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Talbot Hills Substation
Current Limiting Reactors (CLRs)
Project Narrative and Decision Criteria Compliance
Project Description
Puget Sound Energy (PSE) is proposing to install six Current Limiting Reactors (CLRs) within a fenced
enclosure adjacent to the existing Talbot Hills Substation in Renton. The substation property is located
in the Benson neighborhood within the R-8 zoning district. The property in located within a regional
utility corridor that includes Bonneville Power Administration’s (BPA) Maple Valley Substation at 2500
Royal Hill Drive (parcel #s 2023059062 and 2123049042); PSE, BPA and Seattle City Light (SCL)
transmission lines, and Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) underground facilities. The proposed CLR
installation will occur on parcel 2023059066, east of the existing PSE substation. PSE and BPA have two
substations adjacent to one another on Talbot Hill in Renton separated by Benson Way South, a private
road that serves as a SPU corridor. Transmission level bulk power is received by PSE at the Talbot Hill
Substation from BPA’s adjoining Maple Valley Substation through two existing 230 kV transmission line
interties.
The project consists of installing six CLRs, one for each phase of the two transmission line interties (3
phases per intertie). The CLRs are large, highly customized coils that are each supported by three
insulators. For safety and security purposes, the CLRs will be installed on elevated pedestals with
foundations, and enclosed by an eight foot tall security fence. A new 190’ long by 85’ gravel pad will be
constructed to support the CLRs and the enclosure. The equipment will be accessed by a new
approximately 330’ long by 15’ wide gravel access road that will originate on the PSE parcel 2023059003
from the Talbot Hill Substation driveway. Stormwater from the new impervious surface will be split
between a new infiltration drywell and the existing stormwater pond that serves the substation. No
modifications to the existing stormwater pond will occur. The proposal also includes the installation of a
new three-pole 230 kV H-frame (77’, 67’, 77’ above grade) outside the fenced area to accommodate a
reconfiguration of an existing transmission line needed as part of the substation modernization. No tree
or significant vegetation removal is proposed as part of this project.
The purpose of the CLRs is to prevent significant impacts to BPA’s substation equipment during an
electrical fault event due to the interconnection between the 230 kV transmission lines. To mitigate for
that potential, BPA and PSE have been working together to determine a solution to the potential
problem. The best solution is to install the CLRs on the transmission lines to connect the two
substations. The CLRs act as a large surge protector for the substation equipment should an electrical
fault occur.
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Originally, BPA was tasked to install the CLRs within their Maple Valley Substation. However, due to
space limitations and other significant design factors, it was determined that BPA could not install the
CLRs within their station. As a result, PSE has taken on the responsibility of installing the CLRs.
Construction is tentatively scheduled to commence in August of 2019.
Required Land Use Permits
Based upon the scope of the work proposed, the City has determined that this project requires
Conditional Use approval for the CLRs, Variance approval for the fence height, and a SEPA threshold
determination.
Conditional Use Permit Criteria
RMC 4-9-030 Conditional Use Permits:
D. Decision Criteria:
Except for wireless communication facilities, the Administrator or Hearing Examiner shall consider, as
applicable, the following factors for applications.
1. Consistency with Plans and Regulations: The proposed use shall be compatible with the
general goals, objectives, policies and standards of the Comprehensive Plan, the zoning
regulations and any other plans, programs, maps or ordinances of the City of Renton.
Response: The proposed use is compatible with the general goals, objectives, policies and
standards of the Comprehensive Plan, zoning regulations and other plans, programs, maps or
ordinances of the City of Renton. The CLRs support electric existing as well as future utility
service to the residents and businesses within the City of Renton. The CLR utility use is
permitted as a conditional use within the R-8 zoning district, subject to compliance with
applicable standards. As demonstrated herein, the proposed project complies with applicable
standards. The City of Renton Comprehensive Plan policies focus on ensuring that adequate
utility services will be available to support existing and future development in the City, including:
Policy U-1: All utility services and systems should be consistent with the growth projections and
development concepts established in this comprehensive plan.
Policy U-7: Non-City utility systems should be constructed in a manner that minimizes negative
impacts to existing development and should not interfere with operations of City utilities. City
development regulations should otherwise not impair the ability of utility providers to
adequately serve customers.
Goal U-O: Promote the availability of safe, adequate, and efficient electrical service within the
City and its planning area, consistent with the regulatory obligation of the utility to serve
customers.
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Policy U-67: Coordinate with local and regional electricity providers to ensure the siting and
location of transmission and distribution facilities is accomplished in a manner that minimizes
adverse impacts on the environment and adjacent land uses.
Policy U-68: Encourage electricity purveyors to make facility improvements and additions
within existing utility corridors whenever possible.
2. Appropriate Location: The proposed location shall not result in the detrimental
overconcentration of a particular use within the City or within the immediate area of the
proposed use. The proposed location shall be suited for the proposed use.
Response: The proposed location will not result in a detrimental overconcentration of a
particular use within the City or within the immediate area of the proposed use. The CLRs will
be located adjacent to the existing Talbot Hills Substation. This location is necessary due to the
function of the CLRs to support the PSE and BPA transmission lines within the utility corridor.
