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Does transmission infrastructure interfere with farmland preservation status?
Transmission infrastructure does not jeopardize a farm’s preservation status or significantly interfere with crop production or raising livestock.
Transource respects the role agriculture preservation and production play in the community. The company’s engineers are working to ensure typical farming practices can continue within the right-of-way, up to the base of the structure.
Also, based on feedback from the community, Transource updated the proposed structures from self-supporting lattice structures to monopoles with a smaller structure footprint.
Will the proposed power line route change, or will additional study segments or routes be considered outside of what was included in the siting applications?
The applications filed with Pennsylvania and Maryland to build the project include proposed and alternate routes. No additional routes or study segments are being considered outside of what is included in the application.
What else does Transource do to ensure land-use issues are considered?
Right-of-way agents are currently working with landowners on the details of easements and, where possible, have made adjustments to further reduce impacts to farming practices and personal land use.
The PUC process allows for approval of a 1,000-foot corridor. What flexibility is there for Transource to adjust the line route?
If approved, Transource will be permitted to locate and construct the transmission line on a 130-foot right-of-way, located within a 1,000-foot corridor that is centered on the approved route. That corridor, granted by the PUC, allows Transource the flexibility to accommodate site-specific factors that may develop later in the process, including agreements with landowners, regulatory and permitting requirements, the need to avoid newly identified environmentally sensitive areas or to accommodate engineering and constructability challenges.
Should landowners have modifications within the 1,000-foot corridor that they wish to have Transource consider, they should discuss this with their right-of-way agent as soon as possible.
What impacts will IEC have on streams?
Transource is working closely with state and federal agencies to mitigate the potential impact to streams and wetlands in the project area. Transource has been conducting on-the-ground surveys to identify these resources and will comply with all state and federal regulations during and after construction of the transmission line and will obtain all necessary permits before construction.
Transource’s typical practice at stream crossings is to span above vegetation along the embankment to allow the vegetation to remain in place. In cases where vegetation must be removed, the company works with the appropriate agencies to mitigate impacts. Mitigation can include planting compatible vegetation that protects the stream but does not pose a concern to the safe operation and maintenance of the power line.
Is Transource currently conducting work in the project area?
Transource’s right-of-way team continues to work with landowners to secure necessary easements. Survey crews are also working in the area. If landowners have questions about this work, they can contact their right-of-way agent.
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