NAO-2012-00080 / 13-V0408 Skiffes Creek Public Hearing

Published Oct. 1, 2015
Expiration date: 11/9/2015

CENAO-WRR                                                       
October 1, 2015
NAO-2012-00080 / 13-V0408

FEDERAL PUBLIC NOTICE
ANNOUNCING A PUBLIC HEARING

The Norfolk District Regulatory Branch is currently considering a Department of the Army Permit Application from Dominion Virginia Power to construct a new high voltage aerial electrical transmission line in the North Hampton Roads Load Area (NHRLA), known as the Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton Transmission Line project. To date we have solicited comments from the public; federal, state, and local agencies and officials; Native American Tribes; and other interested parties during three separate public notices to help inform a final decision. Several parties have requested a public hearing due to concerns regarding historic resources, endangered species, and environmental impacts.  After careful consideration we have determined a public hearing may yield information that would better inform our decision in this matter. 

APPLICANT
Dominion Virginia Power
Courtney Fisher
701 E. Cary Street; 12th Floor
Richmond, Virginia 23219

LOCATION OF THE PROPOSED WORK: 

The proposed project will take place in the Counties of Surry, James City, and York including the Cities of Newport News and Hampton.

PROPOSED WORK:  

Dominion proposes to construct approximately 7.4-miles of new 500kV overhead transmission line from Surry to a proposed Skiffes Creek 500kV-230kV-115kV switching station in James City County, and upgrade 20.2 miles of 230kV overhead transmission line in an existing easement that connects with the existing Whealton substation in Hampton, VA. In total, the proposed project will permanently impact 2,712 square feet (0.06 acres) of subaqueous river bottom and 281 square feet (0.01 acres) of non-tidal wetlands, and convert 0.56 acres of palustrine forested wetlands to scrub shrub non-tidal wetlands.

The river crossing segment of the project, as proposed, would directly affect a recently defined historic district including the Captain John Smith National Historic Trail. Additionally, the project would occur within the viewshed of several sites listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places including Jamestown Island, Colonial Parkway and Carters Grove National Historic Landmark. In addition to general comments, the agency is seeking input that will aid in assessing the level of effect to these resources.

Additional information specific to the proposed project and potential impacts can be found at
http://www.nao.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/SkiffesCreekPowerLine.aspx.  Our website also contains links to the applicant’s and other websites, which contain additional project information and perspectives on the project.

AUTHORITY:  Permits are required pursuant to Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 (33 U.S.C. 403), Sections 401 and 404 of the Clean Water Act (Public Law 95-217) and Title 62.1 of the Code of Virginia for impacts to jurisdictional wetlands and waters of the United States.

PUBLIC NOTIFICATION: This announcement serves notice that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District will conduct a Public Hearing on Friday, October 30, 2015, at Lafayette High School located at 4460 Longhill Road in Williamsburg, Virginia 23188. federal, state and local agencies as well as private individuals, organizations or groups are invited to attend.  Dominion personnel will be available between 5:00 and 6:00PM to provide general information and to answer questions regarding their proposed project.  Between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM, interested parties will be afforded the opportunity to present their views, opinions and information on the proposed project.  Those who wish to speak must pre-register during sign-in. Each individual wishing to make verbal comments shall be given two (2) minutes and a stenographer will document verbal comments. Due to the expect number of attendees, we request that groups, where appropriate, consolidate comments and elect a representative speaker. The record will remain open for 10-days following this hearing for the submission of written comments. These comments will be used to carefully weigh all relevant factors, including balancing our Nation’s historic and ecological resources with the need for reliable energy. The input received will be considered fully in our permit evaluation process and be used to inform the necessary National Environmental Policy Act analysis and documentation.  Information related to these processes including draft or final documents will be made available as appropriate on the above mentioned website. 

COMMENT PERIOD: Replies to this notice or comments regarding the proposal should be addressed to Randy Steffey, Norfolk District, Corps of Engineers (Attn; CENAO-WRR-S), 803 Front Street, Norfolk, Virginia 23510-1096, and should reach this office no later than the close of business November 9, 2015. Should you have any questions about the contents of this advertisement, please call Mr. Steffey at telephone 757-201-7579 or e-mail randy.l.steffey@usace.army.mil.