the project email at info@EnergizeEastsideEIS.org or by calling Environmental Science
Associates at (206) 789-9658. Printed copies of Volumes 3 and 4 are available for additional cost
upon request. Copies of the EIS on a thumb drive may also be obtained (available at no charge) at all
four of the city offices listed directly above.
FINAL EIS PAGE VI
FACT SHEET MARCH 2018
AVAILABILITY OF BACKGROUND MATERIALS
The Final EIS includes appendices with information that is important to help understand the EIS
analysis and response to public comments on the Phase 1 Draft EIS and Phase 2 Draft EIS. Other
background materials developed specifically for this project and used by the consultants are available
on the project website at www.EnergizeEastsideEIS.org, including interactive maps that display pole
and tree locations, critical areas and critical area buffers, parks, and trails.