Power Line Upgrade Aims to Boost Fire Safety in Wasatch

Rocky Mountain Power has submitted a conditional use permit application to replace 57 existing wooden poles with metal poles along a transmission line that runs through Wasatch Mountain State Park and into Park City. This project aims to enhance fire safety by utilizing materials less prone to wildfire ignition and increasing the height of the poles to create better separation from vegetation and ground level.

The current wooden poles, which range from 50 to 80 feet in height, will be replaced with new poles measuring between 60 and 110 feet. The average height will increase from 64 feet to 79 feet, a rise of 15 feet. The voltage of the transmission line will remain unchanged at 46 kV.

The project area spans parts of Midway, unincorporated Wasatch County, and Summit County, with significant portions passing through Wasatch Mountain State Park. The Department of Natural Resources has already approved the project for areas within the park, while Midway City has also granted approval for sections within its jurisdiction.

Concerns regarding environmental impact during construction were addressed by the applicant, who provided a reclamation plan detailing measures to minimize disturbances. No new roads will be constructed; instead, existing access routes will be utilized. The plan includes reseeding disturbed areas with a site-specific seed mix to restore vegetation.

The new poles will feature a self-weathering, rusted color and some will be made of fiberglass in a maroon hue, designed to blend into the natural surroundings. The project is expected to meet all requirements for a conditional use permit, with the development review committee recommending it for approval by the planning commission.

Residents have expressed some concerns regarding the height increase, but the overall goal of the project is to improve safety for residents and visitors in a high fire risk area. The planning commission will review the application and the conditions outlined in the staff report before making a final decision.