Categorical Exclusion Determination
Office of NEPA Policy and Compliance
June 30, 2017
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Western Area Power Administration, Sierra Nevada Region (WAPA) is responsible for the operation and maintenance of several federally owned and operated transmission lines throughout California, including the Los Banos-Gates #3 transmission line (Path 15). Part of this responsibility includes ensuring WAPA maintains reliable access to transmission towers and other facilities to comply with the National Electric Safety Code, Western States Coordinating Council, and WAPA directives for protecting human safety and maintaining the reliable operation of the transmission system. The access roads and structures associated with approximately a quarter of the Path 15 line are highly susceptible to erosion due to the nature of the substrate. Western is addressing erosion issues in its access roads for Path 15 through erosion repair projects and routine road maintenance activities that utilize best management practices for soil stabilization and runoff control.