-
KU Energy, LLC-Old Dominion Power Company
DORCHESTER-ARNOLD-POCKET NORTH-HARLAN 161KV PROJECT
Application for Approval and Certification of Electric
Facilities
DEQ Supplement
Application No. ___
Case No. ___-2020-_____
May 2020
m KU®PPL companies
Attachment IIIPage 1 of 569
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DORCHESTER-ARNOLD-POCKET NORTH-HARLAN 161KV PROJECT
i
CONTENTS
Acronyms and Abbreviations
........................................................................................................................
iii
1 Project
Description...............................................................................................................................
1-1
2 Environmental Analysis
.......................................................................................................................
2-1
A. Air Quality
....................................................................................................................................
2-1
B. Water Source
...............................................................................................................................
2-1
C. Discharge of Cooling Waters
.......................................................................................................
2-9
D. Tidal and Non-tidal Wetlands
....................................................................................................
2-10
E. Solid and Hazardous Waste
......................................................................................................
2-16
F. Natural Heritage, Threatened and Endangered Species
.......................................................... 2-17
G. Erosion and Sediment Control
..................................................................................................
2-28
H. Archaeological, Historic, Scenic, Cultural, or Architectural
Resources ..................................... 2-28
I. Chesapeake Bay Reservation Areas
........................................................................................
2-29
J. Wildlife Resources
.....................................................................................................................
2-29
K. Recreation, Agriculture, and Forest Resources
........................................................................
2-29
L. Use of Pesticides and Herbicides
..............................................................................................
2-30
M. Geology and Mineral Resources
...............................................................................................
2-30
N. Transportation Infrastructure
.....................................................................................................
2-31
3 References
..........................................................................................................................................
3-1
TABLES
Table 1. Waterbodies Located Within the Study Area
...............................................................................
2-1
Table 2. Wetlands Located Within the Study Area
..................................................................................
2-11
Table 3. Species Impact Determinations
.................................................................................................
2-19
FIGURES
Figures 1-1 to 1-9 Topographic Map
Figures 2-1 to 2-9 Land Use Map
Figures 3-1 to 3-22 Wetland, Waterbody, and Floodplain Map
Attachment IIIPage 2 of 569
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DORCHESTER-ARNOLD-POCKET NORTH-HARLAN 161KV PROJECT
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APPENDICES
Appendix A Environmental Data Resources, Inc. Area/Corridor
Report
Appendix B U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Information, Planning
and Conservation System Official
Species List
Appendix C Virginia Department of Conservation and
Recreation-Division of Natural Heritage
Response
Appendix D Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service Search
Report
Appendix E Architectural and Historical Resources
Pre-Application Analysis
Attachment IIIPage 3 of 569
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DORCHESTER-ARNOLD-POCKET NORTH-HARLAN 161KV PROJECT
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ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
AIRS Aerometric Information Retrieval System
APE Area of Potential Effect
DCR Department of Conservation and Recreation
DEQ Department of Environmental Quality
DMME Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy
DNH Division of Natural Heritage
EDR Environmental Data Resources, Inc.
FAA Federal Aviation Administration
FE Federally Endangered
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
FT Federally Threatened
HUC Hydrologic Unit Code
IPaC Information, Planning and Conservation database
KV kilovolt
KU-ODP KU Energy, LLC-Old Dominion Power Company
NAVAID navigational aid
NHD National Hydrography Dataset
NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service
NWI National Wetlands Inventory
Project Dorchester-Arnold-Pocket North-Harlan 161kV Project
quadrangle quad
ROW right-of-way
SCU Stream Conservation Unit
SE State Endangered
ST State Threatened
TOYR Time of Year Restriction
USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
USGS U.S. Geological Survey
Attachment IIIPage 4 of 569
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DORCHESTER-ARNOLD-POCKET NORTH-HARLAN 161KV PROJECT
iv
UST underground storage tank
VaFWIS Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service
VDGIF Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
WOUS Water of the United States
Attachment IIIPage 5 of 569
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DORCHESTER-ARNOLD-POCKET NORTH-HARLAN 161KV PROJECT
v
Based on consultations with the Department Environmental Quality
(DEQ), KU Energy, LLC-Old Dominion
Power Company (KU-ODP) has developed this DEQ Supplement to
facilitate review and analysis of the
proposed Dorchester-Arnold-Pocket North-Harlan 161kV Project
(Project) by the DEQ and other relevant
agencies.
Attachment IIIPage 6 of 569
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DORCHESTER-ARNOLD-POCKET NORTH-HARLAN 161KV PROJECT
1-1
1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Project involves the repair and/or
replacement of support structures associated with three
existing
transmission lines located in the western part of Virginia. This
work is needed to maintain the structural
integrity of KU-ODP’s transmission lines and to continue
providing reliable electric service to its Virginia
customers. The following lines are impacted:
Dorchester-Arnold: a 14-mile-long, 161 kilovolt (kV)
transmission line requiring the repair of 6 structures and the
replacement of 27 structures.
Dorchester-Pocket North: a 26-mile-long, 161 kV transmission
line requiring the repair of 22 structures and the replacement of
89 structures.
Harlan-Pocket North: a 5-mile-long, 161 kV transmission line
requiring the repair of 3 structures and the replacement of 5
structures.
Repairs may include but are not limited to replacing down guys,
changing insulators, repairing static wire,
bonding, and repairing woodpecker holes. The existing structures
proposed for replacement are between
45 and 100 feet tall and new structures will either be the same
height or between 5 to 10 feet taller than the
existing structures. The transmission line structures are
located within KU-ODP’s existing right-of-way (ROW) in Harlan
County, Kentucky and Lee and Wise Counties, Virginia; only portions
of the transmission
lines in Virginia are described herein. The Study Area is a
200-foot-wide corridor centered on the Project
centerline (i.e., the existing transmission line centerlines)
and encompasses the existing transmission line
ROW, which has a width of between 100 and 200 feet, depending on
the location. The locations of the
transmission lines and structures are shown in Figures 1-1 –
1-9. Because the Project involves the replacement of structures
within KU-ODP’s existing ROW, no alternative routes are proposed
for the Project.
Attachment IIIPage 7 of 569
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DORCHESTER-ARNOLD-POCKET NORTH-HARLAN 161KV PROJECT
2-1
2 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
A. Air Quality
Due to the nature of the Project, no permanent impacts to air
quality are anticipated as a result of Project
operation. Temporary air quality impacts would occur during
Project construction. The proposed Project
construction will require tree clearing along some access roads
and the side trimming of some trees within
the existing ROW. KU-ODP does not expect to burn cleared
material; however, if burning is required KU-
ODP will coordinate with the local agencies to obtain the
required permits and will comply with any permit
conditions. Equipment and vehicles that are powered by gasoline
or diesel motors will be used during the
construction activities; these vehicles will produce exhaust gas
as a byproduct of combustion. Project
construction contractors will be encouraged to minimize truck
idling to the extent practicable to minimize
the amount of exhaust gas produced. If during construction the
weather is dry for an extended period of
time, dust and other particulate matter could become airborne
due to the use of vehicles and equipment
within the ROW. It is anticipated, however, that minimal earth
disturbance will take place and vehicle speed,
which is often a factor in airborne particulate emissions, will
be kept to a minimum. KU-ODP will implement
best management practices for dust suppression as needed during
Project construction.
No significant impacts to air quality are anticipated as a
result of the proposed Project. KU-ODP will monitor
construction activities and enact appropriate mitigation
techniques as necessary to minimize temporary
impacts to air quality.
B. Water Source
It is noted that a water source is not required for the Project,
which proposes the replacement and repair of
existing transmission line structures. As such, this discussion
focuses on waterbodies that are located within
the Study Area. A desktop review of U.S. Geological Survey
(USGS) topographic maps (ESRI, 2015) and
the USGS National Hydrography Dataset (NHD; USGS, 2019)
indicated that 73 perennial or intermittent
waterbodies flow through the Study Area.
Topographic map contours suggest that ephemeral and additional
intermittent streams, beyond those
included in the NHD, may also be present. However, for an
evaluation of this type the presence and
dimensions of waterbodies are difficult to determine using even
the highest resolution and most recent
desktop reference materials. Large floodplains containing broad,
flat topography can be assessed fairly
accurately using aerial photography. However, smaller secondary
drainages containing lower order
streams are more difficult to evaluate and could contain a high
degree of deviation when compared to field
conditions. Therefore, all site conditions predicted as a part
of this desktop analysis and in the mapping
provided are considered preliminary. Waterbodies identified as
being within the Study Area are shown on
the Wetland, Waterbody, and Floodplain Map (Figures 3-1 – 3-22).
Additional waterbody characteristics
are detailed in Table 1, below.
