Carrel 115kV interconnection project

SRP constructed the Carrel 115/12kV station on a 2.5-acre parcel of private land in 2007. The project is located on 32nd Street east of Mountain View Road and north of U.S. Route 60 near Apache Junction, Arizona, in Pinal County.

The substation interconnects with the existing Superior-Goldfield 115kV transmission line less than 1,400 feet west of the substation. The interconnecting transmission line is built to 115kV specifications, using steel single pole structures approximately 70-80 feet tall.

This project is considered a subtransmission or distribution project, as the Carrel Substation transforms 115kV down to 12kV and serves the immediate surrounding neighborhood.

The Carrel Substation reinforces the current electrical distribution system, increases power reliability to current and future power users, and meets growing electricity demands in the Apache Junction area.

Public hearing information

The first public hearing was held for this project on Sept. 12, 2005 at the Windemere Hotel and Conference Center in Mesa. Route alternatives were discussed.

A second public hearing was held on Nov. 8th at the ACC, 1200 W. Washington St., Phoenix. View the official hearing notice.

Route selection

View a map of the selected route for this project.

The Bureau of Land Management and the Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee reviewed this project for environmental compatibility. Transcon Environmental assisted SRP with siting the transmission line interconnection and with environmental compliance activities for the proposed project.

Environmental analysis of the project

The project required two major approvals:

1. Grant of right-of-way from the Bureau of Land Management. In order for the Bureau of Land Management to issue a grant of right-of-way, SRP must comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and in this case, prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) to document potential environmental impacts. This EA is intended to be a concise public document that assesses the probable and known impacts to the environment from the proposed project, and reaches a conclusion about the significance of the impacts. The EA was prepared in compliance with NEPA regulations published by the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) (40 CFR 1500-1508). A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for Carrel was issued by the Bureau of Land Management on Aug. 30, 2005.
2. Certificate of Environmental Compatibility (CEC) from the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). Because rights-of-way are required and the project consists of transmission lines, the project requires approval by the Arizona Corporation Commission (ARS 40-360 to 40-360.13 and Arizona Administrative Code R14-3-201 to R14-3-219). This process involves review by the Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee, which considers environmental impacts and compatibilities.

   The Arizona Corporation Commission conducted its review. On Oct. 11, 2005, the Commission granted the CEC issued by the Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee. View the CEC.

Project timeline

• August 2005 - the Bureau of Land Management issued a FONSI
• Sept. 12, 2005 - Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee meeting
• Oct. 11, 2005 - Arizona Corporation Commission grants CEC
• End of 2006 - Carrel Substation energized
• Spring 2007 - Begin construction of block wall around Carrel Substation
• Summer 2007 - Project completed
• January 2008 - Substation dedication

Contact us

If you have questions or comments, please call SRP at (602) 236-2872, or send us an email.

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