ML20137B690

Environ Assessment,Vogtle to Savannah River Plant 230kV Transmission Line, Prepared for Util.Application for State of Sc Public Svc Commission Environ Certificate Encl

ML20137B690
Person / Time
Site:	Vogtle
Issue date:	06/01/1985
From:	ENVIROSPHERE CO.
To:
Shared Package
ML20137B682	List: ML20137B678 ML20137B690
References
NUDOCS 8508220116
Download: ML20137B690 (61)

Text

-~ ~6 ,

ATTACHMENT I ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT VOGTLE TO ,

SAVANNAH RIVER PLANT 230kV TRANSMISSION LINE l

~

PREPARED FOR : l 1  !

l SOUTH CAROLINA  !

! ELECTRIC & GAS  :

l COMPANY l i

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA l

l l

JUNE 1,1985

$3ge2$80cISSIhkj" company

$hNIESS l

. . - - . ~ . _ . _ _ _ . . _ _ . . - - - _ . . .

e ENVIRONSENTAL ASSESShENT

, V0GTLE TO SAVANNAH RIVER PLANT

, 230 kV TRANSMISSION LINE

.I I

. Prepared for:

J South Carolina Electric & Gas Company Columbia, South Carolina

~j By:

l Envirosphere Company

, , Atlanta, Georgia i

~l 1d i

, June 1, 1985 l .

l

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TABLE CF CONTENTS l Section Page 1

l.0 Introduction l.1 Project Overview 1

• 1.2 Study Methodology 1

. 2.0 Affected Environment 3 2.1 Physiographic Features / Topography 3 2.2 Soils 8 2.3 Land Use 12 2.4 Vegetation 13 2.5 Wildlife ~ 17 2.6 Threatened and Endangered Species 18 7

) 3.0 Alternate Routes Considered 24 4.0 Assessment of Potential Impacts 30 4.1 Physiographic Features / Topography 31 4.2 Soils 31 4.3 Land Use/ Aesthetics 32 4.4 Vegetation 33 4.5 Wildlife 34

. 4.6 Threatened and Endangered Species 34 37 5.0 Conclusions 4

6.0 Bibliography 38 e

d e

e

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-J LIST OF TABLES Page

.J gbg 2-1 Properties of Soil Series Occurring Along the m

Proposed Vogtle-SRP 230 kV Transmission Line 11 2-2 Wildlife Species or Signs Observed Along the Proposed Vogtle to Savannah River Plant 19

- Transmission Line Route

_, 2-3 Threatened or Endangered Species Occurring or Potentially Occurring on the Savannah River Plant 20 LIST OF FIGURES

]

i Page' Figure 2-1 Proposed Vogtle-SRP 230 kV Transmission Line

'A Route

'l Soil Series Occurring Along the Proposed 22 9

Vogtle-SRP 230 kV Transmission Line Route

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25 3-1 Alternate Transmission Line Route Number One e

l 26

. . . 3-2 Alternate Transmission Line Route Number Two l 27 3-3 Alternate Transmission Line Route Number Three 3-4 28 Alternate Transmission Line Route Number Four .

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, 1.0 INTRODUCTICN

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1.1 PROJECT OVERVIEW

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South Carolina Electric and Gas Company (SCE&G) proposes to construct a 230 kilovolt _(kV) transmission line which will pass through a portion of

northwestern Barnwell County, South Carolina. The proposed line, designated as Vogtle-Savannah River Plant 230 kV Line, will connect The

- Vogtle Electric Generating Plant, being constructed by Georgia Power

- Company, to an existing substation on the Savannah River Plant (SRP). The s, proposed line is approximately 17.5 miles in length. The entire length of the line is located within the boundaries of the Savannah River Plant

[ property, which is owned by the U.S. Department of Energy.

The Vogtle-SFP line will be operated at 230 kV. Because of the size of the line, SCE&G is required by Scuth Carolina's Utility Facility Siting and Environmental Protection Act (Title 58, Chaoter 33, Code of Laws of South Carolina) to provide an environmental assessment of the proposed route.

The environmental assessment is necessary for completion of the Application j

i for Certificate for Environmental Compatibility & Public Convenience &

Necessity required by the state's Public Service Commission. This report presents a description of the environment along SCE&G's proposed route and possible impacts resulting from construction of the proposed transmission line.

1.2 STUDY FETH000 LOGY Information required to conduct lhe environmental assessment was compiled from a number of sources, including information supplied by state and

_ federal agency personnel, published literature, USGS topographic maps, and South Carolina highway maps. The location of the proposed line has been surveyed and a plan prepared by SCE&G.

l 1 l 1

• l

v

,8 3- A field survey of the entire line was conducted May 23-24, 1985.

_ Vegetation communities, land uses, local features, wildlife species, and the occurrence of threatened and endangered species were identified.

Particular attention was given to those vegetation communities or habitat types'in which threatened or endangered plant or animal species could occur or have been reported to occur.

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2.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONTNT The proposed route for the Vogtle-SRP transmission line is depicted in Figure 2-1. Major features of the route include the Savannah River crossing and crossings of Route 125 and six Savannah River Plant (SRC) roads. The proposed line will cross three major creeks, Four Mile, Pen Branch, and Steel Creek. Two minor creeks, Meyers Branch of Steel Creek and Beaver Dam Creek, will also be crossed by the line. The Droposed route

~

parallels approximately 2.3 miles of an existing SRP transmission line and

,s 2,400 feet of the Canadys-Urquhart 230 kV line. The Seaboard Coast Line s tracks, which are located within the SRP boundaries, will be crossed four

., times by the proposed right-of-way.

s 2.1 PHYSIOGRAPHIC FEATURES /TCPOGRAPHY

~1 Barnwell County lies within the coastal plain region of South Carolina.

Elevations within this region typically range from sea level to 200 feet, although sandhills occur at slightly higher elevations. The Savannah River Plant occupies approximately 132,000 acres of the 354,000 acres in Barnwell J County. A large portion of the SFP occupies an area known as the Carolina and Georgia sandhills, which are characterized as gently sloping to

,, strongly sloping uplands. Relief is typically measured in tens of feet.

The southwestern part of SRP borders the Savannah River. The land bordering the Savannah River has been categorized as part of the Atlantic

'~

Coast Flatwoods. This region is described as nearly level coastal plain dissected by broad valleys with meandering streams. Local relief varies from a few feet to ten or twenty feet.

< The elevations along the proposed right-of-way range from 90 feet MSL at

. the Savannah River to 290 feet (MSL) at the point where the line crosses SRP-9 Drainage of the entire transmission line route, as proposed, is provided by the Savannah River. The river in the area adjacent to SRP is very silty, with an unconsolidated bed and sandy banks. The river banks are quite steep and exhibit crosion iri the outer edges of riverbends. Silt and sand bars tend to deposit on the inside curves.

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2.2 SOILS The soils of the Savannah River Plant (SRP) were formed from coastal plain sediments predominantly from the tertiary period and from alluvial I' sediments of a more recent geologic age. The soils formed from the coastal plain sediments are predominantly well drained to excessively drained with 7* sandy surfaces and sandy clay loam subsoils.

pi The soils formed from alluvial sediments are generally high in silt and

- clay in the surface and subsurface layers. Surface layers are predominatly loamy fine sand to loam with most subsurface textures ranging from sandy clay loam to silty clay. Alluvial and stream terrace soils comprise about 18 percent of the total SPP acreage and over half of these are somewhat poorly to very poorly drained.

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Soil cH typically ranges between 4.0 and 5.0. Excessively wet soils

comprise about 11 percent of the total SRP area. In general, these soils c' are very productive for timber, but they present problems in harvesting, regeneration, and access. About six percent of the soils in the SPP area

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have a severe erosion hazard. These occur mostly on slopes greater than six percent. For the mcst part, these soils are presently uneroded, but have the potential to erode if laid bare for any long period of time. Most of these soils are fairly productive for timber, but harvesting, regeneration, and road construction present erosion control problems.

