Tennessee Valley Authority
Unionville, Tennessee
Power Supply Upgrade
Update — March 2009
TVA has evaluated a network of 36 alternative line segments for a new transmission line and two switching stations to reduce power interruptions to Duck River EMC. The line and switching stations would improve the reliability of power to Duck River EMC and the area by providing a second source of power.
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 2, 6, 9, 17, 20, 26, 36, 35 and 34 as the preferred route (see map). The line would extend from TVA’s transmission line located outside of Duck River EMC’s Rally Hill Substation, located on Rally Hill Cut Off Road, east towards TVA’s new Unionville Switching Station on Substation Road, about one-forth mile east of Hwy 41.
The preferred route is about 17 miles long, with 15 miles paralleling an existing line. The route is expected to have the least overall impact because it will parallel existing corridors and avoid planned development.
- Segments 9, 17, 20 and 26 parallel the existing Maury-Franklin 500-kV line.
- Segments 9 and 17 parallel on the north side of the existing line.
- Segments 20 and 26 parallel on the south side of the existing line.
The line would be built on single steel poles on a 100-foot right-of-way. However, along the existing right-of-way, 40 feet of the new right-of-way will overlap the existing right-of-way. About 79 parcels, 68 parcel owners would be affected – 56 owners along existing right-of-way, 12 on new right-of-way.
The preferred location for the new Unionville Substation is alternative B, located south of the existing Duck River EMC 161-kV Substation (see map).
In addition, TVA proposes to build a new Kedron Road Switching Station, which would be located on existing TVA property – just north of the intersection of Kedron Road and Greens Mill Road, adjacent to the Rutherford 500-kV right-of-way.
The project is scheduled to be completed in June 2012.
Background — October 2008
TVA is considering building a new transmission line and two switching stations in order to improve the reliability of power to the growing area.
TVA will hold an open house October 23 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 one switching station. The second switching station will be built on property owned by TVA.
Two alternative sites are being considered for the Unionville Switching Station, which would be built adjacent to Duck River EMC’s Unionville Substation, located on Substation Road, about one-fourth of a mile east of Hwy. 41.
A new TVA Kedron Road Switching Station would be built on existing TVA property adjacent to the Maury-Rutherford 500-kilovolt transmission line right-of-way. The property is located just north of the intersection of Kedron Road and Greens Mill Road.
A total of 36 alternative line segments are being considered for the transmission line, which would extend from a TVA transmission line located outside Duck River EMC’s Rally Hill Substation, located on Rally Hill Cut Off Road, to the new Unionville Switching Station. The line would be 17-19 miles long.
The transmission line would consist of steel pole structures on new 100-foot right-of-way. One alternative route parallels the existing Maury-Franklin 500-kilovolt line. If this is a preferred option, part of the right-of-way would overlap with the existing 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 were used in reaching a decision on the proposed action.
TVA held an open house in October 2008 to discuss the proposed transmission line project, receive comments on the potential of the proposed action to affect the environment or historic properties, and identify any other issues associated with the proposal. Approximately 530 property owners, representing 640 parcels were invited to the open house. A 30-day comment period followed. Following the receipt of public input, the alternative route segments were evaluated.
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 TVA’s preferred route for the proposed transmission line.
Map of preferred routes (PDF, 297 kb)
The map shows the network of alternative routes TVA considered for the proposed transmission line.
Map of alternative routes (PDF, 303 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: October 23, 2008
Comments accepted: through November 24, 2008
Determine preferred route for field surveys: winter 2008-09
Begin contacting property owners for permission to survey: winter 2008-09
Begin construction: summer 2011
Project in service: June 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.