The Bureau of Land Management is hosting a public meeting Tuesday, June 30, to gather community input on a proposal by Rocky Mountain Power to reroute a portion of an existing transmission line along Kane Creek Boulevard. The meeting, held at the Moab Field Office, marks a key step in a 30-day public scoping period that remains open through July 16.
Details on powerline reroute proposal
According to a report by Moab Times, Rocky Mountain Power has applied for a right of way amendment to realign the existing line. The utility company stated that the current line is difficult to access and noted that moving the line to be adjacent to Kane Creek Boulevard would align with future development in the area.
While the application did not name a specific development, the proposed reroute path sits along the planned Echo Canyon residential and commercial project. The existing infrastructure, known as the Moab Salt 69kV Tap, currently runs parallel to Kane Creek Boulevard until it reaches Pritchett Canyon, where it travels overland before rejoining Kane Creek at Moonflower Canyon.
Proposed infrastructure and pole design
The proposed reroute would follow the east shoulder of Kane Creek Boulevard and feature 16 steel monopoles equipped with 69kV insulator arms. These poles are designed to be narrow to fit within the tight corridor of the roadway.
Project dimensions and land impact
The project would span approximately 8,200 feet in total length. Of that distance, 1,605 feet would be situated on lands managed by the BLM directly adjacent to Kane Creek. Rocky Mountain Power has requested a right of way width of 50 feet, providing 25 feet of space on either side of the center line. This amendment would affect a total area of 1.84 acres.
Construction plans and removal process
All proposed construction work is intended to take place within the previously disturbed shoulder of Kane Creek Boulevard. Once the new line is established, Rocky Mountain Power plans to decommission and remove the abandoned section of the transmission line using existing access routes, meaning no new access roads would be required for the removal process.
Decommissioning existing transmission line components
The removal process will involve taking down existing wooden poles, conductors, insulators, and other hardware. According to BLM project details, poles will be cut approximately 6 inches below ground level and transported to a certified facility for disposal, with the resulting holes backfilled using disturbed soil.
BLM manager requests community feedback
Acting Moab Field Office Manager Todd Murdock emphasized the importance of community feedback regarding potential resource impacts. "We appreciate the public’s input on proposed projects, especially as it pertains to resource impacts," Murdock said. "Community insight is invaluable during the planning process. Information and feedback provided during the scoping period helps inform the BLM’s decision. We want to hear from you."
Rocky Mountain Power estimates that the entire project would take approximately six weeks to complete. Members of the public wishing to submit written comments can do so via the project’s ePlanning website or by mail to the Moab Field Office, addressed to Lisa Wilkolak, until the July 16 deadline.