2 About one-third of the SFP consists of droughty sandy soils. Timber 3

productivity on these soils is fairly low. Although harvesting presents no major problems, regeneration is difficult because seedling mortality is generally high.

i courteen soil series cccur along the proposed Vogtle-SRP transmission line route. The location of these soil series, with respect to the transmission line route, is shown in Figure 2-2. Information on drainage procerties, erosion potential, corrosivity for uncoated steel, load bearing strength i

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drained, with a slight erosion potential. Corrosivity for uncoated steel is variable, ranging from low to high. Load bearing strength for vehicles

'is primarily good, although some soils have a sandy surface of more than 20 9 inches.

o Only.four of the soil series occurring along the proposed transmission line

- are considered price farmland soils. These include, Dothan-Norfolk, 7

Norfolk-Eunola, Orangburg, and Hornsville-Smithboro. The Dothan-Norfolk and Norfolk-Eunola are more common than the other two types. The Dothan-Norfolk series occurs in two locations, one south of Par Pond near the abandoned City of Dunbarton and the other along the proposed line between the western and eastern arms of Meyers Branch Creek (relative to SRP-9).

• The Norfolk-Eunola series occurs in the area between the Pen Branch Creek

1. (eastern side) and the Seaboard Coast Line tracks and in the area between Beaver Dam Creek and Four Mile Creek. The other prime farmland soils, J' Orangeburg and Hornsville-Smithboro, occur along the western sides of Steel Creek and Pen Branch Creek, respectively.

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fHilVHIIES (f SOIL TRIES OrftFHIt0 AtRtC IIC fWPDTD V0GTLf cJP 230 kV TRAPPMISSI(N LitC Hap Erosion Load Prine Typical Drainage Potential Corrosivity ikaring Farmlands Vegetation T Soil Series Unit

} No Pine Giley, Vancluse 2 well Drained Moderate Moderate Good j 3 Poor Hone High Good No Pine, Wax Hyttle Mascotte 4 Well Drained Slight ( } Moderate Good Yes( } Loblolly Pine Dothan, Norfolk Sli@t I4I Low Good OI No Loblolly Pine F o uy, wagram 5 Well Drained None High Low No Hardwood, Pine Cantey, Ogeechee 6 Poor 7 Very Poorly None High Low No Gun, Ash, Cypress Johnson, Osier #I 9 well Drained (2) Slight I4) Moderate Good Yes Loblolly Pine Norfolk, Eunola Well Drained to Sliifit Low-Hoderate Good ( No Loblolly /Lorw] lear Blanton, Lakeland 10 Excessively well Pine Dralned Well Drained Sli@t I4) Moderate Good YesI' Loblolly Pine C Orangeburg 11 Well Dralned Slight Low Good OI No Pine Troto 12 12t well Drained Sli$t Low-Moderate Good No Pine Trotp (terrace phase) 15 Well Drained Slir/it III Low Good No Pine Lucy, wagram II Well Drained- Slight Muderate-High Good No Pine 4 Dianton, Albany 17 Somewhat Poorly l I

Somewhat Poorly Slight High Low Yes Pine, Hardwood Kornsville, Smitttoro 19 Scurce: (Rogers, 1985)

(1) Refer to Figure 2-2 (2) Small areas of moderately well drained soils incit

• d (3) On slopes greater than 6 percent (0) Slopes of 0 to 6 percent (5) Sandy surface more than 20 inches

o l =m 2.3 LAND USE

.l The South Carolina portion of the proposed Vogtle-SPP transmission line is entirely within the boundaries of the SRP. The SPP is a major Department of Energy Facility which produces defense materials. The SPP covers approximately 300 square miles. The entire site, exclusive of production I and administrative areas, has been declared a National Enviromental Research Park. Forested areas, including upland pine / hardwood and wetlands, comprise about 88 percent of SRP land use. The remaining land

- l use-is comprised of roads (2.1 percent), production areas (1.6 percent) and y clear areas / power lines (5.8 percent) (USFS,-1984). Due to current construction activities at SRP, these percentages should be adjusted slightly to reflect more production and cleared areas.

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The wooded or forested areas of SFP are managed by the U.S. Forest

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Service. Management activities include five general areas: 1) timber management, 2) wildlife management, 3) soils reclamation, 4) road w-management, and 5) research. The management of SRP forests began in the a

early 1950's under a cooperative agreement with the Forest Service and Atomic Energy Commission (AEC). Initially, the program was designed to reforest some 68,000 acres of former agricultural land. From 1953 through f 1984 approximately 94,400 acres were planted.

~~

The principle objective of SPP forest management is to promote and achieve a pattern of timber resource use on a sustained yield basis, while l maintaining and enhancing soil, water, and wildlife resources. The U.S.

Forest Service has delineated 85 timber compartments on SRP to achieve its  ;

stated management objective. Each compartment consists of approximately 1

, a 2,300 acres, i

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) A timber management plan has been developed for SRP. The current plan 1

covers the period of 1979 through 1988 This plan proposes that a total estimated annual yield of four million board feet of saw timber and 79,000 cords of small round wood be harvested from an annual average cut area of 1 4,078 acres (USFS, 1984).

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I With the exception of road and rail crossings, the proposed Vogtle-SRP transmission line will cross undeveloped land managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The majority of this land is wooded with some clear-cut areas.

g The proposed line has been routed around development of new production 9 areas or related facilities. The proposed line will cross portions of twelve timber compartments delineated by the U.S. Forest Service. The 100 foot right-of-way for the proposed line will require a total of approximately 210 acres from these timber compartments.

, 2.4 - VEGETATION Three principle forest types occur within South Carolina, oak-hickory-pine forest, southern mixed forest and the southern flood plain forest (Kuchler, 1964). The oak-hickory-pine forest is asssociated with the Piedmont region. Dominant canopy species of the oak-hickory-pine forest include

-J hickory, short-leaf and loblolly pine, white oak, and post oak. The southern mixed forest is associated with the coastal plain region. Beech, sweetgum, magnolia, slash and loblolly pine, white oak, and laurel oak characterize the canopy of the southern mixed forest. The southern

-f floooplain forest, which adjoins major rivers such as the Savannah, typically consists of tupelo, numerous species of oak, and bald cypress.

1 The SRP is situated near the arbitrary boundary that divides the oak-hickory-pine forest from the southern mixed forest. As a result, species representative of each forest type are found. The vegetation found on SRP has been influenced by a number of other factors such as farming, I fire, edaphic features, and topography. There is no virgin forest in the region (Braun, 1950). Many of the previously disturbed arens on SRP, with exception of production areas, and rail and transmission corridors, have been reclaimed by natural plant succession or have been planted with pine

'f by the U.S. Forest Service.

Most of the proposed right-of-way is forested as a result of management practices implemented by the U.S. Forest Service in the early 1950's. A e=**

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s few of the wooded areas along the proposed line have been clear-cut. The vegetation community types observed along the proposed line include:

bottomland forest, emergent marsh, open fields (clear-cuts), pine forest, and upland hardwoods-pine.

The bottomland forest type occurred at a number of locations along the proposed right-of-way. This type was, as expected, common along the Savannah River, Beaver Dam Creek, Four Mile Creek, Pen Branch Creek, Steel Creek, and two locations along Meyers Branch of Steel Creek. This vegetation type also occurred in lowland areas crossed by the proposed right-of-way.

Slight differences in the distribution of common species observed in this community type along the Savannah River were noted. Common overstory species found on the slightly higher elevations adjacent to the river bank included: river birch (Betula nigra), loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulicifera), sweetgum (LiQuidambar styraciflua),

sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), American elm (Ulmus americana), box elder (Acer negundo), mulberry (Morus alba), and red maple (Acer rubrum). The common understory species consisted of virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quincuefolia), blue beech (Carcinus carolinana), American holly (Ilex

,f coaca), possum haw (Ilex decidua), muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia), pepper vine (Ampeloosis arborea), smilax (Smilax spp.), cane (Arundinaria gigantia), and false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica).