Attachment IIIPage 8 of 569
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DORCHESTER-ARNOLD-POCKET NORTH-HARLAN 161KV PROJECT
2-1
Table 1. Waterbodies Located Within the Study Area
Crossing ID Waterbody
Name Route Name Flow Regime
Approximate
Location (Latitude)
Approximate
Location (Longitude)
Figure 3
Page
Number
Approximate
Length within
Study Area
(Linear Feet)
12-Digit
Hydrologic Unit
Code (HUC)
S001 McHenry Fork Dorchester-
Arnold Intermittent 36.9628528 -82.83907647 3 206
060102060103
S002 Mudlick Creek Dorchester-
Arnold Perennial 36.96114292 -82.83302733 3 210 060102060103
S003 Mudlick Creek Dorchester-
Arnold Perennial 36.96033321 -82.83095866 2 263 060102060103
S004 UNT to
Mudlick Creek
Dorchester-
Arnold Intermittent 36.96012247 -82.83069988 2 146
060102060103
S005 Mudlick Creek Dorchester-
Arnold Perennial 36.95935992 -82.82973021 1, 2 610
060102060103
S006 UNT to
Mudlick Creek
Dorchester-
Arnold Intermittent 36.95591002 -82.82425412 1 227
060102060103
S007 Halls Branch Dorchester-
Arnold Intermittent 36.95348454 -82.81596097 1 225
060102060103
S008 UNT to
Mudlick Creek
Dorchester-
Arnold Intermittent 36.95325826 -82.81428794 1 206
060102060103
S009 UNT to
Mudlick Creek
Dorchester-
Arnold Intermittent 36.95304328 -82.81022672 1 338
060102060103
S010 UNT to
Mudlick Creek
Dorchester-
Arnold Intermittent 36.95309861 -82.80360792 5 208
060102060103
S011 Miller Branch Dorchester-
Arnold Intermittent 36.95431827 -82.79768029 4 232
060102060103
Attachment IIIPage 9 of 569
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DORCHESTER-ARNOLD-POCKET NORTH-HARLAN 161KV PROJECT
2-2
Table 1. Waterbodies Located Within the Study Area
Crossing ID Waterbody
Name Route Name Flow Regime
Approximate
Location (Latitude)
Approximate
Location (Longitude)
Figure 3
Page
Number
Approximate
Length within
Study Area
(Linear Feet)
12-Digit
Hydrologic Unit
Code (HUC)
S012 UNT to Miller
Branch
Dorchester-
Arnold Intermittent 36.95499649 -82.79522729 9 201
060102060103
S013 Callahan
Creek
Dorchester-
Arnold Perennial 36.9585098 -82.77715028 10 238 060102060103
S014
UNT to
Callahan
Creek
Dorchester-
Arnold Intermittent 36.96048797 -82.76537308 10 249
060102060103
S015 UNT to
Roaring Fork
Dorchester-
Arnold Perennial 36.96360562 -82.74632679 12 775
060102060101
S016 Roaring Fork Dorchester-
Arnold Perennial 36.96744186 -82.73155243 11 215
060102060101
S017 UNT to
Roaring Fork
Dorchester-
Arnold Perennial 36.96848516 -82.72936862 16 640
060102060101
S018 UNT to
Roaring Fork
Dorchester-
Arnold Perennial 36.96861882 -82.72907472 16 237
060102060101
S019 UNT to
Roaring Fork
Dorchester-
Arnold Perennial 36.97093591 -82.72102186 15, 16 320
060102060101
S020
UNT to
Canepatch
Creek
Dorchester-
Arnold Perennial 36.97084353 -82.71704085 14, 15 204
060102060101
S021 Canepatch
Creek
Dorchester-
Arnold Perennial 36.96757767 -82.71207073 14 209
060102060101
S022
UNT to
Canepatch
Creek
Dorchester-
Arnold Perennial 36.96068642 -82.70280729 13 275
060102060101
Attachment IIIPage 10 of 569
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DORCHESTER-ARNOLD-POCKET NORTH-HARLAN 161KV PROJECT
2-3
Table 1. Waterbodies Located Within the Study Area
Crossing ID Waterbody
Name Route Name Flow Regime
Approximate
Location (Latitude)
Approximate
Location (Longitude)
Figure 3
Page
Number
Approximate
Length within
Study Area
(Linear Feet)
12-Digit
Hydrologic Unit
Code (HUC)
S023 Bear Branch Dorchester-
Arnold Perennial 36.95577154 -82.68991585 12 231
060102060102
S024 Black Creek Dorchester-
Arnold Perennial 36.95117503 -82.67778736 12 201
060102060102
S025 Thacker
Branch
Dorchester-
Arnold Perennial 36.94545674 -82.6626578 11 455 060102060102
S026
UNT to
Thacker
Branch
Dorchester-
Arnold Perennial 36.9427065 -82.65642669 10 211 060102060102
S027 Powell River Dorchester-
Arnold Perennial 36.93286927 -82.64727432 10 284
060102060102
S028 Powell River Dorchester-
Pocket North Perennial 36.93271488 -82.64746345 9 284
060102060102
S029 Thacker
Branch
Dorchester-
Pocket North Perennial 36.93304914 -82.65296236 9 229
060102060102
S030 UNT to Powell
River
Dorchester-
Pocket North Perennial 36.93332419 -82.66686699 8 204
060102060102
S031 UNT to Powell
River
Dorchester-
Pocket North Perennial 36.93217299 -82.67580883 8 218
060102060102
S032 Black Creek Dorchester-
Pocket North Perennial 36.93055061 -82.68954477 8 235
060102060102
S033 UNT to Powell
River
Dorchester-
Pocket North Perennial 36.9291233 -82.69328272 8 200
060102060102
S034 Bear Branch Dorchester-
Pocket North Perennial 36.92804757 -82.6972453 8 222
060102060102
Attachment IIIPage 11 of 569
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DORCHESTER-ARNOLD-POCKET NORTH-HARLAN 161KV PROJECT
2-4
Table 1. Waterbodies Located Within the Study Area
Crossing ID Waterbody
Name Route Name Flow Regime
Approximate
Location (Latitude)
Approximate
Location (Longitude)
Figure 3
Page
Number
Approximate
Length within
Study Area
(Linear Feet)
12-Digit
Hydrologic Unit
Code (HUC)
S035 UNT to Powell
River
Dorchester-
Pocket North Perennial 36.92657304 -82.70156968 7 207
060102060102
S036 UNT to Powell
River
Dorchester-
Pocket North Perennial 36.92406718 -82.71247895 6 208
060102060102
S037 UNT to Powell
River
Dorchester-
Pocket North Perennial 36.92281913 -82.7167358 5 53
060102060102
S038 Powell River Dorchester-
Pocket North Perennial 36.91885107 -82.72857624 4 199
060102060102
S039 UNT to Powell
River
Dorchester-
Pocket North Perennial 36.91269877 -82.74054889 3 948
060102060102
S040 Bens Branch Dorchester-
Pocket North Perennial 36.9036347 -82.75758216 15 213
060102060102
S041 UNT to Powell
River
Dorchester-
Pocket North Intermittent 36.89690377 -82.77033796 14 690
060102060104
S042 UNT to Powell
River
Dorchester-
Pocket North Intermittent 36.8956229 -82.77273008 14 492
060102060104
S043 UNT to Powell
River
Dorchester-
Pocket North Intermittent 36.88925945 -82.78204788 14 288
060102060104
S044 Powell River Dorchester-
Pocket North Perennial 36.88700526 -82.78693125 13 206
060102060104
S045 Pigeon Creek Dorchester-
Pocket North Perennial 36.88171643 -82.81278054 12 206
060102060104
S046 Pigeon Creek Dorchester-
Pocket North Perennial 36.87859173 -82.81822275 10 338
060102060104
Attachment IIIPage 12 of 569
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DORCHESTER-ARNOLD-POCKET NORTH-HARLAN 161KV PROJECT
2-5
Table 1. Waterbodies Located Within the Study Area
Crossing ID Waterbody
Name Route Name Flow Regime
Approximate
Location (Latitude)
Approximate
Location (Longitude)
Figure 3
Page
Number
Approximate
Length within
Study Area
(Linear Feet)
12-Digit
Hydrologic Unit
Code (HUC)
S047 Laurel Fork Dorchester-
Pocket North Perennial 36.87829963 -82.81875607 10 91
060102060104
S048 Pigeon Creek Dorchester-
Pocket North Perennial 36.87831574 -82.81891145 8, 9 188
060102060104
S049 UNT to Laurel
Fork
Dorchester-
Pocket North Perennial 36.87327525 -82.82999184 7 512
060102060104
S050 UNT to Laurel
Fork
Dorchester-
Pocket North Perennial 36.87113968 -82.83467689 7 172
060102060104
S051 UNT to Laurel
Fork
Dorchester-
Pocket North Perennial 36.8694317 -82.84257257 7 387
060102060104
S052
UNT to
Craborchard
Creek
Dorchester-
Pocket North Perennial 36.86950831 -82.8584746 7 201
060102060202
S053 Craborchard
Creek
Dorchester-
Pocket North Perennial 36.8675782 -82.86915549 6, 7 303
060102060202
S054
UNT to
Craborchard
Creek
Dorchester-
Pocket North Perennial 36.8665896 -82.87458384 6 207
060102060202
S055
UNT to
Craborchard
Creek
Dorchester-
Pocket North Intermittent 36.86572145 -82.87938188 6 204
060102060202
S056
UNT to
Craborchard
Creek
Dorchester-
Pocket North Intermittent 36.86498741 -82.88126542 6 255
060102060202
S057 Moore Branch Dorchester-
Pocket North Intermittent 36.86022133 -82.88930981 5 212
060102060202
Attachment IIIPage 13 of 569
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DORCHESTER-ARNOLD-POCKET NORTH-HARLAN 161KV PROJECT
2-6
Table 1. Waterbodies Located Within the Study Area
Crossing ID Waterbody
Name Route Name Flow Regime
Approximate
Location (Latitude)
Approximate
Location (Longitude)
Figure 3
Page
Number
Approximate
Length within
Study Area
(Linear Feet)
12-Digit
Hydrologic Unit
Code (HUC)
S058
UNT to
Craborchard
Creek
Dorchester-
Pocket North Intermittent 36.85771217 -82.89352999 5 252
060102060202
S059 Meadow
Branch
Dorchester-
Pocket North Intermittent 36.85081873 -82.90717429 14 236
060102060202
S060 Jordon Branch Dorchester-
Pocket North Intermittent 36.8496698 -82.90979709 21 274
060102060202
S061 UNT to Jordon
Branch
Dorchester-