No other use besides utility infrastructure is appropriate to be located on the project site.
3. Effect on Adjacent Properties: The proposed use at the proposed location shall not result in
substantial or undue adverse effects on adjacent property.
Response: The proposed use at the proposed location will not result in substantial or undue
adverse effects on adjacent property. The adjacent property includes an existing regional utility
corridor with electric infrastructure and other underground utilities operated by various
providers. The property downhill to the south of the site is owned by PSE and contains
transmission lines, significant trees, and recreational facilities. This parcel serves as a buffer to
the residential community to the south. The CLRs will be situated on the site adjacent to the
existing substation north of the existing access driveway and behind a group of significant trees.
4. Compatibility: The proposed use shall be compatible with the scale and character of the
neighborhood.
Response: The proposed use is compatible with the scale and character of the neighborhood, as
it includes the installation of transmission line supporting equipment within an existing regional
utility corridor containing multiple utility bulk transmission line facilities. The site is zoned
residential, however the nearest residential development is downhill a significant distance away
and separated from the site by significant trees and other transmission line facilities.
5. Parking: Adequate parking is, or will be made, available.
Response: The proposed CLRs will not require additional parking area. There is area for parking
of maintenance vehicles on the substation site.
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6. Traffic: The use shall ensure safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians and shall mitigate
potential effects on the surrounding area.
Response: The proposed CLRs will not generate vehicle or pedestrian traffic and will not result
in effects on the surrounding area.
7. Noise, Light, and Glare: Potential noise, light and glare impacts from the proposed use shall be
evaluated and mitigated.
Response: Noise from the CLRs will not exceed existing site noise levels and will be within
regulated noise thresholds. No light or glare impacts are anticipated.
8. Landscaping: Landscaping shall be provided in all areas not occupied by buildings, paving, or
critical areas. Additional landscaping may be required to buffer adjacent properties from
potentially adverse effects of the proposed use.
Response: The proposed CLRs will not impact existing landscaping and significant trees on the
site. There is significant buffering of adjacent properties through existing site landscaping and
trees, as well as significant trees on the adjacent parcel to the south owned by PSE.
Variance Criteria
RMC 4-9-250 Variances, Waivers, Modifications, and Alternates
B. Variance Procedures
5. Decision Criteria: Except for variances from critical areas regulations, a determination shall be made
in writing that the conditions specified below have been found to exist.
a. That the applicant suffers practical difficulties and unnecessary hardship and the variance is
necessary because of special circumstances applicable to the subject property, including size,
shape, topography, location or surroundings of the subject property, the strict application of the
Zoning Code is found to deprive the subject property owner of rights and privileges enjoyed by
other property owners in the vicinity and under identical zone classification;
Response: The strict application of the zoning code to limit fence height around electrical utility
infrastructure is not practical or safe. The existing substation facility on the site is surrounded
by an 8 foot high chain link fence, which meets PSE safety and security standards. The BPA
substation to the east across Beacon Way South has similar fencing for safety and security
purposes. To not allow an 8 foot high fence around the CLRs would be inconsistent with existing
utility facilities within the zoning district and would deprive PSE from the ability to safely and
securely operate the CLRs.
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b. That the granting of the variance will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or
injurious to the property or improvements in the vicinity and zone in which the subject property
is situated;
Response: The granting of the variance will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare
or injurious to the property or improvements in the vicinity or zone. Allowing an 8 foot high
fence is consistent with existing utility infrastructure fencing on the site and within the adjacent
utility corridor properties. The fenced enclosure will be set back on the property uphill from
residential development in the vicinity, but not directly adjacent to the site.
c. That approval shall not constitute a grant of special privilege inconsistent with the limitation
upon uses of other properties in the vicinity and zone in which the subject property is situated;
Response: The approval will not constitute a grant of special privilege inconsistent with the
limitation upon uses of other properties in the vicinity and zone. The 8 foot high fence is
consistent with existing utility infrastructure fencing on the site and in the vicinity and meets
safety and security standards.
d. That the approval is a minimum variance that will accomplish the desired purpose.
Response: The approval is a minimum variance that will accomplish the desired purpose. The 8
foot standard is the minimum fence height that will meet safety and security needs for the
proposed CLR enclosure.
Soil Type and Drainage Conditions: See project drainage report.
Estimated Construction Cost: $4 million
Cut/Fill Quantities: 1050 cubic yards/1200 cubic yards
Trees to be Removed: None
Zoning Standard Compliance
Zoning District: R-8
Use: Large Utility – permitted with Hearing Examiner Conditional Use approval
Front Yard: Min. required = 20 feet/Proposed = 218 feet
Secondary Front Yard: Min. required = 15 feet/Proposed = 185 feet
Rear Yard: Min. required = 20 feet/Proposed = 982 feet
Side Yard: Min. required = 5 feet/Proposed = N/A
Building Coverage: Max. required = 50%/Proposed = N/A
Impervious Coverage: Max. required = 65%/Proposed = 32%
Landscaping: No change from existing