Volume III - Specifications~2.pdf

Colorado River Commission of Nevada

555 East Washington Avenue, Suite 3100

Las Vegas, Nevada 89101-1065

Boulder Flats Solar Interconnection

Project

Contract No. CRCBF-14

Transmission Line & Switchyard Construction

Volume III – Specifications

PWP-CL-2006-241

Issue: For Bid December 26, 2023

Boulder Flats Solar Interconnection Project

Contract Documents

Table of Contents

Volume I – Bidding Documents Section

Request for Bids Bid Instructions Procedures for Award of Construction Contracts Bid Form Bid Schedule Bid Bond Qualification Statement Subcontractor Information

Volume II – Contract Form and Conditions

Contract No. CRCBF-14, Transmission Line & Switchyard Construction Performance Bond Payment Bond Guarantee Bond Certificated of Insurance General Conditions

Volume III – Specifications

Summary of Work Permits and Environmental Compliance Environmental Compliance Requirements ......................................................... 1150A Project Meetings, Schedules and Reports Submittals Security Field Offices and Sheds Temporary Barriers and Controls Temporary Utilities and Facilities Project Identification and Signs Contractor Furnished Equipment and Materials Owner Furnished Equipment and Materials Equipment and Material Substitutions Manufacturer’s Field Service Contract Closeout Record Documents and Spare Parts

Boulder Flats Solar Interconnection Project

Contract Documents

Table of Contents

Volume III – Specifications Section

Final Cleaning Warranties Site Preparation and Earthwork Fences and Gates Crushed Rock Surface Concrete Formwork Concrete Reinforcement Concrete Spread Footer Foundations Drilled Foundation Piers Control Cables, Low Voltage Cables, Ground Cables, and Accessories Conduits and Accessories Cable Trench Installation Lighting and Low Voltage Power Substation Grounding Signs Installation of Owner Furnished Substation Steel Installation of Owner Furnished Substation Equipment Substation Bus, Connectors, Materials and Hardware Substation Testing

Volume IV – Technical Specifications

Volume V – Drawings

SECTION 1100

SUMMARY OF WORK

1. Project Description. The Colorado River Commission of Nevada (Owner) has undertaken a project to build a new 230kV Switchyard and ten-mile long 230kV transmission line, located in Boulder City. Nevada.

2. Work Covered by Contract Documents. This Contract, CRCBF-14, Transmission

Line & Switchyard Construction, include two segments: 230kV Switch and Transmission Line. The order of precedence within these Contract Documents is as follows below.

Contractor shall communicate with Owner of any conflict or contradictions.

1. Volume I, II, III

2. Volume V

3. Volume IV

230kV Switchyard The first segment of this Contract includes the construction of a 230kV three breaker ring bus switchyard with provisions a future fourth breaker. There are three incoming 230kV transmission lines from the Newport Substation, Mead Substation, and Boulder Flats Collector Substation. The Contractor shall provide a complete installation and is responsible for the following per Contract Documents:

o Define and Execute erosion control plan o Install site civil material, access road, and site grading o Furnish and Install site fencing, gates and required hardware o Creation, repair, and maintenance of access roads o Install equipment foundations o Install all Owner Furnished equipment described in Section 5 below.

o Furnish and Install switchyard ground grid, structure grounding and equipment grounding o Furnish and Install below grade and above grade conduit o Furnish and Install cable trench and control enclosure cable riser o Furnish and Install bus support insulators o Furnish and Install switchyard lighting o Furnish and Install switchyard lightning protection o Furnish and Install aluminum bus, conductor, and accessories o Furnish and Install all cables, terminal blocks, and accessories required for a complete installation o Furnish and Install communications equipment o Furnish and Install signs and markers o Furnish and Install all other Equipment and Materials as indicated and required for a complete installation o Install Power Circuit Breaker SF6 gas

Transmission Line

The second segment of this Contract includes the construction of a ten-mile long 230kV transmission line from the Collector Substation, constructed by Others, to the Boulder Flats Switchyard as mentioned above. This Contract also includes the cut-in of the existing 230kV Mead-Newport line. The Contractor shall provide a complete installation and is responsible for the following per Contract Documents:

o Install Owner Furnished equipment in Section 5 below.

o Install structure foundations o Install transmission line structures and required assemblies o Install structure grounding o Install overhead conductor including conductor dampers o Install OPGW wire, hardware, and splice boxes o Furnish and Install signs and markers per section 33 05 26 o Installation, Repair and Maintenance of access roads and existing roads o Furnish and Install of all other Equipment and Materials as indicated with

Contract Documents or required for a complete installation o Contractor shall furnish and install pipeline protection near Structure 4

3. Project Location. The Project is generally located at the following coordinates, see Contract Documents for Switchyard location and Transmission line routing:

Latitude: 35°57’1.40°N Longitude: 114°53’23.10’W Boulder City, Nevada

4. Milestone Dates. The Project has four major Milestone dates for the switchyard and transmission line as follows:

230kV Switchyard and Transmission Line

4.1 April 12, 2024 – Contractor mobilization to Boulder Flats Switchyard project site to establish pad and install fencing, move material from CRC and PAR yards to site within fenced bounds

4.2 April 12, 2024 – Begin procurement of materials (cable, conduit, grounding, bus support insulators, cable trench and cable riser into control enclosure, etc.)

4.3 November 19, 2024 – Contractor mobilization to Boulder Flats Switchyard project site to begin Switchyard and Transmission line construction.

