What’s being built behind the Walgreens on Trosper Road in Tumwater?
There was quite a bit of social media chatter recently about what’s being built behind the Walgreens on Trosper Road in Tumwater. So The Olympian decided to find out.
The answer lies with Puget Sound Energy, which has embarked on a project to rebuild and expand the Barnes Lake substation, according to a spokesman for the power utility and project information submitted to the city of Tumwater.
The project was first pitched to the city in April and received approval in June.
“The substation is receiving a complete ground-up upgrade, which will heavily improve reliability in the growing area,” said PSE spokesman Gerald Tracy. “These upgrades include two new transformers, new technology, control house, modernization and capacity.”
Why did the utility need to do this?
The substation is being rebuilt for multiple purposes, according to the project information.
“First, certain pieces of equipment, including the existing transformer, have been damaged and require replacement to avoid potential failure and major outages to our customers,” the project information reads. “Second, replacing the other aging equipment at this time while the substation is taken offline allows PSE to avoid future outages due to failing equipment.”
How will the substation expand?
“The substation will be expanded along its north fence line to accommodate the relocated control house, and make room for the rest of the equipment,” the information reads. “Expanding the substation’s capacity is paramount to continue supplying electricity to the quickly growing community the substation supports.”
What will happen to the fence?
“PSE will replace the existing 6-foot high, chain link fence with new, 8-foot high, anti-climb fence,” the information reads. “This new fence is necessary to prevent theft of PSE equipment and materials and continue to maintain public safety. This new fence type helps reduce site lines into the substation due to its tighter weave compared to a standard chain link fence. This will improve screening of the facility from the public and help guard against trespassing and theft at the facility.”
How will the landscape change?
“This landscape plan is designed to screen the facility from the public, discourage trespassing, and offer stormwater assistance in congruency with the infiltration pond, while allowing for PSE to perform future maintenance and operations on the facility as needed,” the information reads. “PSE has accommodated the city’s request to maintain as many full-grown trees as possible, only removing and replacing landscaping that is necessary due to conflicts with construction.”
The substation is expected to be complete this fall, according to Tumwater spokesman Jason Wettstein.
This story was originally published September 1, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
