1. Description of Proposed Route

As proposed in SCE's application, the proposed Antelope-Pardee Transmission Project would involve the construction of a new 25.6-mile 500 kV transmission line between SCE's existing Antelope and Pardee Substations, partially traversing the Angeles National Forest (ANF). The Antelope Substation is located in the City of Lancaster and the Pardee Substation is located in the City of Santa Clarita, both of which are situated in northern Los Angeles County. The proposed project would consist of the following major components:

· Construction of a single-circuit 500 kV transmission line along an existing SCE 66-kV transmission line right-of-way (ROW) for 22.8 miles, where the existing ROW would be widened from 50 to 180 feet northeast of the ANF and from 100 feet to 160 feet within the ANF (12.6 miles on ANF lands);

· Establishment of a new 500-kV ROW for 2.8 miles southwest of ANF (entirely on non-ANF lands);

· Removal of existing 66-kV and 500-kV facilities (i.e., towers, conductors, and associated hardware) and relocation of 66-kV and 12-kV facilities;

· Installation of new double-circuit 500-kV towers in existing ROW for 5.3 miles northeast of the Pardee Substation and removal of existing single-circuit 500-kV towers;

· Modification and expansion of the Antelope Substation to increase its rating from 220 kV to 500 kV and installation of four additional 220-kV line positions to the south;

· Installation of two new 220-kV circuit breakers, four new 220-kV disconnect switches, and new protective relaying at the Pardee Substation; and

· Installation of associated telecommunication infrastructure.

The proposed project, related to USFS jurisdiction, would be to approve SCE's Special Use Application by issuing a 50-year term Special Use Easement to SCE authorizing the construction, maintenance, and use of approximately 12.6 miles of improvements (500 kV transmission line along with ancillary improvements) within a 160-foot-wide easement, on ANF lands. The proposed Project would also include issuing one or more temporary Special Use Permits for any ground disturbing activities on ANF lands that would occur during construction activities and would be located outside the proposed 160-foot ROW width. In addition, the proposed Project would require several amendments to the ANF Land Management Plan, including a modification to the Scenic Integrity Objectives along the proposed utility corridor.

The proposed Project would include the removal of a total of 17.5 miles of existing 66 kV transmission line (12.6 miles traversing ANF lands), including a total of 119 existing 66 kV towers (86 towers are located on ANF lands) between Mile 1.1 and Mile 18.6, and construction of a new 25.6-mile 500 kV transmission line (12.6 miles on ANF lands) from the Antelope Substation in the City of Lancaster to the Pardee Substation in the City of Santa Clarita.

The proposed Project would also involve the modification of the existing Antelope and Pardee Substations, and the expansion of the Antelope Substation to permit its future upgrade to a 500kV substation. Along the proposed 500 kV transmission line route, the Project would add approximately 117 new transmission tower structures. For the first 0.1 miles (starting at the Antelope Substation), three double-circuit 220 kV tubular steel poles would be constructed. From Mile 0.1 to Mile 20.3, approximately 93 new single-circuit 500 kV lattice steel towers would be constructed (58 towers would be located on NFS lands). From Mile 20.3 to Mile 25.6, 21 new double-circuit 500 kV towers would be constructed, and existing single-circuit 500 kV towers would be removed.

A detailed discussion of the proposed facilities and modifications associated with the proposed project can be found at pages B-3 to B-23 of the Final EIR/EIS. Also see, Figures B.2-2a to B.2-2e in the Final EIR/EIS for a detailed graphic representation of the proposed route. Furthermore, a detailed description of project construction activities is set forth at pages B-23 to B-50 of the Final EIR/EIS.