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Cunningham-Dooms 500 kV Rebuild

Project Updates - III.d

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virginiaoutdoorsfoundation.org

Memorandum To: VOF Committee on Energy and Infrastructure From: Brian Fuller Date: 05/12/2016 Re: Dominion Virginia Power Transmission Line Upgrade – Cunningham to Dooms

03/02/2016 – Dominion files the project with SCC (Case No. PUE-2016-00020)

03/17/2016 – VOF receives request for comment on SCC filing from DEQ

03/30/2016 – VOF responds to DEQ request for comment, noting the following: o VOF easements on 25 properties within 1.5 miles of the transmission corridor o Of those 25 properties, the line physically crosses 4 properties under easement o VOF is working on 1 new proposal within 1.5 miles of the transmission corridor

04/04/2016 – VOF sends a letter to all 4 property owners along the Dominion ROW notifying them of the SCC filing and VOF’s response

04/14/2016 – 05/02/2016 – Martha Little responds to DEQ and Dominion about additional questions regarding VOF’s comments (see attached email correspondence)

04/26/2016 – Landowners along the route (David King and Robert Carter) contact Brian Fuller voicing their opposition to the project; Mr. Carter files comments with SCC

Project Updates - III.d.i

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5/12/2016 CunninghamDooms 500kV Rebuild

https://www.dom.com/corporate/whatwedo/electricity/transmissionlinesandprojects/cunninghamdooms500kvrebuild?print=true 1/5

Cunningham-Dooms500kV RebuildDominion Virginia Power is committed to meeting our obligation toprovide safe and reliable service to its customers. As the demand forelectricity has grown steadily, Dominion has continued to replace aginginfrastructure across our service territory — in particular, we areworking to replace highvoltage lines built and placed into service in the1960s.

One segment to be rebuilt is an existing corridor located between theCunningham Substation in Fluvanna County and the Dooms Substationin Augusta County which passes through Albemarle County. No newright of way is needed for Dominion’s proposal to rebuild thisline.

Project Need and DescriptionAs the demand for electricity has grown steadily, Dominion hascontinued to replace aging infrastructure across our service territory –in particular, we are working to replace the 500 kilovolt (500kV) highvoltage lines that were placed into service in the 1960s. This line,between the Cunningham and Dooms substations, is nearing the endof its useful life and needs to be replaced with new equipment to meetcurrent standards.

Approximate total line length is 33 milesNo additional right of way is need for this rebuildTypical structure description – The existing 500kV structuresaverage 106 feet tall with a range from 72 feet to 149 feet. Thepreliminary approximate heights of the proposed towers rangefrom 108 feet to 174 feet with an overall average height of 134feet over this 32mile rebuild project. Compared to the existingstructures, the increase in average height is 28 feet. Viewexisting and proposed configurations below:

Section #1 – 0.8 mile Preliminary engineering, as ofFebruary 8, 2016Section #2 – 1.2 miles Preliminary engineering, as ofFebruary 8, 2016Section #3 – 2 miles Preliminary engineering, as ofFebruary 8, 2016Section #4 – 18.9 miles Preliminary engineering, as ofFebruary 8, 2016Section #5 – 9 miles Preliminary engineering, as of

Project Updates - III.d.ii

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https://www.dom.com/library/domcom/pdfs/electric-transmission/cunningham-dooms/structures-1.pdf?la=en







February 8, 2016Section #6 – 0.7 mile Preliminary engineering, as ofFebruary 8, 2016

Project BenefitsHelp strengthen the electrical gridReplace aging infrastructureEnsure reliable electric service for the customers consistent withNorth American Electric Reliability Corporation reliabilitystandardsAdditionally, Dominion electric transmission projects providenumerous, positive economic benefits to local communities

Replacing infrastructure provides an incremental increaseto local property taxesDominion employees and contractors support localbusinesses during construction

Route MapView a basic map of the route.

