Categorical exclusion · example

Carriger Solar Interconnection

BPA would install a 500-kV circuit breaker, fiber vaults and underground conduit at Knight Substation, and let Carriger Solar LLC build limited equipment on BPA land. This supports interconnecting up to 160 MW of new solar generation.2

Facts from Bonneville Power Administration public records, each linked by number to its source; checked November 13, 2026. Section notes by ePlan.

At a glance

Where: Knight Substation, unincorporated Klickitat County, Washington, about 4.5 miles northwest of Goldendale, on BPA fee-owned property.2
Size: About 0.2 acre of temporary soil disturbance by BPA and up to about 0.5 acre by Carriger (about 0.7 acre total); 64 square feet permanently converted to impervious surface.2
Lead agency: Bonneville Power Administration, U.S. Department of Energy2
Review: Categorical exclusion, documented in a categorical exclusion determination with an environmental evaluation2
Legal citation: 10 C.F.R. Part 1021, Appendix B categorical exclusions B1.7, B4.6, B4.11 and B4.92
Status: Categorical exclusion posted July 27, 20261

Timeline

January 6, 2025BPA no adverse effect determination2
March 24, 2025DAHP concurred on area of potential effect2
March 5, 2026Tribal consultation summary sent to DAHP2
April 1, 2026DAHP concurred with effect determination2
July 27, 2026Record posted1

Documents Bonneville Power Administration published

CX-036108.pdf

What the documents say

CX-036108.pdf

Description of the Proposed Action: BPA would add a 500-kV breaker, four fiber vaults and about 330 feet of conduit at Knight Substation, and allow Carriger up to five guy anchors and 200 feet of conduit.2
Findings: BPA finds the action fits Appendix B of 10 CFR 1021, is not segmented, and has no extraordinary circumstances, so it is categorically excluded.2
Project Site Description: Knight Substation, built in 2010 about 4.5 miles northwest of Goldendale at roughly 2,020 feet elevation, is surrounded mainly by farmland, rural homes and BPA right-of-way.2
1. Historic and Cultural Resources: BPA found no adverse effect to historic properties after tribal consultation, and the state historic preservation office concurred April 1, 2026; work stops if cultural material is found.2
2. Geology and Soils: About 64 square feet becomes impervious and about 0.7 acre is temporarily disturbed, then restored with reseeding, yard rock and erosion controls; excess spoils go to an approved facility.2

Start one like it.

A project like Carriger Solar Interconnection? Describe yours and ePlan drafts the categorical exclusion memo (or short EA) in the agency's format. Where will the project happen?

More examples

NEPA Categorical Exclusion Memo · All Federal NEPA projects

Sources

DOE NEPA categorical exclusion determination pageenergy.gov
CX-036108.pdfenergy.gov