4.4 March 25, 2025 – Switchyard ready for Testing and Commissioning

4.3 May 5, 2025 – Substantial Completion of the Switchyard and Transmission Line

4.5 May 6, 2025 – Energization of the Boulder Flats Switchyard and Transmission

Line

4.6 May 13, 2025 – Final Completion of the Boulder Flats Switchyard and

Transmission Line

5. Owner-Furnished Equipment and Material.

5.1 Electrical Equipment and Materials that will be purchased by the Owner will be provided under the following contracts:

5.1.1 Contract CRCBF-01, Circuit Breakers. The circuit breakers for the

Boulder Flats Solar Interconnection Project will be furnished by the Owner and at the project site. Contractor shall be responsible for receiving and unloading the circuit breakers from the truck, placing it on the appropriate concrete pads. Contractor shall also be responsible for installing the power circuit breakers at the site as indicated in the Contract Documents. The description and quantities are indicated in the Bill of Materials in Volume V.

5.1.2 Contract CRCBF-02, Control Enclosure. The control enclosure for the

Boulder Flats Interconnection Solar Project will be furnished by the Owner. The Owner will receive and store the control enclosure from the manufacturer at the PAR Contractor Storage Lot. The Contractor shall be responsible for loading and transporting the control enclosure from the Owner’s storage location, see below, and unloading, storing and installing the Control Enclosure at the project site as indicated in the Contract

Owner’s storage location:

PAR Contractor Storage Lot 13962 S Las Vegas Blvd Henderson, NV 89044

5.1.4 Contract CRCBF-04, Station Service Transformer. The station service transformers for the Boulder Flats Interconnection Solar Project will be furnished by the Owner. The Owner will receive and store the station service transformers from the manufacturer at the Newport Substation Storage Yard. Contractor shall be responsible for loading and transporting the material from the Owner’s storage site and unloading, storing and installing the material as indicated in the Contract Documents. The description and quantities are indicated in the Bill of Materials in Volume V.

1350 Richard Bunker Way Las Vegas, NV 89015

5.1.5 Contract CRCBF-05, Instrument Transformers. The Instrument

Transformers for the Boulder Flats Interconnection Solar Project will be furnished by the Owner. The Owner will receive and store the Instrument Transformers from the manufacturer at the Newport Substation Storage Yard. Contractor shall be responsible for loading and transporting the material from the Owner’s storage site and unloading, storing and installing the material as indicated in the Contract Documents. The

Las Vegas, NV 89015

5.1.6 Contract CRCBF-06, HV Disconnect Switch. The 230kV disconnect switches for the Boulder Flats Interconnection Solar Project will be furnished by the Owner. The Owner will receive and store the 230kV disconnect switches from the manufacturer at the Newport Substation Storage Yard. Contractor shall be responsible for loading and transporting the material from the Owner’s storage site and unloading, storing and installing the material as indicated in the Contract Documents. The

Las Vegas, NV 89015

5.1.7 Contract CRCBF-07, Steel. The switchyard steel for the Boulder Flats

Interconnection Solar Project will be furnished by the Owner. The Owner will receive and store the switchyard steel from the manufacturer at the Newport Substation Storage Yard. Contractor shall be responsible for loading and transporting the material from the Owner’s storage site and unloading, storing and installing the material as indicated in the Contract

Las Vegas, NV 89015

5.1.10 Contract CRCBF-10, Transmission Line Steel. The transmission line steel for the Boulder Flats Interconnection Solar Project will be furnished by the Owner. The Owner will receive and store the transmission line steel from the manufacturer at the Newport Substation Storage Yard. Contractor shall be responsible for loading and transporting the material from the Owner’s storage site and unloading, storing and installing the material as indicated in the Contract Documents. The description and quantities are indicated in Volume V.

Las Vegas, NV 89015

5.1.11 Contract CRCBF-11, Hardware & Assemblies. The hardware & assemblies for the Boulder Flats Interconnection Solar Project will be furnished by the Owner. The Owner will receive and store the hardware & assemblies from the manufacturer at the Newport Substation Storage Yard. Contractor shall be responsible for loading and transporting the material from the Owner’s storage site and unloading, storing and installing the material as indicated in the Contract Documents. The description and quantities are indicated in Volume V.

Las Vegas, NV 89015

5.1.12 Contract CRCBF-12, Conductor. The conductor for the Boulder Flats

Interconnection Solar Project will be furnished by the Owner. The Owner will receive and store the conductor from the manufacturer at the Newport Substation Storage Yard. Contractor shall be responsible for loading and transporting the material from the Owner’s storage site and unloading, storing and installing the material as indicated in the Contract Documents.

The description and quantities are indicated in Volume V.

Las Vegas, NV 89015

5.1.13 Contract CRCBF-13, Fiber. The fiber for the Boulder Flats

Interconnection Solar Project will be furnished by the Owner. The Owner will receive and store the fiber from the manufacturer at the Newport Substation Storage Yard. Contractor shall be responsible for loading and transporting the material from the Owner’s storage site and unloading, storing and installing the material as indicated in the Contract Documents.

The description and quantities are indicated in Volume V.

