control number 42221 item number 2 addendum startpage 0€¦ · benedum (lcra) - centralia 138 kv...

Control Number : 42221

Item Number : 2

Addendum StartPage : 0

12` 42STANDARD APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF :

CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY FOR A PROPOSED

TRANSMISSION LINE

AND

APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF CONVENIENCE

AND NECESSITY FOR A PROPOSED TRANSMISSION

LINE PURSUANT TO P.U.C. SUBST. R. 25.174

DOCKET NO. 42221

Submit seven (7) copies of the application and all attachments supporting the

application. If the application is being filed pursuant to P. iT. C. SUBST R

25.101(b)(3)(D) or P.U.C. Subst. R 25.174, include in the application all direct

testimony. The application and other necessary documents shall be submitted to:

Public Utility Commission of Texas

Attn: Filing Clerk

1701 N. Congress Ave.

Austin, Texas 78711-3326

1

Standard Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for aProposed Transmission Line

andApplication For A Certificate of Convenience and Necessity For A Proposed Transmission Line

Pursuant To P.U.C. Subst. R. 25.174

Note: As used herein, the term "joint application" refers to an application for proposedtransmission facilities for which ownership will be divided. All applications for suchfacilities should be filed jointly by the proposed owners of the facilities.

1. Applicant (Utility) Name:

For joint applications, provide all information for each application.

Applicant (Utility) Name: Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC

("Oncor" or "Company")

Certificate Number: 30158

Street Address: 1616 Woodall Rodgers Freeway

Dallas, Texas 75202

Mailing Address: 1616 Woodall Rodgers Freeway

Dallas, Texas 75202-1234

2. Please identify all entities that will hold an ownership interest or an investment

interest in the proposed project but which are not subject to the Commission's

jurisdiction.

Oncor will hold the sole ownership interest in the Proposed Transmission Line.

3. Person to Contact: April Pinkston

Title/Position: Regulatory Project Manager

Phone Number: (214) 486-4917

Mailing Address: 1616 Woodall Rodgers Fwy, Suite 6A-012


Email Address: [email protected]

Alternate Contact:

Title/Position:

Phone Number:

Mailing Address:

Email Address:

Robert Holt

Regulatory Manager

(214) 486-4955

1616 Woodall Rodgers Fwy, Suite 6B-005


Robert. Holt(w'oncor.com

2 Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLCBenedum-Centralia CCN




Legal Counsel: Matthew C. HenryTab R. UrbantkeJaren A. Taylor

Phone Number: (214) 220-7754

Mailing Address: Vinson & Elkins LLP

Trammell Crow Center

2001 Ross Avenue, Suite 3700

4.

Dallas, Texas 75201

Email Address: jarentaylort"a,velaw.com

Please contact Jaren Taylor with any inquiries regarding the Proposed Transmission

Line Project.

Project Description:

Provide a general description of the project, including the design voltage rating(kV), the operating voltage (kV), the CREZ Zone(s) (if any) where the project is

located (all or in part), any substations and/or substation reactive compensationconstructed as part of the project, and any series elements such as sectionalizingswitching devices, series line compensation, etc. For HVDC transmission lines,the converter stations should be considered to be project components and shouldbe addressed in the project description.

If the project will be owned by more than one party, briefly explain theownership arrangements between the parties and provide a description of the

portion(s) that will be owned by each party. Provide a description of the

responsibilities of each party for implementing the project (design, Right-Of-

Way acquisition, material procurement, construction, etc.).

If applicable, identify and explain any deviation in transmission project

components from the original transmission specifications as previously approved

by the Commission or recommended by a PURA §39.151 organization.

Name or Designation of Project:

Design Voltage Raging (kV):Operating Voltage Rating (kV):Normal Operating Current (A):

Benedum (LCRA) - Centralia 138 kVTransmission Line Project138 kV138 kV1649 A


3




The Project will include construction of a new 138 kV double-circuit transmission

line between the Lower Colorado River Authority's ("LCRA")'s new Benedum

Switching Station and Oncor's new Centralia Substation ("Proposed Transmission

Line Project"). The new transmission line will connect into LCRA's existing

Midkiff to Crane 138 kV transmission line at the Benedum Switching Station and

extend 138 kV transmission facilities to serve new load near Oncor's new Centralia

Substation. Oncor will construct the Proposed Transmission Line Project and the

Centralia Substation. LCRA will construct the Benedum Switching Station.. Atlas

Pipeline Mid-Continent WestTex LLC ("Atlas") is involved in the Right-of-Way

("ROW') acquisition for the Proposed Transmission Line Project (see Question 6

below).

The Benedum Switching Station is located approximately 5 miles south of Ranch-to-Market (RM) 2401 and 0.5 mile east of County Road 112 along LCRA's existingMidkiff to Crane 138 kV transmission line. Oncor's Centralia Substation will belocated approximately 8.5 miles east of State Highway ("SH") 349, just north of theAtlas Edward Gas Processing Facility ("Edward Gas Processing Facility") in Upton

County, Texas.

Associated with the Proposed Transmission Line Project will be the necessaryendpoints for the line. This work will include the equipment necessary to terminatethe proposed project at both ends. These improvements can include station dead-end structures, other structures, bus work, transformers and other equipment,grading, and fences.

The length of the Proposed Transmission Line Project route is approximately 9.9miles as proposed.

5. Conductor and Structures:Conductor Size and Type: 959.6 kemil ACSS/TW

Number of conductors per phase: 1Continuous Summer Static Current Rating (A): 1649 A

Continuous Summer Static Line Capacity

at Operating Voltage (MVA): 394 MVA

Continuous Summer Static Line Capacity

at Design Voltage (MVA): 394 MVA




Pursuant To P.U.C. Subst. R 25.174

Type and composition of Structures: Double-Circuit Steel or

Concrete Monopole

Height of Typical Structures: 85 feet*

* This number reflects the approximate visible height of the structure from ground

to structure top. Please see the dimensional drawing of a typical structure in Figure

1-2 (page 1-5) of the Environmental Assessment for Oncor Electric Delivery

Company LLC's Proposed Benedum (LCRA) to Centralia 138 kV Transmission

Line Project in Upton County, Texas (Environmental Assessment), prepared by

URS included in Attachment No. 1.

Explain why these structures were selected; include such factors as landownerpreference, engineering considerations, and costs comparisons to alternate

structures that were considered.

For joint applications, provide and separately identify the above-requiredinformation regarding structures for the portion(s) of the project owned by

each applicant.

Oncor's current standard for new single- and double-circuit 138 kV construction is

concrete or steel monopoles. The Proposed Transmission Line Project's study area

contains numerous factors included in the Environmental Assessment. These

factors, including ROW limitations, structure footprint, and impact to affected

landowners were all considered when affirming the use of these structures for the

Proposed Transmission Line Project.

Provide dimensional drawings of the typical structures to be used in theproject.

A dimensional drawing of the typical structure to be used in the project is includedin Figure 1-2 (page 1-5) of the Environmental Assessment included as Attachment

No. 1.

6. Right-of-way:Miles of Right-of-Way: Approximately 9.9 miles

Miles of Circuit:

Width of Right-of-Way:

Approximately 19.8 miles

80 feet


5




Percent of Right-of-Way Acquired: 100%

All necessary ROW for the project is acquired. Given Atlas' familiarity with thearea and existing relationship with the landowners, Atlas acquired the ROW for theproject.

For joint applications, provide and separately identify the above-requiredinformation for each route for the portion(s) of the project owned by eachapplicant.

Provide a brief description of the area traversed by the transmission line.Include a description of the general land uses in the area and the type of

terrain crossed by the line.

The project area is located in Upton County, Texas. This area is rural and mostlyundeveloped. The route crosses lands utilized for different uses including oil/gasdevelopment; rural residential; and agricultural uses such as cropland, pastureland,and ranchland. The topography of the area is level. The vegetation is mostlyscrubland with cropland and prairies.

Transportation mainly consists of ranch-to-market and county roads. There is onerailroad in Upton County, but it is not impacted by the Proposed Transmission LineProject. There are no airfields or heliports identified in the vicinity of the ProposedTransmission Line Project.

Specific discussion regarding natural, human and cultural resources in the projectarea is set forth in Chapter 3 of the Environmental Assessment, pages 3-1 through3-39, included as Attachment No. 1.