Species common to the lower areas, specifically along creeks and drainages i behind the river bank include: river birch (Betula nigra), water hickory  :

(Carya aQuatica), shagbark hickory (Carya ovata), sycamore (Platanus

,1 occidentalis), bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), red maple (Acer rubrum),

, sugar maple (Acer saccharum), sugarberry (Celtis occidentalis), green ash (Fraxinus cennsylvanica), blue beech (Carpinus caroliniana), water oak (Quercus nigra), red buckeye (Aesculus pavia), trumpet vine (Camosis ,

radicans), poison ivy (Rhus radicans), and birthwort (Aristolochia serpentaria).

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- O 1 Species common to this vegetation community type found along SRP creeks included sweetgum (Liculdambar straciflua), chestnut oak (Quercus I michauxii), bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), gum (Nyssa sylvatica), red maple (Acer rubrum), sycamore (Platatus occidentalis), black oak (Quercus

'A falcata), red bay (Persea borbonia), and water oak (Quercus niora) in the J overstory. Understory consisted of royal fern (Osmunda regalis), wax .

myrtle (Myrica cerifera), water oak (Quercus niora), virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinauefolia), American holly (Ilex coaca), cane 1 (Arundinaria spp.), muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia), sweetgum (Licuidambar styraciflua), elm (Ulmus spp.), sassafras (Sassafras albidum), sparkleberry (Vaccinium spp.), dogwood (Cornus florida), mulberry (Morus alba), alder (Alnus serrulata), palmetto (Sabal minor), willow (Salix spp.), Virginia willow (Itea virginica), red buckeye (Aesculus pavia), sweet bay (Magnolia virginia), bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), wild azalea (Rhodendron nudiflorum), trilluim (Trillium spp.), blue beech (Carpinus carolinana),

I and leucothee (Leucothoe axillaris).

The emergent marsh vegetation type occurred in the area adjacent to the wooded area bordering the Savannah River and at the crossings of Four Mile end Pen Branch Creeks. The occurrence of this vegetation type within the Savannah River floodplain was commposed predominantly of rush (Juncus spp). A small open area within the floodplain forest also falls under this vegetation type. Dominant species included smartweed (Polygonunn spo.),

alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides), and lizards tail (Saururus cernuus). The common species found in this community type at the SRP stream crossings include: common cattall (Typha latifolia), burreed

] (Soarganium americanium), rush (Juncus spp.), andropogon (Androcogon scp.),

and smartweed (Polygonum spp.). Button bush (Cephalanthus occidentalis),

alder (Alnus spp.), and willow (Salix spp.).

i Open fields or clear-cut areas are crossed by the proposed right-of-way ten times along its length. Clear-cut or open fields were observed at the i following points along the proposed right-of-way using distance from the e

,, 15 O

I Savannan giver as points of reference (point zero at the Savannah River and numcers expressed in feet from point zero): 9,900, 13,000, 25,000, 36,500, 40,000, 43,500, 52,000, 64,000, 76,800, and 83,140 feet, respectively.

1 The number of common spacies observed in each of these clear-cut or open field areas varied considerably and was dependent upon the length of time since the area had been cut and whether the area had been burned after cutting. Species found were common of upland, disturbed drier sites and consisted primarily of herbaceous and scrub shrub species. Common species observed included: sassafras (Sassafras albidum), blackberry (Rubus spp.),

poison ivy (Rhus radicans), poison oak (Rhus toxicodendron), sumac (Rhus glabra), bull-nettle (Solanum carolinense), butterfly pea (Centrosema virginianum), and scrub live oak (Quercus geminata).

Pine forest or pine plantations of varying age were common along the proposed right-of-way. Species consisted primarily of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), longleaf pine (Pinus palustris), and slash pine (Pinus elliottii).

I Due to varying management practices, understory species composition and density varied between stands. Common urderstory species observed include:

water oak (Quercus nigra), laurel Oak (Quercus hemischaerica), gum (Nyssa sylvatica), sweetgum (Liouidambar styraciflua), sparkleberry (Vaccinium spp.), American holly (Ilex coaca), and wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera). In some stands no understory was present, only herbaceous level species such as muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia), smilax (Smilax spp.) and kudzu (Pueraria lobata).

Mature loblolly pine stands, suitable for red cockaded woodpecker habitat, were observed along the proposed right-of-way. One such area occurred at 1 28,500, a second at 35,500, and a third at 39,000 and a fourth at 82,320 (all numbers expressed in feet along the proposed right-of-way from the

) Savannah River) (Figure 2-1). Understory, when present, consisted of sweetgum (Liau! .ambar styraciflua), wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), white oak (Quercus alba), American holly (Ilex coaca), muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia), and sparkleberry (Vaccinium spp.).

16

}

1' The uplands hardwoods-pine community type also occurs along the proposed '

As the name implies, this community type consists of a rignt-of-way.

mixture of hardwood and pine species on upland drier sites which differentiate it from the bottomland forest type. Varying aged stands of In the this comunity type were observed along the proposed right-of-way.

younger aged stands, pines and hardwoods were approximately 5-7" diameter breast height (dbh) and 15-30 feet tall. The species in older stands were approximately 15-20" dbh and 50-100 feet tall. In most cases the stands were even aged. Mixed aged stands were also observed along the proposed right-of-way. In these stands, pine species were approximately 10-15" dbh and hardwood species 4-5" dbh. Comon overstory species observed were longleaf pine (Pinus palustris), loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), sweetgum (Liouidambar styraciflua), white oak (Quercus alba), water Oak (Quercus nigra), laurel oak (Quercus hemisphaerica), turkey oak (Quercus laevis),

postoak (Quercus stellata), hickory (Carya tomentosa), black cherry (Prunus I serotina), and yellow poplar (Lir.iodendron tulioifera).

1 Understory species consisted of dogwood (Cornus florida), sweetgum (Liouidambar styraciflua), sassafras (Sassafras albidum), azalea (Rhodendron spp.), red maple (Acer rubrum), sparkleberry (Vaccinium spp.),

and Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus cuincuefolia).

2.5 WILDLIFE

] The potential exists for a number of wildlife species to occur along the proposed right-of-way, due to the proximity of the Savannah River, and the 1 suitable habitat available on the SRP. The diverse habitats encountered along the proposed Vogtle-SRP line lends to a variety of birds, mammals, 1 reptiles and amphibians. Species having ranges which include the SRP include 17 salamanders, 26 frogs and toads,10 turtles, one crocodilean, nine lizards, and 31 snakes (Conant, 1975). An overview of the SRP herpeto fauna has been developed by Gibbons and Patterson (1978). A wide diversity of birds occur on SRP due to its proximity to the Atlantic Flyway and the

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17 4

I The SRP falls within relative isolation of the plant site from the public.

tne range of 50 bird species which are year round residents. The winter or Dreeding ranges of many more bird species include the SPP (Peterson, 1980). More than 40 species of mammals are reported to have ranges which include the SRP (Burt and Grossenheider,1976). The wildlife species, or signs of wildlife and reptiles ob' served while walking the proposed right-of-way, are listed in Table 2-2.

2.6 THREATENEO AND ENDANGERED SPECIES A number of both plant and animal species listed as threatened and/or endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department are reported to occur, or potentially occur, in Barnwell County. These species, status, preferred habitat, and potential for occurrence along the proposed right-of-way, are I presented in Table 2-3. Discussions of each of these species, including likelihood of occurrence and preferred habitat, are presented in the g

J following paragraphs.

