Tennessee Valley Authority
Bruce, Mississippi
Power Supply Upgrade
Update — April 2009
TVA proposes to build about 4.3 miles of transmission line to power Pontotoc EPA’s proposed Southwest Bruce Substation. The line and substation are needed to reduce outages and improve the reliability of power to the area by providing another source of power. Without transmission system upgrades, the area will experience power supply disruptions.
TVA’s goal is to identify a solution that minimizes impacts to homeowners, property owners, existing environmental and historical features, and planned development, while meeting the needs of the power system and keeping the overall project cost within reason.
An open house was held on February 18, 2009 in Pittsboro.
Approximately 70 property owners, representing about 100 parcels were invited to the open house. A 30-day comment period followed.
Following the receipt of public input, TVA evaluated the 11 alternative line segments for the new transmission line. The same considerations — environmental, land-use, engineering, cultural, and cost — 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, the preferred route consists of modified versions of alternative route segments 1, 3, 7, 9 and 11. Preferred route segments have been adjusted from what was presented at the open house. Based on public input, the adjustments would reduce overall impacts.
The new line would begin at TVA’s existing Coffeeville-Calhoun City Transmission Line and run northeast to the substation site, located south of Bruce on the west side of Hwy. 9.
The line would be built with steel poles on new 100-foot-wide right-of-way. Approximately 29 parcels would be affected by the transmission line.
TVA will analyze the potential impact of this proposal under the National Environmental Policy Act and will minimize potential impacts to the extent practicable.
The new facilities are expected to be in service May 2011.
Background - February 2009
TVA is considering building a transmission line that would power Pontotoc EPA’s proposed new substation in Bruce, Mississippi. The line and substation are needed to provide a more reliable source of power to the area.
Pontotoc EPA’s 69-kilovolt Bruce Substation serves the entire southern half of Pontotoc EPA’s 250 square mile service area and is subject to outages. To reduce outages and provide reliable power to the area, Pontotoc EPA proposes to build a new 161-kilovolt substation in southwest Bruce. TVA proposes to build approximately 5 miles of 161-kV transmission line to power the new substation.
TVA will hold an open house on February 18 to provide information, answer questions and accept comments. All comments will be considered by TVA in reaching a decision on the location of the new transmission line and switching station.
Several alternative routes from a network of 11 alternative line segments are being considered for the proposed line. The line would begin at TVA’s existing Calhoun City - Coffeeville 161-kilovolt transmission line, and extend northeast towards the substation site, which is located in southwest Bruce, along South Pontotoc Road.
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.
TVA held an open house on February 18 in Pittsboro, Mississippi to discuss the proposed transmission line project and receive comments on the potential of the proposed action to affect the environment or historic properties and to identify any other issues associated with the proposal. A 30-day comment period followed.
Map
The map shows the preferred route TVA is considering for the proposed transmission line.
Map of preferred route (PDF, 919 kb)
The map shows the network of alternative routes TVA is considering for the proposed transmission line.
Map of alternative routes (PDF, 384 kb)
Environmental reviews
The appropriate National Environmental Policy Act reviews 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 type of project.
Project schedule
Open house: February 18, 2009
Comments accepted: through March 20, 2009
Determine preferred route for field surveys: late spring 2009
Begin contacting property owners for permission to survey: summer 2009
Begin construction: winter 2010-11
Project in service: May 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)