Welcome to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) website for the environmental review of the proposed El Casco System Project (Proposed Project). The Proposed Project includes construction of the El Casco Substation; upgrades to the Zanja and Banning Substations; transmission line upgrades and installation from the new El Casco Substation, located within the Norton Younglove Reserve, east to the Banning Substation in the City of Banning; and telecommunications improvements.

The objective of Southern California Edison's (SCE's) Proposed Project is to build the electrical facilities necessary to serve forecasted demand in Calimesa, Beaumont, and the surrounding areas of unincorporated northern Riverside County, and to maintain safe and reliable service to customers in the area.

The Proposed Project was subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and was approved by the CPUC on December 18, 2008. This site provides access to public documents and information relevant to the CEQA environmental review process and project implementation.

Recirculated (Revised) Final Environmental Impact Report

The CPUC, as Lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), prepared the Recirculated Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for consideration of SCE's Proposed El Casco System Project. The Recirculated Final EIR was prepared in compliance with CEQA, and includes responses to comments received during the Recirculated Draft EIR comment period (July 9, 2008 through August 22, 2008), updates to the original Final EIR resulting from new information presented in the Recirculated Draft EIR, and any text changes resulting from the comments submitted and a feasibility review of mitigation measures.

The Recirculated Final EIR was released for public review on October 17, 2008 and made available for review at several area libraries and on this Project website. The Recirculated Draft EIR, the original Draft EIR, and the original Final EIR were also made available in their entirety on the Project website (see below). Copies of these documents were also made available on CD-ROM and could be requested by phone or fax at (877) 576-8342, or by e-mail at elcasco@aspeneg.com.

Recirculated (Revised) Draft Environmental Impact Report

The CPUC, as Lead agency under CEQA, prepared a Recirculated Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR) for consideration of Southern California Edison Company's (SCE) Proposed El Casco System Project (Proposed Project).

The Recirculated Draft EIR for the Proposed Project was prepared to inform the public of changes to the document resulting from new information provided by SCE regarding the ambient noise levels adjacent to the existing single-circuit 115 kV subtransmission line. This information was received subsequent to the CPUC publishing the Final EIR on April 11, 2008.

The Recirculated Draft EIR contains an updated noise analysis (Section D.9) reflecting the new information received from SCE; an updated cumulative noise effects analysis (also in Section D.9), an updated Comparison of Alternatives analysis (Section E) the includes a revised discussion of the Environmentally Superior Alternative; and an updated Executive Summary summarizing the changes to the above mentioned sections. Only those sections that have changed from the original Draft EIR published in December 2007 (discussed below) are included in the recirculated EIR, per CEQA Guidelines §15088.5(c).

The Recirculated Draft EIR was released for public review for 45 days on July 9, 2008. The Recirculated Draft EIR public review period ended on August 22, 2008.

Original Environmental Impact Reports

The CPUC prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR) in December 2007. The Draft EIR details the Proposed Project, evaluates and describes the potential environmental impacts associated with the construction and operation of the Proposed Project, identifies those impacts that could be significant, and presents mitigation measures, which, if adopted by the CPUC or other responsible agencies, could avoid or minimize these impacts. The Draft EIR also evaluated alternatives to the Proposed Project, including the No Project Alternative, as required by CEQA. The Draft EIR was released for public review for 45 days on December 12, 2007. The Draft EIR public review period ended on January 25, 2008.

The CPUC published the Final Environmental Impact Report (Final EIR) on April 11, 2008. The Final EIR was prepared in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and included responses to comments received during the original Draft EIR comment period from December 12, 2007 through January 25, 2008 and any text changes resulting from the comments submitted.

• Original Draft EIR (December 2007)
  
• Original Final EIR (April 2008)
  

Public Meetings and Hearings

The CPUC held one Pre-Hearing Conference and four public meetings to provide information on the Project and to take public comments.

During the scoping period (July 16, 2007 through August 14, 2007), the CPUC held one Pre-Hearing Conference and two public scoping meetings in two locations in northern Riverside County on August 1, 2007, as follows:

During the Draft EIR public review period, the CPUC held public workshops and public participation meeting in the City of Banning on January 9, 2008 as follows:

Scoping Report

In September 2007, a comprehensive Scoping Report was issued that summarized the issues and concerns received from the public and various agencies during the scoping period (July 16, 2007 through August 14, 2007), and presents copies of all written comments received. Approximately 15 letters and emails were received during the NOP scoping period from public agencies and private citizens.