Shortnose Sturgeon The shortnose sturgeon is a large somewhat primitive looking fish inhabiting fresh, estuarine, and saltwater. It is considered to be endemic to the eastern seaboard of the United States. During winter months, populations remain in lower estuaries where salinities range from 18-30 pot, typically congregating in large, deep saltwater bays close to the ocean. The populations migrate upstream in January and February, spawning l j

in February and March and April. Spawning occurs as far inland as Augusta 1 on the Savannah River. In warmer months, the population congregates around low salinity areas of the estuary (1-3 ppt). Siltation of preferred  !

habitat and overfishing are the major reasons for the decline of this species. Prior to 1982, the shortnose sturgeon had not been reported in the middle reaches of the Savannah River in the vicinity of the SRP. l

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" l 18

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1' TABLE 2-2 I wildlife Species or Signs Observed Along the Proposed Vogtle-SRP Transmission Line Route Common Name Scientific Name Bird species Turkey vulture Cathartes aura Red-tailed hawk Buteo jamaicensis Bobwhite quail Colinus virginianus Mourning dove Zenaica macroura l Blue jay Cyanocitta cristata a

Common crow Corvus brachyrhychos E Eastern bluebird Sialia sialis Starling Sturnus vulgaris J Cardinal Cardinalis Cardinalis Red bellied woodpecker Melaneroes carolinus Wild turkey Meleagris gallocavo 1 Barred owl Strix varia Yellow billed cuckoo Coccyzus americanus Mammal Species

-3 Eastern fox squirrel Sciurus aberti J Raccoon White tail deer Procyon lotor Odocoileus virginianus Amchibian/ Reptile Soecies Green Anole Anolis Carolinensis carolinensis

.] Southern five-lined skink Eumeces inexoectatus J Black racer Coluber constrictor criacus I

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d d 6-J W U N O E N U M. M M b b M W TAlt.E 2-3 TINEAIE ta D CH E PIMrirEtED STCIES ft'CtHRitO fH POTENTIALLY OCCIN1 RING IN Tif SAVANNAtt RIVER ftANT Likelituxx1 of Occurrence Status Along Proposed Conunon Nane Scientific Nane Federal S. Carolina Habitat Route Animals I2}

Startnose sturgeon Acipenser brevirostrtsn Endangered Endangered Fresh, estuarine, saltwater High Gopher tortoise Gopherus polyphemus -

Endarw3ered Dry sand ridges Medium American alligator Alligator mississippients Threatened Threatened Swanp, rivers, lakes High Southern bald eagle Haliaeetus 1. leucocephalus Endanoered Endangered River, lake edges Medium Red-cockaded woodpecker Picoides borealis Endangered Endangered Nature pine forests Low Wood stork Mycteria americana - Threatened Freshwater swamps Medium O Cooper's hawk Accipiter cooperii - Threatened Wooded areas near water Medium American osprey Pandion haliaetus - Threatened Wooded areas near water MeditMitgh ,

Plants O'4)

Smooth coneflower Echinacea laevigata -

Threatened Meadows and woodlands Low Croton Croton elliottii - III - Poorly drained flatwoods Medita Oconee aralea ethoderviron flammeum - Threatened Steep north-facing slopes in Piedmont t.ow l Meadow teauty Rhexia aristosa (} Savannahs, low pine woods, ditches Meditn II Carulidate for Federal Listing as Endangered o'r Threatened (2) Source: (SCm4to, 1985a)

Source: ($CW4tD, 1985b)

Source: (Rayrer, 1985)

x=-- - ,- - - -

However, shortnose sturgeon larvae were found in ichthyoplankton samoles collected in the Savannah River above Upper Three Runs Creek ano the 3G pphouse intake canal as part of the Savannah River Biological Measurement Program (Muska and Matthews,1983).

er Tortoise Gopher tortoises are associated with dry sand ridges and sandhills of southeastern coastal plain. Habitats include longleaf pine / scrub oak, live

. Oak, red oak hammocks, sand pine scrub oak, and wide grass flatwoods communities. The forest canopy must have some openings to allow for sunning, nesting, and production of the food for the gopher tortoise.

I Gopher tortoise habitat depends on fire to increase ground plants used for food and to ensure that pines remain the dominant tree species. Suitable habitat is available along the proposed right-of-way. Likelihood of occurrence along the route is medium. [

l American Alligator The alligator is a fairly common inhabitant of swamps, rivers, lakes, and even brackish waters in South Carolina. Suitable habitats in South Carolina include impounded marsh, freshwater marsh, brackish marsh, saltmarsh, rivers and associated floodplains. The alligator is common to the SRP and breeds in Par Pond and the Savannah River swamp. Murphy (1981) reported sightings of alligators in the Savannah River swamp and in the major SRP streams. Alligator breeding habitat with documented nests exists along the backwater lakes and in the swamp associated with Beaver Dam Creek, which enters the swamp upstream from Steel Creek. Although much of 1 Steel Creek and the Savannah River swamp do not contain vast areas of optimum alligator habitat, patches.of quality habitat are present. There are beaver ponds and Carolina bays near the river swamp or creek floodplain margins, open-water oxbow lakes, and open-canopied, marshy areas typical of productive habitat.

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I Scutnern Bald Eagle I The southern bald eagle occurs in South Carolina along river and lake edges. Most nests are located along major river drainages, typically adjacent to impounded marshes managed for waterfowl. Recent declines of tnis bird are attributed to egg shell thinning from pesticides, indescriminate shooting, and habitat alteration. There is a medium potential for eagles occurring in the vicinity of the proposed route, especially along the Savannah River swamp and along Par Pond. However, no recent nesting records are known for this area.

Red.-Cockaded Woodpecker 1

The red-cockaded woodpecker is only found in mature pine forests (greater than 60 years of age), which are fairly open and free of a hardwood '

understory. The birds live in colonies and drill cavities into appropriate mature pines. In general, effective timber harvesting practices have 1 reduced the number of suitable old trees for habitat for this species.

There are a number of red cockaded woodpecker colonies reported for SRP.

The U.S. Forest Service is managing the SAP forests for red cockaded woodpecker habitat. Three inactive colonies are reported to occur in the general vicinity (4,000-8,000 feet) of the proposed right-of-way (Lennartz, 1985). The location of these colonies are shown in Figure 2-1. Suitable habitat exists along the proposed right-of-way, although no colonies were observed.

] Wood Stork

] This bird is North America's only native stork. It has been reported to !

forage in the Savannah River swarrps of SRP. The wood storks have been observed feeding in the Savannah River swamp system near the outfalls of Beaver Dam Creek and Steel Creek. Birds have also been observed at Pen Branch and Four Mile Creek swamps (Meyers, 1984).

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1 Coccer's Hawk This hawk inhabits wooded areas along or near water. This species is considered a winter visitor throughout South Carolina's woodlands.

Suitable habitat of wooded areas along the Savannah River and SPP creeks and ponds provides a medium likelihood of occurrence of this bird.

l American Osprey The osprey, like the eagle, prefers forested areas near water bodies. This species frequently nests on transmission line towers. The osprey is common throughout the coastal areas. Suitable habitat along the Savannah River and Par Pond provides a medium to high potential for this bird's presence.

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y_ T 3.0 ____ERNATE ROUTES CONSIDERED I Four alternate routes to the proposed transmission line route were Alternate route number one is shown in Figure 3-1. The only considered.

common portion of this route with the proposed route is the location of the Savannan River crossing. Alternate route one was deemed less acceptable than the proposad route due to the number of crossings of and proximity to Savannah River Plant facilities, which would pose a conflict with SFP site use. This route would not be as reliable as the proposed route, due to the fact that it would cross existing supply transmission lines to SRP.

1 The location of alternate route number two is depicted in Figure 3-2.

Alternate route number two follows approximately 4.5 miles of the procosed route, starting at the Savannah River crossing. It then crosses Route 125 and SRP 9 northwest of the proposed line. This alternate route crosses a 1 sensitive wetland area bordering Pen Branch Creek. It also would pass through the Cooling pond being constructed on Steel Creek. The negative environmental effects, as well as the conflict with SRP site use, resulted in this route being deemed less acceptable than the proposed route.

Alternate route number three crosses the Savannah River downstream of the j point where tne proposed route crosses the river. From this point, it crosses the Savannah River Swamp (approximately seven miles) tying into the proposed route at a point on the west side of Pen Branch Creek (Figure 3-3). This alternate route was considered to be less acceptable than the proposed route due to the approximately seven-mile run through the

] environmentally sensitive Savannah River swamp system, which could result in potentially adverse effects on wood stork foraging areas.

1 Alternate route number four is basically the same as the proposed route, with exception of the routing between the point at the west side of Pen Branch Creek and the crossing point of SRP A-14 (Figure 3-4). The route followed by alternate number four is a straight run from the west side of 1

1 24

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.I~ Pen Branch Creek to the point where the proposed route crosses SPP A-14 Route 125 is crossed to the northwest of the point where the proposed route crosses it. Alternate Route Four would conflict with the cooling cond being constructed on Steel Creek, and was judged.to be less acceptable tnan the proposed route.

