Tennessee Valley Authority
Rainsville, Alabama
Power Supply Upgrade
Update - September 2009
Following the receipt of public input, TVA has evaluated a network of 16 alternative line segments and three tap point locations for improvements needed to relieve overloading of existing transmission equipment and provide continued reliable electrical service.
The same considerations — environmental, land-use, engineering, and cultural — were used to assess each alternative. The reviews were based on available data, aerial photography, onsite reviews, public review and comment, and property owners’ input.
Based on these evaluations, TVA has identified alternative route segments 3, 10 and 14, with some adjustments from what was presented at the open house, as the preferred route (see map below). The line would extend from TVA’s nearby Goose Pond - Fort Payne 161-kilovolt transmission line to Sand Mountain EC’s new substation site, located southeast of the intersection of Dilbeck Road East and Industrial Drive.
The preferred route is about 2 miles long. The route is expected to have the least overall impact of the alternatives. About 15 property owners and 20 property tracts would be affected.
The line would be built on single steel poles on a 100-foot right-of-way.
In keeping with TVA’s commitment to environmental stewardship, appropriate National Environmental Policy Act review will be conducted.
The project is scheduled to be completed in April 2011.
June 2009
TVA is considering improvements to the transmission system in De Kalb County in order to provide reliable power to the growing area. Without transmission system upgrades, the existing Rainsville 46-kV substation is expected to overload.
TVA will hold an open house on June 11 to provide information, answer questions and accept comments about the proposed project.
The proposed project consists of about 2 to 3 miles of new transmission line to power Sand Mountain EC’s new 161-kilovolt substation. The line would extend south from TVA’s existing Goose Pond - Fort Payne 161-kV line to the new Rainsville Substation, which would be located southeast of the intersection of Dilbeck Road East and Industrial Drive.
Several alternative routes from a network of 16 alternative line segments and three tap point locations will be presented at the open house.
The transmission lines would consist of steel pole structures on a 100-foot right-of-way.
The project is scheduled to be completed by October 2010.
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 held an open house to discuss the proposed transmission line project on June 11, 2009 in Rainsville, Alabama to provide information, answer questions and take comments. A 30-day comment period followed.
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 preferred route TVA is considering for the proposed transmission line.
Map (PDF, 302 kb)
The map shows the network of alternative routes TVA is considering
for the proposed transmission line.
Map (PDF,
305 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: June 11, 2009
Comments accepted: through July 13, 2009
Determine preferred route for field surveys: fall 2009
Begin contacting property owners for permission to survey: fall 2009
Begin construction: winter 2010-2011
Project in service: April 2011
Related information
Frequently asked questions about TVA right-of-way
Electric and magnetic fields and their effects
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)