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Bells, Tennessee

Power Supply Upgrade

Update – September 2010

Following the receipt of public input, TVA has evaluated a network of 20 alternative line segments for improvements that will relieve overloaded power equipment and provide reliable power for the area.

Different transmission structures would be used on this project. The two-pole structure would have the six lines at the top of the poles. A small section of line may have three lower lines.

Based on these evaluations, TVA has identified alternative route segments 1, 2, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15 and 18 with section 18 being modified from what was presented at the open house. The line would extend south from the existing Alamo 161-kilovolt Substation, located north of Alamo off Highway 88, to the proposed upgraded Bells Substation, located west of Bells on Cherryville Road.

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.

The preferred route is about 7.7 miles long with almost five miles on existing right-of-way. The route is expected to have the least overall impact of the alternatives. In keeping with TVA’s environmental stewardship, appropriate National Environmental Policy Act review will be conducted.

The line would be built on steel poles on a 100-footwide right-of-way. An additional 25-foot of right-of-way would be obtained on the almost 5-mile existing right-of-way section. About 40 property owners and 36 property tracts would be affected.

The project is scheduled to be completed in May 2013.

Background – January 2010

TVA is considering improvements to the transmission system in the Alamo-Bells, Tennessee area. The improvements will replace aging electrical equipment and provide reliable power to industry in the Bells area.

TVA will hold an open house on July 22, 2010 to provide information, answer questions and accept comments about the proposed project.
Different transmission structures would be used on this project. The two-pole structure would have the six lines at the top of the poles. A small section of line may have three lower lines.

The proposed project consists of about six miles of new transmission line to power Gibson EMC’s upgraded Bells Substation. The substation will be upgraded from 69-kilovolts to 161-kilovolts. TVA would power the substation with a new double-circuit 161-kilovolt transmission line, which would extend south from the existing Alamo Substation, located north of Alamo, Tennessee on Highway 88, to the Bells Substation, located west of Bells on Cherryville Road.

Several alternative routes from a network of 20 alternative line segments will be presented at the open house. Some of the alternative segments use existing right-of-way.

The transmission line would consist of a double-circuit line and steel structures on a 100-foot right-of-way.

The project is scheduled to be completed April of 2013.

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 in Alamo on July 22, 2010 to discuss the proposed transmission line project. 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, 470 kb)

The map shows the network of alternative routes TVA is considering for the proposed transmission line.

Map (PDF, 473 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.