 OPSB approves AEP's Elk Transmission Line
COLUMBUS,
OHIO (March 11, 2013) – The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) today authorized AEP
Ohio Transmission Company (AEP Transco) to construct the Elk 138 kilovolt (kV)
Transmission Line in Vinton and Jackson counties.
The
Elk Transmission Line (OPSB Case No. 11-4505-EL-BTX) is designed to improve and
maintain electric service reliability in the Athens, Ohio area, specifically
replacing the Floodwood-Berlin 69 kV line.
As required by Ohio law, AEP Transco proposed a preferred and an
alternate route for the project. Both
proposals share a 13.5 mile long common route, from the Poston-Lick 138 kV
transmission line, running to the east of McArthur, Ohio. From there, the preferred route continues
along an existing line corridor for 3.7 miles into Jackson County. In all, the Elk transmission line is 17.2
miles in length.
On Jan.
3, 2012, AEP Transco filed an application with the OPSB for a certificate of
environmental compatibility and public need to construct the Elk 138 kV
Transmission Line. On Nov. 20, 2012,
following review of the company’s application, OPSB staff filed a report
recommending that the Board conditionally authorize construction of the
transmission line along the company’s proposed preferred route. On Dec. 6,
2012, eight local residents provided sworn testimony regarding the project at a
local public hearing held in McArthur.
On Dec.
7, 2012, AEP Transco and the OPSB staff filed an agreement that addressed
concerns raised between the two parties.
The agreement, approved by the Board today, authorizes construction of
the Elk 138 kV Transmission Line along the preferred route, subject to 24
conditions that AEP Transco must meet to mitigate the social and environmental
impacts of the project.
Additional
information regarding this project is available on the OPSB website at
www.OPSB.ohio.gov.
##
The OPSB is responsible for reviewing and certificating plans for the construction of new energy facilities in Ohio. Before any company can build a major utility facility, the OPSB ensures that the facility will benefit Ohio’s citizens, promote the state’s economic interests and protect the environment and land use. The OPSB’s certification process includes local public hearings that allow residents to voice their opinions and concerns on proposed projects.
For additional information, contact: Matt Butler | (614) 644-7670
| 