The Appendices to the Scoping Report are available here:

• Appendix A
• Appendix B
• Appendix C
• Appendix D part 1
• Appendix D part 2
• Appendix D part 3

Notice of Preparation

In accordance with CEQA, a Notice of Preparation (NOP) of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the El Casco System Project was issued on July 16, 2007 (also see the list of Available Documents below). The NOP summarizes the Proposed Project and advises the public and interested parties of the scoping process for the upcoming environmental impact review. The dates, locations, and times of the CPUC's pre-hearing conference and scoping meetings are identified in the NOP.

Repository Sites

All project-related documents were made available for review at the following project information repository locations:

CEQA Process and CPUC General Proceeding

CEQA requires the CPUC to take into account the environmental impacts that could result from the Proposed Project, and requires the preparation of an EIR if the Project has the potential to result in significant impacts to the environment. CEQA also requires that the EIR development process include public notice of the Proposed Project and address relevant environmental concerns that the public may have regarding the Proposed Project.

The initial public scoping and comment period for the Proposed Project was 30 days per CEQA requirements, from July 16, 2007, until August 14, 2007. During this period, public comments were accepted and two public scoping meetings and a pre-hearing conference were held, prior to selection of alternatives and the preparation of the analysis documented in the EIR. The intent of the scoping process was to obtain input from affected agencies and members of the public on the scope and content of the EIR.

The Draft EIR includes an objective analysis of the potential environmental impacts of the Proposed Project. In addition, the Draft EIR provides a detailed discussion of alternatives, including a comparison of each alternative to the Proposed Project. Per CEQA requirements, the Draft EIR was distributed for a 45-day public review period. A notice of completion (NOC) of the Draft EIR was filed with the State Clearinghouse by the CPUC. The CPUC considered all comments on the Draft EIR, prepared responses to comments, and revised the document (as necessary) prior to issuance of the Final EIR on April 11, 2008. The Final EIR included responses to comments received on the Draft EIR during the original public review period.

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) also prepared a Recirculated Draft EIR for consideration of the Proposed El Casco System Project. The Recirculated Draft EIR was prepared to inform the public of changes to the document resulting from new information provided by SCE regarding the ambient noise levels adjacent to the existing single-circuit 115 kV subtransmission line. SCE provided this information subsequent to the CPUC publishing the Final EIR on April 11, 2008. The Recirculated Draft EIR was released for public review for a 45 days on July 9, 2008. The Recirculated Draft EIR public review period ended August 22, 2007. A NOC was filed with the State Clearinghouse by the CPUC.

On October 17, 2008, the CPUC released the Recirculated Final EIR for the Proposed El Casco System Project. The Recirculated Final EIR was prepared in compliance with the California Environmental Quality, and includes responses to comments received during the Recirculated Draft EIR comment period (July 9, 2008 through August 22, 2008), updates to the original Final EIR resulting from new information presented in the Recirculated Draft EIR, and any text changes resulting from comments submitted and a feasibility review of mitigation measures.

Other Available Documents

• Notice of Preparation of an Environmental Impact Report for the El Casco System Project Proposed by Southern California Edison Company prepared by the CPUC (July 16, 2007)
  
  
• Fact Sheet - El Casco System Project prepared by CPUC (June 2007)
  
  
• Southern California Edison's Proponent's Environmental Assessment (PEA) (March 14, 2007)
  
  Note: The link above provides access to 59 manageably sized files comprising the PEA. The complete PEA is also available for download from the Southern California Edison website as a single very large file (155 MB). This file size means a very long download time, not advisable for anyone with a dialup connection.

Project Description

Construction of the El Casco Substation. The new 14-acre El Casco 220/115/12 kV Substation would be located on a 28-acre plot within the Norton Younglove Reserve in Riverside County. This component would include associated 220 kV and 115 kV interconnections and new 12 kV distribution line connections (getaways). The substation would be designed with a low profile (structures no taller than 40 feet). Landscaping around the substation would incorporate primarily native vegetation and would be designed to screen views of the substation site. Once constructed, the substation would be an unattended, automated 220/115/12 kV substation.

