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Switching Sta-SY 901127~' CCN APPLICATION '-' -. . '" . ~- . ... 7800 Shoal Creek Boulevard, Suite 450N Austin, Texas 78757. (512)458-0100 1. Applicant (Utility Name) 30016 ...................................................................................... £..81Z..I......Z~.~=~.~ ......................................................................................................................... Certificate Number Phone Number Street Address ~_a.a~ .............................................................. Ie~a~ ................................................................................................................ Z.67.0~ .................................................................................................. City State Zip P.Q.,._B~.~,_ZS_8.5 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ Mailing Address ~D .............................................. ~S ............................................................................. Z.6!.0.2.;.2.5~5 ......................................................... City State Zip 2. Person to Contact Hg.~ ........... ~.....~[~j~C~.....~.c .......... &....E~g., .[~.1..!.).....!5.Q~,22.~ ......................................................................................................... Title/Position Phone Number E~Q ........ B.~......2.5.8.~ ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Mailing Address ~a~ .......................................................................................... I~xa~ .............................................................................................................. Z6..ZQ.2=..25.85 ........................................................................ City State Zip Legal Counsel Phone Number Mailing Address City State Zip 3. Name or Voltage Miles Miles Conductor Structure Width Percent Designation Rating of of Type And Type o~ ROW 0~ ROW Of Segment _(K%) .........fLQ.~._. ~J~.~.~ . Size .... .£E.~.~ .&_~uired Wilkerson 795 MCM Steel Single 138 EY L±Q~' 138 E~_ _~.~.~ _~..§.~ ACSR .__~.l~ ........ 70 T.O- * Wilkerson 795 NCH Double Circuit 138 KV )ine ~8_~_~_ _D:,8~ _..0_.~ ACSR Sng] St,P_QI~::7~__ -0- = This Double Circuit section will be constructed on existing single pole steel transmission line easements, 4. Is new substation construction included in this project? ~ Yes No. How is the new substation identified?_J~e~_~.~Q__J..~.~_~_~_~¥_..~/~__~.2Q.. MVA Substation State the distance ~rom the proposed substation to the nearest residence, residential area, subdivision or community. .~b.e_.~.~_o~_e~__substation is b~. constru~.~_e.d....~~.~.m~_~.O_~_....~.~ .(l~_.~]..__~m th~are_~._s.~d.i~.J~J.~ .... 5. Provide a schedule for this project. E~_!~_.i.m~ ~_~..~ _._O.~.~.e_.~..._..o_..f_..: ............. J. ~ m~..~__ ................................ ~O_m p._l...Q..1;_ j...Q_Q ............... R,O,W Clearing & _~_C.o_n.s.t.r...u..c..t.i_o..a .......... 1..2Z.I..Z.9_Q ................. ..1.J_.1_...SY.._9...!_ ............ Lt.U.~__C.,O,.U..~_t,_r_U.~_~..i.~.U___ __..~.1.2,/.,9,,..,_1. ...................... 3./_.3_Q Z.~...I_ S ubs t a 1;.j.._o..~...__~..o.n...s...Z.c ...... 1_.2/..1/.~..0_ ................... _3J__~QZ_9....1.. .P_F_Q,i~_c~_.E ~...F...g _i...z .a._l;.....]'.._o_...n.. 3.Z3...1~.._9...] ....... 6. List all counties in which facilities are proposed to be constructed. .~-~.]...]~..~''s.'.~..~.~.~.-d...~-D~-.t~.'.~-.~..'.~..~u.u.:t;-.''{...'e'.'~. ................................... 7. List all incorporated municipalities in which facilities are proposed. If franchise, permit or other evidence of consent has previously been submitted by the applicant, provide only the Docket Number ...................................................... 8, List other electric utilities certificated to areas traversed by the proposed facilities, Denton C o u j3 ~ y _E _l _e.G ~_.r_.i_.c__Q_o_o_ p__e_r__a._t_i_.y_.~...,_ _ .I...~.c ........... I_~ ~.~.~_._U_l; j_!_.i...t_i_~__...G__Q.m__Q_a. DY.. ............... _I.D..G.,. 9. Have the affected utilities agreed to the construction? ( * See X Yes. _.X. No. If yes, attach a copy of the agreements. Attached) 10. Identify and describe how any other electric utility will be involved in this project. The W i l_ke rson Sub~.~.~j-..~....n--.-....w~-j.~--~-.-~-~.e.-~...~.~i..~-~.-~.~.-~b-y..-..Dent~n.-~..~-.~.~u~.~;~--..E-Z~c....~t.~-~-.c..~ C oep e r ~J_v_e_,l_ I r~.c~-t~---~....e-r-v.-e--~-h...e.j~£--dj-~.`..t..~...r-i-b~.u...~.j~....~-~-]-Q.~d..$-~.-$.~-..-~.b~-.~ a r e a a..n.._..d...__ _a 1 so to ~_~.Li_e...~e__the__].~dJ_~__o_n__e.x_.i...st i n g _Ee~u_J~..ed t.o_ _~Egy_i_d.~_..~._e r_~_i.~._e_.~._Q_t....b_i_.s._...a_.r..~.~ ..... ..C_O...B!_ A I~ D_._E I_._N_A _N_C...LN.....G._.oz_...E&QI.L.I !_LE.