Tennessee Valley Authority
Greeneville, Tennessee
Power Supply Upgrade
Update: January 2006
TVA has identified a preferred route for a new transmission line that will power Greeneville Light & Power System’s new substation. The preferred route consists of segments 3, 6, 9, 11 and 12, as shown on the map (see map).
Four different locations along TVA’s existing John Sevier-Tusculum transmission line were studied for tap points (power sources) for the new line. The preferred route would begin at tap point No. 2 near Williams Spring Road and extend southwest to the substation.
Generally, the right-of-way will be 100 feet wide, with some 75-foot right-of-way in more densely developed areas. The transmission line will be built using three different structure designs.
 A two-pole structure design will be used for the part of the transmission line that runs from east of Snapps Ferry Road to the connection point with the existing John Sevier-Tusculum line. |
 Generally, the portion of transmission line from Snapps Ferry Road west to the substation will use a single steel pole design. |
 The structures that will be used along Industrial Road are being specially designed to support both TVA’s new 161-kilovolt line and Greeneville Light & Power’s new 69-kilovolt line. |
A network of 14 route sections was evaluated for the path of the transmission line. The preferred route is the shortest feasible option studied, approximately 4.2 miles long, and is expected to have the least overall project impact.
TVA evaluated each route using the same engineering, environmental, land-use, cultural and cost considerations. Information sources include available data, aerial photography, limited onsite reviews, public review and comment, and property owner input.
| Categories | Issues |
| Engineering | Line length, road and highway crossings, land slope, construction access, airport glide zones, power outages required |
| Environmental | Amount of right-of-way needed, forest clearing, wetlands and/or stream crossings, erosion potential |
| Land Use | Number of parcels and property tracts, houses, barns, recreation areas, other development affected, scenic vistas, |
| Cultural | Historic areas and structures, conservation easements |
TVA is in the process of contacting property owners along the preferred transmission line route. See the project schedule for additional information.
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 Greeneville area to serve Greeneville Light & Power System’s new substation on Rockwell Drive near Industrial Road.
GLPS is building the Pioneer Substation to supply its general load growth and to enhance overall reliability. Neither of GLPS’s two existing delivery point substations alone can meet the system’s peak demand.
TVA is planning to build a single-circuit 161-kV transmission line to supply GLPS’s proposed substation. The projected in-service date for the new facility is summer 2007.
Alternative routes for the new transmission line were discussed at two open houses in Greeneville, Tennessee, on April 7 and October 27, 2005.
By continuing to provide affordable, reliable power, TVA and GLPS will help ensure continued economic health and residential and commercial growth in the area.
Public involvement
TVA is committed to working with area stakeholders to address concerns during the course of the project. TVA held two open houses to provide information on the project and seek input. Comments received during the comment period were used in reaching a decision concerning the proposed action. TVA’s process for siting new transmission projects is designed to afford public input at all stages.
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).
Greeneville alternative route map (360 kb, PDF)
Greeneville preferred route map (379 kb, PDF)
Environmental Reviews
The appropriate National Environmental Policy Act reviews will be conducted to ensure that the project’s environmental impacts are as low as possible. TVA attempts to minimize any land requirements and impacts to the environment or private property associated with transmission projects.
Project schedule
Open house: April 7 and October 27, 2005
Comments accepted: Through November 28, 2005
Determine preferred route for field surveys: January 2006
Begin field surveys and environmental reviews: Winter 2005-06
Complete environmental review: Winter 2006-07
Begin right-of-way acquisitions: Winter 2006-07
Begin construction: Spring 2007
Line in service: Summer 2007
Related information
- Electric and magnetic fields and their effects
Landscaping in utility rights-of-way:
- Landscaping with native shrubs (PDF file, 879 kb)
- Landscaping with native grasses (PDF file, 644 kb)