Metro – Sunset Transmission Line Project
Avista is committed to making sure your power is safe and reliable, which includes upgrading and replacing equipment when needed. Our transmission line that runs from the Sunset Substation below High Drive Bluff to the heart of downtown Spokane is slated for replacement. This is vital infrastructure that is critical to meeting our community’s ongoing needs.
This approximately two-mile line goes through publicly accessed trails and City of Spokane park property and includes upgrading 13 transmission structures from wood to steel. The substations on either end of the line, Sunset Substation below the bluff and Metro Substation in downtown, are being rebuilt to serve growth in the region. The line between them needs upgrading too. Construction is complete and the line was re-energized on October 20. Site restoration is underway and orange fencing has been installed in specific locations to support this effort. It will take at least 2-3 years to fully restore the vegetation. Avista will monitor restoration progress on an ongoing basis.
- See map
- Clearing and Grading Plans – Access Plans (pages 1-14) – updated May 2023 after considering community input
- Final Restoration Plan – updated October 2023 after project completion
Why rebuild?
- Upgrade aging structures - 50 years old
- Expand electrical capacity
- Enhance wildfire resiliency by moving from wood to steel poles
- Deliver safe and reliable power
Engagement
During the first few months of 2023, Avista reached out to neighborhood councils, Friends of the Bluff, and neighborhood residents in the vicinity of the Bluff to learn more about what the community wanted to see from this project. We extended our original comment period by an additional four weeks (to March 17) to help ensure everyone had a chance to provide input.
Avista appreciates the feedback we’ve received and want to do the best job we can to balance the needs of the project with the desires of key stakeholders, including trail users and those who live near the transmission line. Based on input, we are making some key changes to our project approach. To learn more, please see the FAQs and Project Updates below.
Q. What changes have you made with your approach to this project, based on community feedback?
A. Avista appreciates the feedback we received about this project during the comment period (Jan 1 – March 17, 2023). We want to do the best job we can balancing the needs of the project with the desires of key stakeholders, including trail users and those who live near the transmission line.
Based on input, we made some key changes to our project approach, with the goal to minimize ground disturbance by proceeding with the softest, lightest touch possible. These key changes included:
- We identified three structures (2/4, 2/5, 2/6) where crews could helicopter in the new poles. We can’t utilize this approach with every structure given the proximity to homes.
- We are also proposing using tracked vehicles to minimize vegetation impacts with limited road construction
- We are decreasing the number of construction pads used during the project
- We are planning to install gates and/or boulders to prevent motorized vehicle access
The goal will be to restore the site to pre-work condition and not leave access roads or pads. Avista revised our plans and posted the new plans on our project website in May.
Q. What additional changes have been made to the construction plans now that the contract has been awarded?
A. Potelco has been awarded the construction contract for this project. Their approach includes an innovative, strategic solution to further minimize ground disturbance to the bluff and trails with no road construction necessary. Instead of using tracked vehicles, hand digging and helicopters, the project will be constructed using two “walking” Kaiser Allroad Excavators. Dubbed “Spiders”, this equipment can operate on difficult and hard-to-access terrains, steep slopes, mud, snow, and rocks. With all-wheel drive and an operating weight of under 12 tons, this machine can easily drive to many difficult access locations. This alternate approach drives down safety risk, overall cost, and environmental and community impact.
Q. When will construction take place?
A. Avista has awarded the construction contract for this project to Potelco. They plan to begin construction on August 28 and intend to work six days a week from 7:00am – 5:30pm. The project will be completed by early November.
Q. How will you communicate about trail closures and re-openings during construction?
A. We have a number of communication channels we are planning to use during construction including frequent updates to our project website, emails to interested stakeholders (sign up at BluffProject@avistacorp.com), and coordination with City Parks and Friends of the Bluff to push out updates through their channels. We also plan to post signage at trail access points, as well as along the trails. Our goal is to keep trails open outside construction windows when it is safe to do so.
