public comment on Libby-Troy transmission line rebuild draft EIS, 10 -22-07

LTD-0021 Rec: 10-22-07 22 October, 2007 Ms. Tish Eaton—KEC—4 Project Environmental Lead Bonneville Power Administration Portland, Oregon RE: Libby (FEC) to Troy 115 kV Rebuild – Project Comments and Questions Regarding Neighborhood and Helicopter Safety. Dear Ms. Eaton, Thank you again for clarifying BPA’s intent to use helicopters to “fly sock line” for attaching conductor cables to newly erected power line poles within or adjacent to neighborhood lots and, apparently, adjacent to or over Kootenai River Road. I regrettably conclude, after reading the clarification and forwarded information, that significant improvements to BPA’s helicopter safety policy (not to mention EIS procedures) are required in order to safeguard local residents. Am I correct in assuming BPA also intends to continue using low flying helicopters to inspect power lines along the easement through the neighborhood as well as near homes or over road areas to the east? For the record, will you please confirm this as well as your policy regarding subsequent helicopter use for repairing transmission cables or pole equipment in same easement corridor. BPA’s unannounced pre-emption of the EIS process has left another helicopter ...