Upgrades to the Zanja and Banning Substations. The 115 kV switchracks within the Zanja and Banning Substations, located in the Cities of Yucaipa and Banning, respectively, would be rebuilt to accommodate the new 115 kV subtransmission line, thereby allowing for at least two subtransmission lines to serve each substation at all times. This would reduce the likelihood of temporary power outages, which currently occur due to the fact that each substation is served by only one 115 kV subtransmission line at a time. If there is a problem with the primary (or "preferred") line, a brief delay currently occurs before the secondary (or "emergency") line can be connected. The upgrades to the Zanja and Banning Substations would eliminate this delay by providing a connection for a second 115 kV subtransmission line for each substation that would be active at all times. Replacement of the switchracks in both substations would occur within the existing fenced-in areas.

Transmission Line Upgrades and Installation. These upgrades would include replacement of existing single-circuit 115 kV subtransmission lines with new, higher capacity lines; tying existing 115 kV and 220 kV lines into the new El Casco Substation (looping in); and installation of new 12 kV distribution line getaways at the El Casco Substation.

The proposed upgrades of the existing single-circuit subtransmission lines would include the following:

• Approximately 13 miles of single-circuit 115 kV lines would be replaced with 115 kV double-circuit lines between the new El Casco Substation and the Banning Substation, traversing the Cities of Banning, Beaumont, and unincorporated Riverside County. Single-circuit 115 kV structures would be replaced with 115 kV double-circuit structures.
  
  
• Approximately 1.9 miles of single-circuit 115 kV subtransmission line would be replaced with new, higher capacity single-circuit 115 kV subtransmission lines and new support structures within existing SCE rights-of-way (ROWs) in the City of Beaumont and unincorporated Riverside County.
  
  
• Approximately 0.5 miles of single-circuit 115 kV subtransmission line would be replaced with new, higher capacity single-circuit 115 kV subtransmission lines on existing support structures in the City of Beaumont.

The existing San Bernardino–Maraschino 115 kV subtransmission line would be looped into the new El Casco Substation 115 kV switchrack on two new approximately 900-foot line segments between the existing ROW and the 115 kV switchrack. The Devers–San Bernardino No. 2 220 kV transmission line would be looped into the new 220 kV switchrack at the El Casco Substation on two new approximately 500-foot line segments between the existing ROW and the 220 kV switchrack. Two approximately 400-foot underground duct banks would be constructed for the 12 kV distribution line getaways, traversing beneath San Timoteo Creek and the railroad tracks. These distribution lines would eventually be connected to future distribution lines in the area.

Telecommunications Improvements. Proposed improvements to the telecommunications systems as part of the Proposed Project include the construction of a microwave system at the proposed El Casco Substation and SCE's existing Mill Creek Communications Site in the San Bernardino National Forest, as well as installation of fiber optic cables within public streets and on existing SCE structures in the Cities of Banning, Beaumont, Calimesa, Redlands, and Yucaipa, as well as unincorporated parts of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

The following link provides a general Project map: Map 1-General Location  (2.5MB)

Additional maps and figures for the Proposed Project and alternatives are can be found in the Proponent's Environmental Assessment, which is provided as a link.

Commission Decision

D.08-12-031 - Issued December 18, 2008

Attachment A - CPUC CEQA Findings of Fact

Project Activities Subsequent to CPUC Approval

On December 18, 2008, CPUC approved the El Casco System Project. Compliance review for pre-construction mitigation measures identified in the Mitigation Monitoring Plan as presented in the Final EIR is being conducted by CPUC. This plan ensures that the approved project will be conducted as defined, and that all adopted mitigation measures and Applicant Proposed Measures will be implemented in order that effects on the environment do not exceed those described in the Final EIR. CPUC Notices to Proceed will be issued for each project component, as requested by SCE, after compliance with pre-construction mitigation requirements is satisfied by SCE. A CPUC Environmental Monitor will monitor construction activities to ensure that they are conducted in accordance with the approved mitigation measures and permit conditions. Reports documenting this monitoring activity are available here.

For Additional Information

The CPUC, through its Environmental Review Team and per CEQA requirements, is conducting the environmental review process for the Proposed Project. To request additional information or to comment on the Draft EIR, please contact us by project email, fax, or phone, as follows:

The CPUC's Project Manager is:

Juralynne Mosley, CPUC Project Manager
California Public Utilities Commission
505 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco CA 94102
Tel. (415) 703-2210
Fax (415) 703-2200
Email: jbm@cpuc.ca.gov