Q. What fire prevention measures will be used during construction?
A. Due to the risk of fire, Potelco (the contractor) has a Project Fire Prevention/Mitigation Plan and will brief all crews prior to work starting. The plan will include risk and mitigation measures, emergency contact information, where to locate daily fire danger levels, require firefighting equipment, and fire emergency procedures. A 500-gallon water buffalo will be positioned near daily work areas with enough hose to mitigate or take immediate action in case of emergency. When weather deems necessary, Potelco will also have a standby watchman for 30 minutes post any work activity. If a Red Flag Warning is issued for the immediate geographical area, all work will cease and be suspended until the warning is cancelled. Prior to exiting, crews will implement a one-hour fire watch after work has ceased.
Q. What will you do to prevent motorized vehicles from accessing the bluff using your construction roads?
A. We heard a number of concerns about this issue during the comment period. Avista will work with our contractor to place temporary barriers at access points to prevent motorized vehicle access during construction. Following construction and restoration, we will evaluate how best to block access points to allow only authorized access by fire and utility personnel, as needed.
Q. The restoration plans posted on your website are fairly vague. When will you have plans that are more detailed and complete?
A. Based on feedback, we revised our restoration plans and posted the updated plans to our project website in May. With the change to the use of “walking” excavators and resulting elimination of the need to construct roads and pads, the amount of restoration needed is anticipated to be minimal. Avista will work with the contractor and the City Parks Department to ensure disturbed areas are restored.
Q. Will you be replacing the trees that will be removed for this project?
A. AAvista will discuss the requirement for tree replacement with City of Spokane Parks forester. Tree replacement may not occur within the project impact area; however, it will occur in areas of the bluff with a greater need for tree cover.
Q. How do you plan to prevent the spread of noxious weeds like Scotch Broom?
A. Avista is currently working with a Washington State licensed herbicide applicator to target noxious weeks along the corridor. Prior to construction, Avista will clearly mark the Scotch Broom infestation areas so crews can avoid disturbance in those areas. Noxious weed control will occur before and after construction.
Q. Why don’t you use helicopters for this project, like you did a few years ago?
A. Based on community feedback, we took another look at our original approach and considered using helicopters to place some of the transmission structures. With the contract award to Potelco and their plan to use “walking” excavators, helicopters will not be needed for this project.
Q. Why don’t you put the transmission line underground?
A. Underground transmission lines are extremely rare. Not only do they operate with less capacity (transmission lines heat up and when they are underground, there is no way to cool so they lose capacity), but more importantly, they are less resilient (any sort of fault or equipment failure takes much longer to repair, resulting in huge service disruptions and highly invasive environmental impacts). Avista does not have the expertise to repair underground transmission lines and therefore would have to rely on highly specialized contractors, which would likely mean a service interruption of up to 30 days or longer. This system vulnerability is simply not acceptable to Avista. This means that going underground with transmission is typically not an option.
An additional consideration for the Bluff is the significant environmental impact. To install underground transmission lines would mean large excavation areas as well as the need to install roads and landing pads for concrete truck access.
The cost to underground transmission lines is extremely expensive. On average, overhead 115kV transmission lines are approximately $500,000 per mile. To underground this in rural areas or those with conditions that would accommodate undergrounding, the cost is 10 times or approximately $5 million per mile. For urban or basalt-type area undergrounding, the cost is 20 times or approximately $10 million per mile. These costs would be borne by all Avista customers through increased rates.
Q. But haven’t I heard of Avista undergrounding lines before?
A. You have likely heard about undergrounding distribution lines, which are the lines that connect power directly to homes and businesses. Transmission carries bulk electricity at higher voltages, while distribution lines operate at much lower voltages. Avista’s current operational standard is to install underground distribution lines for new developments unless the ground conditions make the costs unreasonable.
Project Updates
Construction to rebuild a two-mile stretch of the Metro to Sunset transmission line that began on August 28 is now complete! The new transmission line was successfully re-energized on October 20 and construction crews have completed their demobilization from the Bluff.
Site restoration crews are expected to be out on the Bluff next week to spread seed over all disturbed areas and place several erosion-control waddles. Orange fencing has been installed in several areas to help support the restoration efforts with “No Access - Restoration in Progress” signage posted.