- The proposed route was selected from the alternates considered for the following reasons. It does not conflict with existing SRP facilities, SPP

, facilities under construction, or proposed SRP facilities. It does not

, cross environmentally sensitive wetlands and the amount of environmentally non-sensitive wetland areas crossed is minimal. Threatened or endangered species habitat is r.ot effected. The proposed route provides a reliable supply transmission line to SRP without sacrificing the reliability of existing SRP supply transmission lines.

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I O M ENT OF POTENTIAL IWACTS I Construction of the proposed Vogtle to SPP transmission line will have both Three positive and adverse effects on land use and natural resources.

major activities will accompany construction of the proposed transmission line: route clearing and grubbing, structure installation and conductor stringing, and routine right-of-way maintenance.

General specifications anticipated by SCE&G include clearing to be performed both manually and by heavy equipment. The wooded areas within the floodplains of the creek crossings will necessitate hand cutting of tall growing vegetation. It is anticipated that slash will be left as it falls in all areas except the creek areas. Forested areas will be first cut for merchantable timber under the auspices of the U.S. Forest Service.

Remaining vegetation will be toppled by bulldozer. Slash will be piled and burned in these areas according to U.S. Forest Service practices.

Right-of-way width will be 100 feet, with the exception of the 2,400 foot segment leading to the existing substation, which will be 75 feet wide.

Two structure types will be employed. H-frame structures will be used throughout, except at turning points where steel structures will be used.

j Structure height will average 75 feet. Distance between structures will be 800 feet, on the average.

1 Periodic maintenance will be performed as needed. Right-of-way maintenance techniques include mechanical clearing as well as chemical soraying.

1 Spraying will be performed according to manufacturer's labels and in compliance with state and local regulations.

The anticipated effects of these activities on the environment are discussed in the following sections.

1 3

9 30

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O I. 4.1 PHYSIOGRAPHIC FEATURES /TOPCGRAPHY

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Since the proposed right-of-way will follow or conform to natural corteurs, no changes are anticipated in the topography along the proposed right-of-way. The prcposed transmission line will be will span the Savannah River, as well as the other creek crossings. No bridging, damming, or other stream alterations will be necessary.

4.2 SOILS The heavy equipment used to clear and grub the proposed right-of-way, as well as to construct the towers, will result in some temporary topsoil disturbance and minimal soil compaction. Soils will not be displaced from the route, and since access roads will not be built along the right-of-way, fill material will not be regulred.

1 Erosion is not anticipated to be a problem because of the nearly level topography and gradual slopes. Only one soil type cccurring along the prcposed right-of-way has moderate potential for erosion. The others are considered to have a slight erosion potential. If it is a problem, erosion control measures, such as installation of hay bales, diversion ditches and sedimentation basins will be used to prevent sediment landen runoff from entering the Savannah River or creeks draining to the Savannah River. Wind erosion also will not be a factor because of the predominantly vegetated terrain surrounding the proposed right-of-way. During construction, as much herbaceous and shrubby ground cover as possible will be left. This technique will further decrease the erosion potential.

Prime farmland soils occur along the proposed right-of-way. The loss of some prime farmland soils would have an adverse effect on agriculture in the area. However, current land use and management plans do not involve 1 agricultural crop production. It is doubtful that these soils will ever be used for anything other than timber production. Given current land uses 1 and management plans, and that the transmission line right-of-way is compatible with agricultural uses, the effects due to construction of the prooosed right-of-way on prime farmland soils is considered to be minimal.

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4.3 LAND USE/ AESTHETICS Construction of the proposed 100 foot right-of-way (75 feet along the 2,400 ot segment leading to the existing substation) will affect approximately 210 acres of land at SPP. Approximately 30 acres of this has already been cleared. Crossings of creeks, rail lines and transmission lines account j for 7.5 acres, while roads and open water account for 2.2 acres. The remaining 170 acres is forested land managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Approximately 10 acres of the 170 acres is classified as a bottomland hardwood wetland type. Construction of the proposed transmission line will permanently remove the 170 acres from forest production. This action I conflicts with the timber management plans of the U.S. Forest Service. In comparison to the total number of acres managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the loss of 170 acres is insignificant, especially in light of the fact that habitat will not be lost, only replaced by another type. The forest land removed by construcion of the proposed line will revert to an open scrub shrub habitat after construction is complete. This will add to the diversity of habitats on the SRP. This habitat alteration is in keeping with the U.S. Forest Service wildlife management activities.

The proposed route will not affect existing zoning, since it is located within the boundaries of the SPP. Authorization and approvals for the line I will be obtained from the Department of Energy. Aporopriate permits and authorization will be obtained for crossing Highway 125, railroads, ano streams.

Impacts to human populations will be negligible due to the limited access to SRP. The proposed line will be constructed in accordance with the National Electric Safety Code and SCE&G's construction safety specifications to reduce potential health and safety impacts. Construction crews and equipment may cause minor traffic inconveniences to notorists along Highway 125, but this activity will be temporary.

1 Areas where the proposed line will cross Routes 125 and SPP roads will produce minimal visual intrusion due to the nearly perpendicular crossings of roadways by the proposed line. Views of the proposed crossings of SRP 1

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I' site roads will be limited to plant personnel and will be in areas not heavily travelled by plant personnel, There should be little or no adverse socioeconomic impacts. No social g

5 services, schools, hospitals, or other emergency services will be affecteo by the route. A minor positive effect will be realized as an economic gain to the towns of Aiken, Beach Island and Jackson from expenditures by construction workers on the line. The line will also enhance the area in the form of improved and more reliable electric service.

4.4 VEGETATION Construction of the proposed transmission line will requite clearing of a I 100 foot right-of-way (75 feet along the 2,400 foot segment leading to the existing substation). As such, the net loss of woody vegetation can be considered an adverse effect. The impact of this net loss is considered to be minimal, since the areas to be cleared are used for timber production and would be cleared at some point in the future. While wocied vegetation will be removed from the proposed right-of-way, shrubby and herbaceous species will recover and invade the right-of-way, allowing different vegetation communities to become established.

Construction of the proposed right-of-way will also require some clearing in emergent marsh, scrub shrub, and bottomland hardacods wetland types. A

] total of approximately 12 acres of these wetland types will be effected.

The use of 700-800 foot spans will minimize the effects on these areas.

The emergent marsh and scrub shrub wetland types will recover uoon completion of construction activ'ities. In the bottemland hardwood areas, only taller woody vegetation will be removed. Hand cutting will help minimize adverse effects in this area. The different type of habitat resulting from construction of the proposed right-of-way will help compensate for the 170 acres of timber land to be cleared.

1 Maintenance will rcQuite either mechanical or chemical treatment of right-of-way vegetation. Both these treatments will select against woody I

species and favor herbaceous species.

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I 4.5 WILDLIFE I In general, impacts to wildlife species will not be as great as that to vegetation since wildlife species are mobile. Clearing of a 100 foot wice I right-of-way represents a change in habitat for most species which currently reside in the wooded area to be used for the proposed right-of-way.

Because of tree removal, tree-nesting birds and some mammals may be displaced. Woodpeckers, squirrels, raccoons, and opossums would be such examples. However, the resultant vegetative change in the right-of-way would incresase habitat for shrub and ground-nesting / feeding birds and mammals.

Right-of-way vegetation in forested areas serves as an ecotone and favors I the popular game species, Quail and deer, of the region. Certain raptors such as the kestrel, merlin, and Cooper's hawk, hunt over ecotonal communities created by transmission line right-of-ways.

No aquatic impacts are expected because no construction will occur in any water bodies. Careful construction practices will be employed in the low areas adjacent to the Savannah River and other creek crossings to reduce siltation potential.

o 4.6 THREATENEO AND ENDANGERED TECIES a

oA The threatened and endangered species discussed in the previous chapter as o

possibly occurring on, along or in the vicinity of the proposed Vogtle-SPP line are discussed in the following sections with regard to possible effects of construction or operation of the line, c.

