Tennessee Valley Authority
Goose Creek, Tennessee
Power Supply Upgrade
Update: September 2006
TVA has evaluated a network of 12 alternative routes (consisting of 17 line segments) for the Goose Creek-area transmission line using the same environmental, land-use, engineering, and cost considerations for each alternative. The reviews were based on available data, aerial photography, limited onsite reviews, public review and comment, and property owners’ input.
Based on these evaluations, TVA has identified the alternative that parallels I-65 as the preferred route. This route consists of segments 9, 10, 11, and 13 (see maps). This route is about 3.5 miles long and is expected to have the least overall project impact of the alternatives.
The substation site is located northeast of Interchange 61 off I-65. The new line will extend from an existing TVA transmission line north of the site and will parallel I-65 for the majority of the distance.
The line would be on steel poles on a 100-foot right-of-way.
TVA is in the process of contacting property owners along the preferred transmission line route.
Background
In order to maintain reliability while meeting the growing power demand in the area, TVA is proposing to build a new transmission line in the Goose Creek area to serve Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation’s new substation.
According to current growth projections, the electrical load in the area will exceed Middle Tennessee EMC’s ability to provide reliable service. MTEMC’s Henpeck Substation, which currently serves the area, is expected to exceed its capacity by the summer of 2008.
The new Goose Creek development is projected to add more than 90 megawatts of load over the next 10 years. The area cannot be served from existing MTEMC substations due to the amount of electrical load involved and the distance from existing substations.
TVA’s alternative routes for the line vary in length from about 2.5 to 4.5 miles. See map.
The line would be built using steel pole structures on a 100-foot right-of-way. The projected in-service date for the new facility is June 2008.
By continuing to provide affordable, reliable power, TVA and Middle Tennessee EMC will help ensure continued economic health and residential and commercial growth in the area.
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 on June 29, 2006, to receive public comment on the proposed transmission line project in Goose Creek. A 30-day comment period followed.
Maps
The map is a PDF file 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 the map, please contact TVA (see contact information).
Project Map (PDF, 1.5 mb)
The map shows the area under consideration and the six alternative routes TVA is considering for the proposed transmission line.Preferred Route Map (PDF, 560 kb)
The map shows TVA’s preferred route for the transmission line -- line segments 9, 10, 11 and 13.
Environmental Reviews
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.
Information is available on TVA’s environmental reports.
Project schedule
Open house: June 29, 2006
Comments accepted: through July 31, 2006
Determine preferred route for field surveys: September 2006
Begin contacting property owners for permission to survey: fall 2006
Begin field surveys and environmental reviews: late fall 2006
Complete environmental review: spring 2007
Begin right-of-way acquisitions: spring 2007
Line in service: June 2008
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)