Tennessee Valley Authority
Power Supply Upgrade
Glasgow, Kentucky
Update: January 2008
TVA has evaluated eight alternative line segments for the new transmission line to power Glasgow Electric Plant Board’s new substation. The same considerations — environmental, land-use, engineering, 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 7 as the preferred route. Alternative Route 7 consists of Segments 1, 2 and 8 (see preferred route map). This route is expected to have the fewest overall impacts. To learn more about TVA’s transmission line routing process and how the decision on this project was reached, see the accompanying fact sheet (112 kb, PDF).
TVA will build about 5 miles of transmission line to power the substation. The line will extend from TVA’s Summer Shade-East Bowling Green transmission line north to the substation. Glasgow EPB’s new substation will be located northwest of the intersection of Highway 63 and Louie B. Nunn Parkway. The new facilities are expected to be in service June 2009.
- Three miles of the line will be on existing right-of-way. TVA will tear down the existing 69-kV line and replace it with a new 161-kV line.
- Two miles will be on new right-of-way. The line will extend north from TVA’s Summer Shade-East Bowling Green 161-kV line, about one and a quarter miles east of Highway 249, and connect to the existing right-of-way about one mile east of Hwy 249.
Background
Glasgow EPB serves the city of Glasgow, Kentucky from a single substation, which is currently overloaded. In order to meet growing power demand and maintain reliable electric service to the Glasgow area, Glasgow EPB plans to build a new substation and TVA will construct a 6-mile transmission line to power the substation.
The transmission line would extend from TVA’s existing 161-kilovolt Summer Shade-East Bowling Green transmission line north to Glasgow EPB’s new East Glasgow Primary 161-kilovolt Substation, located northwest of the intersection of Highway 63 and Louie B. Nunn Parkway. See alternative routes map.
About four miles of the line will use existing right-of-way. The 69-kilovolt line that is currently on the right-of-way will be torn down and a 161-kilovolt line will be built in its place. The remaining two miles of line will be on new right-of-way.
The transmission line would consist of single steel pole structures on a 100-foot right-of-way.
The project is scheduled to be completed by June 2009.
By continuing to provide affordable, reliable power, TVA and 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 to discuss the proposed project on October 11, 2007 in Glasgow, Kentucky. A 30-day comment period followed.
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.
Preferred Route Map (PDF, 507 kb)
Shows the preferred route for the proposed transmission line.
Alternative routes map (PDF, 696 kb)
Shows the alternative routes considered.
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: October 11, 2007
- Comments accepted: through November 13, 2007
- Determine preferred route for field surveys: Winter 2008
- Begin contacting property owners for permission to survey: Late winter 2008
- Begin field surveys and environmental reviews: Spring 2008
- Begin right-of-way acquisitions: Summer/fall 2008
- Begin construction: Winter 2008-09
- Line in service: June 2009
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)