Snyderville Basin commission approves Rocky Mountain Power upgrade of six transmission poles

The Snyderville Basin Planning Commission on Sept. 10 approved a conditional-use permit allowing Rocky Mountain Power to replace six transmission poles along the SR 248 corridor from Quinn's Junction toward Touhey.

County staff said the work affects six poles within the commission’s jurisdiction and noted the project decreases the average pole height. Because portions of the line cross the Lower Silver Creek overlay zone, staff coordinated soil testing and permits with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the state Division of Environmental Quality; those steps are included in the staff findings that led staff to recommend approval.

"Out of all the Rocky Mountain projects we've seen, this is the smallest," staff said during the presentation, adding that the work begins at the substation and proceeds eastward. Andy Badger, the applicant representative for Rocky Mountain Power, told the commission he had no additions and thanked staff: "That's a great overview of the project and appreciate all the work that Amir's done on his support on what these permits were doing."

With no public comment, Commissioner Bruce Carmichael moved to approve the application pursuant to the findings of fact, conclusions of law and conditions in the staff report. The motion was seconded and carried by voice/roll call, recorded as a 5–0 vote in favor.

The approval covers the pole replacements and the conditions listed in the staff report, including the soil testing and agency coordination; staff will proceed with permitting and construction coordination.

The commission did not attach additional conditions beyond the staff recommendations. The record shows no oppositions or amendments to the motion; the applicant may proceed under the county's permit process.