7. Substations or Switching Stations:List the name of all existing HVDC converter stations, substations or switchingstations that will be associated with the new transmission line. Providedocumentation showing that the owner(s) of the existing HVDC converter

stations, substations and/or switching stations have agreed to the installation ofthe required project facilities.

No existing substations or switching stations will be associated with the Proposed

Transmission Line Project.


6




List the name of all new HVDC converter stations, substations or switchingstations that will be associated with the new transmission line. Providedocumentation showing that the owner(s) of the new HVDC converter stations,substations and/or switching stations have agreed to the installation of therequired project facilities.

LCRA's new Benedum Switching Station (See Attachment No. 2).

Oncor's new Centralia Substation

8. Estimated Schedule:

Estimated Dates of: Start* Completion*

Right-of-way and Land Acquisition Jun. 2014 Jul. 2014

Engineering and Design Nov. 2013 Jun. 2014

Material and Equipment

Procurement

Apr. 2014 Jul. 2014

Construction of Facilities Jul. 2014 Oct. 2014

Energize Facilities Oct. 2014 Oct. 2014

*Estimated schedule assumes administrative approval of CCN and numerous other factors. The

estimated construction schedule should not in any way be considered a representation, promise, or

guarantee.

9. Counties:

For each route, list all counties in which the route is to be constructed.

Upton County

10. Municipalities:

For each route, list all municipalities in which the route is to be constructed.

The proposed route will not traverse any municipality.

For each applicant, attach a copy of the franchise, permit or other evidence

of the city's consent held by the utility, if necessary or applicable. If

franchise, permit, or other evidence of the city's consent has been previously


7




filed, provide only the docket number of the application in which the consent

was filed. Each applicant should provide this information only for the

portion(s) of the project which will be owned by the applicant.

Not Applicable.

11. Affected Utilities:Identify any other electric utility served by or connected to facilities in thisapplication.

The Proposed Transmission Line Project will be connected to the LCRA's new

Benedum Switching Station.

Describe how any other electric utility will be affected and the extent of theother utilities' involvement in the construction of this project. Include any

other electric utilities whose existing facilities will be utilized for the project(vacant circuit positions, ROW, substation sites and/or equipment, etc.) andprovide documentation showing that the owner(s) of the existing facilities haveagreed to the installation of the required project facilities.

Oncor will construct the Proposed Transmission Line Project to connect to LCRA's

new Benedum Switching Station. The Benedum Switching Station will be

connected to LCRA's Midkiff to Crane 138 kV transmission line. See Attachment

No. 2.

12. Financing:Describe the method of financing this project. For each applicant that is to be

reimbursed for all or a portion of this project, identify the source and amountof the reimbursement (actual amount if known, estimated amount otherwise)

and the portion(s) of the project for which the reimbursement will be made.

Oncor proposes to finance the facilities included in the Proposed Transmission LineProject with a combination of debt and equity in compliance with its authorized

capital structure, which is similar to the means used for previous construction

projects. Oncor plans to utilize internally generated funds (equity) and proceedsreceived from the issuance of securities. The Company will typically obtain short-

term borrowings as needed for interim financing of its construction expenditures inexcess of funds generated internally. These borrowings are then repaid through the


8




issuance of long-term debt securities, the type and amount of which are as yet

determined.

13. Estimated Costs: Provide cost estimates for each route of the proposed

project using the following table. Provide a breakdown of "Other"

costs by major cost category and amount. Provide the information for

each route in an attachment to this application.

Transmission SubstationFacilities Facilities*

Right-of-way and Land Acquisition $102,000 $5,000

Engineering and Design (Utility) $441,000 0

Engineering and Design (Contract) $597,000 $300,000

Procurement of Material and Equipment(including stores)

$3,799,000 $2,850,000

Construction of Facilities (Utility) '$0 $195,000

Construction of Facilities (Contract) $4,392,000 $1,150,000

Other (all costs not included in the above

categories)

$0 $0

Estimated Total Cost $9,331,000 $4,500,000*

*These estimated costs are to establish the new Centralia Substation toaccommodate the Proposed Transmission Line Project. The estimated costs

associated with construction of and line termination at the proposed BenedumSwitching Station are $5.5 million. These facilities will be constructed by LCRA

and are not included in the project cost.

For joint applications, provide and separately identify the above-required

information for the portion(s) of the project owned by each applicant.

Not Applicable.

14. Need for the Proposed Project:For a standard application, describe the need for the construction and state

how the proposed project will address the need. Describe the existing

transmission system and conditions addressed by this application. For


V




projects that are planned to accommodate load growth, provide historical load

data and load projections for at least five years. For projects to accommodate

load growth or to address reliability issues, provide a description of the steady

state load flow analysis that justifies the project. For interconnection projects,

provide any documentation from a transmission service customer, generator,

transmission service provider, or other entity to establish that the proposed

facilities are needed. For projects related to a Competitive Renewable Energy

Zone, the foregoing requirements are not necessary; the applicant need only

provide a specific reference to the pertinent portion(s) of an appropriate

commission order specifying that the facilities are needed. For all projects,

provide any documentation of the review and recommendation of a PURA

§39.151 organization.

The Proposed Transmission Line Project is located in an area where (a) rapid loadgrowth, primarily attributable to oil and natural gas load, is occurring and (b)existing transmission and distribution facilities are being utilized at or nearmaximum capacity. In particular, Atlas is installing new gas processing facilities,the Edward Gas Processing Facility, in Upton County. The Proposed TransmissionLine Project is needed to provide safe and reliable electric service to the EdwardGas Processing Facility and other future facilities in the area. Oncor's forecastedloads (summer and winter peaks) for the proposed Centralia Substation are asfollows:

Summer Peaks by Year in MW*BANK NAME 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Centralia #1 0.0 22.0 23.1 24.3 25.5 26.7Centralia #2 0.0 22.0 23.1 24.3 25.5 26.7Total Substation 44.0 46.2 48.6 51.0 53.4

Winter Peaks by Year in MW*BANK NAME 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20

Centralia #1 22.0 22.9 24.0 25.2 26.5 27.8Centralia #2 22.0 23.9 25.1 26.4 27.7 29.1Total Substation 44.0 46.8 49.1 51.6 54.2 56.9

* Future load forecasting and not historical load data is provided because the immediate load growthis primarily associated with a single large facility currently under construction that will dramaticallyalter historical load in the area.

Oncor's existing Upton Substation is the closest existing substation to the newEdward Gas Processing Facility at approximately 10 miles away. However, due toprimary distribution voltage and distance, adequate voltage levels cannot be


10




maintained for service of the new plant. Additionally, distribution service from theexisting Upton Station cannot satisfy the motor starting requirements of the newplant. (See below for more detail on the distribution alternative) Therefore, theProposed Transmission Line Project is needed to provide 138 kV service to theproposed Centralia Substation which will serve the Edward Gas Processing Facilityand other existing and future load in the area.

15. Alternatives to Project:

For a standard application, describe alternatives to the construction of this

project (not routing options). Include an analysis of distribution alternatives,

upgrading voltage or bundling of conductors of existing facilities, adding

transformers, and for utilities that have not unbundled, distributed generation

as alternatives to the project. Explain how the project overcomes the

insufficiencies of the other options that were considered.

Alternate #1

Oncor examined the feasibility of serving the Edward Gas Processing Facility fromthe Upton Substation which is the closest existing substation. To meet the servicerequirements of the Edward Gas Processing Facility, Oncor determined that UptonSubstation would have to be expanded to accommodate two new 138-21.6 kVtransformers, and two approximately twelve-mile distribution feeders, twoapproximately fifteen-mile distribution feeders, twenty-two 1200 kvar capacitorbanks, and twelve 300 Ampere voltage regulators (See Figure -1). The distributioncost, excluding substation expansion would be approximately $6,000,000.However, a distribution alternative was insufficient from a service and reliabilityperspective.

Studies of this alternate project indicated an excessive and unacceptable voltagedrop of 28 percent at the Edward Gas Processing Facility would occur when a 3,500horsepower motor starts. This is well in excess of the acceptable 6 percent voltagedrop allowed on distribution feeders per IEEE Standard 141-1993. The voltage dipat Upton Substation would also be 3.5 times the acceptable level of 3 percent perIEEE Standard 141-1993. This is primarily due to the long distance between theEdward Gas Processing Facility and the Upton Substation. The Edward GasProcessing Facility is planned to have twelve 3,500 horsepower motors.