Project TimelineLate 2015/Early 2016 Public outreach to counties, electedofficials and adjacent property ownersFebruary 2016 Informational open houses in Crozet,Waynesboro, CharlottesvilleEarly 2016 File application with the State CorporationCommission (SCC)Summer 2017 – Secure necessary permits for construction;pending SCC approval, construction scheduled to beginDecember 2018 Target date to energize the rebuilttransmission line

SCC Approval ProcessThe State Corporation Commission (SCC) is responsible fordetermining the need, route and environmental impact of transmissionlines at 138kV and above in Virginia. Dominion filed an application withthe SCC on March 2, 2016. Links to the twovolume application arebelow:

Volume OneVolume Two

Contact Us


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https://www.dom.com/library/domcom/pdfs/electric-transmission/cunningham-dooms/overview-map.pdf?la=en

https://www.dom.com/library/domcom/pdfs/electric-transmission/cunningham-dooms/application-vol-1.pdf?la=en

https://www.dom.com/library/domcom/pdfs/electric-transmission/cunningham-dooms/application-vol-2.pdf?la=en



Contact UsContact us if you have questions or would like more information aboutthe project. Let us know if you would like to receive project updates viaemail. You may also call us directly at 18882910190.

Questions and AnswersExpand All Collapse All

Will Dominion require additional right of way?

No, the proposed transmission line will be constructed within anexisting right of way.

I’ve read the new structures will be, on average, about 28 feettaller. Why are the new towers taller?

Aging CorTen steel towers will be replaced with new galvanized steellattice towers. Use of modern materials, compliance with NationalElectrical Safety Code (NESC) clearance requirements, and applicationof good utility engineering practices require the new towers to be tallerstructures.

Dominion's Transmission Engineering Group determines structurelocations and structure types for highvoltage transmission lines basedon a wide variety of data and factors including, but not limited to,National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) clearance requirements,terrain, line sag between towers, voltage levels, equipment needs,route design, land use, and natural or manmade obstacles.

Given the statutory preference to use existing rights of way to avoidadditional costs and environmental impacts, Dominion plans tooptimize the use of the existing corridor as already built between theCunningham and Dooms substations.

Will Dominion repair damage due to construction?Yes. Our easement agreements allow us access to private roads ofproperty owners crossed by the right of way. The company, at itsexpense, will repair any private roads damaged by Dominion or itscontractors during construction of the line or during futuremaintenance. In addition, we will reimburse property owners for cropdamage, and repair or replace fences or gates if we damage them.

Should I be concerned about Electric and Magnetic Fields?

Dominion is sensitive to public concern about possible health effectsfrom exposure to electric and magnetic fields (EMF). Dominionincludes data on the levels of both electric and magnetic fieldsproduced by proposed facilities in all applications submitted with the


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mailto:[email protected]?subject=Cunningham-Dooms



SCC. We continually monitor EMF research and speak to ourcustomers and employees regularly to share the latest informationavailable.

The Virginia SCC, which regulates the construction and operation ofelectric transmission lines of 138kV and above, considers EMF in everyapplication. Hearing Examiner’s remarks from recent proceedings arebelow.

March 23, 2009 BeaumeadeNIVO (Case Number PUE200800063) Report of Michael D. Thomas, Hearing Examinerconcludes that "… electric transmission line electromagneticfields do not represent a human health hazard.”May 4, 2010 HayesYorktown (Case Number PUE200900049)Report of Deborah V. Ellenberg, Chief Hearing Examiner, states,“I find that EMF has not been identified as a carcinogen forhuman beings despite extensive study over many years, andthere is, therefore, no basis on which to prohibit the Companyfrom authorizing appropriate uses of its right of way.”August 23, 2011 Hollymead (Case Number PUE201100015)Report of Michael D. Thomas, Hearing Examiner, states, “Theproposed facilities do not represent a hazard to human health,which finding is consistent with the Virginia Department ofHealth’s report entitled Monitoring of Ongoing Research on theHealth Effects of High Voltage Transmission Lines (Final Report)dated October 31, 2000.”May 1, 2015 BrambletonMosby (Case Number PUE201400086) Report of Howard P. Anderson, Hearing Examiner,states, “Expert panels formed by national and internationalscientific agencies have evaluated the scientific research relatedto health and powerfrequency EMF and provided conclusionsthat form the basis of guidance to governments and industries. Itis the general scientific consensus of the health agenciesreviewing this research that at levels associated with theoperation of the proposed transmission line, or other commonsources of EMF in the environment, the research does notsupport the conclusion that EMF causes any longterm, adversehealth effects.”