Thanks to the use of the ‘spiders’ for most of the construction, there is very little restoration needed. This was noted by City Parks staff during last week’s project walk through with Avista and the project contractors to discuss the restoration plan. It will take at least 2-3 years (possibly up to 5 years) to fully restore the area and Avista will continue to monitor restoration progress to help ensure vegetation is re-established (when feasible). The final restoration plan is posted here.
City Parks will be installing a gate at the 17th & Ash project access point. They plan to leave room for pedestrians to pass through and access the Bluff. The gate will be locked to prevent unauthorized vehicles from accessing the Bluff.
Project signage posted at Bluff trailheads will be removed when restoration crews have completed their work.
Avista would like to extend a warm “Thank You!” to the residents in the neighborhoods impacted by this project. We appreciate your patience and understanding over the past several months!
Construction to rebuild a two-mile stretch of the Metro to Sunset transmission line is entering the eighth week and is nearing completion. Watch for rare, intermittent closures of the Polly Judd Trail and Ponderosa Trail as construction crews begin winding down. Restoration activities will begin following construction completion.
This Week:
- Complete direct embed excavation and anchor installation at pole 0/10
- Complete remaining wire work at 1/2, 1/3 and 2/10
- Install any remaining pole signage on project
- Clean up of right-of-way and pole locations 1/11 and 2/1-2/5
- Complete project walkthrough with City Parks to review proposed restoration plan
- Begin construction demobilization (Potelco, Inc.)
- Rare intermittent spot trail closures along the right-of-way if necessary for safety
- Continuous monitoring of tree protection zones and Scotch Broom (noxious weed) avoidance areas
Last Week:
- Completed transmission wire clipping on remaining structures
- Completed stringing and sagging of transmission wires across I-90 overnight on Oct. 11
- Continuous monitoring of tree protection zones and Scotch Broom (noxious weed) avoidance areas
The project runs from August 28 – November 10, 2023. Crews will be working six days a week (Mon-Sat) from 7:00 am – 5:30 pm. The project will be noisy at times and generate some increased traffic on residential streets in the area.
Next Project Update #12 to be published on October 23.
Construction to rebuild a two-mile stretch of the Metro to Sunset transmission line is entering the seventh week and is in the home stretch! Watch for rare, intermittent closures of the Polly Judd Trail and Ponderosa Trail, now that the new transmission wire has been completely installed along the Bluff.
This Week:
- Complete transmission wire clipping on remaining structures
- Prepare for and complete wire pull, sag, and clip of the transmission line across I-90 overnight on Wednesday, Oct. 11; work will necessitate rolling slowdowns on I-90 from 10 pm – 4 am.
- Install any remaining pole signage on project
- Clean up of pole locations at 1/11 and 2/1-2/5
- Rare intermittent spot trail closures along the right-of-way if necessary for safety
- Continuous monitoring of tree protection zones and Scotch Broom (noxious weed) avoidance areas
Last Week:
- Held onsite meeting to review and discuss proposed restoration plan
- Scheduled project walk through with City Parks (week of Oct 16) to review proposed restoration plan
- Completed sagging of transmission wire on all structures along the Bluff; completed clipping on most structures
- Continuous monitoring of tree protection zones and Scotch Broom (noxious weed) avoidance areas
The project runs from August 28 – November 10, 2023. Crews will be working six days a week (Mon-Sat) from 7:00 am – 5:30 pm. The project will be noisy at times and generate some increased traffic on residential streets in the area.
Construction to rebuild a two-mile stretch of the Metro to Sunset transmission line is entering the sixth week and is nearing completion! We are back to intermittent trail closures, now that all the new transmission wire has been installed. Watch for “Trail Closed” signage as well as safety flaggers when trails must be closed for crews to complete their work.
