Avista requests 10‑foot underground power easement through Mica Peak conservation parcels; county staff support restoration plan

Spokane County staff presented a request from Avista on April 29 seeking a new 10‑foot underground power easement across three parcels (about 900 acres combined) within the Mica Peak Conservation Area. Staff said the parcels were acquired in 2017 using Conservation Futures funds and a grant from the Washington Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO).

According to staff, Avista already holds an older 60‑foot overhead easement through the area (acquired in the 1990s). The requested underground route largely follows the existing corridor but deviates in several places to better align with access roads and to reach communication‑tower junctions. Staff said Avista will remove poles and restore the landscape after installation and proposed a two‑year maintenance and monitoring period managed by Avista.

Staff noted they obtained a waiver from RCO to allow the easement on grant‑encumbered property and that, after undergrounding, Avista will terminate and release the 60‑foot overhead easement. Staff said benefits include reduced visual impact, reduced wildfire risk from overhead lines, improved utility access and a smaller permanent surface footprint. Staff recommended pursuing the easement with conditions tied to restoration and two years of post‑restoration maintenance; commissioners asked staff to return with final documents for a formal action.

Commission discussion emphasized restoration realism and timelines; staff said two years is a typical commitment and that Avista has committed to perform additional work until restoration is successful if necessary. No formal vote was taken during the briefing.