~ 11, How will the construction of the proposed facilities be financed? __R_u..r_~l__E!~_.~t~_i_~_i.c..~j...O...n__..Adm.in_i_.~_t..r_.~_.i_o..n..._=..._B.EA_L.~.~.o._E~n.~.~ 12. List the estimated cost of the: Transmission Substation ....... E.a~.J..].J..~.i~ ............ Ea~J..]...J_~J~s. Haterials and supplies ......... 6].~..,...~_5.Q..,.~D_ ~.~..6...,...2..~Q.._.0Q Labor and transportation (utility) ,H.9.Q~ ,,,~Ee Labor and transportation (contract) ........ A1.2...,~.~0...,..~.0_ .21.1..,...5..2.Q..,..QQ Stores * ................. ~ .... Engineering and Admin, (utility) i~D..,..~Q~..,..~.Q_ .1.3_8..~...~D~.~..D.D Engineering and Consulting __~Q.Q~ ..... H~Q~ (contract) ............................................................................................................................... Estimated Total ~._.,...i~.~..,...2.QO..,...Q0_ ]....,...]...Z~.,._~.0_Q...,..~.~. · Included in Engineering & Administrative (Utility) Costs. 9. * Denton County Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a member distribution Cooperative of Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. and as such has agreed with the project. Texas Utilities Company, Inc. is aware of the project although no formal agreement has been reached. 13. To each copy of the application, attach the following: A. Routing map of the county or counties involved in the proposed project. (Highway Map - Exhibit A) B. Routing study report conducted by the utility or consultant. (Exhibit B) C. Schematic or diagram of the applicant's transmission system in the proximate area of the proposed project.(PUC Maps - Exhibit C) D. Dimensionalized drawings of the typical structures to be used. (Exhibit D) ADEQUACY OF EXISTING.__~_~EY_I~_E AND N~]~.D...__E...Q..R__..A.DD_I~.I_O_~AL SERVIC_5 14. State the reason for the proposed construction. Appendix "A" 15. List the options that were considered and the reasons for rejecting them. Appendix "B" .C_QM.~U. NITY VAL_U_~ 16. List any permits or approvals required by other governmental agencies for the construction of the proposed project, Highway Orossing Permits, City Building Permits, City Use Permits 17. Provide a general description of the area traversed by the proposed project. Appendix "C" 18. List all residences, businesses, schools, churches, cemeteries, hospitals, nursing homes or other habitable structures within 200 feet of the center line of the proposed transmission line. Appendix "D" 19. List all commercial AM radio transmitters located within 10,000 feet of the center line of the proposed project; and all FM radio transmitters, microwave relay stations or other similar electronic installations located within 2,000 feet of the center line of the proposed project. One 20. List all airstrips registered with the Federal Aviation Administration located within 10,000 feet of the center line of the project. Will the construction of this project require notice to the Federal Aviation Administration? Yes. ~ No. None 21. Identify any pasture or cropland irrigated by traveling irrigation systems (rolling or pivot type) that will be traversed by the proposed project. None 22. List the newspapers that will publish the notice for this application. Attach a copy of the notice that is to be published, Dallas Morning News, Denton Record Chronicle, Coppell Citizens Advocate ~ PARKS AN D.__R_E_G~R EAT I ON A L 23. List all parks and recreational areas owned by a governmental body or an organized group, club, or church located within 1,000 feet of the center line of the project. Grapevine City Park (undeveloped) HISTORICAL AND ARCH~OLOGICAL VALUES 24. List all historical and archeological sites known to be within 1,000 feet of the center line of the proposed project. One (Flower Mound Historical Site) ENVIRO_N~ENTAI INTEGRITY. 25. Provide copies of any environmental impact studies or assessments of the project. "Borrower's Environmental Report", attached. APPENDIX "A" 14a. REASON FOR PROPOSED CONSTRUCT[ON The proposed construction is needed due to the resurgence of growth in this area in recent years. This and plans for massive development of the area in the near future indicates rapidly increasing loads in the area. 14b. LOAD PROJECTIONS (MW) SERVICE AREA ]..~ .1..9.~.~ .]..~9.J. ]..~.96 .2~.0..1 .g.O.Q6 lewisville 7,053 6,800 8,000 11,900 17,900 26,900 Mound 12,612 9,600 12,500 21,100 31,500 47,000 Wilkerson __--__ ..~..Q..,..8O.Q.!.~,..~..Q~ 2.2..,...QQQ .2~..0..8.~ .5J...~..2~.0 TOTAL 19,665 27,200 34,600 56,600 84,200 125,200 These increased loads were based on projections of existing loads combined with residential and commercia~ development information obtained by the Cooperative. 