Pocket North Intermittent 36.84618703 -82.91780354 20 212
060102060202
S062
UNT to North
Fork Powell
River
Dorchester-
Pocket North Intermittent 36.84393612 -82.9229724 20 204
060102060202
S063 UNT to Bundy
Creek
Dorchester-
Pocket North Intermittent 36.84032128 -82.93128158 21 862
060102060202
S064 Bundy Creek Dorchester-
Pocket North Intermittent 36.83949703 -82.9331665 20 244
060102060202
S065 UNT to Bundy
Creek
Dorchester-
Pocket North Intermittent 36.8372736 -82.93828989 21 253
060102060202
S066 UNT to Bundy
Creek
Dorchester-
Pocket North Intermittent 36.83546043 -82.94235538 21 75
060102060202
S067 UNT to Cox
Creek
Dorchester-
Pocket North Intermittent 36.8329672 -82.94821475 20 301
060102060202
S068 UNT to Cox
Creek
Dorchester-
Pocket North Intermittent 36.83048211 -82.95394223 19 237
060102060202
Attachment IIIPage 14 of 569
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DORCHESTER-ARNOLD-POCKET NORTH-HARLAN 161KV PROJECT
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Table 1. Waterbodies Located Within the Study Area
Crossing ID Waterbody
Name Route Name Flow Regime
Approximate
Location (Latitude)
Approximate
Location (Longitude)
Figure 3
Page
Number
Approximate
Length within
Study Area
(Linear Feet)
12-Digit
Hydrologic Unit
Code (HUC)
S069 UNT to Cox
Creek
Dorchester-
Pocket North Intermittent 36.82971265 -82.95572167 18 918
060102060202
S070 Cox Creek Dorchester-
Pocket North Perennial 36.82883335 -82.95773623 18 296
060102060202
S071 Jones Creek Dorchester-
Pocket North Perennial 36.81801009 -82.97989069 18 235
060102060202
S072 UNT to Jones
Creek
Dorchester-
Pocket North Intermittent 36.81560615 -82.98462555 19 207
060102060202
S073 UNT to Jones
Creek
Dorchester-
Pocket North Intermittent 36.81304082 -82.98967274 18 189
060102060202
S074 Reeds Creek Dorchester-
Pocket North Perennial 36.80924484 -82.99833654 17 205
060102060202
S075 Wolf Harbor
Branch
Dorchester-
Pocket North Intermittent 36.8042968 -83.01160882 17 207
060102060202
S076 Rocklick
Branch
Dorchester-
Pocket North Intermittent 36.80118364 -83.02523621 17 201
060102060202
S077 Sandick
Branch
Dorchester-
Pocket North Intermittent 36.79546881 -83.03967797 16 204
060102060202
S078 Straight Creek Harlan-Pocket
North Perennial 36.78812584 -83.05678999 15, 16 201
060102060203
S079 Puckett Creek Harlan-Pocket
North Perennial 36.78554889 -83.06656246 16 260 060102060203
S080 UNT to
Puckett Creek
Harlan-Pocket
North Intermittent 36.78416204 -83.07240816 21, 22 503
060102060203
Attachment IIIPage 15 of 569
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DORCHESTER-ARNOLD-POCKET NORTH-HARLAN 161KV PROJECT
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Table 1. Waterbodies Located Within the Study Area
Crossing ID Waterbody
Name Route Name Flow Regime
Approximate
Location (Latitude)
Approximate
Location (Longitude)
Figure 3
Page
Number
Approximate
Length within
Study Area
(Linear Feet)
12-Digit
Hydrologic Unit
Code (HUC)
S081 Wolf Branch Harlan-Pocket
North Intermittent 36.78168853 -83.0811905 21 66
060102060203
S082 Ely Creek Harlan-Pocket
North Perennial 36.77849082 -83.10145685 21 248 060102060203
S083 UNT to Ely
Creek
Harlan-Pocket
North Intermittent 36.77815679 -83.10695936 21 526
060102060203
S084 UNT to Stone
Creek
Harlan-Pocket
North Intermittent 36.77750031 -83.11772443 21 225
060102060203
S085 UNT to Stone
Creek
Harlan-Pocket
North Intermittent 36.77707502 -83.1247713 18 203
060102060203
S086 Stone Creek Harlan-Pocket
North Intermittent 36.77696408 -83.12655251 18 335
060102060203
Notes:
Waterbody locations were determined using the NHD (USGS, 2019).
An accurate assessment of actual waterbodies and impacts can only
be determined by conducting a wetland and waterbody
delineation based on the 1987 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
(USACE) Wetlands Delineation Manual (Environmental Laboratory,
1987), the Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers
Wetland Delineation Manual: Eastern Mountains and Piedmont
Region (Regional Supplement; USACE, 2012), and other USACE guidance
documents. Additional ephemeral and intermittent
waterbodies not identified in this table may be present within
the Study Area.
Attachment IIIPage 16 of 569
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DORCHESTER-ARNOLD-POCKET NORTH-HARLAN 161KV PROJECT
2-9
According to the USACE, no waters considered navigable under
Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act
are located within the Study Area (USACE, 2010). It is noted
that portions of the Powell River are considered
a Section 10 water, but not the portion of the Powell River
within the Study Area.
Waterbody impacts will be reduced to the greatest extent
practicable during Project construction. It is
anticipated that any waterbody impacts that do occur will be
temporary in nature and limited to temporary
equipment crossings. If a replacement structure cannot be
accessed from existing roads, KU-ODP may
need to install a temporary culvert or temporary bridge to cross
small streams. This would require the
placement of temporary fill material on erosion control fabric
that would be removed when work is
completed, returning the surface to original contours. Soil
erosion during Project construction may also
temporarily impact water quality within waterbodies located in
the Study Area, causing increased turbidity
and sedimentation. Impacts to water quality from soil erosion
will be minimized through the use of Project-
specific erosion control measures, which would be consistent
with Virginia’s Erosion and Sediment Control
Handbook and the Old Dominion Power Company Annual Standards and
Specifications: Erosion and
Sediment Control; Stormwater Management.
Erosion and sediment controls will be installed prior to any
clearing or grading and maintained in good
working order to minimize impacts to waterbodies. These controls
will remain in place until the area is
stabilized and will then be removed. Any exposed slopes or
stream banks will be stabilized immediately
upon completion of work in each permitted area. All denuded
areas will be properly stabilized in accordance
with the Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook. No
machinery will enter surface waters, unless
authorized by a Virginia Water Protection permit. Heavy
equipment in temporarily impacted surface waters
will be placed on mats, geotextile fabric, or other suitable
material to minimize soil disturbance to the
maximum extent practicable. Equipment and materials will be
removed immediately upon completion of
work. All construction, construction access, and demolition
activities associated with the Project will be
accomplished in a manner that minimizes construction materials
or waste materials from entering surface
waters, unless authorized by a permit.
Based on the desktop evaluation of the above-mentioned
resources, jurisdictional waterbodies (those that
are hydrologically connected to a Waters of the United States
[WOUS]) are likely present within the Study
Area. An accurate assessment of actual waterbodies and impacts
can only be determined by conducting a
wetland and waterbody delineation based on the 1987 Corps of
Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual
(Environmental Laboratory, 1987), the Regional Supplement
(USACE, 2012), and other USACE guidance
documents. Additional ephemeral and intermittent waterbodies not
identified by the desktop analysis may
be present within the Study Area.
Waterbody impacts will be reduced to the greatest extent
practicable during Project construction. It is
anticipated any waterbody impacts that do occur will be
temporary in nature and limited to temporary
equipment crossings. No permanent waterbody impacts are expected
for the Project.
C. Discharge of Cooling Waters
No discharge of cooling water is associated with the
Project.
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D. Tidal and Non-tidal Wetlands
No tidal wetlands are associated with the Project.
KU-ODP reviewed the following resources as part of a desktop
analysis to identify the potential location
and extent of non-tidal wetlands within the Study Area:
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resource
Conservation Service (NRCS) Web
Soil Survey (NRCS, 2020). Generally, soil units identified as
hydric contain soils that indicate through
their color and structure that they have experienced dominantly
reducing (i.e., oxygen poor) conditions,
which are a result of inundation and/or saturation by water.
