Tennessee Valley Authority
Burkesville, Kentucky
Power Supply Upgrade
Update - December 2010
TVA proposes to build about 8.3 miles of transmission line to power Tri-County EMC’s upgraded Burkesville Substation. The proposed line and substation would reduce outages and provide continued reliable power to the area by replacing equipment that is close to being overload.
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 in August 2010 in Burkesville. Following the receipt of public input, TVA evaluated the thirteen 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, TVA has identified alternative route segments 1, 3, 4, 7, 9 and 10. The new line would begin at TVA’s existing Summer Shade-Wolf Creek 161-kV double circuit line and extend south to Tri-County EMC’s upgraded Burkesville Substation located on High Street.
The line would be built with steel structures on new 100-foot-wide right-of-way. Approximately 35 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 November 2012.
Background
TVA is considering improvements to the transmission system in the Burkesville, Kentucky area. The improvements will replace aging electrical equipment and help provide reliable power to the Burkesville area.
TVA will hold an open house on August 26, 2010 to provide information, answer questions and accept comments about the proposed project.
The proposed project consists of eight to nine miles of new transmission line to power Tri-County EMC’s proposed upgrade of their Burkesville Substation. Tri-County EMC plans to upgrade the substation from 69-kilovolts to 161-kilovolts. TVA would power the substation with a new 161-kilovolt transmission line. The line would extend south from the existing Summer Shade-Wolf Creek double-circuit 161-kilovolt line, located about eight miles north of Burkesville, to the Burkesville Substation, located on High Street.
Several alternative routes from a network of 13 alternative line segments and three alternative tap points will be presented at the open house.
The transmission line would consist of steel structures centered on a 100-foot right-of-way.
The project is scheduled to be completed November 2012.
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 comment periods are used in reaching a decision on the proposed action.
TVA held an open house to discuss the proposed transmission line project on August 26, 2010, in Burkesville, KY, 42717. TVA representatives provided information and answered questions. Large maps showing the alternative transmission line routes under consideration were available. 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.
Preferred Route Map (PDF, 1.7 mb)
The map shows the network of alternative routes TVA is considering for the proposed transmission line.
Map (PDF, 406 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: August 26, 2010
Comments accepted: through September 27, 2010
Determine preferred route for field surveys: fall 2010
Complete field surveys and environmental reviews – fall 2011
Begin acquisition of easements for right-of-way – winter 2012
Begin construction: summer 2012
Project in service: November 2012
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)