14c. SYSTEM DEFICIENCIES** The cooperative is currently meeting the challenge of supplying power to this area with various distribution line improvements and the conversion of the Mound substation (which serves a majority of the Flower Mound area) to 138 KV. However, based upon the projected load growth for this area, the Mound transformer will be loaded to capacity by 1989, and additional line improvements will be required. To service this area adequately, some form of relief must be provided. **The original request (by Denton County Electric, Inc.) for the Wilkerson project (and associated studies) were performed in early 1985. The results of these studies indicated that the Wilkerson project was needed in 1989. Due to the economic decline in this area of Texas the projected load growths have been slower than anticipated and Brazos has been able to postpone the construction of this project until the spring of 1991. An additional factor in the delay of the project has been the securing of the Town of Flower Mound's approval for the Wilkerson substation site (this process has consumed over two and one-half years). As of the filing date of this Wilkerson CCN application, the Wilkerson substation site has been approved by the Town of Flower Mound and subsequently purchased; likewise the load growth projections for this project have been reviewed and the project is needed by the summer of 1991. 14d. PROJECT EFFECTS The construction of the Wilkerson Substation not only increases the cooperative's capacity in this rapidly growing area, but will also increase the reliability of the Mound, Lewisville and the southern portions of the Canyon service area. I0 14e. SYSTEH INTEGRITY System integrity will not only be maintained, but also improved by constructing the Wilkerson Substation including one 138/24.9 KV, 12/1§/20 MVA transformer, four energized bays with reclosers, and one spare bay. Additionally, the station can be expanded to finally include two 138/24.9 KV 12/16/20 MVA transformers and eight bays. Thus making it possible to serve larger loads in the future without acquiring additional land holdings. II APPENDIX "B" 15. OPTIONS mm(See Note on Question 14c.) OPTION 1~ CONSTRUCT WILKERSON SUBSTATION IN 1994 This option examined the possibility of delaying construction of Wilkerson as long as possible without implementing unnecessary and excessive distribution line improvements to the Lewisville and Hound Service Areas. The increased load at Flower Mound required the installation of an additional 12/16/20 Mva transformer at Mound in 1989. The succeeding five years growth also required various conductor and voltage conversions to be implemented in order to increase the capacity of existing lines. Excessive voltage drop and thermal limitations in the Lewisville and Hound service areas required the construction of Wilkerson Substation by 1994 in order to provide relief to these areas. An analysis of the system shows the majority of the load presently served by Mound Circuit 5 is supplied by Wilkerson Circuit 1 and Circuit 2. Wilkerson Circuit 3 and Circuit 4 supplied the remainder of the load transferred from Mound. In addition, Wilkerson Circuits 3 and 4 supplied the load on the Northern edge of Flower Hound, providing relief to Lewisville Circuits 2 and 3, respectively, Mound Circuit 4 and Circuit 5 then supplied the remaining Flower Mound load. Wilkerson Substation is proposed to be constructed with two 12/16/20 Mva transformers in 1994. Although the additional 12/16/20 Hva transformer was not required until 1995, it was considered more feasible from a practical viewpoint to construct Wilkerson with two transformers initially. Option 1 was rejected due to economics and the immediate need for additional capacity and reliability in the Flower Mound, Lewisville and Wilkerson area, as well as a future source of power for development in a westerly direction. OPTION ~: CONSTRUCT WILKERSON SUBSTATION IN 1989 (Preferred Option) This option examined the possibility of constructing Wilkerson at the earliest feasible date. When the 12/16/29 Mva transformer at Mound was loaded to capacity in 1989, it was proposed that Wilkerson Substation be constructed with one 12/16/20 Mva transformer. Wilkerson Substation was then used to provide load relief to Mound in lieu of the additional 12/16/20 Mva transformer proposed in Option 1. This construction required larger capital investments at an earlier date for both the Cooperative and BEPC. However, it delayed the capital investments for distribution line capacity enhancement in the Lewisville Service Area from 1991, as in Option 1, to 1993 and transformer capacity increases at Wilkerson and Mound until 1995 and 1996, respectively. The load distribution among Wilkerson, Lewisville and Mound was identical to that described in Option 1. QPTI.Q~__3~ SERVING FLOWER MOUND AREA WITH MOUND AND LEWISVILLE The possibility of serving the Flower Mound area with Mound and