Power substation proposed for northern Douglas County

A 60,000-volt electrical substation is being planned for northern Carson Valley.

Plans announced by Nevada Energy, formerly Sierra Pacific Power Co., on Thursday include the purchase of a portion of Douglas County's property near the North Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant.

According to power company spokesman Karl Walquist, they plan to file for a permit to construct the project in the near future.

"This project is designed to provide greater reliability for the electrical system in Douglas County," he said.

If it receives the necessary approvals, Nevada Energy plans to begin construction in 2009 and complete it in 2010.

"There are no homes located in the vicinity and the substation will not be visible from any existing homes," he said.

The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment on a project that would include the construction of transmission lines connecting to the new substation.

The company is seeking to build a new 120 kilovolt transmission line from Storey County south to Douglas County.

Plans before the Bureau of Land Management are for the power lines to enter Douglas County through a saddle in Hotsprings Mountain.

A public meeting on the statement is 4-6 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Carson City District Office, 5665 Morgan Mill Road. Written comments may be sent to Blackhawk EIS Project Manager by mailing them to 5665 Morgan Mill Road, Carson City, NV 89701. Comments may be faxed to (775) 885-6147 or e-mailed to blackhawkeis@blm.gov. Comments should be received by Oct. 31.