Las Vegas, NV 89015

5.2 Delivery dates are indicated in the following table for electrical equipment and materials that will be purchased by the Owner:

Contract No. Item Approx. Delivery Dates

CRCBF-01 Circuit Breakers 01/05/2025

CRCBF-02 Control Enclosure Is available at PAR Yard

CRCBF-04 Station Service Transformer 03/29/2024

CRCBF-05 Instrument Transformers Is available at CRC Yard

CRCBF-06 HV Disconnect Switch Is available at CRC Yard

CRCBF-07 Steel Is available at CRC Yard

CRCBF-10 Transmission Line Steel 09/15/2024

CRCBF-11 Hardware & Assemblies 02/28/2024

CRCBF-12 Conductor 05/28/2024

CRCBF-13 Fiber 02/28/2024

5.3 Owner's Responsibilities.

5.3.1 Arrange for delivery of Compliance Drawings, manufacturer's instructions, and certificates to Contractor.

5.3.2 Arrange and pay for Equipment and Material delivery.

5.3.3 Deliver Supplier's bill of materials to Contractor.

5.3.4 Inspect deliveries jointly with Contractor.

5.3.5 Submit claims for transportation damage.

5.3.6 Arrange for replacement of damaged, defective, or missing items.

5.3.7 Arrange for manufacturer's warranties, Bonds, Field Service, and inspections, as required.

5.4 Contractor’s Responsibilities.

5.4.1 Be responsible for the cost of repair or replacement of the Equipment and Materials by Bonding and Insurance required in Volume II.

5.4.2 Review one set of Compliance submittals as furnished by the Owner after review by the Owner. Submit to Owner a notification of any discrepancies or problems anticipated in the use of the Equipment and Materials.

5.4.3 Receive, handle, and unload Equipment and Materials at the delivery point, including uncrating and storage.

5.4.4 Promptly acknowledge receipt, inspect products jointly with Owner;

record shortages and damaged or defective items on Material Receiving Form as provided by the Owner.

5.4.5 Protect products from damage and exposure to elements.

5.4.6 Assemble, install, connect, adjust, and finish Equipment and Materials as stipulated in the respective Sections of the Specifications.

5.4.7 Provide inspections required by public authorities.

5.4.8 Due to clearance issue at the bottom of the hills for Access Road 1, Contractor to design, price, and build road based on their own preferences.

5.4.8.1 Out of the Right Of Way access may be required

5.4.8.2 Contractor is responsible for developing access plan

5.4.9 Contractor shall expect blading, but no extensive grading for a majority of the roads the exception of Access Road 1. Switchbacking, or alternative entry point may be required for access to Structure 54

6. Subsurface Conditions.

6.1. Subsurface conditions to be provided to Contractor at a later date, see Volume I Section 200 for additional information.

7. Work by Owner.

7.1 The Owner will perform electrical equipment tests, installation of relay settings and functional testing.

7.2. The Owner shall develop the energization procedure and shall perform all switching to energize the Boulder Flats Solar Interconnection Switchyard and the Transmission Line.

7.3. The Owner will operate and maintain the Project facilities upon Project Final

Acceptance.

8. Temporary Fencing. Contractor shall install temporary 7-foot high chain link fence panels with barbed wire as required by Owner.

9. Substation Pad. Contractor shall grade the Boulder Flats Solar Interconnection to the elevations shown in Volume V, Drawings. Subgrade preparation shall require the import, placement and compaction of fill material in accordance with the Specifications. The Contactor shall include the cost of such subgrade preparation in their Bid.

10. Contractor's Use Of Premises.

10.1 Limit the use of the Boulder Flats Solar Interconnect Switchyard site for storage and execution of the Work. Confine operations to areas within the Switchyard boundaries. Areas beyond the Switchyard boundaries are not to be disturbed without Owner’s prior approval.

10.2 Coordinate with other contractors, other parties, and Owner to avoid interference of operations.

10.3 Conduct operations as to ensure the least inconvenience to Owner, the general public, and agencies as indicated in Volume II, Section 1000, General Conditions.

11. Work Sequence.

11.1 Construction sequence shall be determined by Contractor subject to meeting critical Milestone Dates to allow coordination with others.

11.2 Contractor shall schedule Work to provide the least possible interference to the activities of Owner and others.

12. Outage Requirements.

12.1 The Contractor shall strictly adhere to the outage plan for the Project as developed by the Owner.

13. Copies Of Contract Documents.

13.1 Furnished Copies. After execution of the Contract, the Contractor will be provided at no cost, the number of Contract Documents indicated in Volume I, Section 200, subsection 5.

13.2 Additional Copies. Additional copies of above documents will be supplied by

Owner upon request at a cost of $100.00 per one set of Drawings and one set of Contract Documents.