Even if the motors could be started, these long distribution feeders (12 miles to 15miles in length) would not provide service as reliable as the proposed CentraliaSubstation and the Proposed Transmission Line Project because of the potential foroutages of these feeders. Another advantage to the Proposed Transmission LineProject is that Centralia Substation will be located approximately half a mile awayfrom the Edward Gas Processing Facility thus reducing or eliminating voltage drop


11




concerns, as well as providing a new substation in the area for other future andexisting load.

- - - uptm Stbstebon. '" Instal 2-47 MVA 13B-21.5 k4!

Transformers and 4 21.5 kv feeder breakers

F1We -f-

^. ^^^' ^ ^ Ir,stan zcrcuns '8-795 kcrnl Aac^ 63,OM feet

h - ttnste115-tzrD KVnnc^racitareen►3^,aurefet3ooarp

Instal 2[5rcuits ' ^^,...vdtaqK repdaton on fceders

3-796 kcmd AAC#s & 71a

80,507 (eatInstal 7500 KVA21,6-12.5KVAaubotransforrner

m -""-° tr t ^^-r'

t l t^., Transfer 4.0MW from

Remove Recbser ^---+uF-^ -^ lJtiat ffi21 to Upton

Instal 900 amp qg,S, Feeder A4

lostall fi-7200 K4M ceP$t'Jtcr • ti P- N,Q.8ards ard atc [et 300 amp . . . . - ,.,. ^ ^'L-^ W ._^....--- ^._--Yakage reP+lctaa an Fecdeas

DISTRIBUTION PLANNINGOFF-SITE REGOhCNIENDATION

Atlas Gas Processing

1 5x dltdjed 44,IXD M Sin

rlotnr s,TerLIrK,} RtatrttlavB: .- -' Feedars xA, +r2. Y1 and t gA[t'1Bd 44,00] kW Wm

M^.-rraari S:attp C^lp - 7.7CU kYh T 5MI go dsectly to Atlastkf rrraitwncre rfptq ,tatip a a tr.^ . Gas Plent Mfcland Service Color

M1kl rr.xa ita3itNC 5tart5 rer rcxF, DCOx5-30-Z019

Alternate #2

Oncor examined the feasibility of serving the Edward Gas Processing Facility froma proposed new substation approximately 6 miles to the northeast of the EdwardGas Processing Facility connected to a Sharyland Utilities (Sharyland) 138 kVTransmission Line. While distribution feeders would have been shorter, similarproblems were found to exist with voltage drop when starting the 3,500 horsepowermotors. (See Figure -2.) Additionally, Sharyland informed Oncor that it did nothave sufficient capacity to serve the Edward Gas Processing Facility load from its138 kV transmission line. Due to the voltage drop, lack of motor starting capacity,and insufficient transmission capacity this option was not feasible.


12




Alternate #3

Oncor also examined building a 138 kV transmission line from the existingSharyland 138 kV transmission line to the Centralia Substation. However, as statedabove, Sharyland did not have the transmission capacity to serve the Edward GasProcessing Facility from its existing 138 kV transmission line, making thistransmission alternative infeasible.

Figure - 2

Not toScale

Reagan Co. West 9• bstationTnsta4 2A7 MVA 133-21.8 kV

Trans(armers and 4 21b kV feader breakers

Instal 3 CircuitsU}Y:aiSrbstaticn 37%^ C

3^^̂,^7 ^^^----"-.

pru'--

Tnstal 1 Circuit „„,,,...^-•r ^^^.... ^ 3 ?^ kUN aAC

Instal 1-1800 WAR^ .^ capacitor banks

lnstaq 7500 WA 1 ,21.&72.5KVAaumtransfume ^} ^Yt "' ^ •^

Instal 6-18t70 KVAR capxRorkianks aW one set 3W an

0 t ^ Voltage regulators PB2 Clrttdt

Instal 900 .1 ABSP-M0,

Instal 90 am ASSP - N,C.

Transw 40MWhomDISTRIBUTION PLANNING

Upton 0721 to ^ sane Draw J3̂y, .,,, ,,.^Y. OFF-SITE RECCW-1ENDATI4N-^_._.._"_•--__-----_-_-'-`-

^ Atstled^pO ^A k 9xn

-°} See dravrg 2 AAleri 44p00 kW win

^Fe^rs t1, Q, arx! #3 Mdand Service Cater

^ WN go dvactiy W AdaS ^07^ Gas Plant 5-22•2D73

There are no other practical alternatives to the Proposed Transmission Line Project.

For the reasons discussed above, the Proposed Transmission Line Project is the bestoption to meet the Edward Gas Processing Facility's needs based on considerationsof efficiency, reliability, costs, and benefits.

16. Schematic or Diagram:For a standard application, provide a schematic or diagram of the applicant's

transmission system in the proximate area of the project. Show the locationand voltage of existing transmission lines and substations, and the location of


13




the construction. Locate any taps, ties, meter points, or other facilitiesinvolving other utilities on the system schematic.

A schematic of the transmission system in the proximate area of the ProposedTransmission Line is shown on Attachment No. 3. The location and voltage ofexisting transmission lines, substations, taps, ties, meter points or other facilitiesinvolving other utilities in relation to the Proposed Transmission Line Project areincluded.

17. Routing Study:

Provide a brief summary of the routing study that includes a description of the

process of selecting the study area, identifying routing constraints, selecting

potential line segments, and the selection of the routes. Provide a copy of the

complete routing study conducted by the utility or consultant. State which

route the applicant believes best addresses the requirements of PURA and

P.U.C. Substantive Rules.

Oncor retained URS Corporation, Inc. ("URS") to prepare the EnvironmentalAssessment for Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC's Proposed Benedum(LCRA) to Centralia 138 kV Transmission Line Project in Upton, County, Texas("Environmental Assessment"). The objective of the Environmental Assessmentwas to provide information in support of this Application and address therequirements of Section 37.056 of the Texas Utilities Code, the Public UtilityCommission of Texas (PUCT or Commission) CCN Application form and PUCTSubstantive Rule 25.101 as these apply to the Proposed Transmission Line Project.By means of examination of existing environmental conditions, including thehuman and natural resources that are located in the project area, the EnvironmentalAssessment appraises the environmental effects that could result from theconstruction, operation, and maintenance of the Proposed Transmission LineProject, i.e., construction of the double-circuit 138 kV transmission line between theproposed LCRA Benedum Switching Station and the proposed Oncor CentraliaSubstation. The Environmental Assessment may also be used in support of anyadditional local, state, or federal permitting activities that may be required for theProposed Transmission Line Project.

To assist URS in its evaluation, Oncor provided information regarding the projectendpoints, the need for the project, engineering and design requirements,construction practices, the proposed route, and ROW requirements for the ProposedTransmission Line Project.

Specific discussion regarding selection of a study area, identification of constraints,and assessment of the proposed route is set forth in the Environmental Assessment.See Attachment No. 1.


14




18. Public Meeting or Public Open House:

Provide the date and location for each public meeting or public open housethat was held in accordance with P.U.C. PROC. R. 22.52. Provide a summaryof each public meeting or public open house including the approximatenumber of attendants, and a copy of any survey provided to attendants and asummary of the responses received. For each public meeting or public openhouse provide a description of the method of notice, a copy of any notices, andthe number of notices that were mailed and/or published.

The single Public Participation Meeting was hosted by Oncor and attended byCompany and URS personnel, as well as personnel from ML&M Realty Advisors,LLC ("ML&M") and Universal Field Services, Inc. ("UFS") and Atlas. The OncorPublic Participation Meeting was held on January 21, 2014, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00p.m. at the Rankin Park Building in Rankin, Texas.

Oncor mailed 57 individual written notices of the meetings to all owners of propertywithin 300 feet of the centerline of the proposed route. Also, local officials andvarious state/federal regulatory agencies were mailed or delivered individual writtennotice of the meetings. In addition, a public notice was placed in the local UptonCounty newspaper, Crane News (The McCamey News section) on January 21, 2014announcing the location, time, and purpose of the meeting.