The Virginia Department of Health in its final report evaluating EMFresearch concluded:

"Based on the review and analysis of the exhaustive literature reviewand other research projects completed under the EMFRAPIDprogram, the Virginia Department of Health is of the opinion that thereis no conclusive and convincing evidence that exposure to extremelylow frequency EMF emanated from nearby high voltage transmissionlines is causally associated with an increased incidence of cancer orother detrimental health effects in humans. Even if it is assumed that


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there is an increased risk of cancer as implied in some epidemiologicstudies, the empirical relative risk appears to be fairly small inmagnitude and the observed association appears to be tenuous. Thestudies published in the literature lack clear demonstration of a causeand effect relationship as well as a definitive doseresponse gradient."

Additional information:

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Electricaland Magnetic FieldsVirginia Department of Health Final Report on EMF ResearchView Dominion's latest EMF update.

How can I get involved and better understand the transmissionline planning and approval process?

Dominion welcomes comments and suggestions from property ownersand the general public. If you have any questions, send an email [email protected] and let us know if you would like for Dominion tosend you project updates or invitations to future opportunities for publicparticipation. Dominion welcomes comments and suggestions fromproperty owners and the general public. If you have any questions,send an email to [email protected] and let us know if you would likefor Dominion to send you project updates or invitations to futureopportunities for public participation.

Copyright © 2016 Dominion


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http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/emf/

https://www.dom.com/library/domcom/pdfs/electric-transmission/vdh-final-report-on-emf-research.pdf?la=en

https://www.dom.com/library/domcom/pdfs/electric-transmission/emf.pdf?la=en

mailto:[email protected]


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PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING


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———————————————— virginiaoutdoorsfoundation.org ————————————————

Richmond Office | 600 E. Main Street, Suite 402, Richmond, VA 23219-2416

Page 1 of 3

December 22, 2015

VIA Email

Ms. Amanda Mayhew

Dominion Virginia Power

P.O. Box 26666

Richmond, VA 23219

RE: Dominion Virginia Power’s Proposed Transmission Project

Dooms - Cunningham 500kV Line Rebuild

Augusta, Albemarle and Fluvanna Counties

Dear Ms. Mayhew:

The Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF) is in receipt of a letter from you dated December 7,

2015, concerning the above-referenced project. VOF, an agency of the Commonwealth, was

established by the General Assembly in 1966 to promote the preservation of Virginia’s natural

and cultural resources by encouraging private philanthropy in fulfillment of state policy. As a

result of Virginia’s commitment to ensure a vibrant natural environment for today and future

generations, VOF owns thousands of acres managed for public access and holds more than 3,600

easements across the Commonwealth, and these easements protect in perpetuity over 750,000

acres of open-space.

We thank you for the opportunity to provide additional comments regarding upgrades to the

electric transmission corridor running through VOF open-space easements in the aforementioned

counties. This project is located in a region of Virginia that contains a high concentration of our

open-space easements. In advance of your filing with the SCC, you are requesting VOF’s input

on the proposed project.

VOF understands that the proposed rebuild will occur within the existing ROW, but VOF

requests information on the heights and materials of the proposed new towers. While the

replacement may occur within the existing ROW, VOF requests additional information on

whether there are existing forests or vegetation that will need to cleared, including any clearing

outside of the official ROW in the “safety fall zone.” VOF also requests additional information

on whether any of the temporary construction infrastructure (roads, bridges, etc.) will need to

occur on open-space easement property.

VOF holds open-space easements on 28 properties within 1.5 miles of the transmission line, a

majority of which could be visually-impacted by the proposed rebuild and upgrade. Of those 28

Project Updates - III.d.iii

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Page 2 of 3

properties, the line physically crosses 3 properties under open-space easements within

Dominion’s existing ROW. Should the proposal require any additional ROW through a VOF

easement, Dominion will need complete a utility easement application. Staff will evaluate the

request according to the specific conservation values of each easement in determining the

feasibility of additional utility right of way, which determination will be transmitted to the board

for final approval. Please contact VOF staff to request this application and please note that

Dominion is required to obtain separate approval from the fee owner of the subject property.