14. Site Conditions

14.1 The Project Site has the following Site Conditions:

14.1.1 Elevation 2054 ft

14.1.2 Design Temperatures (Outdoor Installation):

14.1.2.1 Maximum Dry Bulb: 119.2 °F

14.1.2.2 Minimum Dry Bulb: 13.0 °F

14.1.2.3 2% Design Wet Bulb: 69.1 °F

14.1.3 Design Temperatures (Outdoor Extremes):

14.1.3.1 Maximum Dry Bulb: 115.4 °F

14.1.3.2 Minimum Dry Bulb: 19.1 °F

14.1.3.3 Maximum Wet Bulb: 74 °F

14.1.4 IBC:

14.1.4.1 Seismic loads (IBC 2018, Section 1613):

14.1.4.1.1 Design Spectral Response Accelerations:

14.1.4.1.1.1 Short Period, Ss: 0.587

14.1.4.1.1.2 1 Second, S1: 0.188

14.1.4.1.1.3 Max. considered short period, SMS: 0.781

14.1.4.1.1.4 Max. considered 1-second, SM1: 0.419

14.1.4.1.1.5 5% damped design short period, SDS: 0.521

14.1.4.1.1.6 5% damped design 1-second, SD1: 0.279

14.1.4.1.2 Risk Category: IV

14.1.4.1.3 Site Class: D

14.1.4.1.4 Importance Factor, IE: 1.5

14.1.4.1.5 Seismic Design Category: D

14.1.4.1.6 Long-Period Transition Period, TL: 6 seconds

14.1.4.2 Wind Loads (IBC 2009, Section 1609):

14.1.4.2.1 Basic Wind Speed: V3s 109 mph

14.1.4.2.2 Exposure Category: C

14.1.4.2.3 Importance Factor: Iw: 1.0

14.1.4.2.4 Minimum Lateral Pressure: ps 16 psf

SECTION 1150

PERMITS AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

1. General.

1.1 Completeness of the list of permits provided is not guaranteed by the Owner.

Contractor shall be responsible for determining and verifying the extent of permits required.

1.2 The Owner has or will obtain the permits specified below for Work on the

Project.

1.3 The Contractor shall obtain all permits, other than those obtained by the Owner, required for the execution of work in accordance with the Contract Documents.

Copies of these permits will be provided to the Owner.

1.4 The Owner may assist in the preparation and submittal of permits as specified.

1.5 The Contractor shall include in the Bid the cost of obtaining all necessary permits, including application fees and other costs, and the costs of complying with the conditions of all permits.

2. Permits to be Obtained by Contractor.

2.1 Clark County Health District.

2.1.1 Air Pollution Control Division (APCD) Dust Control permit from the Clark County Health District. The dust permit application requires a description of proposed dust control measures. The permit will include a number of conditions, including agreement to suspend all or part of the permitted activities if satisfactory control of airborne particulates cannot be obtained, and possibly posting of a bond to assure performance of permit conditions. Contractor shall obtain the “dust” permit and comply with its requirements.

2.1.2 APCD Various Location permit. A permit is required for the use of any new stationary source or sources during construction with a potential to emit more than 70 tons per year of PM10 which is calculated on unit’s emissions at full capacity and continuous operation for 8,760 hours per year. Examples of sources include a concrete batching plant, a generator with a capacity greater than 500 brake horsepower, rock conveyors, and cement unloading facilities if cement it trucked to the site. Operating permits may be issued with conditions that specify emission limits, production rates, hours of operation, control methods, etc. Contractor shall be responsible for this permit. Alternatively, rented generators and other construction equipment may already have a permit to operate at “various location” in Clark County.

2.1.3 The Contractor will be required to subcontract our for a full time

Environmental Monitor to oversee compliance with the BLM Grant, Biological Opinion document, and Environmental Protection Measures developed by SNWA and CRC. These documents can be seen in the Volume V Drawings – “Easement and Permitting”.

2.2 Clark County Fire Department. Clark County Fire Department Aboveground

Fuel Storage Tank Permit. The Clark County Fire Department regulates the storage of flammable and explosive materials stored in aboveground tanks in the county. The permit application shall be submitted by Contractor to the Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Division of the Fire Department.

3. Permits to be Obtained By Owner.

3.1 Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, Stormwater General

Discharge Permit for Construction Activities. The Owner has obtained this permit on the behalf of the construction program. As a condition of contract award, the Contractor shall agree to comply with the terms and conditions of the permit. A copy of Permit No. GNV 0022241-30625 and Sections 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan and amendments will be provided for review prior to Contract Award.

4. Compliance with Project Permits. The Contractor shall comply with all Project permits.

SECTION 1150A

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS

IN REPLY REFER TO:

08ENVS00-2019-F-0153,

2022-0027339-S7-001 (new PBO #), and 2023-0045526-S7-001

March 21, 2023

Sent electronically

Memorandum

To: Assistant Field Manager Las Vegas Field Office Bureau of Land Management, Southern Nevada District Office Las Vegas, Nevada

From: Acting Field Supervisor Southern Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office Las Vegas, Nevada

Subject: Request to Append the Boulder Flats Transmission Project to the Southern Nevada District Office Programmatic Biological Opinion (File No.

08ENVS00-2019-F-0153/2022-0027339-S7-001), Clark County, Nevada

This transmits the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (Service) biological opinion in response to the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) memorandum dated and received January 18, 2023, requesting that the subject action be appended to the Programmatic Biological Opinion (PBO) for the Southern Nevada District Office. Please note that the Service has a new platform for tracking/numbering projects; therefore, going forward the new number assigned to this PBO is 2022-0027339-S7-001. This PBO addresses potential effects to the federally threatened Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), in accordance with section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) and 50 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 402 of our interagency regulations governing section 7 of the Act.

This biological opinion is based on information provided in your memorandum; the biological assessment, meeting and correspondence between the Service and the BLM; scientific publications, articles, and reports; and our files.

United States Department of the Interior

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

Southern Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office 4701 North Torrey Pines Drive

Las Vegas, Nevada 89130

2023-0045526-S7-001 2

BIOLOGICAL OPINION

APPENDED ACTION UNDER THE BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT’S SOUTHERN NEVADA

DISTRICT PROGRAMMATIC BIOLOGICAL OPINION (FILE NO. 2022-0027339-S7-001)

This consultation consists of the Programmatic Biological Opinion (PBO), the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) request to append the proposed action to the PBO with project-specific information (Part A, provided by the BLM), referenced sections of the biological assessment (BA) provided with the request, and the Fish and Wildlife Service’s (Service) response (Part B, below).