The meeting was designed to solicit comments and input from residents,landowners, public officials, and other interested parties concerning the ProposedTransmission Line Project. The objectives included promoting an understanding ofthe Proposed Transmission Line Project including the purpose, need, and potentialbenefits and impacts; informing and educating the public with regard to the routeand schedule; and gathering information about the values and concerns of the publicand community leaders. The meeting was configured in an informal informationstation format rather than a formal speaker/audience format with each stationassigned to a particular aspect of the project, or routing process, and staffed witheither Company personnel/representatives and/or URS, UFS or ML&M staff. Eachstation had exhibits, maps, illustrations, aerial photography, or other informationdescribing certain project aspects and subject matter information. Persons inattendance were encouraged at the meeting initiation to visit each station in order,so the entire process could be explained in the general sequence of projectdevelopment. Oncor has found this meeting format valuable due to its informalityand because it allows attendees the opportunity to gather information mostimportant to them and to spend as much time as necessary with those particularproject aspects. Most important, individual discussions allow for and encouragemore interaction from attendees who otherwise might be hesitant to participate in amore formal setting.


15




A total of 6 individuals signed in as attending the Public Participation Meeting inRankin with none of the attendees submitting written comments.

Additional discussion concerning the public involvement program and specificinformation regarding the Public Participation Meeting may be found in theEnvironmental Assessment, Section 4.0, page 4-1. A representative copy of thenotice that was provided to property owners and a copy of the comment pageprovided to meeting attendees are included in Appendix B of Attachment No. 1.

19. Routing Maps:

Base maps should be a full scale (one inch = not more than one mile ) highway

map of the county or counties involved, or other maps of comparable scale

denoting sufficient cultural and natural features to permit location of all routes

in the field. Provide a. map (or maps) showing the study area, routing

constraints, and all routes or line segments that were considered prior to the

selection of the routes. Identify the routes and any existing facilities to be

interconnected or coordinated with the project. Identify any taps, ties, meter

points, or other facilities involving other utilities on the routing map. Show all

existing transmission facilities located in the study area. Include the locations

of radio transmitters and other electronic installations, airstrips, irrigated

pasture or cropland, parks and recreational areas, historical and archeological

sites (subject to the instructions in Question 27), and any environmentally

sensitive areas (subject to the instructions in Question 29).

A one inch = 1,000 feet map (Figure 3-1) is included in the map pocket of

Attachment No. 1. This base map includes sufficient cultural and natural features topermit location of the route in the field. This figure delineates the study area andproposed route for the Proposed Transmission Line Project. There are no radio'transmitters, or other electronic installations, airstrips, irrigated pasture, parks andrecreational areas, known historical and archeological sites in the area, andtherefore these are not shown on the map. Cropland, environmentally sensitiveareas, habitable structures, and other features are also shown on the map.

Provide aerial photographs of the study area displaying the date that the

photographs were taken or maps that show (1) the location of each route with

each route segment identified, (2) the locations of all major public roads

including, as a minimum, all federal and state roadways, (3) the locations of all

known habitable structures or groups of habitable structures (see Question 19

below) on properties directly affected by any route, and (4) the boundaries


16




(approximate or estimated according to best available information if required)of all properties directly affected by any route .

Figure 3-1 depicts on an aerial photograph: (1) the location of the proposed route;(2) the locations of all major public roads including all federal and state roadways;(3) the locations of all known habitable structures or groups of habitable structureson properties directly affected by the route; and (4) the boundaries (approximate orestimated according to best available information) of all properties directly affected

by the route. In addition, the locations of radio transmitters and other electronicinstallations, airstrips, heliports, irrigated pasture or cropland, parks and recreational

areas, known historical and archeological sites, and any environmentally sensitiveareas are depicted, if any.

For each route, cross-reference each habitable structure (or group of habitable

structures) and directly affected property identified on the maps or

photographs with a list of corresponding landowner names and addresses and

indicate which route segment affects each structure/group or property.

Attachment No. 4 is a table that identifies each directly affected property shown onFigure 3-1. The cross-reference table includes corresponding landowner names andaddresses that are directly affected by the proposed route. There are no habitablestructures or group of habitable structures directly affected by the proposed route.

20. Permits:

List any and all permits and/or approvals required by other governmentalagencies for the construction of the proposed project. Indicate whether each

permit has been obtained.

The following permits/approvals will be obtained after PUCT approval of theCCN and prior to beginning construction, if necessary:1. Texas Department of Transportation ("TxDOT") permit(s) for crossing a state

maintained roadway.2. A Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan ("SWPPP") will be prepared and a

Notice of Intent will be submitted to the Texas Commission on EnvironmentalQuality under the TPDES program.

3. A cultural resources survey plan will be developed with the Texas HistoricalCommission ("THC") for the proposed project.

4. Consultation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will occur following theCommission's approval of this Application to determine appropriaterequirements under Section 404/Section 10 Permit criteria.


17




21. Habitable structures:

For each route list all single-family and multi-family dwellings and relatedstructures, mobile homes, apartment buildings, commercial structures,

industrial structures, business structures, churches, hospitals, nursing homes,

schools, or other structures normally inhabited by humans or intended to be

inhabited by humans on a daily or regular basis within 300 feet of thecenterline if the proposed project will be constructed for operation at 230kVor less, or within 500 feet of the centerline if the proposed project will beconstructed for operation at greater than 230kV. Provide a generaldescription of each habitable structure and its distance from the centerline of

the route. In cities, towns or rural subdivisions, houses can be identified in

groups. Provide the number of habitable structures in each group and list thedistance from the centerline of the route to the closest and the farthesthabitable structure in the group. Locate all listed habitable structures orgroups of structures on the routing map.

There are no habitable structures located within 300 feet of the proposed route.

22. Electronic Installations:

For each route, list all commercial AM radio transmitters located within

10,000 feet of the center line of the route, and all FM radio transmitters,

microwave relay stations, or other similar electronic installations located

within 2,000 of the center line of the route. Provide a general description of

each installation and its distance from the center line of the route. Locate all

listed installations on a routing map.

There are no known AM radio transmitters located within 10,000 feet of the centerline of the proposed route.

There are no known FM radio transmitters or communication towers (microwaverelay stations or other similar electronic installations) within 2,000 feet of the centerline of the proposed route.

23. Airstrips:

For each route, list all known private airstrips within 10,000 feet of the centerline of the project. List all airports registered with the Federal AviationAdministration (FAA) with at least one runway more than 3,200 feet in lengththat are located within 20,000 feet of the center line of any route. For eachsuch airport, indicate whether any transmission structures will exceed a 100:1horizontal slope (one foot in height for each 100 feet in distance) from the


18




closest point of the closest runway. List all listed airports registered with the

FAA having no runway more than 3,200 feet in length that are located within

10,000 feet of the center line of any route. For each such airport, indicate

whether any transmission structures will exceed a 50:1 horizontal slope from

the closest point of the closest runway. List all heliports located within 5,000

feet of the center line of any route. For each such heliport, indicate whether

any transmission structures will exceed a 25:1 horizontal slope from the closest

point of the closest landing and takeoff area of the heliport. Provide a general

description of each listed private airstrip, registered airport, and heliport; and

state the distance of each from the center line of each route. Locate andidentify all listed airstrips, airports, and heliports on a routing map.

URS conducted a review of federal and state aviation/airport maps and directories,aerial photo interpretation, reconnaissance surveys, and information received from

the TxDOT Aviation Division and did not identify any airstrips or airports within20,000 feet of the center line of the proposed route with at least one runway ofgreater than 3,200 ft in length. No airstrips with runways of less than 3,200 ft inlength were identified within 10,000 ft of the proposed route. Also, no heliportswere identified within 5,000 ft of the proposed route.

24. Irrigation Systems:

For each route identify any pasture or cropland irrigated by traveling

irrigation systems (rolling or pivot type) that will be traversed by the.route.

Provide a description of the irrigated land and state how it will be affected by

each route (number and type of structures etc.). Locate any such irrigated

pasture or cropland on a routing map.

No pasture or cropland irrigated by traveling irrigation systems were identified thatwould be traversed by the proposed route.

25. Notice:Notice is to be provided in accordance with P.U.C. P1toC. R. 22.52.

A. Provide a copy of the written direct notice to owners of directlyaffected land. Attach a list of the names and addresses of the ownersof directly affected land receiving notice.

A list of the names and addresses of those owners of directly-affected landto whom notice will be mailed by first-class mail is attached asAttachment No. 4. A copy of the written direct notice, with attached map,


19




that will be provided to owners of directly-affected land is included asAttachment No. 5.