In considering the impact of this proposal on conservation lands, an open-space easement is a

legal interest in real property that creates a relationship between the holders of the easement and

the property owner. By means of the easement, VOF has an interest in specific conservation

values of the property and a legal obligation to protect these values. VOF easements provide

important public benefits by protecting in perpetuity significant tracts of mostly undeveloped

land which may contribute to the protection of water quality, productive soils, natural heritage

resources, historic resources, and scenic viewsheds. VOF easements represent over $1 billion of

public investment and fulfillment of Title XI of the Virginia Constitution and other public

policies to ensure conservation of natural and cultural resources. These investments in

conservation and future conservation opportunities may be jeopardized if large-scale utility

development impairs the protected resources and their character-defining setting. Degradation of

protected resources may result in a loss of confidence in the effectiveness of conservation

easements by the public.

As mentioned above, the proposed project both crosses protected lands, and will be in the

viewshed of many others. VOF is concerned about the potential impact that a large-scale utility

development like this may have on the scenic viewsheds and pastoral settings provided by these

protected properties, especially for the driving public along I-64, US Route 29 and State Route

20. As such, VOF requests that full consideration be given to the importance of these open-

space properties and their extensive conservation values in the upgrading of this transmission

corridor. Alternatives of less visual impact should be fully considered and modifications to

siting, location, materials and height in the design of the transmission line should be made to

avoid or minimize any adverse impacts to these open-space properties and their public values. If

the SCC certificate is issued, the permit should require implementation of all industry best

practices, including, but not limited to, (1) minimal removal of vegetation through use of a

clearing plan and (2) use of non-reflecting or de-glared conductors and dulled steel for towers

and structures.

Thank you for the notice and we look forward to working with you and Dominion in the

continued planning and evolution of this project. If you have any further questions or comments,

please feel free to contact me at (804) 577-3337 or [email protected].


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Page 3 of 3

Sincerely,

Martha Little

Deputy Director, VOF

cc: Brian Fuller, VOF (via email)

Mike Hallock-Solomon, VOF (via email)


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Page 1 of 3

March 30, 2016

VIA Email

Ms. Julia Welman

Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)

Office of Environmental Impact Review

629 E. Main St., 6th Floor

Richmond, VA 23219

RE: PUE 2016-00020; DEQ #16-049S

Dominion Virginia Power’s Proposed Transmission Project

Dooms - Cunningham 500kV Line Rebuild

Augusta, Albemarle and Fluvanna Counties

Dear Ms. Welman:

The Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF) is in receipt of an email from Ms. Valerie Fulcher of

DEQ, dated March 17, 2016, concerning the above-referenced project. We thank you for the

opportunity to provide additional comments regarding upgrades to the electric transmission

corridor running through VOF open-space easements in the aforementioned counties. This

project is located in a region of Virginia that contains a high concentration of our open-space

easements.

VOF, an agency of the Commonwealth, was established by the General Assembly in 1966 to

promote the preservation of Virginia’s natural and cultural resources by encouraging private

philanthropy in fulfillment of state policy. As a result of Virginia’s commitment to ensure a

vibrant natural environment for today and future generations, VOF owns thousands of acres

managed for public access and holds more than 3,600 easements across the Commonwealth, and

these easements protect in perpetuity over 780,000 acres of open-space.

This transmission line was constructed in the mid-1960s with “COR-TEN” weathering steel

towers and according to Dominion, has now reached the end of its 50-year expected life span.

Dominion is proposing to replace the towers with galvanized steel lattice towers that will be

approximately 20-30’ taller than the existing towers. The proposed galvanized towers could

have a significant visual impact along the corridor in this highly scenic area of Central Virginia.

Dominion states that the proposed rebuild will occur within the existing ROW. While the

replacement may occur within the existing ROW, VOF requests additional information on

whether there are existing forests or vegetation that will need to be cleared, including any

clearing outside of the official ROW in the “safety fall zone.” VOF also requests additional

information on whether any of the temporary construction infrastructure (roads, bridges, etc.)

will need to occur on open-space easement property.