Service Project File No. 2023-0045526-S7-001

Part A: Information provided by the Agency

Date of request: 1/18/2023 Agency Contact: Curtis Walker, (702) 251-5299

Project/action title: Boulder Flats Transmission Project

NEPA # and Case File # 1

DOI-BLM-NV-S010-2023-0035-DNA

N-100382

Section 7 Log no.: 1 NV-052-23-177

Proponent/applicant: Southern Nevada Water Authority

Program: Rights-of-Way

Species/critical habitat affected: Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii)

No. of acres to be affected: Non-critical: 41.34 acres Critical: 0 1 If applicable

DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTION

The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) has submitted a SF-299 application for a right-of-way grant (ROW) in order to construct, operate and maintain a 150-foot wide and 7.69 mile long 230 kV transmission line, with related appurtenances and 49 access roads (spur roads) that will each be 20-feet wide and total 2.27 miles in length for the Boulder Flats Transmission Project (project). Total permanent disturbance is estimated to be 41.34 acres in non-critical desert tortoise habitat. The project would operate year-round, construction is anticipated to start in the fall of 2023 or soon after the issuance of the ROW grant, and construction would last 9-12 months. The ROW term is requested to be issued in perpetuity and the ongoing operation and maintenance (O&M) of the project would continue in perpetuity.

2023-0045526-S7-001 3

The main component of the proposed action would be the construction of transmission line facilities along the ROW. Design characteristics for the project are listed in Table 1. The main use of the route would be for power lines and their connected infrastructure. The 230-kV transmission line would be an overhead line originating at the Boulder Flats Substation with termination at the switching station to the existing Colorado River Commission (CRC) transmission line. The proposed transmission line would be built as a single circuit 230kV line and would use lattice structures or self-supporting single steel pole structures. The lattice structures would be made of galvanized steel and the self-supporting single pole structures would be made of self–weathering or galvanized steel. Structure heights would be approximately 150 feet to 200 feet varying with terrain and associated span lengths. The average span length would be approximately 600 to 800 feet, resulting in about six to eight structures per mile of line.

Table 1. Project Design Characteristics.

Transmission Line Facilities Line length Approximately 9.35 miles (includes 7.69 miles included in this consultation and an additional 1.66 miles on Boulder City property outside the BLM utility corridor that is not included in this consultation)

Type of Structure Single -circuit, single steel pole structures Structure height 150 to 200 feet Span length 600 to 800 feet Number of structures per mile Approximately 6 to 8 Right-of-way width 150 feet on BLM land and within utility corridor Access roads (49) Short spurs from existing access roads located within and outside of the 150-foot wide transmission line

ROW

Voltage 230kV Circuit configuration Single-circuit (three phases per circuit) Conductor size Two or three 1.5 to 2-inch ACSR conductors per phase Minimum ground clearance of conductor

30 to 35 feet at expected operating temperature

Pole foundation depth/diameter Lattice tower foundation depth/diameter

15 to 30 feet / 6 to 12 feet 10 to 20 feet / 4 to 6 feet

Communications Facilities Systems Digital Radio System, microwave, very high frequency (VHF)/ ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio, and OPGW

Functions Communications for fault detection, line protection, Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), and two-way voice communication.

Related appurtenances for the project would include a single fiber-optic line positioned on the poles the entire length of the line, from the ibV substation in the south to the proposed switching

2023-0045526-S7-001 4 station on lands owned by Boulder City to the north. A static-protection line would be attached to the top of every pole to protect the system from lightening; standard practice is to run the fiber-optic communications line inside of that static line. The purpose of the line is to facilitate communication from the ibV substation to read loads, et cetera. The end of the fiber-optic line in the switching station to the north would be hooked up to another communications board that would relay the information to the River Mountains Control Center.

The proposed ROW would deliver renewable energy from the Boulder Flats Solar Project located on lands owned and managed by Boulder City to the regional electric grid via its interconnection with an existing transmission line owned and operated by the CRC. The project would help SNWA meet its renewable energy targets under Nevada’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) while helping Nevada and surrounding states meet their renewable energy goals and be consistent with BLM goals to facilitate the development of renewable energy.

The proposed route was developed to follow existing transmission line ROWs to the extent possible and utilize existing access roads to minimize impacts. The primary segments of the proposed route are briefly described herein. The project design includes utilizing the existing access road for the operational Techren Solar facility, along with several maintained dirt roads.

There are 41 spur roads (#1-41) within the corridor. However, there are also eight additional spur roads that would be needed on BLM land outside of the corridor; those are #42-45 and #48-51.

The eight spur roads outside the corridor would cross 1.16 miles of BLM land. Where the transmission line would run parallel to an existing line, new spur roads would be constructed from the existing road and/or existing transmission structure footprints to access work areas for the new transmission structures. The spur roads would be approximately 20 feet wide with lengths that vary from 99 feet to 442 feet long, for a total length of 2.27 miles. The total acreage for the proposed spur roads is 11.50 acres and is included in the total project disturbance estimate of 41.34 acres.