B. Provide a copy of the written notice to utilities that are located withinfive miles of the routes.

A copy of the written notice to utilities, with attached map provided to theutilities providing electric service within a five-mile radius of the proposed

route of the Proposed Transmission Line Project is attached as AttachmentNo. 6. The following utilities will be provided the requisite notice on orbefore the filing date as required by Public Utility Commission rules:

Sharyland UtilitiesAEP North Texas

Southwest Texas Electric Cooperative

C. Provide a copy of the written notice to county and municipalauthorities.

A representative copy of the written notice, with attached map, that will beprovided to county and municipal authorities is attached as AttachmentNo. 6. The following county agencies will be provided the requisite noticeon or before the filing date as required by Public Utility Commissionrules:

Upton County, County Judge

The governing body of the following municipal agencies will beprovided the requisite notice on or before the filing date as requiredby Public Utility Commission rules:

Not Applicable.

D. Provide a copy of the notice that is to be published in newspapers ofgeneral circulation in the counties in which the facilities are to beconstructed. Attach a list of the newspapers that will publish thenotice for this application. After the notice is published, provide thepublisher's affidavits and tear sheets.

Notice for this Application will be published in the Crane News (TheMcCamey News section), a newspaper of general circulation in Upton


20




County. A representative copy of the general Public Notice to bepublished is attached as Attachment No. 7.

For a CREZ application, in addition to the requirements of P.U.C. PROC. R.22.52 the applicant shall, not less than twenty-one (21) days before the filing ofthe application, submit to the Commission staff a "generic" copy of each typeof alternative published and written notice for review. Staff 's comments, ifany, regarding the alternative notices will be provided to the applicant not

later than seven days after receipt by Staff of the alternative notices,Applicant may take into consideration any comments made by Commission

staff before the notices are published or sent by mail.

Not applicable.

26. Parks and Recreation Areas:

For each route, list all parks and recreational areas owned by a governmental

body or an organized group, club, or church and located within 1,000 feet of

the center line of the route. Provide a general description of each area and its

distance from the center line. Identify the owner of the park or recreational

area (public agency, church, club, etc.). List the sources used to identify the

parks and recreational areas. Locate the listed sites on a routing map.

There are no parks or recreational areas owned by a government body or an

organized group, club, or church were identified to be located within 1,000 feet ofthe center line of the proposed route.

27. Historical and Archeological Sites:

For each route, list all historical and archeological sites known to be within

1,000 feet of the center line of the route. Include a description of each site andits distance from the center line. List the sources (national, state or local

commission or societies) used to identify the sites. Locate all historical sites on

a routing map. For the protection of the sites, archeological sites need not be

shown on maps.

There are no known historical or archeological sites within 1,000 feet of the centerline of the proposed route.

28. Coastal Management Program:

For each route, indicate whether the route is located, either in whole or in part,within the coastal management program boundary as defined in 31 T.A.C.


21




§503.1. If any route is, either in whole or in part, within the coastalmanagement program boundary, indicate whether any part of the route isseaward of the Coastal Facilities Designation Line as defined in 31 T.A.C.§19.2(a)(21). Using the designations in 31 T.A.C. §501.3(b), identify the type(s)of Coastal Natural Resource Area(s) impacted by any part of the route and/orfacilities.

The Proposed Transmission Line Project is not located, either in whole or in part,

within the Coastal Management Program boundary as defined in 31 T.A.C. §503.1.

29. Environmental Impact:

Provide copies of any and all environmental impact studies and/or assessments

of the project. If no formal study was conducted for this project, explain how

the routing and construction of this project will impact the environment. List

the sources used to identify the existence or absence of sensitive environmentalareas. Locate any environmentally sensitive areas on a routing map. In some

instances, the location of the environmentally sensitive areas or the location of

protected or endangered species should not be included on maps to ensurepreservation of the areas or species.

The Environmental Assessment for Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC s

Proposed Benedum (LCRA) to Centralia 138 kV Transmission Line Project in

Upton County, Texas prepared by URS Corporation, Inc. is included as AttachmentNo. 1.

Within seven days after filing the application for the project, provide a copy ofeach environmental impact study and/or assessment to the Texas Parks and

Wildlife Department (TPWD) for its review at the address below. Include withthis application a copy of the letter of transmittal with which thestudies/assessments were or will be sent to the TPWD.

Wildlife Habitat Assessment ProgramWildlife Division

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department4200 Smith School RoadAustin, Texas 78744

The applicant shall file an affidavit confirming that the letter of transmittaland studies/assessments were sent to TPWD.


22




A copy of the Environmental Assessment will be provided to the Texas Parks andWildlife Department for review within seven days following the filing of the

Application for the Proposed Transmission Line Project. See Attachment No. 9 fora copy of the letter of transmittal with which the Environmental Assessment will besent to the TPWD.

30. AffidavitAttach a sworn affidavit from a qualified individual authorized by the applicant to verify and affirm that, tothe best oftheir knowledge, all information provided, statements made, and matters set forth in thisapplication and attachments are true and correct.

31. List of Attachments to the CCN Application

Attachment 1: Environmental Assessment for Oncor Electric Delivery CompanyLLC's Proposed Benedurn (LCRA) to Centralia 138 kV TransmissionLine Project in Upton County, Texas,

Attachment 2: LCRA's TSC Interconnection Agreement Amendment

Attachment 3: Transmission System Schematic

Attachment 4: List of directly affected landowners

Attachment 5: Representative copy of written notice to directly affected landowners

Attachment 6: Representative copy of written notice to utilities, counties andmunicipalities

Attachment 7: Representative copy of the general Public Notice to be published

Attachment 8: Representative copy of written notice to pipeline owners/operators

Attachment 9: Copy of the letter of transmittal with which the EnvironmentalAssessment will be sent to the TPWD

Attachment 10 Copy of the letter of transmittal with which the Application will besent to the OPUC

Attachment 11: Affidavit of affirmation


23

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR ONCOR ELECTRIC DELIVERY COMPANY LLC'S

PROPOSED BENEDUM (LCRA) TO CENTRALIA 138 KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT

IN UPTON COUNTY, TEXAS

Submitted to Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC

6ONC R®

Submitted by URS Corporation, Inc.

February 2014

C

c

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FORONCOR ELECTRIC DELIVERY COMPANY LLC'S

PROPOSED BENEDUM (LCRA) TOCENTRALIA

138 KV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECTIN UPTON COUNTY, TEXAS

Prepared for:

Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC1616 Woodall Rodgers Freeway


Prepared by:

URS Corporation, Inc.9400 Amberglen Boulevard

Austin, Texas 78729

February 2014

25

Benedum (LCRA) to Centralia 138 kV Transmission Line ProjectContents

Contents

1.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT ........ ................................................. 1-11.1 SCOPE OF THE PROJECT ............................................................................... ............................1-1

1.2 PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR THE PROJECT .............................................. ............................1-1

1.3 DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION ........................................... ...........................1-1

1.3.1 Transmission Line Design .................................................................... ............................1-1

1.3.2 Right-of-Way Requirements ........... ...................................................... ............................1-2

1.3.3 Clearing Requirements ......................................................................... ............................1-2

1.3.4 Monopole Structure Assembly and Erection ............. ........................... ............................1-2

1.3.5 Conductor Stringing .............................................................................. ............................1-7

2.0 ROUTE EVALUATION METHODOLOGY ................................................ ......................2-1

2.1 STUDY AREA DELINEATION ............................................................................ ............................2-1

2.2 DATA COLLECTION . ......................................................................................... ............................2-5

2.2.1 Solicitation of Information from Local, State, and Federal Officials and Agencies............2-5

2.2.2 Reconnaissance Surveys ..................................................................... ............................2-7

2.3 CONSTRAINTS MAPPING ............. ................................................................... ............................2-7

2.4 EVALUATION OF THE PROPOSED TRANSMISSION LINE ROUTE ............... ............................2-7

3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING OF THE STUDY AREA ............................ ......................3-13.1 STUDY AREA BOUNDARY ............ ................................................................... ............................3-1

3.2 CONSTRAINTS MAPPING ........................ ........................................................ ............................3-1

3.3 PHYSIOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY ...... ............................................................. ............................3-1

3.4 SOILS ... .............................................................................................................. ............................3-5

3.4.1 Soil Associations ......... ......................................................................... ............................3-5

3.4.2 Prime Farmland .................................................................................... ............................3-6

3.5 WATER RESOURCES ............... ........................................................................ ............................3-6

3.5.1 Surface Water/Floodplains ............... .................................................... ............................3-6

3.5.2 Groundwater/Aquifer . ........................................................................... ............................3-7

3.6 ECOLOGY .......................................................................................................... ............................3-7

3.6.1 Vegetation ...................... ...................................................................... ............................3-7

3.6.1.1 Terrestrial ...... ......................................................................... ..........................3-12

3.6.1.2 Aquatic ................................................................................... ..........................3-12

3.6.1.3 Commercially or Recreationally Important Plant Species ...... ..... .....................3-12

3.6.1.4 Endangered and Threatened Plant Species .... ...................... ..........................3-15

3.6.2 Fish and Wildlife ................................................................................... ..........................3-15

3.6.2.1 Terrestrial .............. ................................................................. ..........................3-15

3.6.2.2 Aquatic ................................................................................... ..........................3-24

3.6.2.3 Commercially or Recreationally Important Animal Species .... ..........................3-25

3.6.2.4 Endangered and Threatened Animal Species ........................ ..........................3-25

^ RFebruary 2014.

