Antelope Valley Station to Neset Transmission Project: Draft EIS Volume I and Volume 2

This environmental impact statement (EIS) prepared by the U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA),Rural Utilities Service (RUS) provides information about the potential environmental
impacts of the proposed Antelope Valley Station (AVS) to Neset Transmission Project. This
project, proposed by Basin Electric Power Cooperative (Basin Electric), would include a new
345-kilovolt (kV)transmission line connecting the existing AVS, Charlie Creek, Williston, and
Neset substations and the newly proposed Judson and Tande 345-kV substations. In addition to
the approximately 190 miles of new 345-kV transmission line, the project would also construct
two new 345 kV substations (Judson Substation west of Williston and Tande Substation
southeast of Tioga), and several miles of 230-kV transmission line to connect the 345-kV
transmission line into the existing area system.
In addition to complying with all applicable federal regulations, several permits and approvals
must be granted by the state of North Dakota prior to construction. The North Dakota Public
Service Commission (NDPSC) must grant a Certificate of Corridor Compatibility and a Route
Permit in accordance with North Dakota Century Code.
Basin Electric has requested financial assistance from RUS to construct the project. RUS has
determined that its decision about whether to finance the project would constitute a major federal
action that may have a significant impact on the environment, within the context of the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). RUS serves as the lead federal agency for the
NEPA environmental review of the project.
Basin Electric, RUS, and Western held public scoping meetings on November 15 and 16, 2011.
These meetings were held in Williston and Killdeer, North Dakota.
Basin Electric and RUS will hold public hearings on the Draft EIS. These meetings will occur in
Killdeer and Williston, North Dakota on January 15 and 16, 2013. The public is encouraged to
provide oral comments at the public meetings and to submit written comments to RUS by
January 21, 2013. This Draft EIS evaluates the environmental consequences that may result
from the proposed action along two route alternatives. In addition, the EIS also analyzes the noaction alternative, under which RUS would not approve financial assistance for the project.

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/SupportDocuments/uwpdraftEISVol1.pdf

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/SupportDocuments/uwpdraftEISVol2.pdf