Tennessee Valley Authority
Helicon, Alabama
Power Supply Upgrade
Background
TVA is considering improvements to the transmission system in east Winston County, which would improve the reliability of power by reducing the number and length of outages in the area.
TVA will hold an open house on November 19 to provide information, answer questions and accept comments about the proposed project.
The proposed project consists of a new Cullman EC 161-kV substation and about 6 to 7 miles of new TVA transmission line to power the substation. The line would extend south from TVA’s existing Addison 161-kV tap line to the new Helicon Substation, which would be located in Arley, between County Road 40 and Helicon Road.
Several alternative routes from a network of 9 alternative line segments will be presented at the open house.
The transmission line would consist of steel pole structures centered on a 100-foot right-of-way. One alternative line segment would use existing right-of-way from a 46-kV line that is no longer in service.
The project is scheduled to be completed by December 2011.
Public involvement
TVA’s process for siting new transmission projects is designed to allow public input at all stages. TVA is committed to working with area stakeholders to address concerns during the course of the project. Comments received during the comment period will be used in reaching a decision on the proposed action.
TVA will hold an open house to discuss the proposed transmission line project. Details are as follows:
Thursday, November 19, 2009
3:00 - 7:00 p.m. CDT
Addison Community Center
16391 County Road 41
Addison, Alabama 35540
TVA representatives will be available at the open house to provide information and answer questions. Large maps showing the alternative transmission line routes under consideration will be available.
TVA is interested in receiving comments on the potential of the proposed action to affect the environment or historic properties and would like to identify any other issues associated with this proposal. Any comments received, including names and addresses, will become part of the administrative record and will be available for public inspection.
If you have special needs, please contact Tanya Adams at least five days prior to the meeting toll-free at 800-362-4355.
If you cannot attend the meeting but have questions or comments, contact Todd Moore (see contact information). All written comments on this proposed action should be sent to TVA no later than December 21, 2009.
Map
The map is a PDF file requiring Adobe Acrobat Reader. Use the zoom tool to view details of the map and allow time for it to reload. If you have questions or need help understanding the map, please contact TVA.
The map shows the network of alternative routes TVA is considering for the proposed transmission line.
Map (PDF, 364 kb)
Environmental reviews
The appropriate National Environmental Policy Act review will be conducted to ensure that the environmental impacts are minimized. TVA attempts to minimize any land requirements, private property impacts, and environmental impacts associated with this project.
Project schedule
Open house: November 19, 2009
Comments accepted: through December 21, 2009
Determine preferred route for field surveys: winter 2009-2010
Begin contacting property owners for permission to survey: winter 2009-2010
Begin construction: summer 2011
Project in service: December 2011
Related information
Frequently asked questions about TVA right-of-way
Benefits of planting native shrubs and grasses in utility rights-of-way.
- Landscaping with native shrubs (PDF file, 879 kb)
- Landscaping with native grasses (PDF file, 644 kb)
Fact sheet on electric and magnetic fields and their effects.
Environmental Protection and Best Management Practices (PDF, 7 mb)