26

Benedum (LCRA) to Centralia 138 kV Transmission Line ProjectContents

3.7 COMMUNITY VALUES AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES .. .................................... ...................3-29

3.8 LAND USE ................................................................................................................. ...................3-29

3.8.1 Urban/Residential Areas . ............................................................................ ...................3-29

3.8.2 Recreational Areas ...................................................................................... ...................3-30

3.8.3 Agriculture ...................... ............................................................................. ...................3-30

3.8.4 Aesthetics .................................................................................................... ...................3-30

3.8.5 Transportation/Aviation .... ........................................................................... ...................3-31

3.8.6 Communication Towers ............................................................................... ...................3-32

3.8.7 Oil Wells .................... .................................................................................. ...................3-32

3.9 CULTURAL RESOURCES . ....................................................................................... ...................3-33

3.9.1 Cultural Background .................................................................................... ...................3-34

3.9.1.1 Paleoindian Period (12,000 - 8,000 B.P.) ..................................... ...................3-34

3.9.1.2 Archaic Period (8,000 - 2,000 B.P.) .............................................. ...................3-35

3.9.1.3 Late Prehistoric (2,000 - 300 B.P.) ............................................... ...................3-36

3.9.1.4 Historic Period (post 300 B.P.) ...................................................... ...................3-37

3.9.2 Previous Investigations .. ............................................................................. ...................3-38

3.9.3 Historic Records Review ............................................................................. ...................3-38

4.0 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PROGRAM ............................................................................4-1

5.0 EVALUATION OF THE ROUTE .....................................................................................5-1

5.1 IMPACTS ON PHYSIOGRAPHY/GEOLOGY ............................................................ .....................5-1

5.2 IMPACT ON SOILS ...... ............................................................................................. .....................5-1

5.3 IMPACT ON WATER RESOURCES ......................................................................... .....................5-2

5.3.1 Surface Water .............................. ............................................................... .....................5-2

5.3.2 Groundwater . .............................................................................................. .....................5-3

5.4 IMPACT ON ECOSYSTEMS ..................................................................................... .....................5-4

5.4.1 Vegetation .. ................................................................................................. .....................5-4

5.4.1.1 Commercially or Recreationally Important Plant Species .. ........... .....................5-5

5.4.1.2 Endangered and Threatened Plant Species ....... .......................... .....................5-5

5.4.2 Wildlife ......................................................................................................... .....................5-5

5.4.2.1 Terrestrial ... ................................................................................... .....................5-5

5.4.2.2 Aquatic ................................. ......................................................... .....................5-8

5.4.2.3 Commercially or Recreationally Important Animal Species ........... ...................5-10

5.4.2.4 Endangered and Threatened Animal Species ............................... ...................5-10

5.5 SUMMARY OF NATURAL RESOURCES IMPACTS ................................................ ...................5-11

5.6 IMPACTS ON COMMUNITY VALUES AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES ............... ...................5-11

5.7 LAND USE IMPACTS ................................................................................................ ...................5-12

5.7.1 Urban/Residential Areas ............................... .............................................. ...................5-12

5.7.2 Recreational Areas ................. ..................................................................... ...................5-13

5.7.3 Agriculture .................................................... ............................................... ...................5-13

T^^^iii

^ RPFebruary 2014.

27

Benedum (LCRA) to Centralia 1 38 kV Transmission Line ProjectContents

5.7.4 Aesthetics ....................................................... ................................................................5-13

5.7.5 Transportation/Aviation .................................. ................................................................5-14

5.7.6 Communication Towers .................................. ................................................................5-16

5.7.7 Oil Wells ......................................................... ................................................................5-16

5.8 IMPACTS ON CULTURAL RESOURCES .................... ................................................................5-16

5.8.1 Historical Summary ........................................ ................................................................5-17

5.8.2 Archaeological Summary ............................... ................................................................5-18

6.0 LIST OF PREPARERS .......... ........................................................................................6-1

7.0 REFERENCES ...............................................................................................................7-1

APPENDICES

A. Agency Correspondence

B. Public Involvement

C. Environmental Data for Route Evaluation

m^February 2014

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Benedum (LCRA) to Centralia 1 38 kV Transmission Line ProjectContents

Figures1-1 Project Area Location Map .............................................................................................................1-3

1-2 Typical 138 kV Tangent Double-Circuit Monopole ..........................................................................1-5

2-1 Study Area Map ..............................................................................................................................2-3

3-1 Environmental and Land Use Constraints Map ........................................................................ Pocket

3-2 Physiographic Regions of Texas ....................................................................................................3-3

3-3 Water Resources Map ....................................................................................................................3-9

3-4 Vegetation Map ............................................................................................................................3-13

Tables3-1 Geologic Units within the Study Area .......................................................................... ...................3-23-2 Salientia (Anuran) Species with Potential to Inhabit the Study Area ............................ .................3-16

3-3 Testudine (Turtle) Species with Potential to Inhabit the Study Area ............................ .................3-16

3-4 Lizard Species with Potential to Inhabit the Study Area .............................................. .................3-16

3-5 Snake Species with Potential to Inhabit the Study Area .............................................. .................3-17

3-6 Mammalian Species with Potential to Inhabit the Study Area ....................................... ................3-183-7 Avian Species with Potential to Inhabit the Study Area ................................................ ................3-193-8 Endangered, Threatened and Rare Wildlife of Potential Occurrence in Upton County . ................3-26

3-9 Previous Archaeological Investigations within 1,000 m of the Study Area .................... ................3-384-1 Public Participation Meeting Statistics .......................................................................... ..................4-1

5-1 Environmental Data for the Route Evaluation of the Benedum (LCRA) to Centralia138 kV Transmission Line Project ................................................................................ .... Appendix C

UV C7NC R.February 2014

29

Benedum (LCRA) to Centralia 1 38 kV Transmission Line Projectontents

Acronyms and Abbreviations

APLIC Avian Powerline Interaction Committee

AM Amplitude Modulation

B. P. Before Present

BEG Bureau of Economic Geology

BMP Best Management Practices

CCN Certificate of Convenience and Necessity

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

CR County Road

DoD United States Department of Defense

EA Environmental Assessment

EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency

ESA Endangered Species Act

et al and others

etc. et cetera

FAA Federal Aviation Administration

FCC Federal Communications Commission

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency

FIRM Flood Insurance Rate Maps

FM Frequency Modulation

ft foot/feet

GLO Texas General Land Office

HPA High Probability Area

HTC Historic Texas Cemeteries

i.e. id est (that is)

ISD Independent School District

Ks Segovia Formation

kV kilovolt

LCRA Lower Colorado River Authority

LPA Low Probability Area

M meter/meters

MBTA Migratory Bird Treaty Act

mi mile/miles

MPA Moderate Probability Area

msl mean sea level

NAIP National Agricultural Imagery Program

NASS National Agricultural Statistics Service

n.d. no date

NDD Natural Diversity Database

NESC National Electrical Safety Code

vi

February 2014 R.