The total amount of ROW acreage being requested in SNWA’s application is 145.3 acres, which includes the anticipated areas of disturbance as well as surrounding areas. This total acreage is divided as follows: 139.8 acres for the 150-foot transmission line ROW and 5.5 acres for the spur roads outside of the 150-foot wide transmission line ROW. The segments of the spur roads that will occur within the 150-foot-wide transmission line ROW are not included as additional acreage in the request because they are already included in the 139.8 acres. Those segments are, however, identified in the calculation of permanent disturbance below (Table 2). The table excludes Boulder City property that falls outside of the BLM utility corridor because activities taking place on those acres fall under the Clark County MSHCP; therefore, they are not included in this consultation.

The actual ground disturbance within the proposed ROW would consist of the spur roads, towers, and tensioning and pulling sites for a total ground disturbance of 41.34 acres. The 230 kV transmission line and access roads would be located within the BLM-designated corridor and on BLM lines outside the corridor between the new Boulder Flats Substation and the existing transmission line operated by the Colorado River Commission (CRC) for the exclusive benefit of SNWA in Boulder City, Clark County, Nevada.

2023-0045526-S7-001 5

O&M activities would be in perpetuity and in accordance with Western Energy Coordinating Council requirements, including activities such as patrol of the transmission lines, climbing inspections, and transmission structures and wire maintenance/repair (including routine maintenance insulator washing).

Table 2. Anticipated Permanent Disturbance and Land Ownership Included for Consultation

Project Component BLM Acres

(outside utility corridor)

BLM Acres (within utility corridor)

Boulder City Acres Totals

Towers 6-8 lattice or pole structures per mile (125’ x 100’ for construction and maintenance)

9 structures /

2.58 acres

5 structures /

1.43 acres

50 structures /

14.35 acres

64 structures /

18.36 acres

Tensioning and Pulling Sites (125’ x 200’)

3 sites /

1.72 acres

2 sites /

1.15 acres

15 sites /

8.61 acres

20 sites /

11.48 acres

Spur Roads (20’ wide, length varies)

7 roads /

0.8 acre

5 roads /

1.5 acres

37 roads /

9.2 acres

49 spur roads /

11.50 acres

Total Acreage within each land designation

5.1 acres 4.08 acres 32.16 acres 41.34 acres

Habitat Description and Survey Summary and Results (attach data sheets, map, etc):

The Boulder Flats Transmission Project utility corridor is located along U.S. Route 95 in Eldorado Valley, southwest of Interstate 11 and Boulder City. This community is characterized by an open, xeromorphic shrub layer co-dominated by Larrea tridentata (creosote bush) and Ambrosia dumosa (white bursage). SNWA biologists conducted pre-project surveys for desert tortoise and tortoise sign in the project area between September 20 and 28, 2022. The area that was surveyed was comprised of a 164-foot (50 meter-) wide swath to encompass the requested ROW and an additional 656 foot (200 meter) buffer on either side, for a total width of 1,476 feet (450 meters) that extends for approximately seven miles. SNWA surveyed eight belt transects, more than the five belt transects recommended by the Service for this size project area. Two belt transects were in the requested ROW and the remaining six were outside the ROW but within the area considered to be the action area (Figure 1). Given current drought conditions, few native annual plants were observed during the desert tortoise surveys. The northern half of each belt transect was comprised of relatively degraded habitat with sparse vegetation of insufficient quality and quantity to support desert tortoise foraging or shelter them from temperature extremes and predators. Conversely, the southern half of each belt transect was relatively less degraded natural habitat.

2023-0045526-S7-001 6

A single desert tortoise carcass with limbs removed but head intact (with no tags or markings) and five burrows were observed during surveys (see map within survey report). Burrow conditions scored between classes 3-5 and were noted as being in poor condition. However, soil and substrate conditions were suitable for the construction of burrows throughout the action area.

Figure 1. Tortoise survey results in project area.

2023-0045526-S7-001 7

Description of existing factors affecting the species in the project (action) area not discussed in the PBO

There are no existing factors affecting the species in the project area that are not discussed in the

PBO.

EFFECTS OF THE ACTION / PROPOSED MINIMIZATION MEASURES

The BLM has assessed a may affect, likely to adversely affect determination for the Mojave desert tortoise. Desert tortoise basic habitat requirements include sufficient amount and quality of forage species; shelter sites for protection from predators and environmental extremes;

suitable substrate for burrowing, nesting, and overwintering; various plants for shelter; and adequate area for movement, dispersal, and gene flow. The project area supports and is adjacent to lands that exhibit the required habitat characteristics for the desert tortoise. Construction of the projects would result in the loss of 41.34 acres of non-critical habitat.

Construction associated with the project, including earth moving or grading activities, vegetation removal, and vehicle travel have the potential to result in injury or mortality of desert tortoises.

Project related disturbances may temporarily disrupt normal behavior due to an increase in equipment and vehicle noises. Potential effects to desert tortoises are increased during the species’ most active season, which typically falls between March 16 and October 31. To reduce the potential for direct effects to desert tortoises as a result of construction and O&M of this project, the proponent would implement the terms and conditions provided in accordance with the PBO File No. 2022-0027339-S7-001. These are included in Appendix A of this biological opinion for ease of reference. Remuneration fees in the total amount of $44,109.78 will be collected by the BLM from the SNWA for the implementation of the project (see Appendix F of the PBO). At this time, the BLM does not propose to translocate tortoises prior to construction or prior to future O&M however, tortoises in encountered in the action area during implementation may be moved out of harms way during construction and O&M, as needed, and in accordance with the applicable terms and conditions included in this biological opinion.

