Powerlink alternates gain increased
support and opposition

     The latest alternate route for SDG&E’s controversial Sunrise Powerlink has created a belated backlash from folks in the communities of Campo, Potrero and Japatul. Rumor has it that the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are now leaning towards modified Route D through East County and Alpine to avoid the fiercely opposed route through Anza Borrego Park.
     Most were not previously aware that their neighborhoods were part of a new alternate route, until after public scoping hearings had been closed. As a result of their belated involvement, the CPUC has agreed to accept written comments on Modified Route D through Oct. 8. Ironically, this new route still has the potential to be further “modified” in several locations.
     This factor alone should require a new scoping notice and extended public comment period. Several local meetings will be held in the coming weeks. SDG&E’s disruptive plans for a new 500 kV transmission line through San Diego’s ruggedly beautiful Back Country has a proposed route through the Anza Borrego State Park and the communities of Ranchita, Santa Ysabel, Ramona,Warner Springs and Poway.
     The alternate routes, proposed by and now seriously under consideration by the CPUC and BLM will impact the communities of Jacumba, Boulevard, the Campo Reservation, Campo, Potrero, Pine Valley, Guatay, Descanso, Japatul, the Viejas Reservation, Alpine, Puetz Valley and El Monte Road areas — depending on the specific route. Environmental studies are still underway.
     Both Boulevard and Jacumba are impacted by all of the alternate routes. Even though the line would be buried underground through Alpine, imagine the turmoil and destruction of that messy construction process.
     Interesting support letters reflect some self-serving attitudes: Comments available on the CPUC web site at www.cpuc.ca.gov/Environment/info/aspen/sunrise/toc-cmts3.htm show new support for the alternate routes including a letter from the Imperial Irrigation District (6-14-07) which wants to avoid impacts to farmland and believes modified route D would disturb less pristine lands and biological flora and fauna — yea, in the Valley only.
     What does the IID know about San Diego’s Back Country? The Santa Ysabel Band of Digueno Indians states (6-14-07) it is opposed to the construction of the Sunrise project, however, they do prefer modified route D, or any of the I-8 based routes, over those close to their own tribal lands. If you really oppose the project, why support any of the routes? The Ewiiaapaayp Band of Kumeyaay (6-8-07) states their preference for the BCD route or the I-8 alternative and has asked for a meeting. This support is based on the Ewiiaapaayp’s reported plans for a wind turbine facility and a desire to connect to the grid.
     The Executive Committee for the Campo Band of Kumeyaay Indians previously sent in a letter (3-23-07) stating their opposition to the preferred route through Anza Borrego, based on cultural and environmental impacts, and their support for the I-8 route with minor changes, including construction of a new substation on the reservation for the purpose of interconnecting future wind generators in the area to the SDG&E grid.
     Their support of the I-8 route was made prior to the announcement of the Modified Route D. The Campo Reservation has announced plans for more wind turbines and the need to access more transmission capacity. The Manzanita Band has also conducted wind energy studies.
     The opposition reflects similar attitudes from a different perspective: SDG&E submitted a list of comments (6-14-07) comparing the impacts of the Anza Borrego route to the impacts of modified route D. According to that list, 90 percent of the proposed route through Anza Borrego follows an existing transmission line or disturbed linear feature while only 80 percent of modified Route D does so.
     The proposed route impacts 17 acres of USFS Designated Scenic Area while Modified Route D impacts 379.2 acres. The proposed route does not encroach into Cleveland National Forest designated Roadless Back Country Areas while Modified D encroaches on 389.8 acres. The proposed project does not impact any tribal lands while Modified Route D impacts 80.2 acres.
     Of course, SDG&E is going to support their preferred route over any alternative chosen by the CPUC/BLM process, but their comments are still very intriguing. And Jim Avery of SDG&E did tell me they will build Sunrise using the alternate route if the CPUC eliminates their preferred route. That is a change from his previous position.
     The Center for Biological Diversity submitted extensive comments regarding modified Route D, listing all the negative impacts to sensitive lands and species, showing impacts for the alternate routes that surpass the proposed route impacts. Like many environmental groups, they object to the entire project, challenge the need for it, and express concern that Sunrise will be used to import dirty power from out of state. They also promote various alternatives to the project overall, like increasing energy conservation, using new technology and upgrades to increase transmission capacity using existing the infrastructure, encouraging the installation of solar roofing throughout the region and allowing the excess energy to be sold to the grid, using green building standards, retrofitting big energy users with more energy-wise improvements, and more. These changes will also support California’s mandate to reduce green house gas emissions.
     SunCal Companies, developers of the proposed 2,125 home subdivision at Ketchum Ranch in Jacumba, had their attorneys submit a letter (6-14-07) objecting to any southern alignment for Sunrise due to the creation of significant visual impacts as well as safety concerns due to potential fire hazards and electromagnetic waves. The Westminster Funds Manager submitted a letter (6-14-07) of opposition based on impacts to their “currently undisturbed pristine ranch land with significant historical and cultural artifacts including an adobe house built in 1800... above and below ground water resources, flora and fauna.”
