Hardin Valley, Tennessee

Proposed Transmission Project

Update – May 2021

TVA has identified the preferred location for transmission improvements that would provide power for growing load and increase power reliability in Knox and Loudon Counties in Tennessee.

TVA evaluated each route using social, engineering, and environmental factors.  Information sources included available data, aerial photography, limited onsite reviews, public review and comment, and property owner input.  Based on public input and evaluation, the preferred route is expected to have the least overall project impacts of the alternatives.

TVA’s proposed 5.4-mile line would begin at a point on TVA’s double-circuit lines (Watt Road-Oak Ridge National Laboratory 161-kilovolt Transmission Line and Fort Loudoun-Watt Road 161-kilovolt Transmission Line) and end at Lenior City Utilities Board’s (LCUB’s) planned new Hardin Valley 161-kilovolt Station to be located at 2007 Marietta Church Road in Knoxville.

The route selected consists of Tap Point 3 and alternative Segments 3, 4, 20, 21, 7, 14, 15, and 16. NOTE: Following the comment period, a new segment (20) was added to lessen the impact on a planned commercial development. This resulted in Segments 1 and 4 being shortened and the need to add Segments 21 and 22. (See map.)

The new line will be built using primarily steel, single-pole structures centered on new 100-foot-wide right of way.

Surveys of the right of way are scheduled to begin in winter 2021-2022.

Easement purchases are scheduled to begin in winter 2022-2023.

Construction is scheduled to begin in winter 2024.

The line is scheduled to be in service in spring 2024.

Background

TVA is considering improvements to its transmission system that would provide power for growing load and increase power reliability in Knox and Loudon Counties in Tennessee.

TVA proposes to build from 5 to 6.5 miles of single-circuit 161-kilovolt transmission line. The new line would begin at TVA’s Watt Road-Oak Ridge National Laboratory 161-kilovolt Transmission Line at one of three tap points, one of which is in a double-circuit portion with TVA’s Fort Loudoun-Watt Road 161-kilovolt Transmission Line. The new line would then extend northeast to the new station.

Lenoir City Utilities Board currently provides distribution service in and around the Hardin Valley, Tennessee area with the Solway 161-kilovolt Station.  The Solway Station is soon projected to exceed its guaranteed capacity. In addition, distribution lines supplying the Hardin Valley area are becoming overloaded due to steady growth in the area. Further, the nearby Watt Road and Karns 161-kilovolt Stations are heavily loaded and do not have significant ties to the area to shift load from the Solway Station. The Hardin Valley area is the fastest growing area in Knox County, with a population growth rate averaging about 3.9 percent from 1990 to 2017. Construction of new homes in the area has increased significantly since 2012, with an average of 220 new dwellings annually from 2012 to 2017, and that number continues to rise over the last three years.  In order for Lenoir City Utilities Board to continue to provide reliable and quality power, upgrades to the distribution system are essential.

Building the new Hardin Valley 161-kilovolt Station would resolve capacity issues at the Solway 161-kilovolt Station by allowing the load to be transferred from this station to the Hardin Valley Station. Additionally, the new Hardin Valley Station would provide enhanced reliability due to a reduced amount of distribution line exposure.

This project would increase power reliability and support the growing load in Knox and Loudon Counties.

There are three alternative tap points:

• Tap Point 1 is located at Structure 52 of the Watt Road-Oak Ridge National Laboratory 161-kilovolt Transmission Line just off Davis Lane and north of I-40.
• Tap Point 2 is between Structures 50 and 51 of the Watt Road-Oak Ridge National Laboratory 161-kilovolt Transmission Line just south of Buttermilk Road and I-40.
• Tap Point 3 is between Structures 36/61 and 35/62 of double-circuit lines:  Watt Road-Oak Ridge National Laboratory 161-kilovolt Transmission Line and Fort Loudoun-Watt Road 161-kilovolt Transmission Line. This tap point is north of the I-40/I-75 split.  TVA would need to split the circuit apart in this section and acquire additional right of way on the northeast side.

The proposed new line would utilize primarily steel, single-pole structures centered on a new 100-foot-wide right of way.

Property owners near and along the alternative transmission line routes have been invited to the virtual open house by mail, including about 198 property owners representing about 325 parcels.

Property owners and members of the public are invited to submit comments and questions about this proposed transmission project through November 23, 2020.

The project is expected to be in service in winter 2022-2023. Construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2022.  (Dates are subject to change. During projects of this magnitude, unexpected issues may arise, resulting in the need to adjust the schedule.)

TVA held a virtual open house online from October 22 through November 23, 2020, to present the project.  Within this 30-day comment period, property owners and members of the public were able to submit questions and comments online, in writing, or by telephone.

(Dates are subject to change. During projects of this magnitude, unexpected issues may arise, resulting in the need to adjust the schedule.)