This Week:
- Complete sagging and clipping of transmission wire on structures 1/3 – 2/8
- Rare intermittent spot trail closures along the right-of-way if necessary for safety
- Continuous monitoring of tree protection zones and Scotch Broom (noxious weed) avoidance areas
Last Week:
- Installed additional anchor wires at structure 1/3
- Completed preparation and staging materials for installing new transmission wire
- Completed installation of new transmission wire along entire stretch of the project
- Continuous monitoring of tree protection zones and Scotch Broom (noxious weed) avoidance areas
The project runs from August 28 – November 10, 2023. Crews will be working six days a week (Mon-Sat) from 7:00 am – 5:30 pm. The project will be noisy at times and generate some increased traffic on residential streets in the area.
Next Project Update #10 to be published on October 9.
Construction to rebuild a two-mile stretch of the Metro to Sunset transmission line is entering the fifth week and is nearing completion. One of the last steps involves installing and pulling the new transmission wire connecting all the poles, which will necessitate a full trail closure.
The attached map shows where the trail closures will occur. The green highlighted line is the path of the transmission wires. Please note that the closures cover most of the trails and access to/from the trails.
It is very important that trail users stay away from the trails during the full trail closure due to the dangerous nature of having four phases of wire strung in the air. While stringing, the belly of the wire can sag and come close to the ground which is a safety hazard. Avista wants to keep everyone safe.
This Week:
- Install additional anchor wires at structure 1/3
- Continuous monitoring of tree protection zones and Scotch Broom (noxious weed) avoidance areas
- Preparation and staging materials for installing new transmission wire – Sept 26 & 26
- Watch for intermittent trail closures
- Installation of new transmission wire along entire stretch of the project– Begins Sept 27
- Trails will be Fully Closed as follows:
- Wed, Sept 27 – Sat, Sept 30 from 7:00am – 5:30pm
- Mon, Oct 2 from 7:00am – 5:30pm
- The trails will be open as follows:
- In the evenings after 5:30pm (the wire will be safely secured overnight)
- Sun, Oct 1 – All Day
Last Week:
- Completed remaining direct embed structure excavations
- Completed spotting of remaining structures 1/8, 1/10, 1/11 and 2/8 at construction sites
- Completed framing and setting of remaining structures 1/8, 1/10, 1/11, 2/7 and 2/8
- Demobilized one remaining spider excavator from construction site
- Continuous monitoring of tree protection zones and Scotch Broom (noxious weed) avoidance areas
The project runs from August 28 – November 10, 2023. Crews will be working six days a week (Mon-Sat) from 7:00 am – 5:30 pm. The project will be noisy at times and generate some increased traffic on residential streets in the area.
Next Project Update #9 to be published on October 2.
Construction to rebuild a two-mile stretch of the Metro to Sunset transmission line is nearing completion. One of the last steps involves installing and pulling the new transmission wire connecting all the poles.
It is very important that trail users stay away from the trails during the full trail closure due to the dangerous nature of having four phases of wire strung in the air. While stringing, the belly of the wire can sag and come close to the ground which is a safety hazard. Avista wants to keep everyone safe.
The Trails will be Fully Closed as follows:
- Wed, Sept 27 – Sat, Sept 30 from 7:00am – 5:30pm
- Mon, Oct 2 from 7:00am – 5:30pm
The trails will be open as follows:
- In the evenings after 5:30pm (the wire will be safely secured overnight)
- Sun, Oct 1 – All Day
The map shows where the trail closures will occur. The green highlighted line is the path of the transmission wires. Please note that the closures cover most of the trails and access to/from the trails.
Construction to rebuild a two-mile stretch of the Metro to Sunset transmission line continues into its fourth week. Intermittent closures of the Polly Judd Trail and Ponderosa Trail are necessary throughout the construction project. Watch for “Trail Closed” signage as well as safety flaggers when trails must be closed. Prepare for Complete Trail Closure starting Sept. 25 to perform wire pulling/installation (during construction work hours only).
