Tennessee Valley Authority
Scott County, Mississippi
Power Supply Upgrade
Update: January 2005
TVA has selected the 5.6 mile eastern route for the proposed new transmission line from Central EPA’s 5-Points Substation to South Mississippi EPA’s existing transmission line, located south of Interstate Highway 20. TVA also proposes to rebuild the existing 11.4 miles of transmission line from Lake to Homewood reusing the existing right-of-way easement. The new line is targeted to be in service by June 2007.
Background
In keeping with TVA’s obligation to ensure the stability of the electrical grid and reliability of the power system throughout the TVA service area, a new 161-kV transmission line is being planned in Scott County, Mississippi. These transmission system improvements will provide for continued reliable electric service to Central Electric Power Association and its customers.
The proposed line from Central EPA’s Five Points Substation to the South Mississippi Electric Power Association (SMEPA) Homewood Substation would be about 17 miles long and would provide voltage support for the area and make available a source of backup power to help avoid potential customer power outages. TVA is proposing to build about six miles of new 161-kilovolt transmission line west of Lake, Mississippi, on a 100-foot-wide right-of-way. The new line would extend from Central EPA’s Five Points Substation, northwest of Lake, to SMEPA’s existing transmission line, southwest of Lake. The map shows the area under consideration for the new line.
In addition, TVA and SMEPA have agreed that TVA would rebuild a portion of SMEPA’s existing 69-kilovolt transmission line between its Homewood Substation and Lake, south of Forest, Mississippi. The new structures would support both the existing 69-kilovolt line and the new 161-kilovolt line. The rebuilt portion of the line would begin where the 161-kilovolt line from Five Points Substation intersects the existing 69-kilovolt line and would extend approximately 11 miles to Homewood Substation. No new right-of-way would be required for the rebuilt portion of the project.
By continuing to provide affordable, reliable power, TVA will help ensure continued economic health and residential and commercial growth in the area.
Consequences of no action
Not constructing this new line would put TVA’s transmission system south of West Point at high risk for voltage collapse (blackouts) and inhibit proper maintenance of the transmission network.
Public involvement
TVA’s process for siting new transmission projects is designed to afford substantial 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 to get public input into plans for the new transmission line. Comments received during the 30-day comment period were used in reaching a decision concerning the proposed action.
Maps
The maps below show the preferred route for the 5.6 miles of new transmission line, plus the 11.4 miles of existing line that will be upgraded. The index map is a key to the section maps, which are highly detailed and include the names of property owners along the preferred route. Click on the index map to find the number of the section map you’d like to see. The transmission line that is being rebuilt is shown on the index map.
The maps are PDF files requiring Adobe Acrobat Reader. Please use the zoom tool to view details of the section maps and allow time for them to reload. If you have questions or need help understanding these documents, please contact TVA at the number at right.
Index map (548 kb, PDF)
Map 1 (148 kb, PDF)
Map 2 (136 kb, PDF)
Environmental reviews
In keeping with TVA’s commitment to resource stewardship, appropriate National Environmental Policy Act reviews will be conducted to ensure that the environmental impacts are minimized. About two-thirds of the project would be conducted on existing right-of-way.
TVA attempts to minimize any land requirements, private property impacts, and environmental impacts associated with this project.
Project schedule
Open house: December 2, 2004
Comments accepted: Through January 3, 2005
Determine preferred route for field surveys: February 2005
Begin contacting property owners for permission to survey: Spring 2005
Conduct field surveys and environmental reviews: Summer 2005
Complete environmental review: Winter 2005-2006
Begin right-of-way acquisitions: Spring 2006
Line in service: Summer 2007
Related information
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)