30

Benedum (LCRA) to Centralia 1 38 kV Transmission Line Projectontents

NHD National Hydrography Dataset

NLCD National Land Cover Database

NPS National Park Service

NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service

NRHP National Register of Historic Places

NWI National Wetland Inventory

Oncor Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC

Panhandle Panhandle Region of Texas

PUCT Public Utility Commission of Texas

PURA Public Utility Regulatory Act

Qal Quaternary Alluvium

Qcs Quaternary Windblown Sand

RM Ranch-to-Market

ROW Right-of-Way

RCT Railroad Commission of Texas

RTHL Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks

SAL State Antiquities Landmark

SH State Highway

SWPPP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan

sq mi square mile/miles

TARL Texas Archaeological Research Laboratory

TASA Texas Archaeological Sites Atlas

THC Texas Historical Commission

THM Texas Historical Markers

THSA Texas Historic Sites Atlas

TPWD Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

TWDB Texas Water Development Board

TxDOT Texas Department of Transportation

URS URS Corporation, Inc.

US United States

USACE United States Army Corp of Engineers

USC United States Code

USDA United States Department of Agriculture

USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service

USGS United States Geological Survey

^^February 2a14

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Benedum (LCRA) to Centralia 138 kV Transmission Line Project1.0 Description of the Proposed Project

1.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT

1.1 SCOPE OF THE PROJECT

Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC (Oncor) proposes to design and construct a new

138 kilovolt (kV) double-circuit transmission line connecting the proposed Lower Colorado

River Authority (LCRA) Benedum Switching Station, located approximately 5 miles south of

Ranch-to-Market (RM) 2401, and the proposed Oncor Centralia Substation, located

approximately 8.5 miles east of State Highway (SH) 349, just north of the Edward Gas

Processing Facility of Atlas Pipeline Mid-Continent West Tex, LLC in Upton County, Texas

(Figure 1-1). The length of the proposed transmission line will be approximately 10 miles.

URS Corporation, Inc. (URS) was retained to study the area for the proposed Benedum (LCRA)

to Centralia 138 kV Transmission Line Project and prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA)

to support Oncor's application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN). This

document is intended to provide information and address the requirements of §37.056(c)(4)(A)-

(D) of the Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURA), the Public Utility Commission of Texas'

(PUCT's) application form and PUCT Substantive Rule §25.101. This document may also be

used in support of any additional local, state, or federal permitting activities that may be

required for Oncor's new project.

To assist URS in its evaluation of this new project, Oncor provided URS with information

regarding the need, construction practices, right-of-way (ROW) requirements, and the proposed

route for the new project to assist in the development of this report.

1.2 PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR THE PROJECT

Oncor will provide support for the purpose and need for the project as a part of the CCN

application.

1.3 DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION

1.3.1 Transmission Line Design

For the Benedum (LCRA) to Centralia 138 kV Transmission Line Project, Oncor will use a self-

supporting, double-circuit steel or concrete pole (Figure 1-2). Design criteria will be in

compliance with applicable statutes, the appropriate edition of the National Electrical Safety

^E^

February 2014 JR.

32


Code (NESC), and Oncor's standard design practices. The typical structure height will be

85 feet (ft), but could vary depending upon terrain. The results of site-specific geotechnical and

engineering studies will be used to determine the appropriate design and placement of the

monopole structures.

1.3.2 Right-of-Way Requirements

The ROW width for this project will be approximately 80 ft. The ROW typically extends an

equal distance on both sides of the transmission line centerline. Additional area may be

required at line angles and dead-ends.

1.3.3 Clearing Requirements

All trees, brush, and undergrowth within the ROW, except for low growing groundcover, will

be removed. For areas requiring hand clearing, vegetation will be cut level with the ground.

No stump exceeding two inches above the ground will remain. Any tree located in a fence line

having a diameter greater than four inches will be cut even with the top of the fence. In the

event that stumps are located on hillsides or uneven ground, stumps will be cut where a

mowing machine can pass over the ROW without striking any stumps, roots, or snags. Every

tree that overhangs any part of the ROW will be trimmed such that the ROW is clear of all

woody vegetation from the ground up.

1.3.4 Monopole Structure Assembly and Erection

Foundations for the monopole structures will be completed before erecting the structures. If the

monopole is to be directly embedded, then a single hole will be augured into the ground at each

structure location. Once the structure has been placed, the foundation will be filled with

concrete or native material to hold the structure securely in place.

If the pole is to have an anchor bolted foundation, a hole will be augured into the ground at

each structure location, an anchor bolt cage will be placed in addition to steel rebar to reinforce

the foundation and the hole will be filled with concrete. Depth and diameter of the foundation

will vary depending on the design of the structure specific to that location.

^u^February 2014

1-2

JR.

33

LAI,

Figure 1-1 ^'''•

Data Source uni[dd SYalas Geological Surveyi 100,OdQ Topographic Map Series Project Area Location Map ._.^Map Update, 7l1112014

Benedum (t,CFtA) to Centralia 138 W Transmission Une Project in^^'"in Upton County, Texas , 91-

34


(This page intentionally blank)

Tins

February 2014

1-4

6 pR.

35

Figure 1-2 /1-N

Data Source; Oncor Typical 138 kV Tangent 61Map Update: 2/11/2014 Double-Circuit Monopole

Benedum (LGRA) to Centralia 138 IN Transmission Line ProjectInUpton County, Texas

36



V illl^l^i^

February 2014

1-b

C5 PR.

37


1.3.5 Conductor Stringing

Once a series of structures have been erected along the transmission line centerline, the

conductor stringing phase can begin. Specialized equipment will be attached to insulators that

will properly support and protect the conductor during the pulling, tensioning, and sagging

operations. Once conductors and shield wire are in place and tension and sag have been

verified, suspension units are installed at each suspension point to maintain conductor position.

Conductor stringing continues until the transmission line construction is complete. All

construction equipment will be removed. All temporary culverts and environmental controls

previously installed will be removed.

vFebruary 2014

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UM1 - 8

February 2014 ""' R.

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39

Benedum (LCRA) to Centralia 138 kV Transmission Line Project2.0 Route Evaluation Methodology

2.0 ROUTE EVALUATION METHODOLOGY

The objective of this study was to evaluate the proposed transmission line route for Oncor's

Benedum (LCRA) to Centralia 138 kV Transmission Line Project. Throughout this report, the

terms "environmental" or "environment" shall include the human environment as well as the

natural environment. Upon receipt of the proposed transmission line route from Oncor, URS

used a comprehensive transmission line evaluation methodology to evaluate the transmission

line route in accordance with § 37.056 (c)(4)(A)-(D) of the PURA, the PUCT's application form

and PUCT Substantive Rule § 25.101.

The following sections provide a description of the process, which consisted of study area

delineation, data collection, and constraints mapping.

2.1 STUDY AREA DELINEATION

The first step in the evaluation of the transmission line route was to select a study area. This

area needed to include an area large enough to adequately evaluate the proposed transmission

line project in support of Oncor's CCN Application.

Representatives of URS reviewed US Geological Survey (USGS) 1:24,000 topographic maps and

aerial photography (National Agriculture Imagery Program [NAIP], flown August 2012), as

well as conducted site reconnaissances to review the route for this project. URS representatives

identified major land use features in the project area such as the High Lonesome Draw, RM

1555, Benedum Oil Field, and other features. URS representatives then evaluated and reviewed

the maps and ultimately delineated and identified the study area boundary in November 2013

(Figure 2-1). The purpose of delineating a study area for the project was to establish boundaries

and limits for the information gathering process (i.e., identifying environmental and land use

constraints). The delineation of the study area also allowed the URS Project Team to focus their

evaluation on a specific area associated with the proposed project. The study area was

delineated within 1,000 ft of the proposed transmission line route based upon a preliminary

review of cultural and natural features, and in accordance with PUCT's CCN Application.

2 - 1

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Benedum (LCRA) to Centralia 1 38 kV Transmission Line Project2.0 Route Evaluation Methodology


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Figure 2-1

Data Source VnftdS%te$ Geological Survey Study Area Map1100 ,000 Topographic Map BodesMap Ugdate Vttt2p54 Benedum (LCRA) to Centralia 139 kV Transmission Line Project

UMin Upton County, Texas , •R •^

42



1^^►'i7^i2-4

February 2014 6 PRe

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2.2 DATA COLLECTION

2.2.1 Solicitation of Information from Local, State, and Federal Officials and Agencies

Once the study area boundary was identified, the URS Project Team initiated a variety of data

collection activities. One of the first data collection activities was the development of a list of

officials to be mailed a consultation letter regarding the proposed project. The purpose of the

letter was to inform the various local officials and departments, and local, state, and federal

regulatory agencies of the proposed project and give them the opportunity to provide

information they may have regarding the project study area. URS utilized websites from Upton

County and various municipalities, as well as confirmation via telephone calls, to identify local

officials. State and/or federal agencies that may have potential permitting requirements for the

proposed project were also contacted. Copies of correspondence sent to and received from the

following local officials and departments, and state and federal regulatory agencies are

included in Appendix A.

