How will the completion of this project
benefit me as a resident?
This double-circuit transmission line and new Garrisonville switching substation will ensure that residents have continued reliable service. This allows increased distribution circuit capacity and increased capability to tie circuits. Having a substation west of the I-95 corridor within the area of greatest growth significantly improves reliability.
Can you build the transmission
line underground?
Yes, this line will be built underground. Dominion is authorized to construct and operate a double-circuit 230 kV line underground as an XLPE pilot project.
What will be the environmental impact
of this new construction?
Some clearing will be required for this construction resulting in loss of habitat for some species. Others will benefit from the increased open area. Any wetland areas will be determined and flagged prior to clearing and construction. Any clearing within 100 feet of streams will be done by hand rather than with mechanized equipment. The company submits annual Erosion and Sedimentation Control Specifications for the construction and maintenance of transmission lines to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation for review and approval. This project will be submitted for approval prior to construction. Our contractors receive copies of the E&S specifications and any additional permit conditions prior to construction and are directed to meet any requirements. The right of way will be rehabilitated when construction is complete.
Underground transmission lines do have clearance requirements to allow safe operation. In most areas along the 5 mile route, a swath of 50’ along the center of Dominion’s existing right-of-way will be cleared for the new line.
Should I be concerned about Electric
and Magnetic Fields?
Dominion is sensitive to public concern about possible health effects from exposure to electromagnetic fields. We continually monitor EMF research and speak to our customers and employees regularly to share the latest information available. The Virginia Department of Health, in its final report of EMF research said:
"Based on the review and analysis of the exhaustive literature review and other research projects completed under the EMF-RAPID program, the Virginia Department of Health is of the opinion that there is no conclusive and convincing evidence that exposure to extremely low frequency EMF emanated from nearby high voltage transmission lines is causally associated with an increased incidence of cancer or other detrimental health effects in humans. Even if it is assumed that there is an increased risk of cancer as implied in some epidemiologic studies, the empirical relative risk appears to be fairly small in magnitude and the observed association appears to be tenuous. The studies published in the literature lack clear demonstration of a cause and effect relationship as well as a definitive dose-response gradient."
The Company tracks research and public discussion and makes recommendations to management. Our latest update is available for review. Additional information is available in the following links:
Where may I obtain more information
on the project?
Our application was
filed with the State Corporation Commission (SCC) on February 27, 2007. Copies
also are available in the Stafford County Planning Department and
the County Administration Office. The SCC maintains copies of all documents, including the Final Order issued on April 8, 2008. They are available online at www.scc.virginia.gov.
You may also contact Gail
Lamm in Electric Transmission/Routing and Permitting toll free at
1-800-215-8032 Press 2, or 1-804-819-2970.