Soil units identified as non-hydric have no
hydric soil components identified in the mapped soil unit. Areas
with hydric soils have a greater
probability of supporting wetlands than areas with non-hydric
soils.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National
Wetlands Inventory (NWI) dataset (USFWS,
2001). The NWI is an index of locations identified by USFWS as
areas that exhibit wetland
characteristics on aerial photography. NWI wetlands are
classified according to the Cowardin
classification system (USFWS, 2011). The information is often
out of date and not necessarily field-
verified. The presence of an NWI feature is not a definitive
indicator that a wetland is present.
USGS topographic maps (Pennington Gap, Keokee, Big Stone Gap,
Appalachia, and Norton
quadrangles [quads]; ESRI, 2015). USGS topographic map contour
lines are used to determine areas
of flat or depressed terrain where water is more likely to pool
for sufficient duration that allows
development of the three required wetland parameters (i.e.,
hydric soils, hydrophytic vegetation, and
wetland hydrology). As a general guideline, wetlands are more
commonly found in flatter areas versus
steeper terrain and ridgelines.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Flood Hazard
Layer (FEMA, 2020). The
FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer was used as a guide to indicate
the potential presence of wetlands
within mapped floodplain areas. Aerial imagery (ESRI, 2015) was
used to evaluate areas for vegetative
cover and the potential presence of wetlands. Image resolution
varies depending on the location.
Higher resolution allows for more in depth analysis of
vegetative cover and obscure landform features.
Frequently, historical images of the same area can be viewed in
succession allowing for a review of the
consistency and/or changing conditions of a particular feature.
However, aerial images lack color
infrared features, making identification of surface hydrology,
and subsequently, wetland features
imprecise. For these reasons, aerial images are only used in
conjunction with other available desktop
resources.
The USACE defines wetlands as areas that contain hydric soils,
hydrophytic vegetation, and wetland
hydrology. This desktop analysis used existing available
information to identify the areas that are likely to
contain hydric soils, hydrophytic vegetation, and wetland
hydrology. A wetland is most likely to occur, as
identified from a desktop survey, in areas where multiple data
sources indicate the potential for wetland
criteria. For example, a wetland is more likely to occur when an
NWI map, soil survey, and aerial photograph
indicate the probable location of a wetland than when only one
data source indicates the probability of a
wetland occurrence. It is noted that no field investigations to
identify wetlands, as described in the 1987
Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual (Environmental
Laboratory, 1987) or the Regional
Supplement (USACE, 2012), were performed.
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Table 2 and Figures 3-1 – 3-2 identify potential wetlands within
the Study Area. Potential wetland features
present within the existing ROW would likely be classified
during a wetland delineation survey as palustrine
scrub-shrub (PSS) or emergent (PEM) due to maintenance within
the ROW However, it is noted that the
distinction between PEM wetlands and PSS wetlands is difficult
to ascertain using desktop resources.
Therefore, for the purposes of this evaluation, PSS and PEM
wetlands have been classified together
(PSS/PEM).
Table 2. Potential Wetlands Located Within the Study Area
Wetland ID Route Name Cowardin
Class1
Estimated
Acreage
within
Study Area2
Figure 3
Page
Number
Hydrologic Connection3
W002 Dorchester-Arnold Pond/PUB 0.91 22 Connected outside of
the
study area
W003 Dorchester-Arnold Pond/PUB 0.33
22 Connected outside of the
study area
W004 Dorchester-Arnold Pond/PUB 0.42 21, 22 Abutting stream
W005 Dorchester-Arnold Pond/PUB 0.21 21, 22 Abutting stream
W006 Dorchester-Arnold PFO 1.86 21 Abutting stream
W008 Dorchester-Arnold PEM/PSS 0.31 21 Abutting stream
W009 Dorchester-Arnold PEM/PSS 0.26 20 Connected outside of
the
study area
W011 Dorchester-Arnold PFO 0.61 20 Abutting stream
W012 Dorchester-Arnold Pond/PUB 0.22 19 Connected outside of
the
study area
W013 Dorchester-Arnold PEM/PSS 0.20 18 Adjacent to stream
W014 Dorchester-Arnold PFO 0.42 18 Abutting stream
W015 Dorchester-Arnold PEM/PSS 0.09 18 Adjacent to stream
W016 Dorchester-Arnold Pond/PUB 0.95 18 Adjacent to stream
W017 Dorchester-Arnold PEM/PSS 0.10 18 Adjacent to stream
W018 Dorchester-Arnold PEM/PSS 0.51 18 Abutting stream
W021 Dorchester-Arnold PFO 0.26 17 Abutting stream
W022 Dorchester-Arnold Pond/PUB 1.00 17 Abutting stream
W023 Dorchester-Arnold Pond/PUB 0.69 17 Abutting stream
W024 Dorchester-Arnold PEM/PSS 1.73 15, 16 Abutting stream
W026 Dorchester-Arnold PEM/PSS 0.18 15, 16 Abutting stream
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Table 2. Potential Wetlands Located Within the Study Area
Wetland ID Route Name Cowardin
Class1
Estimated
Acreage
within
Study Area2
Figure 3
Page
Number
Hydrologic Connection3
W027 Dorchester-Arnold PFO 0.06 15, 16 Abutting stream
W028 Dorchester-Arnold PFO 0.14 16 Abutting stream
W028 Dorchester-Pocket
North PFO 0.09 16 Abutting stream
W029 Dorchester-Pocket
North PEM/PSS 0.79 16 Abutting stream
W030 Dorchester-Pocket
North PEM/PSS 0.58 15, 16 Adjacent to stream
W031 Dorchester-Pocket
North PEM/PSS 0.17 15, 16 Abutting stream
W032 Dorchester-Pocket
North PFO 0.47 15, 16 Abutting stream
W033 Dorchester-Pocket
North PFO 1.16 14, 15 Abutting stream
W036 Dorchester-Pocket
North PFO 0.62 14 Abutting stream
W037 Dorchester-Pocket
North Pond/PUB 0.11 14 Adjacent to stream
W038 Dorchester-Pocket
North PEM/PSS 0.63 14 Abutting stream
W039 Dorchester-Pocket
North PEM/PSS 0.25 14 Adjacent to stream
W040 Dorchester-Pocket
North Pond/PUB 0.03 14
Connected outside of the
study area
W041 Dorchester-Pocket
North Pond/PUB 0.17 14
Connected outside of the
study area
W042 Dorchester-Pocket
North PEM/PSS 0.75 14
Connected outside of the
study area
W043 Dorchester-Pocket
North Pond/PUB 0.42 14 Adjacent to stream
W045 Dorchester-Pocket
North PEM/PSS 0.99 14 Abutting stream
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Table 2. Potential Wetlands Located Within the Study Area
Wetland ID Route Name Cowardin
Class1
Estimated
Acreage
within
Study Area2
Figure 3
Page
Number
Hydrologic Connection3
W046 Dorchester-Pocket
North PFO 0.43 14 Abutting stream
W048 Dorchester-Pocket
North PFO 1.42 13 Abutting stream
W049 Dorchester-Pocket
North PEM/PSS 0.23 12 Abutting stream
W050 Dorchester-Pocket
North PFO 0.80 11 Abutting stream
W051 Dorchester-Pocket
North PFO 1.66 10 Abutting stream
W052 Dorchester-Pocket
North PEM/PSS 0.65 10
Connected outside of the
study area
W053 Dorchester-Pocket
North PFO 0.04 10 Abutting stream
W054 Dorchester-Pocket
North PEM/PSS 1.48 10 Abutting stream
W055 Dorchester-Pocket
North PFO 1.29 10 Abutting stream
W056 Dorchester-Pocket
North PEM/PSS 1.40 10 Abutting stream
W057 Dorchester-Pocket
North PEM/PSS 0.55 9
Connected outside of the
study area
W058 Dorchester-Pocket
North PEM/PSS 1.54 9 Abutting stream
W060 Dorchester-Pocket
North PFO 1.26 9 Abutting stream
W061 Dorchester-Pocket
North PEM/PSS 0.70 8 Abutting stream
W062 Dorchester-Pocket
North PEM/PSS 0.64 8 Abutting stream
W064 Dorchester-Pocket
North PEM/PSS 1.07 8 Abutting stream
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Table 2. Potential Wetlands Located Within the Study Area
Wetland ID Route Name Cowardin
Class1
Estimated
Acreage
within
Study Area2
Figure 3
Page
Number
Hydrologic Connection3
W065 Dorchester-Pocket
North PEM/PSS 0.21 8 Adjacent to stream
W067 Dorchester-Pocket
North PEM/PSS 0.51 8 Abutting stream
W068 Dorchester-Pocket
North PEM/PSS 0.38 8 Abutting stream
W069 Dorchester-Pocket
North PFO 0.06 8 Abutting stream
W070 Dorchester-Pocket
North PEM/PSS 2.06 7 Abutting stream
W071 Dorchester-Pocket
North PFO 0.05 7 Abutting stream
W072 Dorchester-Pocket
North PEM/PSS 0.35 7 Abutting stream
W073 Dorchester-Pocket
North Pond/PUB 0.92 6 Abutting stream
W074 Dorchester-Pocket
North PFO 0.17 6 Abutting stream
W075 Dorchester-Pocket
North PEM/PSS 0.76 6 Abutting stream
W076 Dorchester-Pocket
North PEM/PSS 0.29 6 Adjacent to stream
W077 Dorchester-Pocket
North PFO 0.69 6 Adjacent to stream
W078 Dorchester-Pocket
North PEM/PSS 0.05 6 Adjacent to stream
W080 Dorchester-Pocket
North PEM/PSS 0.30 5 Abutting stream
W081 Dorchester-Pocket
North PFO 0.97 5 Abutting stream
W082 Dorchester-Pocket
North PEM/PSS 0.97 5
Connected outside of the
study area
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Table 2. Potential Wetlands Located Within the Study Area
Wetland ID Route Name Cowardin
Class1
Estimated
Acreage
within
Study Area2
Figure 3
Page
Number
Hydrologic Connection3
W083 Dorchester-Pocket
North PEM/PSS 0.79 5
Connected outside of the
study area
W084 Dorchester-Pocket
North PFO 1.39 4 Abutting stream