FEDERAL AGENCIES:

• Federal Aviation Administration, Southwest Region (FAA)

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

• Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

• United States Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque and Fort Worth Districts (USACE)

• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

• United States Department of Defense (DoD)

• United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

• United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

STATE AGENCIES:

• Railroad Commission of Texas (RCT)

• Texas Department of Agriculture

• Texas Archeological Research Laboratory (TARL)

• Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) - Division of Aviation, Environmental

Affairs Division, Odessa District

• Texas Division of Emergency Management

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• Texas General Land Office (GLO)

• Texas Historical Commission (THC)

• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD)

• Texas Water Development Board (TWDB)

• Texas Rural Water Association

REGIONAL AGENCIES:

• Colorado River Municipal Water District

• Midland County Fresh Water Supply District

• Permian Basin Regional Planning Commission

• Permian Historical Society

COUNTY AGENCIES:

• Upton County Officials (County Judge, County Commissioners, County Attorney,

County Clerk, County Sheriff, County Treasurer)

• Upton County - Rankin Airport

• Upton County Emergency Management Coordinator

• Upton County Water District

• Upton County Farm Bureau Office

• Upton County Historical Commission

CITY AGENCIES:

• Rankin Independent School District (ISD)

• Rankin Hospital District

In addition to solicitation from agencies, URS performed a local, state, and federal file and

records review, a review of published literature, and a review of a variety of maps including

recent aerial photography (NAIP, flown August 2012), USGS topographic maps, TxDOT county

highway maps, and National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps.

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2.2.2 Reconnaissance Surveys

During the course of the above-mentioned data collection activities, URS personnel conducted

reconnaissance surveys of the study area to confirm the findings of research and data collection

activities and identify potential constraints that may not have been previously noted. The

reconnaissance surveys were conducted on November 19, 2013 by visual observations from

public roads and public ROW located within the study area. A second field visit was conducted

via helicopter on December 14, 2013 and a third field visit was conducted via public roadways

on January 20, 2014.

The data collection effort was an ongoing process. Results of the various data collection

activities (i.e., solicitation of information from local, state, and federal officials and agencies; file

and record review; visual reconnaissance surveys, etc.) are presented throughout Sections 3.0

and 4.0 of this report.

2.3 CONSTRAINTS MAPPING

The data and information gathered during the data collection activities were used to develop an

environmental and land use constraints map. The constraints map, public maps, aerial

photography, reconnaissance surveys, and other research materials were used to identify and

analyze the proposed project route within the study area. The geographic locations of exclusion

areas, avoidance areas, and opportunity areas within the study area were located and

considered during the impact analyses.

2.4 EVALUATION OF THE PROPOSED TRANSMISSION LINE ROUTE

URS initiated a detailed evaluation of the route. In evaluating the route, URS considered a

variety of environmental and land use criteria. Thirty-five environmental and land use criteria

were utilized (Appendix C).

The analysis of the route involved taking inventory and tabulating the number or quantity of

each environmental and land use criterion located along the centerline of the route (i.e., number

of stream crossings, the linear ft of agricultural land in proposed ROW, etc.). URS identified a

majority of these criteria within the study area during the reconnaissance surveys. The number

or quantity of each factor was primarily determined by reviewing recent aerial photography

and USGS topographic maps, obtaining digital pipeline and Platts Energy transmission line

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February 2014 LJ^ R.^

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data, and making visual observations, where possible. Potential environmental and land use

impacts of the route are addressed in Section 5.0 of this document.

URSFebruary 2014

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Benedum (LCRA) to Centralia 138 kV Transmission Line Project3.0 Environmental Setting of the Study Area

3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING OF THE STUDY AREA

3.1 STUDY AREA BOUNDARY

Prior to the collection of data and information on the environmental setting of the study area,

URS identified the study area boundary as previously described in Section 2.1. The study area

was selected to allow for sufficient area for the proposed Benedum (LCRA) to Centralia 138 kV

Transmission Line Project and encompass an area large enough for compliance with PUCT

CCN Application requirements.

The northernmost limits of the study area boundary were delineated to extend 1,000 ft from the

proposed LCRA Benedum Switching Station, approximately 5 miles south of RM 2401,

approximately 0.1 mile south of County Road (CR) 112, and approximately 0.7 mile west of RM

2594 in Upton County (Figure 2-1). The southernmost limits of the study area were delineated

to extend 1,000 ft south of the proposed Oncor Centralia Substation, which is located

approximately 8.5 miles to the east of SH 349, just north of the Edward Gas Processing Facility,

and approximately 0.3 mile south of the intersection of RM 1555 and RM 2594. The western and

eastern most limits of the study area boundary were delineated to extend 1,000 ft from the

centerline of the proposed transmission line. The area within the study area boundary is

approximately four square miles (sq mi).

3.2 CONSTRAINTS MAPPING

After the study area boundary was identified, URS initiated the information gathering process

and the identification of environmental and land use constraints within the study area. The

result of the information gathering process was a constraints map that plotted environmental

and land use constraints, and was used to evaluate the proposed route (Figure 3-1).

Information received and reviewed and the environmental and land use constraints depicted on

Figure 3-1 are described in detail in the following sections.

3.3 PHYSIOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY

As shown on Figure 3-2, the study area is within the Southern High Plains physiographic region

of Texas (Bureau of Economic Geology, 1975). The topography of the Southern High Plains

forms flat plains with many playas. Local dune fields are also present in this region. The

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Benedum (LCRA) to Centralia 1 38 kV Transmission Line Project3.0 Environmental Setting of the Study Area

Southern High Plains ranges in elevation from 2,200 to 3,800 ft above mean sea level (msl)

(Bureau of Economic Geology, 1975). Study area elevations range from approximately 2,655 to

2,705 ft above msl.

The study area is underlain with limestone bedrock, alluvial deposits, and windblown

materials. The limestone bedrock varies in thickness from approximately 3 feet to 30 feet. The

alluvial deposits consist of material reworked from older alluvium, recent material eroded and

transported from the Pecos River. Most of the study area is underlain with windblown

materials from ancient deposits (NRCS, 2013). Geologic units identified within the study area

are provided in Table 3-1 along with their descriptions and locations.

TABLE 3-1 GEOLOGIC UNITS WITHIN THE STUDY AREAGeologic Time Geologic Unit Description

Quaternary/ Alluvium (Qal) This geologic unit is located withinAreaThis geologic unit lies

Holocene Epoch floodplains and channel deposits and proximate to Highconsists of clay, silt, sand, and gravel. Other Lonesome Draw and itslocations for this geologic unit include minor tributary. This unit iscolluvium deposited on valley slopes present in the northerntangential to floodplains, close by eolian portion of the study area.dunes of sand and silt, lowest terracedeposits in the vicinity of floodplains, andwith bedrock in nearby stream channels.Total thickness of this alluvium is from zero to30 ft.

Cretaceous Segovia This geologic unit consists of cherty limestone This geologic unit lies onlyFormation (Ks) and dolomite; limestone, miliolid, shell on the north side of High

fragment, and rudistid-bearing, light gray; Lonesome Draw, in thedolomite, massive to thin bedded, porous, northern portion of themedium brownish gray; in lower part, study area.miliolid limestone and marl, and marlylimestone, light yellowish gray, with Exogyratexana and oxytropidocerid ammonites. Theuppermost beds include 1 or more thicklimestone units, each forming prominentledge or "caprock," with a maximumthickness of 300 ft.

Quaternary/ Windblown Sand This geologic unit consists of fine- to medium- This geologic unit coversHolocene Epoch (acs) grained quartz, silty, calcareous, caliche the majority of the study

nodules, massive, grayish red; distinct soil area.profile. It has a thickness of 15 ft andfeathers out locally (most Illinoian, mayinclude younger deposits).

5ource: bureau of Economic Ueology 1992

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