2023-0045526-S7-001 8

Part B: Fish and Wildlife Service Response

Date received: January 18, 2023 Service File No. 2023-0045526-S7-001 Date of response: March 21, 2023

ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE

1. The rangewide status of the desert tortoise consists of information on its listing history, species account, recovery plan, recovery units, distribution, reproduction, and numbers.

Because of the length of the document, the current rangewide status of the species and its critical habitat is provided in Appendix B of this biological opinion.

2. The status of the species and factors affecting the desert tortoise in the action area are described in the PBO (pages 169-184) and in information provided in Part A.

3. The effects of the action on desert tortoises are described in the PBO (pages 205-220) and in information provided by the BLM (Part A).

4. The exemption limits of incidental take and maximum habitat disturbance thresholds for activities proposed to occur in desert tortoise habitat are described on pages 257 and 261 of the PBO.

5. Habitat quality/suitability: The project area is entirely within Sonora-Mojave Creosotebush- White Bursage Desert Scrub (USGS 2005).

6. The U.S. Geological Survey habitat model (Nussear et al. 2009) shows habitat values within the project area between 0.7 and 0.9 (total range from 0 to 1.0).

PROJECT-SPECIFIC EFFECTS OF PROPOSED ACTION

Effects of the action are all consequences to listed species or critical habitat that are caused by the proposed action, including the consequences of other activities that are caused by the proposed action. A consequence is caused by the proposed action if it would not occur but for the proposed action and it is reasonably certain to occur. Effects of the action may occur later in time and may include consequences occurring outside the immediate area involved in the action.

Adverse effects to desert tortoises would primarily result from tortoises found onsite during construction or O&M being captured and moved up to 300 meters out of harms way, and in the unlikely event of the crushing of tortoise burrows and injury or death of individual from being crushed by heavy equipment if they were not relocated. Additionally, tortoises moved out of harms way could become dehydrated by voiding their bladders during handling, resulting in lower survival rate. The survey results included in this request to append confirmed that the action area is within and adjacent to suitable desert tortoise habitat. In order to not underestimate the number of tortoises that may have home ranges overlapping the linear project area, we are conservatively assuming that the single carcass found in the survey area is confirmation not only that habitat is suitable, but that habitat is likely occupied. Therefore, tortoises could wander over or through the project area during construction or later in time during the ongoing O&M

2023-0045526-S7-001 9 activities. The use of authorized desert tortoise biologists (ADTB) and monitors to locate any tortoises onsite during construction and O&M and to move them from harms way will greatly reduce the potential for mortality or injury. Construction and O&M activities in the action area could also increase the potential for tortoise predation through attracting and subsidizing tortoise predators. Minimization measures are expected to reduce this risk.

The proposed action would produce an estimated 41.34 acres of new disturbance in desert tortoise non-critical habitat. The loss of habitat by the removal of cover and forage plants, introduction or spread of non-native plant species, and soil compaction, as a result of ground disturbance from the proposed action, is expected to be minimized by the terms and conditions in the PBO and restated in Appendix A of this biological opinion. Please note that only the terms and conditions in bold text are applicable to this action.

All programmatic-level effects of the proposed action are within the scope of the BLM’s PBO.

These effects are described in Section 8.1, titled “Desert Tortoise General Effects” on pages 205-

216. This section includes ‘Effects of Capturing, Handling, and Moving Desert Tortoises,’ ‘Effects of Roads, Vehicles, and Project Access on the Desert Tortoise,’ and ‘Effects of Subsidized Desert Tortoise Predators.’ Effects of the action are further described under the ‘Linear ROW’ heading in “Desert Tortoise Effects by Program,” Section 8.2, of the PBO on pages 218-220.

CONCLUSION

After reviewing the current status of the desert tortoise, the environmental baseline for the action area, the effects of the proposed action, and the cumulative effects, it is the Service’s biological opinion that the proposed action is within the scope of the PBO issued to the Southern Nevada District Office, and therefore, is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the threatened Mojave desert tortoise.

We have reached this conclusion based on the following:

• Authorized desert tortoise biologists (ADTB), monitors, and Field Contact Representatives (FCR) will be responsible for ensuring compliance with conservation measures;

• Prior to surface-disturbing activities, an ADTB will conduct a clearance survey to locate and remove all desert tortoises from harms way, and an ADTB will be onsite for all construction and ground-disturbing activities during the tortoise active season;

• A desert tortoise education program will be presented to all personnel onsite during construction activities by a BLM biologist or an ADTB; and

• Speed limits will be clearly marked, and all workers will be made aware of speed limits detailed in the terms and conditions.

INCIDENTAL TAKE STATEMENT

Section 9 of the Endangered Species Act and Federal regulation pursuant to section 4(d) of the Act prohibit the take of endangered and threatened species, respectively, without special

2023-0045526-S7-001 10 exemption. Take is defined as to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct. Harm in the definition of “take” in the Act means an act which actually kills or injures wildlife. Such [an] act may include significant habitat modification or degradation where it actually kills or injures wildlife by significantly impairing essential behavioral patterns, including breeding, feeding, or sheltering (50 CFR 17.3). Under the terms of section 7(b)(4) and section 7(o)(2), taking that is incidental to and not the purpose of the agency action is not considered to be prohibited taking under the Endangered Species Act provided that such taking is in compliance with the proposed protective measures and the terms and conditions of an incidental take statement and occurs as a result of the action as proposed.