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Page 2 of 3

VOF holds open-space easements on 25 properties within 1.5 miles of the transmission line, a

majority of which could be visually-impacted by the proposed rebuild and upgrade to galvanized

steel lattice towers. Of those 25 properties, the line physically crosses 4 properties under open-

space easements within Dominion’s existing ROW. Dominion has stated that since the proposed

project is the rebuild of an existing transmission line and no additional right-of-way is required,

no impact to conservation easements is expected. However, should the proposal require any

additional ROW through a VOF easement, Dominion will need complete a utility easement

application. Staff will evaluate the request according to the specific conservation values of each

easement in determining the feasibility of additional utility right of way, which determination

will be transmitted to the board for final approval. Please contact VOF staff to request this

application and please note that Dominion is required to obtain separate approval from the fee

owner of the subject property.

In considering the impact of this proposal on conservation lands, an open-space easement is a

legal interest in real property that creates a relationship between the holders of the easement and

the property owner. By means of the easement, VOF has an interest in specific conservation

values of the property and a legal obligation to protect these values. VOF easements provide

important public benefits by protecting in perpetuity significant tracts of mostly undeveloped

land which may contribute to the protection of water quality, productive soils, natural heritage

resources, historic resources, and scenic viewsheds. VOF easements represent over $1 billion of

public investment and fulfillment of Title XI of the Virginia Constitution and other public

policies to ensure conservation of natural and cultural resources. These investments in

conservation and future conservation opportunities may be jeopardized if large-scale utility

development impairs the protected resources and their character-defining setting. Degradation of

protected resources may result in a loss of confidence in the effectiveness of conservation

easements by the public.

As mentioned above, the proposed project both crosses protected lands, and will be in the

viewshed of many others. VOF is concerned about the potential impact that a large-scale utility

development like this may have on the scenic viewsheds and pastoral settings provided by these

protected properties, especially for the driving public along Interstate 64, US Route 29, US

Route 250 and State Route 20. As such, VOF requests that full consideration be given to the

importance of these open-space properties and their extensive conservation values in the

upgrading of this transmission corridor.

Specifically, VOF is concerned about the proposed galvanized steel lattice towers. Alternatives

of less visual impact should be fully considered and modifications to siting, location, materials

and height in the design of the transmission line should be made to avoid or minimize any

adverse impacts to these open-space properties and their public values. If the SCC certificate is

issued, the permit should require implementation of all industry best practices, including, but not

limited to (1) minimal removal of vegetation through use of a clearing plan and (2) use of non-

reflecting or de-glared conductors and dulled steel for towers and structures.


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Page 3 of 3

Thank you for the notice and we look forward to working with you and Dominion in the

continued planning and evolution of this project. If you have any further questions or comments,

please feel free to contact me at (804) 577-3337 or [email protected].

Sincerely,

Martha Little


cc: Amanda Mayhew, Dominion (via email) Brian Fuller, VOF (via email)

Tracy Hibbitts, VOF (via email)

Mike Hallock-Solomon, VOF (via email)


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Central Region | 1010 Harris Street, Suite 6, Charlottesville, VA 22903 Page 1 of 1

April 4, 2016

Landowner

Address

Address

RE: Dominion Virginia Power’s Proposed Transmission Project

Dooms – Cunningham 500kV Line Rebuild (Across Property: VOF-0XXXX)

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Landowner:

The Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF) is currently working with the Department of

Environmental Quality (DEQ) in the review of Dominion’s plans to rebuild a high-voltage

electrical transmission line that traverses your property. Since your property is also held in open-

space easement with VOF, we wanted to provide you with a brief update of information received

from DEQ and the State Corporation Commission (SCC).

The proposal is requesting to rebuild the existing 500kV line alongside the existing 230kV line

within the existing ROW from Dooms in Augusta County, across Albemarle County, to

Cunningham in Fluvanna County. Dominion states that the proposed rebuild will occur within

the existing ROW. However, Dominion is proposing to replace the existing “COR-TEN”

weathering steel lattice towers with galvanized steel lattice towers that will be approximately 28’

taller, on average, than the existing towers. The proposed galvanized steel towers could have a

significant visual impact along the corridor in this highly scenic area of Central Virginia.