W086 Dorchester-Pocket
North PEM/PSS 0.51 4 Abutting stream
W088 Dorchester-Pocket
North PEM/PSS 0.02 3 Abutting stream
W090 Dorchester-Pocket
North Pond/PUB 0.19 3
Connected outside of the
study area
W091
Dorchester-Pocket
North and
Harlan-Pocket North
PEM/PUB 0.06 3 Adjacent to stream
W092 Harlan-Pocket North PEM/PSS 0.17 3 Adjacent to stream
W093 Harlan-Pocket North PEM/PSS 0.12 3 Adjacent to stream
W094 Harlan-Pocket North PFO 0.94 3 Abutting stream
W095 Harlan-Pocket North PEM/PSS 0.39 3 Adjacent to stream
W097 Harlan-Pocket North PEM/PSS 0.70 2 Abutting stream
W098 Harlan-Pocket North PFO 0.64 2 Connected outside of the
study area
W099 Harlan-Pocket North PEM/PSS 0.10 2 Connected outside of
the
study area
W100 Harlan-Pocket North PFO 0.28 2 Connected outside of the
study area
W101 Harlan-Pocket North PEM/PSS 0.01 2 Connected outside of
the
study area
W102 Harlan-Pocket North PEM/PSS 0.79 2 Connected outside of
the
study area
W103 Harlan-Pocket North PFO 0.54 2 Connected outside of the
study area
W104 Harlan-Pocket North PEM/PSS 0.11 2 Connected outside of
the
study area
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Table 2. Potential Wetlands Located Within the Study Area
Wetland ID Route Name Cowardin
Class1
Estimated
Acreage
within
Study Area2
Figure 3
Page
Number
Hydrologic Connection3
W105 Harlan-Pocket North PEM/PSS 0.05 1, 2 Abutting stream
W106 Harlan-Pocket North Pond/PUB 0.03 1, 2 Abutting stream
W107 Harlan-Pocket North PEM/PSS 0.07 1 Abutting stream
W108 Harlan-Pocket North Pond/PUB 0.67 1 Abutting stream
W109 Harlan-Pocket North Pond/PUB 0.35 1 Abutting stream
W110 Harlan-Pocket North PEM/PSS 0.52 1 Abutting stream
W112 Harlan-Pocket North PEM/PSS 0.37 1 Adjacent to stream
W113 Harlan-Pocket North PEM/PSS 0.22 1 Adjacent to stream
W115 Harlan-Pocket North PEM/PSS 0.06 1 Adjacent to stream
W116 Harlan-Pocket North PFO 0.22 1 Abutting stream
1 Cowardin classification was determined from aerial photography
and may not accurately represent current Cowardin classifications
of the potential features identified
2 Acreage is estimated based off of desktop review and an
accurate assessment of actual wetlands and impacts can only be
determined by conducting a wetland delineation
based on the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation
Manual, the Regional Supplement, and other USACE guidance
documents.
3 The USACE will make the final determination on hydrologic
connection between wetlands and other WOUS.
PEM = Palustrine emergent
PSS = Palustrine scrub-shrub
PFO = Palustrine forested
PUB = Palustrine unconsolidated bottom
Based on the desktop evaluation of the above-mentioned
resources, jurisdictional wetlands (those that are
hydrologically connected to a WOUS) are likely present within
the Study Area. An accurate assessment of
actual wetlands and impacts can only be determined by conducting
a wetland delineation based on the
1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual
(Environmental Laboratory, 1987), the Regional
Supplement (USACE, 2012), and other USACE guidance
documents.
Wetland impacts will be reduced to the greatest extent
practicable during Project construction. It is
anticipated any wetland impacts that do occur will be temporary
in nature and limited to temporary
equipment crossings. No permanent wetland impacts are expected
for the Project.
E. Solid and Hazardous Waste
An Environmental Data Resources, Inc. (EDR) report was generated
to search federal, state, and other
available databases to identify potentially contaminated sites
within and/or near the Study Area, including,
but not limited to, petroleum sites, hazardous waste sites, and
non-hazardous solid waste sites. The EDR
report is provided as Appendix A and summarized below.
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Eight coal mines were identified in the U.S. Mines database
within 500 feet of the Project centerline
and five of those mines were also listed in the Abandoned Mines
database. No violations
associated with any of the eight mines were reported. Due to the
lack of reported violations, it is
not anticipated that contamination in connection to the eight
mines is present within the Study Area.
The Facility Index System identified a lumber facility within
the Study Area in the Aerometric
Information Retrieval System (AIRS) Facility Subsystem database
(site 3 on Focus Map 17 in the
EDR report [Appendix A]); AIRS is a repository for information
related to airborne pollution. The
facility was also identified in the Enforcement and Compliance
History Online database. The closest
structure proposed for repair or replacement is approximately
630 feet southwest of the facility
location. No violations were reported by either database. Due to
the nature of the database listings
and lack of reported violations, no contaminated media from the
lumber facility is expected in the
Study Area.
A facility with two inactive diesel underground storage tanks
(USTs) was identified within the Study
Area in the UST database (site 2 on Focus Map 10 in the EDR
report [Appendix A]). The closest
structure proposed for repair or replacement is approximately
4,830 feet northwest of the facility
location. No releases in connection with the USTs were reported.
Due to the lack of violations
reported and distance from Project activities, no contamination
in relation to this facility is
anticipated in the Study Area.
The presence of contamination from other facilities identified
in the EDR report is unlikely due to the
distance of the facilities from the Study Area. Due to
regulatory status of facilities, length of time since
reported releases, distance and downgradient position of
facilities relative to Project activities, and nature
of database listings, it is not anticipated that contamination
associated with the facilities identified in the
EDR report will be encountered during Project construction.
F. Natural Heritage, Threatened and Endangered Species
Publicly available databases were reviewed to identify federally
and state listed threatened, endangered,
and protected or sensitive species, critical habitat, and other
areas or species of ecological significance and
importance that have potential to occur within the vicinity of
the Study Area.
Federally-Protected Species
A review of the USFWS Information, Planning and Conservation
System (IPaC) was conducted to
determine the potential for federally listed threatened and/or
endangered (protected) species in the Study
Area. An official species list was obtained from the USFWS on
February 4, 2020. A total of 23 threatened
and/or endangered species were identified on the official
species list. These species are incorporated into
the Species Impact Determinations table (Table 3) below. A copy
of the official species list obtained from
the USFWS IPaC system is located in Appendix B.
State-Protected Species
An environmental review request was submitted on February 6,
2020, to the Virginia Department of
Conservation and Recreation (DCR)-Division of Natural Heritage
(DNH) to determine the potential for
impacts to state-listed threatened and endangered species and
other natural heritage resources resulting
from the proposed Project. A response was received from the
Virginia DCR-DNH on February 21, 2020;
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the response is provided in Appendix C and summarized below. The
Virginia DCR-DNH provides natural
heritage data by USGS 7.5 Minute topographic map quad. As shown
on Figures 1-1 – 1-9, the Harlan-
Pocket North transmission line is located within the Pennington
Gap and Evarts quads; the Dorchester-
Pocket North transmission line is located within the Pennington
Gap, Keowee, Big Stone Gap, Appalachia,
and Norton quads; and the Dorchester-Arnold transmission line is
located within the Norton and Appalachia
quads.
Big Stone Gap, Evarts, and Norton Quads
The Virginia DCR-DNH’s environmental review yielded no
documentation of natural heritage resources
within the Study Area or within a 100-foot buffer around the
Study Area in the Big Stone Gap, Evarts, and
Norton quads. However, Virginia DCR predictive modeling for the
Northern Long-eared Bat (Myotis
septentrionalis), Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus), and
Tri-colored Bat (Perimyotis subflavus) identified
potential habitat for these resources within portions of the
Study Area along the Dorchester-Pocket North
and Dorchester-Arnold transmissions lines within the Norton
quadrangle; these three species are included
in Table 3 below.
Keokee and Pennington Gap Quads
The Meadow Fork-Reeds Creek Stream Conservation Unit (SCU) is
located adjacent to portions of the
Study Area along the Harlan-Pocket North and Dorchester-Pocket
North transmission lines (refer to
Appendix C for a description of SCUs). The Virginia DCR-DNH
identified two natural heritage resources
associated with this SCU, the Blackside Dace (Chrosomus
cumberlandensis) and the Spiny Scale Crayfish
(Cambarus jezerinaci); however, only the Blackside Dace has
legal status and is included in Table 3 below.
