Tennessee Valley Authority
Biggersville, Mississippi
Transmission System Upgrade
Update: March 2009
TVA has worked with property owners to address concerns on this project. The result is a revision of the preferred route. Instead of using alternative route segement 12, route segments 13 and 19 will be used. The preferred route now consists of alternative route segments 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13, 19 and 20. (See map)
Update: May 2008
TVA has evaluated 20 alternative line segments for the new transmission line to power Alcorn County EPA’s new Biggersville Substation. 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 lineline segments 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12 and 20 as the preferred route (see map). Some segments have been adjusted from the routes presented at the open house. The preferred route begins at TVA’s existing Corinth Substation, located south of Hwy. 72 in Corinth. The line extends south to the proposed substation, located along Hwy. 45 in Biggersville. This 9.2 mile route is expected to have the fewest overall impacts.
The project is scheduled to be completed spring 2010.
Background: September 2008
TVA is considering building a transmission line that would power Alcorn County EPA’s new substation in Biggersville, Mississippi. The line and substation are needed to relieve overloaded of equipment and provide a reliable source of power to the area.
Alcorn County EPA’s 46-kilovolt Rienzi Substation is overloaded at peak power times. To provide continued reliable power to the area Alcorn plans to build a new 161-kilovolt substation in the Biggersville area and TVA plans to build 8.5 to 9.5 miles of 161-kV transmission line to power the new substation.
TVA will hold an open house on September 16 to provide information, answer questions and accept comments. All comments will be considered by TVA in reaching a decision on the location of the new transmission line and switching station.
A total of 20 alternative line segments are being considered for the line. The line would begin at TVA’s existing Corinth 161-kV Substation, located south of Hwy 72 in Corinth, and extend south towards the substation site, which is located east of Hwy 45 in Biggersville.
The transmission line would consist of steel pole structures on new 100-foot right-of-way.
The project is scheduled to be completed by spring of 2010.
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. Comments received during the comment period will be used in reaching a decision on the proposed action.
TVA held an open house in Corinth on September 16, 2008 to discuss the proposed transmission line project. TVA received comments on the potential of the proposed action to affect the environment or historic properties and would like to identify any other issues associated with this proposal. All comments received, including names and addresses, are part of the administrative record.
Map
The map shows the preferred route TVA is considering for the proposed transmission line.
Map of Preferred Route (392 kb, PDF)
The map shows the network of alternative routes TVA is considering for the proposed transmission line.
Map of Alternative Routes (393 kb, PDF)
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 type of project.
Project schedule
Open house: September 16, 2008
Comments accepted: through October 117, 2008
Determine preferred route for field surveys: winter 2008-09
Begin contacting property owners for permission to survey: winter 2008-09
Begin construction: fall 2009
Project in service: spring 2010
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)