|
LEGAL NOTICE The Montana Department
of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will conduct a public meeting on a proposed
161 kV transmission line. HELENA—The DEQ will conduct a
public meeting to identify public concerns and issues relating to
NorthWestern Corporation’s (NorthWestern) proposed 161 kV electric
transmission line between Three Rivers Substation north of Three Forks, MT
and Jackrabbit Substation near Four Corners, west of Bozeman, MT. On October 23, 2003, a pubic meeting will
be held at 7:00 PM in the Belgrade Middle School cafeteria, 410 Triple Crown
Road, Belgrade, MT to gather concerns and issues about the project. Substantial concerns and issues will be
addressed in an environmental assessment being prepared by DEQ. NorthWestern is proposing to upgrade
an existing transmission line, which will include reconstructing an existing
50 kV and adding a new 161 kV line to the reconstructed line. The line is approximately 30 miles long,
and will connect the existing Three Rivers Substation, three miles northeast
of Three Forks, to the existing Jackrabbit Substation near Fours Corners,
west of Bozeman. The purpose of the
project is to provide reliable electrical service to the Bozeman and Belgrade
area and to serve growing loads in these areas. NorthWestern proposes to use the existing 50 kV transmission
line corridor, with the possibility of a few local changes. NorthWestern proposes to install
new equipment and expand the Three Rivers and Jackrabbit Substations. Additionally, the company proposes to build
a new substation between I-90 and West Hulbert Road that will be used to
serve customers in this high growth area. The new line will consist of a
combination of single-pole, wooden structures placed approximately 300 feet
apart. These structures would be
substantially taller than the existing structures. In some areas two-pole wooden “H-frame” structures may be used
to allow longer spacing between structures.
DEQ will make reasonable
accommodations for persons with disabilities who wish to participate in the
public meeting. A person in need of
accommodation should contact Tom Ring at DEQ at (406) 444-6785 to advise of
the needed accommodation no later than October 17, 2003. A brief description of the Three
Rivers-Jackrabbit Project and maps showing the proposed route are available
on-line at the following address: http://www.deq.state.mt.us/pcd/emb/fs/fs.htm Oral scoping comments will be
accepted at the public meeting.
Written comments will be accepted until November 23, 2003 and may be
submitted via post or e-mail to the following addresses: Montana Department of
Environmental Quality Environmental Management Bureau Three Rivers- Jackrabbit Project PO Box 200901 Helena, MT 59620-0901 E-mail to: ThreeRivers_Jackrabbit_
Comments@mt.gov October 6, 2003 |