4.6.1 Animals

- ) Shortnose Sturgeon 1 The only possible effects of the proposed right-of-way that could affect S the sturgeon would be excessive siltation of the Savannah River during 34

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• i construction. This impact will not occur since no structures will be placed in the river, and careful construction techniques will be employed g

J along the banks.

Gooher Tortoise There is a likelihood of occurrence due to the occurrence of suitable habitat along the proposed right-of-way. No active bJrrows were found along the proposed right-of-way during the field survey, as such, this species should not be impacted by line construction. In fact, construction 3

of the right-of-way should provide additional habitat for this species.

.J American Alligator The American alligator is present in and along the Savannah River, as well as in numerous SPP ponds. Due to the mobility of this species and that all ponds and water bodies will be spanned by the proposed line, the alligator should not be adversely affected other than possible temporary displacement during construction. Habitat is plentiful all along the Savannah River swamp system and in Par Pond. Both these are1s are outside the influence of the proposed right-of-way.

] Southern Bald Eagle Eagles may hunt in Par Pond, which is adjacent to the propnsed route.

Suitable habitat does not occur along other segments of the ornposed right-of-way. There are no records of eagles nesting near the proposed route. Effects on this species are considered to be insignificant.

'l Ped-Cockaded Woodoecker 1 Suitable habitat occurs along the proposed right-of-way and three inactive colonies occur within the vicinity of the preposed rignt-of-way. While the 1

1 35 1

proposed right-of-way will remove red cockaded woodpecker habitat, management practices implemented by the U.S. Forest Service will compensate

for any habitat lost. No active colonies were observed along the proocsed right-of-way, nor are any reported to occur (Lennartz,1985).

Wood Stork 1 ,

No suitable nesting habitat exists along the proposed route. Storks have l been observed foraging in the Savaman Piver swamp system which is located to the south of the proposed rcute. No e"fects are anticipated since the line will not cross the swamp area. l g Cocoer's Hawk 3

0 This is one species which would probably benefit from construction of the proposed transmission line. This bird prefers edge or ecotonal communities

, for hunting. The removal of wooded vegetation will increase ecotonal community developmment. As such, no adverse effects are expected.

American Osorey No osprey nests were detected along the proposed route. These birds typically build nests in transmission structures, so construction of the line could have benefits in this regard. No adverse effects are expected.

.]

3.6.2 Plants No plants found on the federal endangered species list or considered to be of regional or statewide concern by South Carolina were found along the proposed route. No plants of concern are reported to occur in the proposed right-of-way area (Rayner,1985).

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CCNCLUSIONS 5.0

- The proposed Vogtle-SRP 230 kV transmission line will have no significant adverse effects on existing SPP site use, vegetation, wildlife, and threatened or endangered species. The positive effects of increased reliability of electrical power and support of national defense will

,f compensate for the minimal visual effects, loss of timber land, and temporary effects associated with construction of the proposed transmission line.

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O I 6.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY Burt, W.H., and R.P. Grossenheider. 1976. A Field Guide to the Mammals.

I Houghton Mufflin Co. Boston, Massachusetts.

Braun, E.L. 1950 Ceciduous Forests of Eastern North America. Hafner I Publishing Company. New York, New York.

Cobb, 8. 1963. A Field Guide to'the Ferns and their Related Families.

Houghton Mifflin Company. Boston, Massachusetts.

Conant, R. 1975 A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America. Houghton Mifflin Company. Boston, Massachusetts.

Duncan, W.H. and L.E. Foote. 1979 Wildflowers of the Southeastern United States. The University of Georgia Press. Athens, Georgia, Engles, C. 1985. Personal Communication. U.S. Forest Service. Savannah i River Plant. Aiken, South Carolina.

Fridell, J. 1985. Personal Communication. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Ashville, North Carolina.

Gibbons, J.W. and K.K. Patterson. 1978 The Reptiles and Amphibians of the Savannah River Plant. Savannah River Plant National Environmental I Research Park Publication. Aiken, South Carolina.

Kohlsaat, T.S. 1985. Personal Comunication. South Carolina Wildlife and i Marine Resources Department. Columbia, South Carolina.

Kuchler, A.W. 1964 Potential Natural Vegetation of the Coterminus United States. American Geographical Society Special Publication No. 36. New 1 York, New York.

Lennartz, M. 1985 Personal Communication. U.S. Forest Service. Clemson, 1 South Carolina.

Meyers, J.M. 1984 Wood Storks of the Birdsville Colony and Swamps of the

] Savannah River Plant. Savannah River Ecciogy Laboratory. Aiken, South Carolina.

] Muska, C.F. and R.A. Matthews. 1983 Biological Assessment for the Shortnose Sturgeon, Acipenser brevirostrum_Lesueur 1818. The Savannah River Plant. E.I. OtFont de Nemours & Company. Savannah River Laboratory. Aiken, South Carolina.

Murphy , T .M. 1981. Population Status of the American Alligator on the 1 Savannah River Plant, South Carolina. Savannah River Plant National Environmental Research Park Publication. Aiken, South Carolina.

ab if 38 1

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lo Petersen, R.T. 1980. A Field Guide to tr. Birds. Houghton Mifflin Company. Boston, Massachusetts.

Radford, A.E., H.E. Ahles, and C.R. Bell i 1968 Manual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas. The Universl .ty of North Carolina Press.

Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Rayner, D.A. 1985 Personal Marine Resources Department Comunicatih.South Carolina Wildlife and Columbia' South Carolina.

I Rogers, V. 1985. Personal Communication. U.S. Soil Conservation Service. Savannah River Plant.

South Carolina Electric and Gas Commpany. 1984 Vogtle-SRP 230 kV Line.

Plan View. Columbia, South Carolina.

South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department. 1985a.

Threatened and Endangered Animals in South Carolina. Wildlife Program, Nongame and Heritage Trust Section. Columbia, South Carolina.

South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department. 1985b.

Threatened and Endangered Plants in South Carolina. Wildlife Program, Nongane and Heritage Trust Section. Columbia, South Carolina.

USDA. 1971. Soil Survey of Barnwell County, South Carolina, Eastern Part. Soil Conservation Service. Columbia, South Carolina.

USDA. 1979 General Soil Pap. South Carolina. Soil Conservation Service.

] USFS. 1984 Floodplain / Wetlands Assessment of Forest Management Activities at the Savannah River Plant.

USGS. 1980. Shell Bluff Landing, South Carolina. Tocographic Mao. 7.5 Minute Series.

1981. Girard NW, Georgia-South Carolina. Topographic Map. 7.5

] USGS.

Minute Series.

USGS. 1981. Girard PE, South Carolina. Tot.ographic Map. 7.5 Minute

] Series.

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Date: 6/25/85 No.:

APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE UTILITY FACILITY SITING AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT TRANSMISSION LINES AND SUBSTATIONS NAME OF APPLICANT: South Carolina Electric & Gas comoany NAME OF LINE: Vogtle-Savannah River Plant 230kV Line EXTENDING FROM: The Savannah River TO: Existina Savannah River Plant 230kV Substation ESTIMATED LENGTH 17.5 MILES WIDTH OF RIGHT-OF-WAY 100 FEET DESIGN VOLTAGE 230 KV NORMAL CAPACITY: 1100 MvA CONDUCTOR: 1272 KCMIL ACSR CONFIGURATION Flat TYPES OF STRUCTURES: Wood Pole H-Frame NOMINAL HEIGHT: 75 FEET NOMINAL HEIGHT: FEET NAMES OF SUBSTATIONS:

LOCATION:

TECHNICAL: DESIGN KVA CAPACITY:

DESIGN NOMINAL OPERATING VOLTAGES: PRIMARY S ECONDARY PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION OF SUBSTATION:

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f AREAS IN WHICH FACILITIES ARE TO BE LOCATED IN SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTIES: Barnwell MUNICIPALITIES: None NAMES OF NATIONAL OR STATE PARKS OR FORESTS DIRECTLY EFFECTED OR NEAREST THE FACILITY .

