Sierra Pacific looking at alternate locations for new substation

Sierra Pacific Power Co. is looking at two alternate sites to put its proposed Emma substation and several new power lines.

However, a spokesman for the utility said they have also filed an appeal in Carson City District Court. A hearing date has not been set.

Faye Anderson, spokesperson for Sierra Pacific, said the company was operating on "parallel paths. We have met with Dean Haymore and Pat Whitten and we are exploring alternative sites. At the same time we have an appeal filed."

The Storey County Commission earlier this month upheld the planning commission's rejection of a special use permit for the substation which was to go on property north of Territory Road in the Mark Twain area.

Haymore, Storey County building official and planning administrator, said that Sierra Pacific has picked two possible sites, one in Storey County on the other side of a nearby mountain, and one in Lyon County.

He said both sites were out of the view of Mark Twain residents. He added that the larger power lines would not go down La Fond Road in Mark Twain, but the company planned to keep its easements.

Anderson said the company was looking for a site near the intersection of two existing lines.

"We're looking for something close in that area so we can still intersect those two power lines," she said.

Sierra Pacific also obtained a postponement scheduled hearing with the Public Utility Commission to see if a new site can be utilized.

Haymore also said if the utility settles on an alternative site in Storey County, he would bring a possible waiver of the one-year rule before the commissioners to allow the company to re-apply for a special use permit before a year was up.

• Contact reporter Karen Woodmansee at kwoodmansee@nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111 ext. 351.