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Sumner County, Tennessee

Power Supply Upgrade

Update — April 2009

Following the receipt of public input, TVA has evaluated a network of 49 alternative line segments and three switching station locations for improvements needed to strengthen the transmission system in Sumner County by relieving equipment that is nearing overload and meet the growing demand for power in 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, 2, 6, 10, 12, 17, 20, 27, 29, 34, 38 and 46 as the preferred route (see map). The line would extend from TVA’s Gallatin Fossil Plant north to a proposed new Angeltown Switching Station, which would be located adjacent to the Portland-Westmoreland 161-kilovolt transmission line near Angeltown.

The preferred route is about 20 miles long.The route is expected to have the least overall impact of the alternatives because six of the 20 miles will use existing right-of-way. image of tower

Segment 2 will use about 4 miles of the vacant side of the double-circuit Gallatin-Hoeganaes 161-kilovolt line.
Segment 6 will use approximately 2.5 miles of the existing Gallatin-Hartsville 69-kilovolt right-of-way and rebuild the 69-kilovolt line below the new 161-kilovolt line.

The 15 miles of new line would be built on single steel poles on a 100-foot right-of-way.

About 108 property owners and 117 property tracts would be affected — 36 parcels along existing right-of-way, 81 parcels along new right-of-way.

The preferred location for the new Angeltown Switching Station is alternative site #2, located adjacent to the Portland-Westmoreland 161-kilovolt line.

In addition, about 500 feet of 161-kilovolt transmission line would be needed to connect the new Angeltown Switching Station to the nearby Portland-Westmoreland line.

These improvements would correct overloaded equipment and allow TVA to meet federal reliability criteria.

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 June 2012.

Background

TVA is considering improvements to the transmission system in Sumner County in order to relieve over loaded equipment and provide reliable power to the growing area.

The project consists of a new switching station and up to 23 miles of new transmission line.

The proposed Angeltown Switching Station would be located adjacent to TVA’s existing Portland-Westmoreland 161-kilovolt transmission line. Three locations are being considered.
A proposed short 161-kilovolt transmission line would connect the Portland-Westmoreland transmission line to the new switching station.
The second proposed line would connect the new switching station with the Gallatin Fossil Plant Switchyard, located approximately 20 miles south of the switching station. Some of the 49 alternative line segments under consideration use existing right-of-way.

The transmission lines would consist of steel pole structures on a 100-foot right-of-way.

The project is scheduled to be completed by June 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 the comment period will be used in reaching a decision on the proposed action.

TVA held an open house in December to discuss the proposed transmission line project. TVA representatives provided information and answered questions for nearly 320 attendees. A 30-day comment period followed the open house.

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 locations of the transmission facilities.

Map of preferred locations (PDF, 1 mb)

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

Map of alternative routes (PDF, 253 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 project.