On March 30, VOF formally commented on the SCC review of the project in a letter to DEQ. In

our letter (enclosed), VOF requested that full consideration be given to the importance of open-

space easement properties and their extensive conservation values in the upgrading of this

transmission corridor. We will keep you updated as this project progresses.

If you have any specific comments or concerns regarding this proposed rebuild project, please

provide your comments to DEQ, SCC or Dominion directly. If you have any further questions

regarding your open-space easement, please feel free to contact me via phone at (434) 293-5112

or via email at [email protected].

Sincerely,

Brian G. Fuller

Assistant Director of Stewardship

Central Region, Charlottesville Office

Encl: VOF Letter to DEQ dated March 30, 2016


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1

Fuller, Brian (VOF)

From: Little, Martha (VOF)Sent: Friday, April 15, 2016 3:19 PMTo: Fuller, Brian (VOF); Glymph, Brett (VOF)Cc: Hibbitts, Harry (VOF)Subject: FW: Cunningham-Dooms 500 kV Transmission Line, PUE-2016-00020 / DEQ #16-049S

fyi

From: Little, Martha (VOF)

Sent: Friday, April 15, 2016 3:18 PM To: 'Charlotte P McAfee (Services - 6)'; Wellman, Julia (DEQ)

Cc: Amanda M Mayhew (VirginiaPower - 6); G. W. Jackson (VirginiaPower - 6)

Subject: RE: Cunningham-Dooms 500 kV Transmission Line, PUE-2016-00020 / DEQ #16-049S

Julia and Charlotte,

VOF would like to respond with the following:

We appreciate Dominion Virginia Power’s responses to the concerns outlined in our letter dated,

March, 29 2016 regarding: PUE 2016-00020; DEQ #16-049SDominion Virginia Power’s Proposed

Transmission Project Dooms - Cunningham 500kV Line Rebuild Augusta, Albemarle and Fluvanna

Counties

VOF would like to reiterate the points made in that letter and specifically the following points:

“VOF is concerned about the proposed galvanized steel lattice towers. Alternatives of less visual impact should

be fully considered and modifications to siting, location, materials and height in the design of the transmission

line should be made to avoid or minimize any adverse impacts to these open-space properties and their public

values. If the SCC certificate is issued, the permit should require implementation of all industry best practices,

including, but not limited to (1) minimal removal of vegetation through use of a clearing plan and (2) use of

non-reflecting or de-glared conductors and dulled steel for towers and structures.”

We appreciate Dominion Virginia Power’s response to our concern regarding the removal of vegetation and

have no further comments on that. However, with regard to our request for consideration of the use of low

reflective visual mitigations, we would like to point out that we have worked with other utilities, specifically the

Appalachian Power Company (ACP) who has implemented these visual mitigations in the construction of

electric transmission lines. ACP has used a darkened or low-reflective treatment applied to the finish of

galvanized steel lattice towers to reduce the visual presence of the structures in scenic areas. They have also

applied a non-specular finish to reduce glare and mitigate visual impacts to the conductors. These significant

and proven visual mitigations demonstrate that it is possible to make changes to the design and materials of

electric transmission lines in some cases.

VOF would ask that Dominion Virginia Power consider any measures that might minimize the visual impacts to

the important scenic, and cultural resources of this region. VOF hopes to continue to work with Dominion

Virginia Power in a collaborative way to ensure that the Commonwealth’s investments in the protection of open

space are not jeopardized in any way. Thank you again for the opportunity to comment.

