BARC Overhead Line to VDOT Salt Shed

Project Background The BARC Electric Cooperative submitted an amendment to their existing special use permit (JAM400705) (SUP) to add a single-phase aerial power line to service an existing salt shed owned by VDOT. The facility is in a remote location and is used during winter-time snow removal operations on VDOT roads and Interstate 64. The site currently operates using a gas-powered generator and portable light tower. Project Purpose and Proposed Action The purpose of this project is to improve safety while loading and unloading salt during nighttime snow removal operations. The proposed action is to add roughly 749 feet of aerial line from a source pole (37.895406, -79594157) located in an existing aerial power line running in a southwest direction and parallel to Stat Rte. 780. The route of the line would run from that pole southeast to a termination point within the VDOT compound. The right-of-way clearing would be 30 feet in width. The vegetation that is cut will be windrowed along the edges of the right-of-way. Given the deviation in terrain it is expected that the construction would require four poles to be set, including the dead-end pole within the VDOT compound. Barring any unforeseen issues, the approximate project timeline would be four to five days. Project Design Features This proposed action includes the following design features for resource protection: ? Powerline placement will attempt to reduce the amount of tree removal in the riparian zone to provide shade, wildlife habitat, and add future large wood material to Bratton?s Run. ? Tree felling, where necessary should leave large woody material in place/across the stream where possible. ? Oaks and hickory trees in the area provide possible day roost sites for bats. To minimize disturbance, tree removal will be under a time of year restriction between November 1 and April 1.

Project Summary

Last Updated: 9/14/2023