Five alternative routes were evaluated ranging from approximately 12.0 miles to 15.3 miles in length. Both full length and partial length underground options were considered. A Final Order approving the 230kV overhead line was received on February 15, 2008.
SCC Findings Highlights
Need - "…we find that additional transmission facilities and the Hamilton Substation are needed to serve the Purcellville Load Area. …additional facilities will provide substantial reliability improvements to such area."
Route - "We find that the new transmission line should follow the Modified D route …No route can eliminate all adverse impacts."
Underground – "…recommendation against underground construction due to both the physical, and the cost to ratepayers, impacts that would result therefrom."
Structures – "…the transmission line will be constructed on single-shaft pole structures. …which will reduce substantially the visual impact of the line as compared to a lattice-type structure."
Electric and/or Magnetic Fields (EMF) – "…there is insufficient evidence in this proceeding for us to conclude that electric and/or magnetic fields pose a risk or hazard to human health."
House Bill 1319
On March 6, 2008 the General Assembly established a pilot program (House Bill 1319) to underground certain high voltage transmission lines within the Commonwealth. This bill has passed both houses of the General Assembly and was approved by Governor Timothy M. Kaine on April 2, 2008. The first project to be part of this pilot program is a portion of the Pleasant View to Hamilton 230 kV line.
The portion of the Pleasant View-Hamilton line being considered for underground installation would be about 1.8 miles long. It would be located just west of Leesburg in the vicinity of Dry Mill Road and placed within W&OD Trail property. This section of the route is identified as Segment Trail B (see Approved Route Map).
On April 18, 2008, Dominion filed with the Virginia State Corporation Commission for the underground portion of this project that relates to the pilot, under 2.A of HB 1319. (>> View this filing: Case No. PUE-2008-00027)
