A plan to embed a high-voltage cable beneath the Columbia River between The Dalles and Portland, ostensibly to better transfer the renewable energy generated east of the Cascades to the west side, is now open to public comment. 

The Portland District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is currently developing an environmental impact statement for the proposed Cascade Renewable Transmission Project. The project is a joint venture of three companies: Connecticut-based PowerBridge, LLC and Sun2o Partners, LLC and NextEra Energy Transmission LLC, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy of Juno Beach, Florida.  

It has a reported price tag of $1.5 billion. 

“Cascade will have no visual impact on or disturbance to the natural habitat or populated areas,” the companies say via the project’s website. “Underwater burial in the river will use well-proven benign methods that have no permanent impacts on river habitat and important species.” 

If given the green light, the project would embed 78.9 miles of 12-inch high-voltage direct current cable buried in the bed of the Columbia River using hydroplow methods. The cable bundle will be installed 10 to 15 feet below the riverbed.  

Where the cable crosses the navigation channel below Bonneville Dam, it will be installed to a depth of at least 34 feet below Columbia River dam. 

“The transmission line is expected to support regional energy needs and economic activity,” the Corps said in a release. “It may also have adverse effects on the aquatic ecosystem, fish and wildlife, navigation, recreation, water quality and safety. The project is likely to adversely affect species listed under the Endangered Species Act, designated critical habitats, and essential fish habitat.” 

The Corps will receive public comment on the proposed project through Feb. 4. There are also two scheduled virtual scoping meetings, which will provide an overview of the NEPA process and the proposed project as well as provide opportunity for oral comment. USACE will accept oral comments from the public during the meetings. 

• Jan. 28: 1-3 p.m. Join online or by phone: 601-262-2433; Phone conference ID: 586 938 06# 
• Jan. 29: 6-8 p.m. Join online or by phone: 601-262-2433; Phone conference ID: 128 989 315# 

For more information or to submit written comments, go to: nwp.usace.army.mil/CRT