Amount or Extent of Take Exempted

Based on the analysis of effects of the proposed action including the proposed minimization measures and status of the desert tortoise in the action area, we anticipate that the proposed action is likely to result in the incidental take of all desert tortoises in the project area. We anticipate that most desert tortoises will be taken in the form of capture. However, because the environmental conditions and level of tortoise activity may vary substantially during the proposed activities, and the cryptic nature of the species (i.e., individuals spend much of their lives underground or concealed under shrubs),we cannot provide a precise number for take of desert tortoises captured and moved up to 300 meters out of harms way.

Although the proponent is likely to capture and move from harms way most desert tortoises larger than 180 millimeters, the potential exists that they may kill or wound a few individuals (all age classes) during the implementation of the project. Desert tortoises that are smaller than 180 millimeters are more difficult to detect; authorized biologists are highly unlikely to find all hatchlings during clearance surveys or, if they are killed or wounded, during monitoring.

Attempting to find all hatchlings is not reasonable. Also, the loss of small desert tortoises is not as deleterious to the population as the loss of reproductive animals, because they require up to 20 years to reach sexual maturity, have low reproductive rates during a long period of reproductive potential, and individuals experience relatively high mortality early in life (Service 2011). For these reasons, we have not established a threshold for reinitiation of this formal consultation solely with regard to the number of desert tortoises under 180 millimeters that may be killed or wounded.

We cannot estimate the number of desert tortoise deaths or injuries that will result from the project’s implementation for the reasons we described in the first paragraph of this section.

Consequently, we will consider the amount or extent of take to be exceeded if the proponent wounds or kills more than two desert tortoises during the construction phase of the project, and two desert tortoises during subsequent O&M (Table 3). Considering the lack of live observations during surveys that occurred during the typically more active season for the tortoise, the high index value of the habitat, as modeled, and the mobile nature of tortoises, we estimate that up to five desert tortoises may be taken in the form of capture and moved from harms way during the construction phase of the project, and two desert tortoises per year may be captured and moved from harms way during subsequent O&M over the life of the project. This take is a subset of the

2023-0045526-S7-001 11 desert tortoises anticipated to be taken in the programmatic incidental take statement of BLM’s PBO (File No. 2022-0027339-S7-001).

Table 3. Incidental Take Associated with the Proposed Action

Project Activity Exempted Mortality or

Injury (all age classes)

Exempted Non-Injury – Mortality: Capture and

Relocation (all age classes)

Anticipated Habitat Loss

(acres)

Critical Non-critical

Construction 2

We estimate that 5 tortoises may be moved during the project 0 41.34

O&M (in perpetuity) 2

We estimate that 2 tortoises per year may be moved during O&M N/A N/A

REASONABLE AND PRUDENT MEASURES WITH TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The BLM will implement minimization measures included as part of the proposed action to minimize the incidental take of Mojave desert tortoise. Any proposed changes to the minimization measures or in the conditions under which project activities were evaluated may constitute a modification of the proposed action. If this modification causes an effect to Mojave desert tortoise not considered in this biological opinion, reinitiation of formal consultation pursuant to the implementing regulations of section 7(a)(2) of the Act (50 CFR § 402.16) may be warranted.

To be exempt from the prohibitions of section 9 of the Act, BLM, all agents, consultants, and contractors, must comply with the proposed measures incorporated into this incidental take statement by reference and the PBO terms and conditions, which implement the Reasonable and Prudent Measures. Collectively, these measures are intended to minimize the impact of incidental take of Mojave desert tortoise. These measures are non-discretionary.

The Service believes that the measures proposed by BLM in Part A and the terms and conditions in the PBO are sufficient to minimize potential effects to the desert tortoise that may occur as a result of the proposed event. No additional RPM or terms and conditions are provided.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

The reporting requirements for this appended action are provided in the PBO.

CONSERVATION RECOMMENDATIONS

Section 7(a)(1) of the Act directs Federal agencies to use their authorities to further the purposes of the Act by carrying out conservation programs for the benefit of endangered and threatened species. Conservation recommendations are discretionary agency activities to minimize or avoid

2023-0045526-S7-001 12 adverse effects of a proposed action on listed species or critical habitat, to help implement recovery plans, or to develop information. The Service does not offer any conservation recommendations at this time.

REINITIATION REQUIREMENT

As required by 50 CFR § 402.16, reinitiation of formal consultation is required where discretionary Federal agency involvement or control over an action has been retained (or is authorized by law) and if: (1) The amount or extent of incidental take is exceeded; (2) new information reveals effects of the agency action that may affect listed species or critical habitat in a manner or to an extent not considered in this opinion; (3) the agency action is subsequently modified in a manner that causes an effect to the listed species or critical habitat that was not considered in this opinion; or (4) a new species is listed or critical habitat designated that may be affected by the action. In instances where the amount or extent of incidental take is exceeded, any operations causing such take must cease pending reinitiation.

This concludes formal consultation on the action outlined in your request for consultation. This consultation document is hereby appended to the PBO issued to the Southern Nevada District Office to fulfill their consultation requirements pursuant to section 7(a)(2) of the Act.

If you have any questions about this biological opinion, please contact Jessica Zehr in the Southern Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office in Las Vegas at (702) 515-5232 or by e-mail at Jessica_Zehr@fws.gov.