In addition, Reeds Creek, which is located within a portion of
the Study Area along the Dorchester-Pocket
North transmission line, has been designated by the Virginia
Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
(VDGIF) as a Threatened and Endangered Species Water for the
Blackside Dace. The Meadow Fork-
Reeds Creek SCU, Blackside Dace, and Spiny Scale Crayfish are
discussed in detail in Appendix C.
The Cox Creek-North Fork Powell River SCU is within portions of
the Study Area along the Dorchester-
Pocket North transmission line in the Keokee quad. The Virginia
DCR-DNH identified one natural heritage
resource associated with this SCU, the Blackside Dace. The Cox
Creek-North Fork Powell River SCU and
Blackside Dace are discussed in detail in Appendix C.
To minimize adverse impacts to these aquatic ecosystems, the
Virginia DCR recommended implementation
of and adherence to applicable state and local erosion and
sediment control/stormwater management laws
and regulations. Due to the legal status of the Blackside Dace,
the Virginia DCR also recommended
coordination with the USFWS and VDGIF.
Appalachia Quad
The Roaring Branch-Little Stone Mountain Conservation Site is
within a portion of the Study Area along the
Dorchester-Pocket North transmission line (refer to Appendix C
for a description of Conservation Sites).
The Virginia DCR-DNH identified one natural heritage resource of
concern associated with the
Conservation Site, the Southern Appalachian Montane Mixed Oak
Forest. The Southern Appalachian
Montane Mixed Oak Forest (Northern Red Oak-Chestnut Oak Submesic
Type) abuts portions of the Study
Area along the Dorchester-Pocket North transmission line west of
Big Stone Gap. To avoid impacts to the
Southern Appalachian Montane Mixed Oak Forest, the Virginia DCR
recommended avoiding equipment
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staging outside of existing ROW. The Roaring Branch-Little Stone
Mountain Conservation Site and
Southern Appalachian Montane Mixed Oak Forest are discussed in
detail in Appendix C.
The Mudlick Branch Conservation Site is located within a portion
of the Study Area along the Dorchester-
Pocket North transmission line. The Virginia DCR-DNH identified
four natural heritage resources of concern
associated with the Mudlick Branch Conservation Site, the
Northern Long-eared Bat, Little Brown Bat, Tri-
colored Bat, and Eastern Small-footed Myotis (Myotis leibii);
however; only the Northern Long-eared Bat,
Little Brown Bat, and Tri-colored Bat have legal status and are
included in Table 3 below. Due to the legal
status of the Northern Long-eared Bat and the associated final
4(d) rule, if tree removal is proposed for the
Project, the Virginia DCR recommended coordination with the
USFWS and the VDGIF to ensure
compliance with protected species legislation. Due to the legal
status of the Little Brown Bat and Tri-colored
Bat, the Virginia DCR recommended coordination with the VDGIF to
ensure compliance with the Virginia
Endangered Species Act. The Mudlick Branch Conservation Site,
the Northern Long-eared Bat, Little Brown
Bat, Tri-colored Bat, and Eastern Small-footed Myotis are
discussed in detail in Appendix C.
A request for VDGIF review has not been submitted as the VDGIF
does not conduct pre-application
reviews due to staffing limitations. However, the VDGIF’s
Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service
(VaFWIS) database was searched for state and federally
threatened and endangered species known to
occur within a 3-mile radius of the Study Area. This review
yielded 47 federally endangered (FE), state
endangered (SE), federally threatened (FT), state threatened
(ST), and/or federally protected (FP) species
within the search radius. Only species identified from the
3-mile radius search that were also identified from
the IPaC official species list and/or the Virginia DCR-DNH
project review were incorporated into Table 3. A
copy of the VaFWIS Search Report is contained in Appendix D.
Table 3. Species Impact Determinations
Common
Name Scientific Name Legal Status Source Species Impact
Determination
Mammals
Gray Bat Myotis
grisescens
FE/SE IPaC
VaFWIS
This species is an inhabitant of caves and mines.
It is found mainly in large caves with substantial
streams. Nightly foraging for aquatic insects and
mayflies is mainly along the edges of rivers and
reservoirs, and roosts are generally located
close to these aquatic foraging areas. This
species may also forage in forest canopy along
river edges on occasion. They are basically a
colonial inhabitant of subterranean structures
and may not use forests to roost as do solitary
bats. They have not been found hibernating in
caves in Virginia. Only summer roosts have been
found. This Project will not impact hibernacula or
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Table 3. Species Impact Determinations
Common
Name Scientific Name Legal Status Source Species Impact
Determination
roosting habitat of the Gray Bat and therefore is
not anticipated to adversely affect this species.
Indiana Bat Myotis sodalis FE/SE IPaC
VaFWIS
Indiana bats are found along wooded, or semi-
wooded areas along streams, and are
associated with cavernous limestone areas.
Rivers and streams are important for dispersal,
navigation, and feeding. Caves with high
humidity and waterbodies are favored. They are
also found in bridges, underpasses, buildings,
ditches, culverts, tree cavities, standing snags,
tunnels and shafts. Winter caves provide
uniformly cool damp conditions (4-8 degrees
Celsius and 66 percent relative humidity)
throughout the winter. This species spends its
summers either in caves or under loose bark of
dead trees along streams. The bats emerge at
night to feed on moths, mayflies, and other
insects in treetops and over streams. One
radioed individual foraged along edge habitat of
a mature hardwood-hemlock forest. The
shagbark hickory is a preferred summer roosting
tree because of its shaggy bark. Large white
oaks are also used for summer roosting. Bats
pick several trees in a general area and
designate one as a primary roost and the rest as
alternate roosts to use during weather changes
or other disruptive events. Tree clearing and/or
side trimming will occur as part of this Project;
however, all tree clearing and/or side trimming
will occur outside of time of year (TOYR)
restrictions for this species. The Project is not
anticipated to have an adverse impact on this
species.
Little Brown
Bat
Myotis lucifugis SE DCR-
DNH
This species will roost in caves, buildings, rocks
and trees, under bridges, in mines and in
tunnels. They hibernate mostly in caves, mine
shafts and abandoned tunnels. They may dwell
in man-made structures. This is one of the most
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Table 3. Species Impact Determinations
Common
Name Scientific Name Legal Status Source Species Impact
Determination
abundant insectivorous bats in Virginia and are
found in all forested regions near water. ree
clearing and/or side trimming will occur as part of
this Project; however, all tree clearing and/or
side trimming will occur outside of time of year
(TOYR) restrictions for this species. The Project
is not anticipated to have an adverse impact on
this species.
Northern Long-
Eared Bat
Myotis
septentrionalis
FT/ST IPaC
VaFWIS
DCR-
DNH
This species inhabits forested regions, and will
forage mainly on hillsides and ridge forests
rather than riparian and floodplain forests. They
frequent areas under the forest canopy just
above shrub level. The males occur in caves in
the spring and summer, but the females shun
caves and roost under tree bark. Tree clearing
and /or side trimming will occur as part of this
Project; however, all tree clearing and/or side
trimming will occur outside of TOYR restrictions
for this species. The Project is not anticipated to
have an adverse impact on this species.
Tri-colored Bat Perimyotis
subflavus
SE DCR-
DNH
They are found in caves, trees, sometimes
buildings in both wooded and cleared areas.
Throughout their range, this species will
hibernate in caves. They roost in caves in the
winter and in caves, trees, cliffs and barns in the
summer months.
Fishes
Blackside
Dace
Chrosomus
cumberlandensis
FT/ST IPaC
VaFWIS
DCR-
DNH
This species inhabits small upland headwaters
and creeks that are approximately 2 to 5 meters
in width and where riffle and pool areas occur
equally. Preferred substrates include sand,
sandstone, and shale. It occurs in pools with
cover such as bedrock, rubble, undercut banks,
or brush. Generally, this species is associated
with lush riparian vegetation, a canopy cover of
approximately more than 70 percent, cool water,
and unsilted conditions. This species can
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Table 3. Species Impact Determinations
Common
Name Scientific Name Legal Status Source Species Impact
Determination
apparently recolonize areas when water quality
or habitat conditions become more favorable,
and if suitable dispersal corridors occur. In-water
work will be limited to the extent practicable for
this Project and will consist of limited temporary
stream crossings. Additionally, any stream
crossing would occur within an existing
maintained ROW that lacks canopy cover
greater than 70 percent. This Project is not
anticipated to have an adverse effect on any fish
species.
Slender Chub Erimystax cahni FT/ST IPaC
VaFWIS
This species is restricted to moderate to large
(30-125-meter-width), warm water streams with
substrates of fine gravel, occasionally with a
mixture of coarse sand and medium and large
gravel, swept clean by moderate to swift
currents. They use open, shallow flats and
shoals of warm, usually clear, moderate-gradient
large streams and rivers, 30-125 meters wide.
Frequently the chub is observed as shallow as
0.3 meter, but rarely 0.1 meter. They
occasionally occupy slow runs but have not been
found in backwaters or pools. A specific habitat
requirement appears to be the presence of major
areas (greater than 25 square meters) of clean,
small (pea size) to medium gravel. Its winter
habitat is thought to be pools. In-water work will
be limited to the extent practical for this Project
and will consist of limited temporary stream
crossings. Additionally, large streams preferred
by this species are not located within the Study
Area. This Project is not anticipated to have an
adverse effect on any fish species.
