Dominion Virginia Power is obligated to ensure that its transmission system complies with federally mandated reliability criteria. We are committed to doing so in a safe, environmentally responsible and economical manner.
To comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation ("NERC") Reliability Standards and maintain the structural integrity of its transmission facilities, Dominion is planning to rebuild existing transmission line facilities to serve the City of Virginia Beach.
Within the existing right-of-way corridor that extends approximately 11 miles from the Virginia Beach Substation off of Laskin Road, to the Landstown Substation off Princess Anne Road, Dominion will replace the existing lattice-style towers with H-frame structures and wires with greater capacity. The new structures will be approximately the same height as the structures there today.
October 2010:
Spring/Summer 2011:
Fall 2011-Winter 2012:
**Please note that all dates are subject to change and are estimates only. Please continue to check back for any changes to these dates.**
The original line in this existing right-of-way was constructed in 1964-65. A significant portion of the towers need to be replaced. At the same time, Dominion plans to add needed capacity to serve the Virginia Beach area, including Oceana and Camp Pendleton. This upgrade will also help strengthen the electrical grid and provide needed capacity for continued growth and economic development in the coastal areas.
The existing lattice-style towers will be removed and replaced with H-frame structures approximately the same height that can support greater capacity. Dominion would upgrade the existing 115 kV lines to be operated as a 230 kV line and a 115 kV line. The new structures will support these upgraded lines within the existing right-of-way corridor that extends approximately 11 miles from the Virginia Beach Substation off of Laskin Road, to the Landstown Substation off Princess Anne Road.
The State Corporation Commission (SCC) is responsible for determining the need, route and environmental impact of transmission lines at 138kV and above in Virginia.
Information and documents pertaining to this case may be found by referencing Case No. PUE-2010-00012, after following the instructions available at the Commission's website: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case.
Contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Landstown - Virginia Beach upgrade project.
No, the proposed transmission line will be constructed within an existing right-of-way.
Yes, more than likely. Trees located outside of the right-of-way which are tall enough to potentially impact the transmission lines may be removed. These trees are commonly referred as danger trees; view a diagram of danger tree clearances. Minimal additional clearing may be necessary in some locations. Prior to construction, the existing right-of-way must be cleared to allow construction activities and the safe operation of the future transmission line configuration. Existing low-growing vegetation may be left in place when it does not interfere with construction activities.
Trees are cut to be no more than 3 inches above ground level. Debris that is adjacent to homes will be disposed of by chipping or removal. In other areas, debris may be mulched or chipped as is practical. Clearing will be accomplished by hand in wetland areas and within 100 feet of streams. Care will be taken not to leave debris in streams or wetland areas. Matting will be used for heavy equipment in these areas. Erosion control devices will be used on an ongoing basis during all clearing activities. Property owners will be notified before construction clearing begins.
As part of the SCC application, Dominion completes an evaluation of potential environmental, cultural, and historical impacts of the project. Dominion works with many local and state agencies to complete these evaluations and mitigate any impacts. Dominion also submits annual Erosion and Sedimentation (E&S) 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.
Our enterprise-wide environmental report describes our commitment to responsible stewardship of natural resources and provides a wealth of information on environmental management and performance. We also invite you to read our Corporate Environmental Policy and our Greenhouse Gas report.
Yes. Our easement agreements allow us access to private roads of property owners crossed by the right of way. The company, at its expense, will repair any private roads damaged by Dominion or its contractors during construction of the line or during future maintenance. In addition, we will reimburse property owners for crop damage, and repair or replace fences or gates if we damage them.
The Virginia State Corporation Commission will schedule a public hearing, most likely in the project area, with an evidentiary hearing thereafter. Citizens are encouraged to participate in the process and provide input. The SCC maintains copies of all documents related to the case. After the application is filed, updates about the status of the application can be found on the SCC website at www.scc.virginia.gov.
Dominion is sensitive to public concern about possible health effects from exposure to electric and magnetic fields (EMF). 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, "Monitoring of Ongoing Research of the Health Effects on High Voltage Transmission Lines," 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."
Additional information:
This particular project is necessary to resolve violations of federally mandated reliability criteria for transmission lines. However, Dominion does have several conservation and demand side management programs in place. In the summer of 2008, Dominion launched nine pilot programs that tested customer acceptance of new energy-saving initiatives. Approximately 4,500 customers in Dominion's Central, Eastern and Northern Virginia service areas were randomly solicited to participate in one of the pilot programs including Programmable Thermostats, Air-Conditioning Cycling Devices, Home Energy Audits, and PowerCost Monitors. These pilot programs are a vital part of laying the groundwork for even larger conservation initiatives in the future. They help us learn more about the type of programs our customers want - and help us create initiatives that will produce increased energy savings.
Dominion has announced an Energy Conservation Plan to achieve the goal shared by the state of Virginia to increase the Commonwealth's energy independence and to reduce the growth in energy use by 10% by 2022. The Energy Conservation Plan is currently being evaluated by the Virginia SCC. In addition, Dominion is partnering with the U.S. EPA/DOE ENERGY STAR program to help get the word out about using energy-efficient appliances and making energy-efficiency improvements at home.
We also endorse the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency Recommendations, which provides principles and guidelines for state legislatures, public utility commissions and electric utilities to use to meet the nation's growing demand for energy by delivery cost-effective demand-side options.
Charlottesville is the first city in Virginia and one of the first in the nation where homes and businesses will be equipped with "smart meters" that will make the delivery of electricity more efficient and less costly and will lay the groundwork for a "smart grid."
Dominion will utilize its electrical distribution, communications and information technology infrastructure to promote energy conservation and environmental responsibility, improve customer service and improve utility operations in this smart grid effort. For more information, visit SmartGrid Charlottesville. You can also view Energy Saving Tips and information on Dominion's Virginia Green Power initiative.
To get personalized tips to reduce your usage and save money, check out our Home Energy Calculator.
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