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HomeMy WebLinkAboutC_Eskenazi_response November 26, 2019 Penny and Morrey Eskenazi 951 Lynnwood Ave NE Renton, WA 98056 SUBJECT: Puget Sound Energy’s Energize Eastside / LUA18-000055 CU-H, SME Dear Mr. and Mrs. Eskenazi: 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, 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. 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. 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 n 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