Proposed route is on the Savannah River Plant OTHER AREAS TO BE CONSIDERED OR CROSSED DESIGNATED HISTORICAL, SCENIC, RECREATIONAL: None MAJOR WATERWAYS: Savannah River MAJOR HIGHWAYS: Route 125 l

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PROPOSED SCHEDULE:

June 26, 1985 Application to be submitted to PSC:

September 1, 1985 Construction to be started:

Construction to be completed: May 1986 WHEREFORE, the Applicant, South Carolina Electric & Gas Company, respectfully requests the Commission to inquire into the matter herein and that the Commission grant Applicant a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility & Public Convenience & Necessity and for such other and further relief as the Commission may deem just and proper under the circumstances.

South Carolina Electric & Gas Company By: M gg.

Thomas Artaur

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Governmental & Regulatory Affairs South Carolina Electric & Gas Co.

Post Office Box 764 Columbia, South Carolina 29218 (803) 733-2819 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

Fred L. Cain South Carolina Electric & Gas Co.

Post Office Box 764 Columbia, South Carolina 29218 (803) 748-3692 ATTACHMENTS:

Print of Route Map ,

Copies of Forwarding Letters to Agencies Environmental Assessment

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA )

). VERIFICATION COUNTY OF RICHLAND )

PERSCNALLY appeared before me E. H. CREWS, JR., who, on oath, says that South Carolina Electric & Gas Company is a corporation and is the Applicant in the within matter; that he is Senior Vice President -

Power Operations of said corporation and as such is authorized to make this verification on its behalf; that he knows the contents of the fore-going Application for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility &

Public Convenience & Necessity and that the same is tr e to the best of

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his knowledge, information and beliet.

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E .'7i,3 CREW 5, JR.

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i dWORN to before me this 25th day of June , 1985.

! e M Om / (L.S.)

IEtayy Public g 50uth Carolina My Comrlission Expires: Januarv 16. 1990 _.

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. NEED & NECESSITY STATEMENT SCE&G (SAVANNAH RIVER PLANT)

To l GEORGIA POWER (V0GTLE) l 230 KV INTERTIE l

l The construction of the SRP - Vogtle line is necessary to provide a high capacity tie between SCE&G and Georgia Power. Georgia l Power plans to start testing their Vogtle 1150 MW generator in May 1986. When this generation is on line, the power flow between the two systems will overload the existing 115 KV SCE&G to Georgia Power interties. Therefore, we must open these lines.

This SRP -

Vogtle line is needed to maintain a direct intertie with Georgia Power and to increase the transfer capability between SCE&G and Georgia Power allowing SCE&G to take advantage of emergency and economy transfers.

Other alternatives considered were a Graniteville - R. B. Russell (SEPA) 230 KV intertie and a Yemassee - McIntosh (SEPCO) 230 KV intertie. Neither of these give SCE&G a direct intertie with Georgia Power and both were found to have low response to transfers causing other interties to load heavily. These two alternatives were also more expensive..

6/12/85 W,

SUMMARY

OF EflVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDY Th'e Vogtle-Savannah River Plant 230kV transmission line will establish an

! interconnection to facilitate economic pcwer transactions between South Carolina Electric & Gas Company and Georgia Power Company. The proposed route is a carefully planned route which will have no significant adverse effects on existing Savannah River Plant site use, vegetation, wildlife and threatened or endangered species. The positive effects of increased reliability of electrical power and support of national defense will l

! compensate for the minimal visual effects, loss of timberland and temporary effects associated with construction of the proposed transmission line.

l l . The only irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources would be labor and moderate amounts of copper, steel, aluminum and petroleum products used in construction.

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5 CULTURAL RESOURCES ASSESSMENT The South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology is making a cultural resources study of the proposed route. A report will be issued later. -

While there are no known sites along the proposed route, assuming some are discovered during the survey, then appropriate actions will be taken to minimize impact on potential sites.

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LIST OF AGENCIES SERVED WITH COPY OF APPLICATION:

(Copies of forwarding letters attached)

S. C. Department of Archives and History S. C. Department of Health and Environmental Control S. C. Department of Wildlife and Marine Resources Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology S. C. Water Resources Commission S. C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Barnnwell County Supervisor U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service LIST OF NEWSPAPERS IN WHICH NOTICE WAS PUBLISHED Columbia State and Record Newspapers Aiken Standard i

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south CAROLINA ELECTRIC & GAS COMPANY

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cotuMaiA, south CAnouNA 29218 TH$MAa A3THUR snoxus, June 25, 1985 Mr. Charles F. Lee Director Department of Archives and History S. C.'

Post Office Box 11669 Columbia, SC 29211

Dear Mr. Lee:

th Carolina Public Service

' Enclosed is a copy of an Application & Necessity to the SouCompany for a Certific for the Ccmmission by South Carolina Electric & Gas Environmental Compatibility &County Public and ConveniencePlant is within the 230 KV Tran l

construction of the Vogtle - Savannah Riveris' owned by the U. S.17.5 miles ty, which The line is located The South in northwestern Carolina portion Barnwellboundarie is approximatelyh Riv Department of Energy.in -length beginning at the Savanna S. C. Code l

substation. t to 58-33-12(2) ility Facility Siting and This application is being Routeforwarded Maps are to included you pursuan in the Application

! of Laws (1976), otherwise'known as the "Ut Environmental Protection Act." ^ Carolina Electric & Gas Company's I

and supporting data is available at Southoffices.at 1426 M Barnwell, South Carolina. by publication in The State, Public notice of the Application has been given j

The Record, and The Aiken Standard. i this project should be filed than July 26, 1985.

A statement setting out any comments concern ng l

with the Public dervice Commission lication, please nocontact laterMr.

If you have any questions concerning this app or me at 748-3396 Fred L. Cain at~/48-3692, Very truly yours, s r H. Thomas Arthur HTA/va Enclosure

~ south CARollNA post orrect som re*

El.ECTRIC & GAS COMPANY cotuMalA. south CAROUNA 29218 TH uas AnTMUR ATT3Sest?

June 25, 1985 j

l Mr..Altred H. Vang Executive Director S. C. Water Resources Commission l Post Office Box 4440 i

l Columbia,~SC 29240 l

Dear Mr. Yang:

i Public Service Enclosed is a copy of an Application to the iSouth Certificate of na Carol for the Commission by South Carolina Electric ithin the

& Gas Compan construction of the Vogtle - Savannah River Plant 2 The line is located in northwestern Barnwell County and is wi h is owned boundaries of the Savannan River Plant property, isting wh cThe South Carolina Department of Energy.in length beginning at the Savannah River and ext f substation. 58-33-12(?) S. C. Coce This application is being forwarded to you pursuant toility Siting and of Laws (1976), otherwiseRoute knownMaps as theare " Utility included Facin the ApplicationElectric & Ga E.nvironmental Protection Act." d 1860 Main Street, and supporting data is available at South Carolinaoffices Barnwell, South Carolina. lication in The State, Public notice of the Application has been given by pub The Record, and The Aiken Standard. hould be filed A statement setting out any comments concerning July 26, 1985. this project s with the Public Service Commission no later than ontact Mr.

If you have748-3692, any questions or me at 748-3396.

concerning this application, please c Fred L. Cain at Very truly yours, H. Thomas Arthur HIA/va Enclosure 9

south CAROLINA ELECTRIC & GAS COMPANY post CFFICC son 764 CotuMe:A.sourn CAnotthA aseis Ft TMowAs ARTHUR arron=c, June 25, 1985 Mr. Richard E. Hunter Barnwell County Supervisor Room 100 County Office Building Barnwell, SC 29812

Dear Mr. Hunter:

Enclosed is a copy of an Application to the South Carolina Public Service Commission by South Carolina Electric & Gas Company for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility & Public Convenience & Necessity for the construction of the Vogtle - Savannah River Plant 230 KV Transmission Line.

The line is located in northwestern Barnwell County and is within the boundaries of the Savannah River Plant property, which is owned by the U. S.

Department of Energy. The South Carolina portion is approximately 17.5 miles in length beginning at the Savannah River and extends to an existing

. substation.

This application is being forwarded to you pursuant to 58-33-12(2) 5. C. Code of Laws (1976), otherwise known as the " Utility Facility Siting and Environmental Protection Act." Route Maps are included in the Application and supporting data is available at South Carolina Electric & Gas Company's ottices at 1426 Main Street, Columbia, South Carolina, and 1850 Main Street, Barnwell, South Carolina.

