Tennessee Valley Authority
Obion, Tennessee
Power Supply Upgrade
Update September 2007
TVA has evaluated 4 alternative routes for the new transmission line to power Gibson EMC’s new Polk Substation. 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 and 3 as the preferred route (see map). This route is expected to have the fewest overall impacts.
The preferred route begins at TVA’s existing Union City-Tiptonville 161-kilovolt transmission line and travel south to the Polk Substation, located near the intersection of McDonnell Road and Illinois Central Gulf Railroad. The route is about 3 miles long and affects about 12 property tracts. The line will be built using two types of steel poles, similar to the ones shown in the photographs below.
Background
A new transmission line is needed to maintain reliable electric service and meet growing industrial power demand in the Obion-Troy area.
Ethanol Grain Processors LLC plans to build a processing plant in the Obion, Tennessee, area. Gibson Electric Membership Corporation serves the area through its Troy substation, which would become overloaded with the additional 10 megawatts of industrial load. Gibson EMC is therefore planning to build the Polk Substation to serve the added industrial load. TVA plans to build about three miles of transmission line to power the substation.
The line would extend from TVA’s existing Union City-Tiptonville 161-kilovolt transmission line, located about one mile south of Troy, to the new Obion Substation, which is located about three miles south of that line near the intersection of McDonnell Road and the Illinois Central Railroad.
The transmission line would consist of steel-pole structures centered on a new 100-foot right-of-way.
The new facilities are expected to be in service in August 2008. See the project schedule.
By continuing to provide reliable, affordable power, TVA and the distributors of TVA power will help ensure continued economic health and growth in the area.
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.
TVA held an open house on May 10, 2007 to provide information, answer questions, and take comments about the proposed transmission line project.
Maps
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 network of alternative routes TVA is considering for the proposed transmission line.
Map of alternative routes (PDF, 644 kb)
Map of preferred route (PDF, 236 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.
Project schedule
Open house: May 10, 2007
Comments accepted: Through June 11, 2007
Determine preferred route for field surveys: Summer 2007
Begin contacting property owners for permission to survey: Fall 2007
Begin field surveys and environmental reviews: Fall 2007
Begin right-of-way acquisitions: Spring8Spring 2008
Begin construction: Spring 2008
Line in service: August 2008
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.