Agenda - Council - 06/25/2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Enterprise Park to Crooked Lake 115 kV Transmission Line March 2012 Environmental Assessment As shown in Table 5.1, a total of 249 residences are within 300 feet of the proposed route, while a total of 229 residences are within 300 feet of the proposed route that incorporates Route Segment Alternative A. The 20 additional existing homes along the preferred route would be between 36 and 135 feet from the route centerline. Volunteers of America has begun construction of a multi -tenant senior continuum of care campus on the property located east of 4th Avenue and north of Grant Street that would be impacted by Route Segment Alternative A. Mitigation — Proximity to Residential Structures In order to mitigate effects to structures located near or within the Project ROW, the Applicant refined the routes to avoid the following to the extent possible: • Existing or planned residences; • Areas where clearances are limited because of trees or nearby structures; and • Agricultural areas, agricultural operations, or other related land uses. Where possible, during detailed design, the Project transmission lines would be placed on the opposite side of the road from residences to further mitigate potential effects on structures within or near the ROW. Proper safeguards also would be implemented for construction and operation of the facility. The Project would be designed in compliance with local, state, and NESC standards for clearance to ground, crossing utilities and buildings, strength of materials, and ROW widths. The proposed transmission lines would be equipped with protective devices (circuit breakers and relays located in the substation where the transmission lines terminate) to safeguard the public. If an accident were to occur, such as a structure or conductor falling to the ground, protective equipment would de -energize the transmission line. 5.1.2. Aesthetics The majority of the 115-kV single circuit line will be constructed using single pole wood structures with horizontal post insulators. The average height will be between 60 and 85 feet, with an average span of 250 to 400 feet. The transmission line will generally be designed with a narrow profile that is less intrusive than other types of structures. Because of the highly developed nature of the Project area, the viewshed is congested with manmade structures and is relatively short, both of which makes the transmission line less apparent to the casual observer. The transmission line will nevertheless be visible along the roads that it parallels. In some areas it will replace an existing distribution line, which may be attached to the new poles. Homes within 500 feet of the Proposed Route alignment will be the most likely to have their viewshed affected by the construction of a transmission line. Temporary indirect impacts primarily are associated with construction. For example, construction of the transmission line could create visual impacts due to the presence of equipment, the creation of staging areas, and the installation of the structures and lines. 24