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Wilcox Wharf to Windmill Point

Overview

Powerlines
We plan to rebuild a segment of line 567, a 500 kilovolt electric transmission line that crosses the James River between Wilcox Wharf and Windmill Point.

Benefits

  • Replaces structures to meet current electrical and safety standards
  • Minimizing underwater disturbance

Timeline

  • September 22, 2017 - Wire removal will begin and may continue through September 30, 2017. Nearby residents may notice periods of increased activity in the right of way. We ask that you remain clear of the construction area, so our team may work safely and efficiently. The schedule is subject to change based on weather.
  • June 6, 2017 - SCC Final Order 

Overview & Description

Dominion Energy will replace four transmission structures. Two existing Cor-Ten steel structures in the water will be replaced with two similar galvanized steel structures of the same height. The new structures in the water will be supported by the existing foundations– minimizing underwater disturbance. Two existing Cor-Ten steel anchor structures – one on either side of the shore – will be replaced with two galvanized steel A-Frame structures. The new structures on the shore will be approximately 15 feet taller than the existing structures.

Pending regulatory approval and time-of-year restrictions, construction on the new transmission line will begin in summer 2017 and will be completed by late 2017.

Existing Structures

Proposed Structures

Maps and Documents

Construction Mailers

SCC

The State Corporation Commission (SCC) is responsible for determining the need, route and environmental impact of transmission lines in Virginia. Once this project is filed, documents related to the case are made available to the public on the SCC Docket Search section of the SCC website, in the "Search Cases" section. In addition, interested parties may also comment directly to the SCC by sending an email to sccinfo@scc.virginia.gov

FAQs

The height of the transmission structures is set in accordance with electrical clearances and other regulations intended to safeguard the public. The new structures in the water will be supported by existing foundations and will remain the same height and style as the original structures. The only change will be in color - changing from COR-Ten to galvanized steel.

The structures on shore will be approximately 15 feet taller than the existing structures. The new A-frame design will offer a cleaner vista on shore.

We have studied the initial timelines and costs associated with potentially submerging this line. Our research confirmed that keeping the line overhead is the preferred option from an operational, reliability and cost perspective. An underground line would have a larger environmental impact and would require transition stations on either side of the water crossing. These stations would require the purchase of property, as well as additional time for siting, construction and permitting. Ultimately, project scope changes will be determined by the Virginia State Corporation Commission.
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 Energy 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.

Timeline

Winter
Target date to energize the rebuilt transmission line
Spring
Pending SCC approval, construction scheduled to begin
Spring
Pending SCC approval, notify adjacent property owners of construction activities
March 30th
VA SCC Public hearing at 10 a.m., 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219
May 3rd
VA State Corporation Commission evidentiary hearing at 10 a.m., 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219
December 15th
The VA SCC issued its Procedural Order.
December 1st
Dominion Energy files application with the VA State Corporation Commission.
Winter
Submit application to the State Corporation Commission (SCC) / Secure necessary permits for construction
Fall
Public outreach: meetings with elected officials, letters to residents, website, open houses

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