Putnam-Cumberland, Tennessee –
Improve Power Supply Project

Putnam and Cumberland Counties, Tennessee

TVA proposes either to construct a new 500-kilovolt (kV) substation and associated transmission lines or to make extensive upgrades to existing 161-kV transmission facilities in the region surrounding Putnam and Cumberland counties in east-central Tennessee.  The demand for power is increasing in the project area, and transmission system improvements are necessary by 2016 in order to maintain reliable service.

Public Scoping
The public scoping period for this project closed on February 22, 2011.  During this period, TVA held a public scoping meeting in Cookeville, Tennessee, on January 20 to describe the proposed project and the environmental review process, answer questions, and solicit comments on the issues of interest to the public.  Public comments were invited on both the scope of the project, including alternatives to meet the project need, and environmental issues that should be addressed.  TVA received scoping comments from individuals and agencies.  The results of this public scoping will be summarized in a scoping report, which will be distributed to scoping participants and posted on this Web site.   

TVA remains committed to working with area stakeholders to address all concerns during the course of this project.  TVA’s process for siting new transmission facilities is designed to address public input at all stages.

Proposed Alternatives
TVA has identified four potential alternatives for evaluation:  no action; upgrading existing facilities; building a new 500-kV substation and transmission lines in western Cumberland County; and building a new 500-kV substation and transmission lines in Putnam County.

Additional Information on the project is available including project alternatives, background information, maps, and a project schedule.

Next Steps

TVA has begun detailed studies for siting the substation and routing the transmission lines using maps, aerial photography, and other relevant data.  Potentially affected landowners will be contacted for permission to perform additional field surveys.

TVA will identify a Preferred Alternative after evaluating the potential environmental impacts and other important issues identified in the scoping process, as well as engineering and economic considerations.

An open house public meeting is planned for summer 2011 to present overviews of the Preferred Alternative.  TVA representatives will be available to provide information and answer questions about the proposed project and the environmental review process. 

Following additional analyses of alternatives and field studies, TVA will prepare an environmental assessment (EA) or an environmental impact statement (EIS).  The draft EA or EIS will be issued for public review and comment.  Please note that all comments received, including names and addresses, will become part of the project administrative record and will be available for public inspection.  If TVA decides to prepare an EIS, a notice of availability of the draft document will be published in the Federal Register.  The availability of the draft EA or EIS will be announced in local news media.  TVA will also notify scoping participants and potentially affected landowners of the availability of the draft EA or EIS.

 

Project Timeline

January 18, 2011	Notice of intent published in the Federal Register for the Putnam-Cumberland, Tennessee - lmprove Power Supply Project
January 20, 2011	Open house for comments concerning both the scope of the review and environmental issues for the proposed alternative substation sites and transmission line routes
February 22, 2011	Scoping comment period closes
Summer 2011	Open house for comments on alternative substation sites and transmission line routes
Fall 2011	Announce decision on a preferred site/route(s) for field studies
Fall/Winter 2011/2012	Complete field survey work
Spring/Summer 2012	Issue draft EA or EIS; hold open house and solicit public comments on draft EA or EIS
September 2012	Issue final EA or EIS
Fall 2012	Begin acquiring easements and property
Summer 2013	Begin construction
June 2016	Project in-service

 

Documents

PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader

Notice of Intent (PDF, 564 kb)

Contact

For more information regarding the environmental review, contact:

Kelly R. Baxter, NEPA Specialist
Tennessee Valley Authority
400 West Summit Hill Drive, WT 11D
Knoxville, TN 37902-1499
krbaxter@tva.gov