KNOXVILLE, Tenn.­­ – The Tennessee Valley Authority is asking for public input on the removal next year of vegetation within the transmission system right of way that could put the transmission system’s safe and reliable operation at risk.

The Draft Environmental Assessment is available for a 30-day public review and comment period at www.tva.com/nepa. The vegetation management would be done during TVA’s fiscal year 2023, beginning Oct. 1, 2022.

TVA’s recommended action is Alternative B. TVA would remove vegetation incompatible with the safe and reliable operation of the transmission system on 400 acres of designated right of way across the seven-state region. This would include removing trees and woody vegetation that are deemed a risk to the transmission system. TVA would notify property owners before starting any maintenance work. 

TVA uses an Integrated Vegetation Management approach to establish a meadow-like environment under power lines to improve biodiversity while ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the transmission system.

TVA is asking for public input on the draft Environmental Assessment through Feb. 25. Comments can be submitted online at www.tva.com/nepa, by email to [email protected], and by mail in writing to Anita Masters, NEPA Specialist, Tennessee Valley Authority, 1101 Market Street, BR 2C, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 37402. All comments received will become public record, including names and addresses, and will be considered in the development of the final Environmental Assessment.

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