Yellowfin
Madtom
Noturus
flavipinnis
FT/ST IPaC
VaFWIS
Habitat substrate consists of gravel and rubble,
with some boulders and bedrock and small areas
of fine sand present, but\ no shifting sand. The
habitat consists of generally short, swift riffles
and moderate to moderately long, shallow pools.
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Table 3. Species Impact Determinations
Common
Name Scientific Name Legal Status Source Species Impact
Determination
This species occurs in medium to large
unpolluted streams with a moderate to gentle
gradient. In-water work will be limited to the
extent practical for this project and will consist of
limited temporary stream crossings. This
Project is not anticipated to have an adverse
effect on any fish species.
Clams
Appalachian
Monkeyface
(pearlymussel)
Theliderma
sparsa
FE/SE IPaC
VaFWIS
This species is often in clean fast-flowing water
in areas that contain relatively firm rubble, gravel
and sand substrates, swept free of silt. They are
usually found buried in the substrate in shallow
riffle and shoal areas. In-water work will be
limited to the extent practicable for this Project
and will consist of limited temporary stream
crossings. This Project is not anticipated to have
an adverse effect on this species.
Birdwing
Mussel
Lemiox rimosus FE/SE IPaC
VaFWIS
This mussel is most often found in clean, fast-
flowing water in substrates that contain relatively
firm rubble, gravel and sand substrates that are
swept free of siltation. They are usually buried in
the substrate in shallow riffle and shoal areas.
They have been found alive in 6-7 feet of water
in relatively silt-free rubble, gravel and sand
substrates, indicating that depth need not be a
limiting factor. In-water work will be limited to the
extent practicable for this Project and will consist
of limited temporary stream crossings. The
Project is not anticipated to have an adverse
effect on this species.
Cracking
Pearlymussel
Hemistena lata FE/SE IPaC
VaFWIS
The cracking pearlymussel is a lotic, riffle-
dwelling species, occurring at fords and shoals
with sand and gravel substrata and moderate
current velocities. It can burrow deeply in the
substratum because of an unusually long foot.
They are found in cobble, gravel, sand, and
occasionally mud substrates in medium to large
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Table 3. Species Impact Determinations
Common
Name Scientific Name Legal Status Source Species Impact
Determination
rivers. In-water work will be limited to the extent
practicable for this Project and will consist of
limited temporary stream crossings. The Project
is not anticipated to have an adverse effect on
this species.
Cumberland
Monkeyface
(pearlymussel)
Theliderma
intermedia
FE/SE IPaC
VaFWIS
The Cumberland monkeyface is a lotic, fast-
water species, usually occurring in riffles and
runs of small to mid-sized rivers. It has never
been found in small streams or impounded
portions of rivers. This species is typically well-
burrowed in stable substrata and occupies the
same microhabitats as the other endangered
mussel species in the Powell River in Lee
County. They are found in clean water with
relatively firm rubble, gravel and sand substrates
swept free from siltation. In-water work will be
limited to the extent practicable for this Project
and will consist of limited temporary stream
crossings. The Project is not anticipated to have
an adverse effect on this species.
Cumberlandian
Combshell
Epioblasma
brevidens
FE/SE IPaC
VaFWIS
This species is usually found in fast-flowing,
clean water in substrates swept free from
siltation. They are buried in the substrate in
shallow riffle and shoal areas. It is characteristic
of medium-sized stream faunas, and is not
associated with small stream and creek habitats.
In-water work will be limited to the extent
practicable for this Project and will consist of
limited temporary stream crossings. The Project
is not anticipated to have an adverse effect on
this species.
Dromedary
Pearlymussel
Dromus dromas FE/SE IPaC
VaFWIS
The dromedary pearlymussel is a lotic, riffle-
dwelling species that usually inhabits shoals and
fords with moderate current velocities. However,
this species does occur in deeper, slow-flowing
waters in Tennessee. It is typically well-burrowed
in silt-free, stable substrata of mixed particle
sizes ranging from sand to cobble. In-water work
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Table 3. Species Impact Determinations
Common
Name Scientific Name Legal Status Source Species Impact
Determination
will be limited to the extent practicable for this
Project and will consist of limited temporary
stream crossings. The Project is not anticipated
to have an adverse effect on this species.
Fanshell Cyprogenia
stegaria
FE/SE IPaC
VaFWIS
This species is found in medium to large rivers,
mainly in deep water with a gravel substrate and
moderate flow. In-water work will be limited to
the extent practicable for this Project and will
consist of limited temporary stream crossings.
The Project is not anticipated to have an adverse
effect on this species.
Finerayed
Pigtoe
Fusconaia
cuneolus
FE/SE IPaC
VaFWIS
This is a riffle species that is found in ford and
shoal areas in free-flowing streams of moderate
gradient. They were collected in the Clinch River
at a depth of three feet in the sandy and rocky
substrate. It was also found in the sandy-muddy
bottom of a small creek. In-water work will be
limited to the extent practicable for this Project
and will consist of limited temporary stream
crossings. The Project is not anticipated to have
an adverse effect on this species.
Fluted
Kidneyshell
Ptychobranchus
subtentus
FE/SE IPaC
VaFWIS
This species is found imbedded in fine
sediments, usually fine mud, in relatively quiet
water in beds of vegetation or in protective
cracks between boulders. They are very close to,
but not in, rapids. In-water work will be limited to
the extent practicable for this Project and will
consist of limited temporary stream crossings.
The Project is not anticipated to have an adverse
effect on this species.
Littlewing
Pearlymussel
Pegias fabula FE/SE IPaC
VaFWIS
The little-wing pearlymussel is a lotic, riffle-
dwelling species that is usually found in the
headwaters of high gradient tributary streams.
Specimens have been found in the transition
zone between pools and riffles; buried under
large, flat rocks; and in gravel substrata adjacent
to water willow beds. In-water work will be limited
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Table 3. Species Impact Determinations
Common
Name Scientific Name Legal Status Source Species Impact
Determination
to the extent practicable for this Project and will
consist of limited temporary stream crossings.
The Project is not anticipated to have an adverse
effect on this species.
Oyster Mussel Epioblasma
capsaeformis
FE/SE IPaC
VaFWIS
This species is found imbedded in fine sediments
usually fine mud, in relatively quiet water in beds
of vegetation or in protective cracks between
boulders very close to but not in rapids. In-water
work will be limited to the extent practicable for
this Project and will consist of limited temporary
stream crossings. The Project is not anticipated
to have an adverse effect on this species.
Purple Bean Villosa
perpurpurea
FE/SE IPaC
VaFWIS
This species is usually found in fast-flowing,
clean water in substrates that contain relatively
firm rubble, gravel and sand substrates swept
free from siltation. They are buried in the
substrate in shallow riffle and shoal areas. In-
water work will be limited to the extent
practicable for this Project and will consist of
limited temporary stream crossings. The Project
is not anticipated to have an adverse effect on
this species.
Rough
Rabbitsfoot
Theliderma
cylindrica
FE/SE IPaC
VaFWIS
This species has been reported in swift streams
with gravel bottoms and moderate currents, and
in swift clear streams having sandy gravel bars.
In-water work will be limited to the extent
practicable for this Project and will consist of
limited temporary stream crossings. The Project
is not anticipated to have an adverse effect on
this species.
Sheepnose
Mussel
Plethobasus
cyphyus
FE/SE IPaC
VaFWIS
This is a large river species that is absent from
small tributary streams and is of peripheral
occurrence in Virginia. Although generally
associated with sand-gravel substrate of riffles
and shoals in Virginia, it also occurs in mud-sand
habitat in deeper areas (greater than 2 meters).
They are usually very close to, but not in, rapids.
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Table 3. Species Impact Determinations
Common
Name Scientific Name Legal Status Source Species Impact
Determination
In-water work will be limited to the extent
practicable for this Project and will consist of
limited temporary stream crossings. The Project
is not anticipated to have an adverse effect on
this species.
Shiny Pigtoe Fusconaia cor FE/SE IPaC
VaFWIS
This is a riffle species that is found along fords
and shoals of clear, moderate to fast flowing
streams and rivers with stable substrate. It is
usually well buried in the substrate during most
of the year, although readily visible in the early
summer. In-water work will be limited to the
extent practicable for this Project and will consist
of limited temporary stream crossings. The
Project is not anticipated to have an adverse
effect on this species.
Slabside
Pearlymussel
Pleuronaia
dolabelloides
FE/SE IPaC
VaFWIS
The slabside pearlymussel resides in the shoal
and riffle habitats of intermediate-sized streams
characterized by moderate to fast-flowing water
and a clean, heterogeneous substrate. In-water
work will be limited to the extent practicable for
this Project and will consist of limited temporary
stream crossings. The Project is not anticipated
to have an adverse effect on this species.
The Center for Conservation Biology Eagle Nest Locator was
reviewed to determine if active bald eagle
nests are located in the vicinity of the project area. The
closest bald eagle nest is approximately 4.75 miles
to the southeast of the Study Area.
