Tennessee Valley Authority
Byrdstown, Tennessee
Power Supply Upgrade
Update - November 2009
Following the receipt of public input, TVA has evaluated a network of 13 alternative line segments and four tap point locations for improvements needed to improve the reliability of power to the area.
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 1, 3 and 7 as the preferred route (see map below). The line would extend from TVA’s Huntsville-Wolf Creek 161-kilovolt line to the new Byrdstown Substation, located southeast of Byrdstown, Tennessee.
The preferred route is about 15 miles long. The route is expected to have the least overall impact of the alternatives. About 65 property owners and 77 property tracts would be affected.
The line would be built on H-frame structures 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 December 2011.
Background
TVA is considering improvements to the transmission system in Pickett County, Tennessee and Wayne or Clinton County, Kentucky. The improvements will provide reliable power to Volunteer Energy Cooperative’s customers in the Byrdstown, Tennessee area. Without transmission system upgrades, the area will continue experiencing voltage and reliability issues.
TVA will hold an open house on July 16 to provide information, answer questions and accept comments about the proposed project.
The proposed project consists of about 15 to 18 miles of new transmission line to power Volunteer EC’s new 161-kilovolt substation. The line would extend south from TVA’s existing Huntsville-Wolf Creek 161-kilovolt line to the new Byrdstown Substation, located southeast of Byrdstown, Tennessee.
Several alternative routes from a network of 13 alternative line segments and four 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 December 2011.
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 have been used in reaching a decision on the proposed action.
TVA held an open house to discuss the proposed transmission line project on July 16 in Albany, Kentucky. 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, 856 kb)
The map shows the network of alternative routes TVA is considering for the proposed transmission line.
Map (PDF, 1.3 mb)
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: July 16, 2009
Comments accepted: through August 17, 2009
Determine preferred route for field surveys: fall 2009
Begin contacting property owners for permission to survey: fall 2009
Begin construction: Summer 2011
Project in service: December 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)