     They also refused to grant access permission for environmental studies. Rick Engineering wrote a letter (6-14-07) for their client, George Johnson of Johnson International, opposing the I-8 route and asking for modifications to keep modified Route D from impacting their property at Crestwood and I-8 where they are “preparing entitlements ”for 68 estate homesites. Apparently, they would accept a modified Route D if it were moved to someone else’s property to the east. How neighborly and generous of them.
     Earlier in the process, the Pine Valley, Descanso, and Boulevard Planning Groups all voted to oppose the Sunrise Powerlink project in its entirety — not just the routes that impact our own communities — and submitted letters to the CPUC, stating that opposition. More recently, I submitted a letter relaying the concerns and opposition to Modified Route D, and the entire Sunrise project, which were expressed at our June 7 meeting. Due to an oversight, we neglected to take an official vote, and my comments had to be submitted as an individual and not as a representative of the Group.
     Boulevard is especially impacted with the existing Southwest Powerlink and the Kumeyaay Wind farm, various alternate routes for the Sunrise Powerlink, several proposed 65-acre substation locations, and massive wind turbine and transmission projects proposed for BLM land in McCain Valley and on tribal lands. We have been active from the beginning of the process. Jacumba is in a position similar to Boulevard’s undesirable position yet their Sponsor Group has been fairly quiet on the issue.
     Is there a North versus South divide and conquer strategy at work? Some groups have embraced an inclusive coalition attitude and taken positions opposing the entire Sunrise project, including all the routes. Some north County groups have invited south county groups to join forces. Others groups have chosen, what I believe to be, a more short-sighted and self-serving attitude by choosing to oppose only that route which impacts their little corner of the world.
     Each individual and/or group has their own varied reasons for the choices they have made. Personally, I think the entire backcountry, north and south, needs to show a united front. How can you wish upon another community what you are not willing to accept in your own community? It just ain’t right.
     SDG&E would love nothing better than to see all of us at each others’ throats instead of going after theirs. A new group in the Campo area, calling them selves MEGAMAD (Mtn. Empire Groups Against Modified Alternative D, has recently asked Boulevard and Potrero to join them in fighting just Modified Route D. Well, what about the other routes that will bulldoze their way roughshod through our communities?
     Don’t all the routes have virtually identical impacts regardless of which community is in the crosshairs? Sure, we can help MEGAMAD fight Modified Route D but the other communities could use MEGAMAD’s help, too. This is not a one-way street. Let’s all stick together so we don’t get picked off one by one.
     It is interesting that Randy Lenac, and other leaders of MEGAMAD, H.O.P.E. of Mtn. Empire, the Campo Gentleman’s Club, and their business association, have aligned themselves with leaders from the Campo Band. The groups reportedly support the casino expansion, which represents serious impacts to Boulevard and Live Oak Springs like water, sewage, traffic, crime, and more.
     The Campo tribal web site, reports that in October 2006, the tribal Executive Committee made $5,600 in contributions to support H.O.P.E. school board candidates. And, according to witnesses, at the recent Golden Acorn Casino expansion hearing, Lenac expressed appreciation for tribal donations made for playground equipment for his church in Lake Morena.
     Is this quid pro quo? Scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours? Is this why MEGAMAD, H.O.P.E, and the others are opposing only Modified Route D — in order to protect the properties of Lenac and his friends while they avoid stepping on tribal toes and their support of the I-8 routes?
     If Modified Route D becomes the chosen route, the Campo Band will no doubt switch their support accordingly. Are people so blind that they don’t see what is going on here? It seems pretty danged obvious to some of us.
If you care about the Back Country and are concerned about negative impacts that your family, your neighbors, and other Back Country communities will face from this massive industrial power line project, get involved. Do something!
     Upcoming community meetings where the Sunrise Powerlink will be on the agenda include the Campo Planning Group meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 24 at the Campo Community Center, MEGAMAD’s meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 27 at the Lake Morena Community Church, and the Boulevard Planning Group meeting scheduled for 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 4 at the Boulevard Community Center.
     I encourage you to go to these meetings and advocate for a united front of opposition against the Sunrise Powerlink. Don’t fall prey to the divide and conquer strategy of the proponents.
     Comments can be submitted by Oct. 8 to the CPUC/BLM by e-mail at Sunrise@aspeneg.com, faxed to (866)711-3106, or mailed to Billie Blanchard, CPUC/Lynda Kastoll, BLM, c/o Aspen Environmental Group 235 Montgomery Street, Ste 935, San Francisco, CA 94104-3002.
     By submitting comments now, you will be placed on the list to receive upcoming project information. Want more? Just go to the Sunrise link on various pro and con web sites at: www.sdge.com, www.ucan.org, www.cpuc.ca.gov, www.blm.gov, www.kdfuller.blogspot.com. Kelly Fuller was the main activist who organized the opposition before she moved back east. Her blog site has lots of interesting articles, commentary, and related links. And you can always Google Sunrise Powerlink.

Donna Tisdale is a resident of Boulevard and a long-time advocate for environmental affairs in the Back Country.