Tennessee Valley Authority
Hillsboro, Tennessee
Power Supply Upgrade
Update – February 2012
TVA has worked with property owners to address concerns on this project. The result is a revision of the preferred route. Instead of using all of alternative route segment 17, a modified version of route segment 17 will be used. The preferred route now taps the Red Hill 161-kV transmission tap line near the Red Hills Substation, heads south a short distance and then back east to segment 17. See the map below.
Update - December 2011
Following the receipt of public input, TVA has evaluated a network of 17 alternative line segments and four tap points for improvements needed to reduce the number of service interruptions.
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 17, 12, 14 and 16 as the preferred route (see map).
The route begins at tap point alternative #4 on the existing Red Hill 161-kV transmission tap line near Old Airport Road in Manchester and heads south towards I-24 on existing right of way. There the route turns southeast, paralleling I-24. The route then turns east, then southeast towards the existing Winchester-Hillsboro 46-kV line. The route continues eastward on the south side of the existing 46-kV line terminating at the substation site on Prairie Road in Hillsboro.
The preferred route is about 4.4 miles long with 1.2 miles using existing right-of-way. The route is expected to have the least overall impact of the alternatives.
The line would be built on steel poles on 100 foot wide right-of-way.
About 24 property owners and 26 property tracts would be affected.
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 fall 2012. See the complete schedule below.
Background - Spring 2011
TVA is considering improvements to the transmission system in the Hillsboro, Tennessee area, located southeast of Manchester. The improvements will provide continued reliable power to the area.
TVA is considering building a transmission line that would power Duck River Electric Membership Corporation’s proposed Hillsboro 161-kV Substation. The proposed substation would be located adjacent to TVA’s Hillsboro 46-kV substation.
The new substation and about four miles of line are needed to reduce electric service interruptions and provide reliable electric service to the area.
TVA will hold an open house on May 26, 2011 to provide information, answer questions and accept comments about the proposed project.
The proposed project consists of about 4 miles of new transmission line to power Duck River EMC’s Hillsboro Substation. The line would extend southeast from TVA’s existing Red Hill 161-kV transmission tap line near Old Airport Road in Manchester, TN, to the new Hillsboro Substation.
TVA is considering several alternative routes from a network of 17 alternative line segments and four tap points. Part of one alternative route would utilize an existing vacant TVA ROW and some segments would follow the existing right-of-way to the Hillsboro Substation.
The new line would be a single-circuit line on steel single-pole structures centered on a 100-foot right-of-way.
The project is expected to be in service fall 2013.
Construction would begin summer 2013.
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 to discuss the proposed transmission line project on May 26, 2011 in Manchester, Tennessee. A 30-day comment period followed. Comments received during the comment period are used in reaching a decision on the proposed action.
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 network of alternative routes TVA is considering for the proposed transmission line.
Map (PDF, 356 kb)
The map shows the preferred route TVA is considering for the proposed transmission line.
Map (PDF, 347 kb)
Environmental reviews
The appropriate National Environmental Policy Act review 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: April 28, 2011
Comments accepted: through June 27, 2011
Determine preferred route for field surveys: August 2011
Begin contacting property owners for permission to survey: August 2011
Begin construction: Summer 2013
Project in service: Fall 2013
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.
Environmental Protection and Best Management Practices (PDF, 7 mb)