Last Week:
- Spotted structures along the right-of-way at construction sites
- Completed hole excavation at pole location 1/8
- Framed and set structures 1/12 and 2/2 – 2/6
- Worked on existing access road to pole locations 2/7 and 2/8 (accessed from below the Bluff); completed drilling and installation of structures
- Demobilized one (of two) spider excavators from construction site
- Continuous monitoring of tree protection zones and Scotch Broom (noxious weed) avoidance areas
This Week:
- Complete remaining direct embed structure excavations
- Complete spotting of remaining structures 1/8, 1/10, 1/11 and 2/8 at construction sites
- Complete framing and setting of remaining structures 1/8, 1/10, 2/7 and 2/8
- Trail closure on access road to 2/7 (below the Bluff); Intermittent trail closures while setting structures at 1/8 and 1/10; Trail Closed signs will displayed at corresponding locations
- Set up conductor stringing sites in preparation for wire pulling work beginning Sept. 25
- Prepare for Complete Trail Closure starting Sept. 25 to perform wire pulling/installation (during construction work hours only)
- Continuous monitoring of tree protection zones and Scotch Broom (noxious weed) avoidance areas
The project runs from August 28 – November 10, 2023. Crews will be working six days a week (Mon-Sat) from 7:00 am – 5:30 pm. The project will be noisy at times and generate some increased traffic on residential streets in the area.
Next Project Update #8 to be published on September 25.
Construction to rebuild a two-mile stretch of the Metro to Sunset transmission line continues into its third week. Intermittent closures of the Polly Judd Trail and Ponderosa Trail are necessary throughout the construction project. Watch for “Trail Closed” signage as well as safety flaggers when trails must be closed.
Last Week:
- Spotted structures and gravel along the right-of-way at construction sites
- Built access to structures 1/8 and 1/9
- Working from the south to north, completed direct embed structure excavation from 2/2 to 1/10
- Completed remaining anchors at 2/5 and all anchors at 2/2 and 1/11; all anchors installed and tested
- Framed structures 2/1 and 1/12
- Set structure 2/1; transferred wire and wrecked out old structure
- Continuous monitoring of tree protection zones and Scotch Broom (noxious weed) avoidance areas
This Week:
- Complete remaining hole excavation at pole location 1/8
- Continue spotting structures and gravel along the right-of-way at construction sites
- Framing structures 2/2 – 2/6 and setting structures 1/12 – 2/6
- Work on existing access road to pole locations 2/7 and 2/8 (accessed from below the Bluff); drilling and installing of these structures scheduled for Saturday
- Continuous monitoring of tree protection zones and Scotch Broom (noxious week) avoidance areas
- Intermittent trail closures while setting structures 1/12 - 2/7 (south of 17th Ave right-of-way). Spot trail closures along right-of-way will be posted at locations and adjusted as needed while work progresses
The project runs from August 28 – November 10, 2023. Crews will be working six days a week (Mon-Sat) from 7:00 am – 5:30 pm. The project will be noisy at times and generate some increased traffic on residential streets in the area.
Next Project Update #7 to be published on September 18.
Construction to rebuild a two-mile stretch of the Metro to Sunset transmission line continues into its second week. Intermittent closures of the Polly Judd Trail and Ponderosa Trail are necessary throughout the construction project. Watch for “Trail Closed” signage as well as safety flaggers when trails must be closed.
Last Week:
- Mobilized two “Spider” excavators and crews to the site and completed safety training
- Completed selected clearing of foliage at construction sites
- Spotted materials and structures along the right-of-way and at construction sites
- Working from the south to north, completed direct embed excavation of three structures (2/6, 2/4, 2/3) and installed anchors at two structures (2/6, 2/5)
- Continuous monitoring of tree protection zones and Scotch Broom (noxious weed) avoidance areas
This Week:
- Hole excavation starting at pole location 2/5. When complete, moving to pole location 2/2 and proceeding north
- Hole excavation of pole locations 2/7 and 2/8 (accessed from below the Bluff) to be completed on Saturday, Sept. 9.
