Rutherford-Williamson-Davidson Power Supply Improvement Project

On June 5, 2008, TVA issued the Record of Decision for its proposal to construct and operate the Rutherford-Williamson-Davidson Power Supply Improvement Project. TVA has decided to implement the Action Alternative described in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for this project. This alternative consists of the construction and operation of a new 27-mile 500-kV transmission line in Rutherford, Williamson, and Maury Counties, and a new 500-kilovolt (kV) Rutherford Substation and new 9- and 15-mile 161-kV transmission lines in western Rutherford County. Most of the 500-kV line and 6 miles of the 161-kV lines would be on vacant right-of-ways already owned by TVA.

In April, 2008, TVA issued the Final EIS for this project in April, 2008. This project involves upgrades to the 500-kilovolt (500-kV) electrical transmission system in middle Tennessee. Its need is driven by the rapid population growth (4.3 percent per year since 1990) in Murfreesboro, Franklin, and surrounding areas of Middle Tennessee and the resulting annual increase of approximately 3.5 percent in electrical load. As a consequence, the electrical load capacity of TVA’s existing transmission facilities in this area is expected to be exceeded by 2010.

The Final EIS examined four potential alternative solutions, one of which was determined to be feasible. This solution is developed as the Action Alternative which TVA has decided to implement. TVA plans to have the new facilities completed and in operation in 2010.

Additional information on the project is available including background information, maps, and a project schedule.

Documents

PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Record of Decision (PDF, 62 kb)

Final Environmental Impact Statement

A summary and the entire Final EIS can be viewed by section, as noted below Paper or CD-ROM copies may be requested from the contact listed below. The Final EIS is also available for viewing at the Spring Hill, Eagleville, College Grove, and Maury County libraries, the Linebaugh Library in Murfreesboro, and the James E. Walker Library at Middle Tennessee State University. Copies of the Draft EIS are available upon request; see below for contact information.

Summary and Table of Contents (PDF, 509 kb)
Includes an abstract, a summary of the final EIS, the table of contents, and a glossary table of terms, abbreviations, and acronyms

Chapter 1: Purpose Of and Need for Action (PDF, 1.1 mb)
Describes the need for the project, other pertinent environmental reviews, and the public involvement process

Chapter 2: Alternatives (PDF, 3.7 mb)
Describes the screening processes used to define the proposed action, a detailed description and comparison of each alternative, mitigation considered, and identification of the preferred alternative

Chapter 3: Affected Environment (PDF, 462 kb)
Provides detailed descriptions of the various natural, cultural, and human resources of concern in the project area

Chapter 4: Environmental Consequences (PDF, 308 kb)
Provides detailed descriptions of the effects of the alternatives on the various resources in the project area

Chapters 5, 6, and 7: Supporting Information (PDF, 178 kb)
Presents lists of preparers, lists of agencies, organizations, and individuals notified or receiving copies, and literature cited

Appendix A: Notice of Intent (PDF, 95 kb)
Contains Notice of Intent as published in the Federal Register.

Appendix B-1: Agency Correspondence (PDF, 8.5 mb)
Includes project correspondence, comments received on the project and responses prepared by TVA staff

Appendix B-2: Responses to Public Comments (PDF, 200 kb)

Appendix C: Tennessee Valley Authority/Power Distributors Energy Efficiency Initiatives (PDF, 190 kb)
Details current energy conservation programs and initiatives available through TVA and distributors of TVA power

Appendices D – O (PDF, 1 mb)
Provides supporting information including scores and rankings for alternative substation sites and transmission lines, TVA environmental quality specifications for transmission line and substation construction, and specific resource information

Index (PDF, 128 kb)
Lists pertinent words alphabetically and shows page numbers where these words are located in the EIS

Related Documents

Notice of Intent (PDF, 95 kb)
As published in the Federal Register on July 31, 2005

Project Area Map (PDF, 271 kb)
Shows the general project area for three of the potential alternative solutions.

Preferred Site and Routes Map (PDF, 226 kb)
Shows the location of the facilities proposed under the Action Alternative.

Scoping Document (PDF, 467 kb)

Contact information

For more information, contact:

Anita Masters
TVA Environmental Policy and Planning
1101 Market St., LP 5U-C
Chattanooga, TN 37402-2801
aemasters@tva.gov
Phone: 423-751-8697