In response to a request by the city, the state Public Utilities Commission is requiring Southern California Edison to prepare an environmental impact report (EIR) before building a substation.

The proposed Presidential Substation near Olsen Road is controversial, and residents protested the idea at the Jan. 13 City Council meeting.

The council voted unanimously to submit a letter to the Public Utilities Commission requesting a public hearing and an EIR on the proposed 4-acre project that would add 3.5 miles of new power lines connected to 70-foot poles.

The goal of the project is to provide more electricity to Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley and unincorporated Ventura County.

But health fears, together with concerns over views being blocked and property values being affected, brought residents to the city asking for help.

They got it.

At the meeting the crowd erupted in applause and whistles after one council member's sympathetic response. Even more positive for nearby residents is news that the substation near the Reagan Library is being scrutinized for potentially significant environmental impacts before its construction can be allowed.

At last month's council meeting, Councilmember Dennis Gillette said, "I can't imagine in this day and age a project of this type being proposed without a full environmental analysis. That to me is just unheard of."

Apparently, the Public Utilities Commission agreed with him.

Edison's application is at www.sce.com/presidential.

Comments pertaining to the EIR can be sent to Environmental Science Associates by fax at (707) 795-0902 or by e-mail to presidentialsub@esassoc.com.

—Nancy Needham