III. The Project

The existing substation and expansion site are located in northern San Diego County on the west side of Pala Road about four miles east of Interstate 15. Lands adjoining the site are vacant. Across Pala Road to the east is the Hanson sand and gravel mining operation on the San Luis Rey River. The site is on a gentle, grass-covered slope with steeper, brush-covered slopes to the south, west, and north.

The proposed Pala Substation expansion at full buildout is planned to have 56 megavolt-amperes (MVA) capacity with two 28 MVA transformers, three 69-kilovolt (kV) tie lines, and eight 12-kV circuits. The existing 69-kV transmission line (TL 698) will be looped into the proposed site. The initial layout of the substation will have one 69/12-kV, 28 MVA low-profile transformer, a low-profile 69-kV switchrack, 12-kV switchgear for four 12-kV circuits, 12-kV capacitor bank, and control/battery shelter. The two existing 12-kV circuits (239 and 249) will be relocated to the new switchgear, and the existing equipment will be removed. The expanded facilities will be located adjacent to the existing substation because of the topography of the property and the need to keep the existing facilities in service during construction.

The proposed substation expansion will be surrounded by a concrete masonry block screen wall 10 to 13 feet high with sliding redwood entry gates on the east side. Access will be from Pala Road by way of Pala del Norte Road. The site will be landscaped in accordance with County of San Diego guidelines.