Martha Little


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2

From: Charlotte P McAfee (Services - 6) [mailto:[email protected]]

Sent: Thursday, April 14, 2016 9:45 AM To: Wellman, Julia (DEQ)

Cc: Little, Martha (VOF); Amanda M Mayhew (VirginiaPower - 6); G. W. Jackson (VirginiaPower - 6) Subject: RE: Cunningham-Dooms 500 kV Transmission Line, PUE-2016-00020 / DEQ #16-049S

Julia, Thank you for providing Dominion Virginia Power (Dominion) the opportunity to respond to the Virginia Outdoors Foundation’s (VOF) letter dated March 30, 2016 regarding Dominion’s Dooms-Cunningham 500kV transmission line rebuild project proposed in State Corporation Commission Case No. PUE-2016-00020. VOF raised concerns regarding vegetation removal and use of galvanized steel towers. Dominion’s response to VOF’s concerns is below.

1) Vegetation removal

• The rebuilding of this line will not require additional tree clearing outside of the existing right-of-

way, which varies in width. However, as required by North American Electrical Reliability

Corporation, trees that are determined to be “danger trees” (any tree alive or dead that could fall

within ten feet of the line) will be removed. Access to structures within the right of way will

include minor improvements through the use of mats or gravel. Landowners will be notified of

work on their property before the construction starts. Dominion’s clearing methods are

described in greater detail in Section II.A.5 of the Appendix (p. 38) and Section 2.K of the DEQ

Supplement (p. 10-11) filed with the Application.

2) Materials for towers and structures

• Dominion has proposed to use its typical transmission line materials and structures to rebuild

this line. The existing steel lattice towers (brown structures) proved to be inferior and degraded

greatly over time. Dominion now uses galvanized lattice towers for all 500 kV lines. The

galvanized steel is used throughout the industry and has proven to be the best type of finish for

lattice towers. Depending on environmental conditions, galvanized steel lattice structures take

between 24 and 48 months to achieve the typical dullness that is seen on older galvanized steel

structures. Using galvanized steel towers provides the greatest protection against the elements

and ensures that structures can meet the 40-50 year lifespan with minimal maintenance.

Dominion does not believe that the additional cost and potential decrement in structural integrity

posed by the use of non-reflecting or de-glared conductors and dulled steel for structures, as

requested by VOF, is appropriate.

Dominion appreciates the opportunity to provide comments on the VOF letter. If there are any questions on this project please feel free to contact me. Thank you, Charlotte McAfee

Charlotte P. McAfee Senior Counsel, Law Department Dominion Resources Services, Inc.


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3

120 Tredegar Street, Riverside 2 Richmond, VA 23219-4306 [email protected]

804.819.2277 (office) 804.310.2183 (cell)

From: Wellman, Julia (DEQ) [mailto:[email protected]]

Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2016 10:26 AM

To: Charlotte P McAfee (Services - 6) Subject: FW: Cunningham-Dooms 500 kV Transmission Line

Please see the attached letter from the Virginia Outdoors Foundation.

Does Dominion have any comments or response to VOF regarding its concerns on the scenic viewshed and galvanized

steel lattice towers?

Julia Wellman Environmental Impact Review Coordinator Department of Environmental Quality 629 E Main Street Richmond, VA 23219 (804) 698-4326 [email protected] www.deq.virginia.gov **** For program updates and public notices, please subscribe to the OEIR News Feed.****

From: Little, Martha (VOF)

Sent: Friday, April 01, 2016 3:34 PM

To: Wellman, Julia (DEQ) Cc: Hallock-Solomon, Michael (VOF); Fuller, Brian (VOF)

Subject: Cunningham-Dooms 500 kV Transmission Line

Julia,

Please see VOF’s comments on the following project attached:

Document Type: SCC Application

Project Sponsor: State Corporation Commission

Project Title: Cunningham-Dooms 500 kV Transmission Line

Rebuild

Location: Albemarle, Augusta, & Fluvanna Counties

Project Number: DEQ #16-049S


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4

Martha Little


600 East Main St., Suite 402

Richmond, Virginia 23219

[email protected]

P. 804 577 3337

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This electronic message contains information which may be legally

confidential and or privileged and does not in any case represent a firm ENERGY COMMODITY bid or offer

relating thereto which binds the sender without an additional express written confirmation to that effect. The

information is intended solely for the individual or entity named above and access by anyone else is

unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the contents

of this information is prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this electronic transmission in error,

please reply immediately to the sender that you have received the message in error, and delete it. Thank you.


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