- Continued hauling and spotting materials along the right-of-way at construction sites
- Continued drilling and framing of structures for installation next week
- Continuous monitoring of tree protection zones and Scotch Broom (noxious week) avoidance areas
- Intermittent trail closures at pole locations 1/10 and 1/8 (near Polly Judd Park) for spotting materials and structures. Spot trail closures along right-of-way will be posted at locations and adjusted as needed while work progresses
The project runs from August 28 – November 10, 2023. Crews will be working six days a week (Mon-Sat) from 7:00 am – 5:30 pm. The project will be noisy at times and generate some increased traffic on residential streets in the area.
Next Project Update #6 to be published on September 11.
Construction to rebuild a two-mile stretch of the Metro to Sunset transmission line is now underway. The project will run from August 28 – November 10, 2023. Crews will be working six days a week (Mon-Sat) from 7:00 am – 5:30 pm. The project will be noisy at times and generate some increased traffic on residential streets in the area.
Intermittent closures of the Polly Judd Trail and Ponderosa Trail will be necessary throughout the construction project. Our goal is to keep trails open outside construction windows when safe to do so. “Trail Closed” signage as well as safety flaggers will be used when trails must be closed.
Last Week:
- Orange fencing was installed to mark Tree Protection Zones
- Caution tape was installed to mark the Scotch Broom (noxious week) Avoidance Area
- Project signage was installed at key trailheads
- Project gate was installed at primary access point for construction crews (Ash & 17th) to keep unauthorized vehicles off the bluff
- Stakes installed to mark the locations of the new steel transmission poles and anchors
This Week:
- Mobilization of two “Spider” excavators and crews to the site – Aug 28
- Grounding and safety training for crews – Aug 28
- Selected clearing of foliage at construction sites starting at pole location 1/11 (below Ash & 17th) and moving south to pole location 2/6 (below 29th)
- Hole excavations, structure hauling/material spotting, and structure framing/erecting starting a pole location 2/6 and moving north
- One All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) will be used to help transport crew and material between construction sites
- Spot trail closures from pole location 2/6 to 1/8 (just north of Polly Judd Park) for activity noted above. Trail closure signs will be posted at locations and adjusted as needed while work progresses - starting Aug 29
Next Project Update #5 to be published on September 5.
Thank you for your patience and understanding!
Avista will be joining the Friends of the Bluff for an Informational Open House on Wednesday, August 9 from 4:30-6:00pm. The event will take place in the Northwest Room of The Women’s Club, 1428 W. 9th Avenue. If you have questions about the project, please stop by. The Friends of the Bluff will also be signing up volunteers to assist with weed pulling, trail maintenance, tree planting and other activities to support the bluff.
With contractor Potelco on board, construction is scheduled to begin on Monday, August 28 to rebuild Avista’s transmission line along the bluff. Crews will be working six days a week (Mon. – Sat.) from 7:00 am – 5:30 pm to complete the work by November 10. The project will be noisy at times and generate some increased traffic on residential streets in the area.
Intermittent closures of the Polly Judd Trail and Ponderosa Trail will be necessary throughout the construction project. Our goal is to keep trails open outside construction windows when safe to do so. Trail Closed signage as well as safety flaggers will be used when trails must be closed. Generally, trails will be open although users are encouraged to pay attention to safety signage.
Several communication channels will be used during construction including frequent updates to our project website (www.myavista.com/metro-to-sunset), emails to interested stakeholders (sign up at BluffProject@avistacorp.com) and coordination with City Parks and Friends of the Bluff to push out updates through their channels.
Potelco is using an innovative, strategic solution to minimize ground disturbance to the bluff and trails. Instead of using tracked vehicles, hand digging and helicopters, the project will be constructed using two “walking” Kaiser Allroad Excavators. Dubbed “Spiders”, this equipment is capable of operating on difficult and hard-to-access terrains, steep slopes, mud, snow, and rocks. With all-wheel drive and an operating weight of under 12 tons, this machine can easily drive to many difficult access locations.
Because the “Spiders” can travel over varied terrain without the need for roads or construction pads, the amount of restoration needed is anticipated to be minimal. Avista will work with the contractor and the City Parks Department to ensure that disturbed areas are restored.