Public notice of the Application has been given by publication in The State, the Record, and The Aiken Standard.

A statement setting out any comments concerning this project should be filed with the Public Service Commission no later than July 26, 1985.

If you have any questions concerning this application, please contact Mr.

Fred L. Cain at 748-3692, or me at 748-3396.

Very truly yours,

. ~:S!-

H. Thomas Arthur HTA/va Enclosure

south CARollNA ELECTRIC a GAS COMPANY post ornct eoa re4 CotuMesA. south CARollNA 29218 H TMouAs ARTHUR

.,,o . ~ o June 25, 1985 Dr. James A. Timmerman Executive Director S. C. Wildlife & Marine Resources Department Post Office Box 167 Columbia, SC 29202

Dear Dr. Timmerman:

Enclosed is a copy of an Application to the South Carolina Public Service Commission by South Carolina Electric & Gas Company for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility & Public Convenience & Necessity for the construction of the Vogtle - Savannah River Plant 230 KV Transmission Line.

The line is located in northwestern Barnwell County and is within the boundaries of the Savannah River Plant property, which is cwned by the U. S.

Department of Energy. The South Carolina portion is approximately 17.5 miles in length beginning at the Savannah River and extends to an existing substation.

This application is being forwarded to you pursuant to 58-33-12(2) 5. C. Code of Laws (1976), otherwise known as the " Utility Facility Siting and Environmental Protection Act." Route Maps are included in the Application and supporting data is available at South Carolina Electric & Gas Company's offices at 1426 Main Street, Columbia, South Carolina, and 1850 Main Street, barnwell, South Carolina.

Public notice of the Application has been given by publication in The State, The Record, and The Aiken Standard.

A statement setting out any comments concerning this project should be filed with the Public. dervice Commission no later than July 26, 1985.

If you have any questions concerning this application, please contact Mr.

Fred L. Cain at 748-3692, or me at 748-3396.

Very truly ours, H. Thomas Arthur HTA/va Enclosure

south CAROLit0A ELECTRIC & GAS COMPANY post orrsct som 164 CotuMe A, south CARollN A 29218 H. Tsowas Aninun arron=c.

Jane 25, 1985 Mr. J. W. Lawrence Assistant Director - Operations S. C. Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism 1205 Pendleton Street Columbia, SC 29201

Dear Mr. Lawrence:

Enclosed is a copy of an Application to the South Carolina Public Service Commission by South Carolina Electric & Gas Company for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility & Public Convenience & Necessity for the construction of the Vogtle - Savannah River Plant 230 KV Transmission Line.

lhe line is located in northwestern Barnwell County and is within the coundaries of the Savannah River Plant property, which is owned by the U. S.

Department of Energy. The South Carolina portion is approximately 17.5 miles in length beginning at the Savannah River and extends to an existing substation.

-1 This application is being forwarded to you pursuant to 58-33-12(2) S. C. Code of Laws (1976), otherwise known as the " Utility Facility Siting and Environmental Protection Act." Route Maps are included in the Application and supporting data is available at South Carolina Electric & Gas Company's offices at 1426 Main Street, Columbia, South Carolina, and 1850 Main Street, Barnwell, South Carolina.

Public notice of the Application has been given by publication in The State, The Record, and The Aiken Standard.

A statement setting out any comments concerning this project should be filed with the Public Service Commission no later than July 26, 1985.

If you have any questions concerning this application, please contact Mr.

Fred L. Cain at 748-3692, or me at 748-3396.

Very truly yours, H. Thomas Arthur HTA/va Enclosure

south CAROLINA ELECTRIC a gas COMPANY POST OFFsCC SO A 78*

CowMesA. south CARoWNA 29213 H Twomas ARTHun arvon=ce June 25, 1985 Mr. John Fridell ~

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered Species Field Office 100 Otis Street; Rm. 224 Ashville, NC 28801

Dear Mr. Fridell:

Enclosed is a copy of an Application to the South Carofina Public Service Commission by South Carolina Electric & Gas Company for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility.& Public Convenience & Necessity for the construction of the Vogtle - Savannah River Plant 230 KV Transmission Line.

The line is located in northwestern Barnwell County and is within the boundaries of the Savannah River Plant property, which is owned by the U. S.

Department of Energy. The South Carolina portion is approximately 17.5 miles in length beginning at the Savannah River and extends to an existing substation.

This application is being forwarded to you pursuant to 58-33-12(2) 5. C. Coce of Laws (1976), otherwise known as the " Utility Facility Siting and Environmental Protection Act." Route Maps are included in the. Application and supporting data is available'at South Carolina Electric & Gas Company's offices at 1426 Main Street, Columbia, South Carolina, and 1850 Main Street, Barnwell, South Carolina.

Public notice of the Application has been given by publication in The State, The Record, and The Aiken Standard.

A statement setting out any comments concerning this project should be filed with the Public Service Commission no later than July 26, 1985.

If you have any questions concerning this application, please contact Mr.

Fred L. Cain at 748-3692, or me at 748-3396.

Very truly yours, H. Thomas Arthur NTA/va Enclosure

south CARollNA ELECTRIC a GAS COMPANY

. POST OFFICE SO A F64 cotums:A.ScQTH CAROLINA 292is H.THcMAs AntHun me sv June 25, 1985 Dr. Bruce Rippetean State of Archaeologist Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology University of South Carolina Columbia, SC 29208

Dear Dr. Rippetean:

Enclosed is a copy of an Application to the South Carolina Public Se Commission by South Carolina' Electric & Gas Company for a Certi Environmental Compatibility & Public Convenienceh &Line. i Necessity for the construction of the Vogtle - Savannah River Plant 230 KVS.Transmiss on The line is located in northwestern Barnwell County and is within t e boundaries of the Savannah River Plant property, which is Department of Energy.in length beginning at the Savannah River and substation. 58-33-12(2) S. C. Code This app (lication is being forwarded to you of. Laws 1976), otherwise known as the " Utility pursuant Facility Gas Company's SitingtoandR Environmental Protection Act." Main Street, and supporting data is available at South Carolina Ele Barnwell, South-Carolina. h State, Public notice of the Application has been given by publication in T e The Record, and The'Aiken Standard.

d be filed A statement setting out any comments concerning 985. this project shoul with the Public Service Commission no later than July 26, Mr. 1 If you have any questions concerning this application, please con Fred L. Cain at 748-3692, or me at 748-3396.

Very truly ours, H. Thomas Arthur HTA/va Enclosure

south CAROLINA ELECTRIC a GAS COMPANY POST OFFICE son ree CotuMeiA, south CAROLINA 29218 H Twouas AarHun arvoa cv June 25, 1985 Dr. Robert S. Jackson Commissioner S. C. Department of Health and Environmental Control 2600 Bull Street Extension Columbia, SC .29201

Dear Dr. Jackson:

Enclosed is a copy of an Application to the South Carolina Public Service Commission by South Carolina Electric & Gas Company for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility & Public Convenience & Necessity for the construct. ion of the Vogtle - Savannah River Plant 230 KV Transmission Line.

The line is located in northwestern Barnwell County and is within the boundaries of the Savannah ~ River Plant property, which is owned by the U. S.

Department of Energy. The South Carolina portion is approximately 17.5 miles in length beginning at the Savannah River and extends to an existing substation.

This application is being torwarded to you pursuant to 58-33-12(2) S. C. Code of Laws (1976), otherwise known as the " Utility Facility Siting and Environmental Protection Act." Route Maps are included in the Application and supporting data is available at South Carolina Electric & Gas Company's offices at 1426 Main Street, Columbia, South Carolina, and 1850 Main Street, Barnwell, South Carolina.

Public notice of the Application has.been given by publication in The State, The Record, and The Aiken Standard.

A statement setting out any comments concerning this project should be filed with the Public Service Commission no later than July 26, 1985.

If you have any questions concerning this application, please contact Mr.

Fred L. Cain at 748-3692, or me at 748-3396.

Very truly yours, R

H. Thomas Arthur HlA/va Enclosure

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