John Aniello the Project Manager at Pacific Corp attended a meeting with the public at the Battle Ground Library April 19th, 2025.
Listed questions asked of him and his responses
- Topic 1 Project Details- 230 KV line to be built by Pacific Corps
Q: Why go through neighborhoods as opposed to move the line east?
A: Have to use existing easement.
Q: How old is the easement?
A: From the 50’s or 60’s
Q: Is this the same route as BPA proposed in 2009?
A: No. This is solely owned by PacCorp. However, it may be a similar route.
Q: Is there a time limit to the easement?
A; No, it is in perpetuity. No “vacate”clause. ???? (from me- are they considered tenants?)
Q: Easements of 100 feet but you need 130 feet?
A: Easement width is based on electrical and safety, particularly for wind
Q: Asked a second time: Is this the same route as used for the BPA route in 2009?
A: That may have been us
Q: What/How do we make Pac Corp move?
A: Stay organized. Contact County Commissioners. Write to legislatures. Contact PacCorp
Managers.
Q: Why is this being done?
A: Required to. Dam request
Q: Who are the customers?
A: Oregon customers only. Power from dam goes only to Oregon
Q: Are you looking at alternate routes?
A: No. Not required.
Q: Can you define the center line?
A: 50 foot mark in 150 foot easement
Q: How far do you bore down?
A: Bore down 10-12 feet for a pole 2 1/2 to 3 feet in diameter
Q: How are the 100 foot easements being mitigated?
A: Moonscaped to 100 feet. “We don’t have rights to take more than 100 feet” “We will not
eminent domain anything” “Unless there is no easement” “Will not take out tress not within
easement”
Q: When will there be public comment periods? How much opportunity will there be to
comment?
A: Pac Corp will be reaching out although it is not stipulated.
Q: When is the last chance to comment?
A: Up to the permitting agency. Homeowners and Pac Corps have the right to appeal
Q: How many homes will be affected?
A. Don’t know
Q: How will comment periods be published?
A: On the Pac Corp website that will be developed after or during permitting process.
Q: Why can’t Pac Corp use one pole and one anchor?
A: Don’t know
Q: Powell Road has limited access. Will there be new access granted?
A: Pac Corp will not ask for permanent new access
Q: What will happen during construction on dead end roads or narrow country roads? How will
we be able to get in and out of our homes?
A: Roads will not be blocked. There will be flaggers. There will be a slow down.
Q: Overhang road easement?
A: Pac Corp would have to get a new easement form the county for that
Q: Would there ever be a larger than H frame used?
A: Yes, a 3 pole structure could be used in easement for terrain. Easement would be expanded
by purchase or use eminent domain.
Q: Why use 230 KV line when 115 is being used in Camas?
A: More distance needs higher voltage. More substations would be needed.
Q: Could there be other Substations?
A: Pac Corp does not own land for new substations. Will use what have
A: In order to build new substations, Pac Corp would need DNR land and buy the easement
Q: Will Pac Corp replace my fence if it must be removed?
A; Yes
Q: Is there a map of the line?
A: Not yet. It is only approximate. Not ready to be published. During permitting a map will be
published on the website to come in 2026. Cannot provide now. We have the data but we
won’t show it until permitting.
Q: How many feet between poles:
A: 300-500 feet
Q: How tall are the poles?
A: 80-100 feet tall
Q: Are you using GPS or old easements from the 50’s?
A: Legal documents verified through surveys
Q: Will PacCorp pay for surveys?
A: Yes
Q: Data is inconsistent in surveys. What will Pac Corp do to resolve this?
A: If it looks like we have to cross property lines we will eminent domain.
Q: Will you buy easements?
A: We have no rights outside of current easements so we will have to buy easements or
eminent domain.
Q: Are there certain conditions that will allow Pac Corp to egress/ regress your property?
A: Look at your deeds. ( Get private survey-recommended by audience member)
Q: How long until permitting takes place?
A: 18 months – based on negotiations of largest county.
Q: How wide will the poles be?
A: 150 feet from center
Q: What is the timetable?
A: Permits 2026. Determine SEPAC (I year), 2026-2027 design, 2028-2029 complete
Q: Why not go underground?
A: Costs are 10-30 times higher. More impacts (not specified). Higher construction costs (not
specified). Higher operation/maintenance costs (not specified). Extended outage times
Q: Are easements complete?
A: No. Camas will not allow overhead lines. Must use 115 kv line around Camas on county
roads.
Q: Will you use eminent domain?
A: Yes
Topic 2- Risks to Public Safety
Q- EMF 30 feet from public homes?
A: Washington recommends 100 feet from homes.
Q- Mitigation
A: “Construct to reduce (EMF) fields”
Q: Increased fire risk?
A: No- Pacific Corp says only 3% chance of wildfires as a result of transmission lines
Q: Will PacCorp be using herbicides?
A: Yes, only in easement. “Treatment only on weeds”. Homeowners appreciate the weed
abatement.
Q: What are “danger trees”?
A: “will leave tall trees” “will have a website explaining once permitting process has begun”
A #2: only “hazardous trees” will be removed – those with structural defects or decay
Q: After removal of anchor trees, those trees left that are not as anchored are likely to fall in
wind, etc. and cause damage. Will PacCorp be liable for that damage as a result?
A: No. Homeowner must prove that PacCorp caused damage. Homeowner can mitigate that
chance and can ask PacCorp to take down more trees.
Topic 3 – Community Interests
Q: How do you know if homes are in the easement?
A: Pac Corp will survey
Q; How will homeowners be compensated for loss of trees?
A: A logging company will be hired and pay homeowners
Q: How will insurance rates be affected?
A: Don’t know
Q: Can Clark County require buried lines?
A: Yes, talk to legislatures in Washington
Q: Why not look at alternatives?
A: Not required
Q: What agency can require it?
A: State – SEPA, county
Q: How is this a public necessity but there is no local public service?
A: Don’t know
Q: If homeowners have property value depreciation and are unable to sell homes, is Pac Corp
liable?
A: Pac Corp is not liable for cost impacts in or outside of easements.
Q: Who is on Clark County Council?
A: Contact Sue Marshall
Q: Who does environmental impact?
A: EIS
Q: Will PacCorp be willing to move the line?
A: Yes, if required.
Q: Who can so no to Pac Corp?
A: County, with just cause. And permitting agencies
Q: Can Pac Corp be forced to look at other routes?
A. Yes
Q: What will be the impact to daily life during construction?
A: There will be traffic problems in and out but people will be notified.