Avista is committed to providing safe and reliable power, which means maintaining and upgrading our infrastructure when needed. We believe that by using the Kaiser S8 “Spider” excavators to rebuild this aging transmission line will help protect the natural area and public uses of the bluff. We also believe that this approach is consistent with City Park’s management of this property for informal trail use in a more natural setting.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Avista has awarded the construction contract for this project to Potelco, following a thorough and thoughtful bidding process. The bidding process and project approach reflect the sentiment of public feedback we gathered during the comment period (Jan 1 – March 17, 2023) to minimize disturbance by proceeding with the softest, lightest touch possible.
Potelco’s proposal includes an innovative, strategic solution to further minimize ground disturbance to the bluff and trails. Instead of using tracked vehicles, hand digging and helicopters, the project will be constructed using two “walking” Kaiser Allroad Excavators. Dubbed “Spiders”, this equipment is capable of operating on difficult and hard-to-access terrains, steep slopes, mud, snow, and rocks. With all-wheel drive and an operating weight of under 12 tons, this machine can easily drive to many difficult access locations, minimizing the amount of ground disturbance.
For this project, two Kaiser “Spiders” will use various attachments to:
- Excavate the holes
- Haul in the new poles (in sections)
- Set the new poles and backfill around the poles
- Remove any extra dirt and rock in large sacks
- Support the linemen when they climb the new poles to transfer the transmission lines
- Remove the old poles
Because the spiders are capable of traveling over varied terrain without the need for roads or construction pads, the amount of restoration needed is anticipated to be minimal. Avista will work with the contractor and the City Parks Department to ensure disturbed areas are restored.
Avista is committed to providing safe and reliable power, which means maintaining and upgrading our infrastructure when needed. We believe that changing our construction approach to use Kaiser S8 “spider” excavators allow us to rebuild this aging transmission line while also protecting the natural area and public uses of the bluff. We also believe that this approach is consistent with City Park’s management of this property for informal trail use in a more natural setting.
Avista has engaged key stakeholders to collect feedback and comments about this project for nearly two months. In the final days of the informal comment period (ending Feb 17) we began to hear from Bluff users who were just becoming aware of the project and the opportunity to comment. We want to make sure everyone has a chance to provide input and decided to extend the comment period to March 17. We will respond to individual questions and comments after the comment period closes.
Avista appreciates the feedback we’ve received thus far about this project. We want to do the best job we can balancing the needs of the project with the desires of key stakeholders, including trail users and those who live near the transmission line. Based on input, our goal is to minimize disturbance by proceeding with the softest, lightest touch possible.
While we are still in the process of gathering public feedback, from what we’ve heard so far, we have made some key changes to our plans to minimize disturbance:
- We identified three structures (2/4, 2/5, 2/6) where crews could helicopter in the new poles. We can’t utilize this approach with every structure given the proximity to homes.
- We are also proposing using tracked vehicles to minimize vegetation impacts with limited road construction
- We are decreasing the number of construction pads used during the project
- We are planning to install gates and/or boulders to prevent motorized vehicle access
The goal will be to restore the site to pre-work condition and not leave access roads or pads.
The process is ongoing, and we have not decided on a final plan. We are continuing to work with the City of Spokane and key stakeholders to determine how best to move forward.
We value our partnerships with the City of Spokane, our customers, neighborhood councils, trail users and other stakeholders. This is an important part of the process, and we are grateful to everyone who has taken the time to give feedback.
Avista is committed to providing safe and reliable power, which means maintaining and upgrading our infrastructure when needed. And we are committed to finding reasonable solutions that allow us to do just that while also protecting the natural area and public uses of the Bluff. We believe this approach is consistent with City Park’s management of this property for informal trail use in a more natural setting.
If you are interested in receiving periodic email project updates, please send your name and email to BluffProject@avistacorp.com.
More Information
To learn more about this project, please contact:- Melanie Rose, Regional Business Manager, at melanie.rose@avistacorp.com
- Aaron Tremayne, Transmission Engineer, at aaron.tremayne@avistacorp.com
Check back here for updates and additional engagement opportunities.