pinal central substation to tortolita substation 500-kv
TRANSCRIPT
IntroductionThis is the second in a series of newsletters concerning Tucson Electric Power’s (TEP) plan to build a new 500-kilovolt (kV) transmission line in Pinal County. The line is needed to maintain the reliability of the regional electrical system and to meet rapidly growing demand for electricity in the Tucson metropolitan area and surrounding region.
Project SummaryThe proposed 500-kV transmission line will extend approximately 40 miles from the future Pinal Central Substation, under construction east of Casa Grande, to TEP’s Tortolita Substation, southeast of Red Rock. Construction is expected to begin in mid-2010 and conclude in mid-2012. TEP will need approval from the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) to build and operate the proposed transmission line.
Public Comments ReceivedTEP has met with several agencies and the public during the last several weeks to discuss the project, collect environmental data, and identify preliminary issues and concerns within the project study area. The following answers address comments and questions raised in those meetings, including the August 27th public open house in Eloy, and in response to the first project newsletter.
Where will TEP build the proposed transmission line?TEP has not yet identified a specific route for the proposed transmission line. TEP will identify its preferred route upon completion of the planning and public involvement process in the coming months.
How will TEP acquire the right-of-way required for the proposed transmission line?Once the transmission line is approved by the ACC, TEP will pay a fair market value to acquire right-of-way easements across private lands, and leases across public lands for construction, operation, and maintenance of the proposed transmission line.
What effect will the proposed transmission line have on property values or taxes?TEP cannot determine with any certainty whether construction of this proposed line will have any lasting effect on the value of nearby property. TEP has reviewed studies that have linked other transmission line projects to a temporary reduction in nearby property values. But those studies found that the effect diminished with time, and other studies have found no effect at all. TEP is working to minimize this project’s impact on local landowners. Construction of the proposed transmission line will be funded entirely by TEP and property taxes will not be affected by the project.
Is it possible to build the proposed transmission line underground?No. Although utilities sometimes locate lower-voltage distribution lines underground in populated areas, it would be prohibitively expensive to build and maintain a 40-mile, 500-kV transmission line underground.
Preliminary Transmission Line AlternativesTEP has identified a number of preliminary line location segments, or “links,” that could be combined to form complete routes for the proposed transmission line. These alternative links are shown on the map included with this newsletter. In identifying these alternative links, TEP reviewed environmental data collected for the project area.
Areas or resources identified as sensitive (less desirable) include:Existing and approved future residential areas, schools, and • parks Scenic landscapes or corridors, including Picacho Peak State • Park and State Route 79Sensitive cultural/archaeological sites and plants/wildlife• Airports and military facilities•
Areas identified as opportunities (more desirable) for siting a transmission line include:
Industrial parks or commercial retail areas• Existing and future transmission lines, pipelines, and canals• Existing or future highways, roads, and railroads • Major property boundaries such as section lines•
TEP will continue to complete environmental and engineering studies on each of the preliminary transmission line links. TEP also will consider comments and questions received from the public before identifying preferred and alternative routes (see planning process diagram included with this newsletter).
Public ParticipationTEP is seeking public input on the preliminary transmission line links and other aspects of this project. Please take a few moments to share your thoughts using the enclosed comment form.
TEP also invites you to attend the second public open house meeting on October 9, 2008 between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The Public Open House will be held at the Mary C. O’Brien Elementary School, 1400 North Eleven Mile Corner Road, Casa Grande, Arizona. During this meeting, TEP will provide information about the project’s purpose and need, the preliminary transmission line links, and other details.
Contact InformationTo offer comments or request additional information about this project, please call the toll-free project telephone line at (888) 751-0145 or visit TEP’s Web site at www.tep.com.
Pinal Central substation to tortolita substation 500-kV transmission ProjeCtProject Newsletter #2 - September 2008
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PLeASe ATTend The uPComIng
PuBLIC InFoRmATIon oPen houSeoctober 9, 2008 5:30-7:30Pm
mary C. o’Brien elementary School1400 north eleven mile Corner Road
Casa grande, Arizona 85222
ImPoRTAnT PuBLIC oPen houSe noTICe
Se InCLuye veRSIón en eSPAñoL
Pinal Central substation to tortolita substation 500-kV transmission ProjeCt
EPG4141 North 32ND StrEEt, SuitE 102PhoENix, az 85029
PrSrt StDu.S. PoStaGE
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