Due to ground disturbance being limited to areas around
structures proposed for replacement and within
existing ROW, restoration of disturbed areas to pre-construction
contours, limited tree clearing, and
avoidance of large stream crossings, the Project is not expected
to adversely affect federally or state-
protected species or other natural heritage resources.
Additionally, KU-ODP will follow the Virginia DCR’s
recommendations for avoiding and minimizing impacts to natural
heritage resources. Coordination with the
USFWS, VDGIF, and the Virginia DCR will be completed to
determine what, if any, species-specific surveys
are required for the Project. KU-ODP will consult with these
agencies to determine specific techniques to
minimize impacts on these species.
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G. Erosion and Sediment Control
KU-ODP's Annual Standards and Specifications: Erosion and
Sediment Control; Stormwater Management
is submitted to the DEQ annually for review. The approved Annual
Standards and Specifications document
is given to the KU-ODP's construction contractors and requires
erosion and sediment control measures to
be in place before construction begins and specifies the
requirements for rehabilitation of disturbed areas.
Erosion and sediment control measures will be maintained and
temporary stabilization for all soil-disturbing
activities will be used until disturbed areas have been
restored. Upon completion of the Project, all
temporarily disturbed areas will be restored.
H. Archaeological, Historic, Scenic, Cultural, or
Architectural
Resources
Arcadis conducted an architectural and historic resources
desktop review for the pre-application analysis
of the Project per the Virginia Department of Historic
Resources’ (VDHR’s) Guidelines for Assessing
Impacts of Proposed Electric Transmission Line and Associated
Facilities on Historic Resources in the
Commonwealth of Virginia. This review included previously
recorded VDHR resources within the Study
Area.
The Area of Potential Effect (APE) for the pre-application
analysis of the Project is defined in consultation
with the VDHR as a tiered buffer extending prescribed distances
from the Project centerline. The tiered
buffer APE utilizes a 1.5-mile radial buffer to identify
National Historic Landmarks (NHLs); a 1.0-mile radial
buffer to identify NHLs, National Register of Historic Places
(NRHP)-listed properties, battlefields, and
historic landscapes; and a 0.5-mile radial buffer for all of the
previously categorized resources, as well as
formally determined NRHP-eligible properties. Previously
recorded archaeological sites located within the
Study Area are also identified.
The desktop survey of the tiered buffer APE for the
Harlan-Pocket North transmission line identified no
NRHP-listed or eligible properties, battlefields, historic
landscapes, or NHLs within the appropriate buffer
tiers. Additionally, no previously identified archaeological
sites are located within the Study Area.
The desktop survey identified no NRHP-listed or eligible
properties, battlefields, historic landscapes, or
NHLs within the 0.5-mile buffer APE of the proposed replacement
structures of the Dorchester-Pocket
transmission line; however, three NRHP-listed properties were
identified within the 1.0-mile buffer of
proposed replacement structures: Country Cabin (097-0059), the
Keokee Coal & Coke Company Store
(052-0066) and Appalachia Commercial Historic District
(164-5003). The desktop survey identified no NHLs
within the 1.5-mile buffer. Additionally, no previously
identified archaeological sites are located within the
Study Area.
Within the 0.5-mile buffer APE of the replacement structures of
the Dorchester-Arnold transmission line,
one NRHP-listed resource, the Stonega Historic District
(097-0042), was identified. The Stonega Historic
District is located within the Study Area. The desktop survey
identified no NRHP-listed resources or NHLs
within the 1.0-mile or 1.5-mile buffers. Additionally, no
previously identified archaeological sites are located
within the Study Area. See Appendix E for the detailed results
of the Architectural and Historical Resources
Pre-Application Analysis.
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Due to the increase in height of many of the structures being
replaced, a Viewshed Analysis was conducted
(see Appendix E). KU-ODP will submit the pre-application
analysis to the VDHR and will continue
coordination with that agency. VDHR’s correspondence will be
provided when available.
I. Chesapeake Bay Reservation Areas
Construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of
electric transmission lines are conditionally
exempt from the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act as stated in the
exemption for public utilities, railroads,
public roads, and facilities in 9 VAC 25-830-150. The Project is
not located within any localities designated
as part of Tidewater Virginia under the Chesapeake Bay
Preservation Act.
J. Wildlife Resources
Due to ground disturbance being limited to areas around
structures proposed for replacement and within
existing ROW, restoration of disturbed areas to pre-construction
contours, limited tree clearing, and
avoidance of large stream crossings, the Project is not expected
to adversely affect federally or state-
protected species or other wildlife. KU-ODP will coordinate with
the appropriate regulatory agencies, as
needed, for concurrence that the Project is not likely to
adversely affect federally or state-protected species.
If deemed necessary through coordination with regulatory
agencies, KU-ODP will perform surveys to
determine if species are present and plan accordingly to avoid
and minimize impacts on the species to the
extent practicable.
K. Recreation, Agriculture, and Forest Resources
Approximately 570 acres of forest and approximately 27 acres of
farmland are present within the Study
Area. No Agricultural or Forestal Districts are crossed by the
Project (Virginia Department of Forestry,
2016).
According to communications with the LENOWISCO Planning District
(which serves the Counties of Lee,
Wise, and Scott and the City of Norton) on February 6, 2020, the
county and municipal governments of Lee
and Wise County do not designate important farmlands; the
LENOWISCO Planning District recognizes
important farmland designations determined by the NRCS.
According to NRCS data, approximately 54
acres of Prime Farmland and approximately 43 acres of Farmland
of Statewide Importance are located
within the Study Area (NRCS, 2020). However, only approximately
12 acres of Prime Farmland and
approximately 15 acres of Farmland of Statewide Importance are
currently being used as farmland.
Disturbance to important farmland from Project activities will
only be temporary and no important farmlands
will be precluded from future potential agricultural use. Lands
currently used for agricultural purposes that
are disturbed by Project activities will be restored to
pre-construction contours and in coordination with
landowners.
According to the Virginia DCR’s Conservation Lands Database,
portions of the Study Area around the
Dorchester-Pocket North Transmission Line are within the George
Washington and Jefferson National
Forest, but no other managed conservation lands, including
conservation easements, federal lands, state
lands, local lands, and non-profit lands, are present (Virginia
DCR, 2020a). Approximately 728 acres of the
George Washington and Jefferson National Forest is within the
Study Area. Other than the George
Washington and Jefferson National Forest, no protected lands
were identified in the Protected Areas
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Database of the United States that are crossed by the Study Area
(USGS, 2020). Coordination with the
U.S. Forest Service (USFS) for work within the George Washington
and Jefferson National Forest will be
completed concurrently with this DEQ Supplement filing. It is
anticipated that work associated with the
structure replacements will occur in areas of the ROW covered
under existing Special Use Authorizations.
A USFS environmental review may be required for some access
roads that are outside areas covered
under existing Special Use Authorizations. No Project activities
will occur within the George Washington or
Jefferson National Forest prior to receipt of all required
permits and approvals from the USFS. No Virginia
Natural Area Preserves or properties in the Virginia Registry of
Natural Areas are crossed by the Study
Area (Virginia DCR, 2020c; Appendix C).
Virginia Scenic Byways are crossed by the Project at seven
locations, according to the Virginia DCR
(2020b). Stretches of both the Cumberland to Pennington Trail
(locally managed trail) and Coal Heritage
Trail (driving tour) follow Virginia Scenic Byways (Virginia
DCR, 2020b). As shown on Figures 2-1 – 2-9,
the Coal Heritage Trail is crossed by the Study Area at six
locations and the Cumberland to Pennington
Trail is crossed at two locations. No National Scenic Byways are
crossed by the Study Area (Federal
Highway Administration, 2020). Impacts to these resources are
not anticipated due to the nature of the
Project, and because ground disturbance will occur within the
existing ROW at locations where structures
are currently located.
The Appalachia Trail (federally managed trail) within the George
Washington and Jefferson National Forest
is located within the Study Area, but no National Natural
Landmarks, National Trails, state scenic rivers,
National Wild and Scenic Rivers, National Monuments, National
Parks, National Recreation Areas, state
parks, regional parks, public fishing lakes, or other designated
scenic or recreational areas are located
within the Study Area (National Park Service, 2016 and 2018;
National Wild and Scenic Rivers System,
2020; Virginia Department of Transportation, 2019; Virginia DCR,
2020b). Impacts to this resource is not
anticipated due to the nature of the Project, and because ground
disturbance will occur within the existing
ROW at locations where structures are currently located.
Due to the limited presence of recreation, agriculture, and
forest resources within the Study Area; ground
disturbance being limited to areas around structures proposed
for replacement and within existing ROW,
restoration of disturbed areas to pre-construction contours, and
limited tree clearing, impacts on recreation,
agriculture, and forest resources are expected to be minor.
L. Use of Pesticides and Herbicides
KU-ODP maintains transmission line ROW with aerial and ground
applications, using selective herbicides
to control woody vegetation while encouraging the growth of
established grasses, ferns and herbaceous
plant cover. The resulting ROW has a more diverse plant
community that encourages and enhances
habitats for pollinators and wildlife. Only herbicides approved
by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
will be applied.
M. Geology and Mineral Resources
The portions of the Study Area around the Dorchester-Arnold
Transmission Line and norther