Lewisville only was also examined. This required the complete renovation of the existing service areas including voltage and conductor conversions, construction of additional circuits and transformer capacity increases much greater than those proposed in Options 1 and 2, This entailed large capital investments as well as increases in revenue lost due to line losses. It was intuitively obvious this was a cost prohibitive option. Therefore, detailed analysis has not been done on this option. APPENDIX "C" DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA The area lies on the Blackland Prairie physiographic province of Texas. There is approximately 150 feet of relief in the area, making it a relatively level area. Most of the land is either being or planned for development. However, at this time, most of the land is non-productive. APPENDIX "D" STRUCTURES WITHIN 200 FEET OF CENTERLINE 1. Old occupied wood-frame out house within 200 feet of centerline. 2. Trailer park and small block and/or brick houses within 200 feet of centerline 6 structures 3. Grapevine City Park (undeveloped at Denton Creek Crossing) 4. Avionic Components & Equipment Co. - office building within 50 feet of right-of-way easement 5. Wood frame house and barn within 200 feet §. Flower Mound Farms Brick houses on large lots - 4 houses within 200 feet. We will pass over an out building; however, the building will be moved or line routed around it. 7. New brick houses in subdivision Lake Forest Phase II approximately 129 lots a 115' x 75' average - closest house at this point greater than 1000' upon completion of development closest home greater than 500+ feet. Other: A. Flower Hound Historical site within 1,000 ft. B. Commercial Radio Station within 10,000 ft. EXHIBIT "A" HIGHWAY MAPS I"/ EXHIBIT "B" ROUTING STUDY I. INTRODUCTION The Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. (the Cooperative) Corporate Planning Division in conjunction with our member cooperative, Denton County Electric Cooperative, Inc. (DCEC) have defined a need to provide reliable electrical service to the Town of Flower Mound and surrounding area located in southern Denton County, Texas. This area of Denton County is dually certified to DCEC and Texas Utilities Co. and is experiencing continued load growth. Accordingly, the Cooperative has in its' current Construction Budget the proposed Wilkerson 138KV transmission line and 138/24.9 KV - 12/16/20 MVA substation project. The proposed project consists of the construction of approximately 5.44 miles (8.75 km) of 138 KV steel single pole transmission line on a 70 foot (21.34 m) right-of-way and a 138/24.9 KV - 12/16/20 MVA substation. The proposed route will originate at the existing Coppell substation located within the city limits of the city of Coppell, Texas in the north west section of the city (in Dallas County). From the substation the line will proceed in a northerly direction for approximately 0.85 miles (1.37 km) turn to a northwesterly direction and proceed for approximately 4.59 miles (7.34 km) terminating in the proposed new Wilkerson substation to be located within the town of Flower Mound (in Denton County) at the intersection of Farm to Market roads 3040 & 249g. The project is currently scheduled to be completed by March 31, 1991. II. METHODOLOGY Evaluation and route selection for the proposed Wilkerson project was performed utilizing the Cooperative's procedure for transmission line routing which outlines the parameters for evaluation and selection as well as involves the use of such documents as: a. Borrower's Environmental Report b. Aerial Photography c. U.S.G.S. 7-1/2 Minute Quadrangle Map d. Site Visits as well as input from the following departments of the Project Construction & Engineering Division of the Cooperative. a. Transmission Design b. Right-of-Way Acquisition c. Environmental d. Management The resulting route evaluation study incorporates all the information available from the above sources, as well as guidance from the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) on route selection and Transmission Line Design, and clearly supports the route as selected as a result of the performance of the Cooperative routing study procedure and delineated in the following sections. III. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The proposed Wilkerson project consists of the construction of approximately 5.44 miles (8.75 km) of 138 KV steel single pole transmission line and a new 138/24.9 KV - 12/16/20 MVA substation with 4-3 phase 25 KV bays and one spare bay. The scheduled energization date for the project is March 31, 1991. A. Counties Involved: The proposed Wilkerson project will be located in the northwest and south central sections (respectively) of Dallas & Denton Counties, Texas. The proposed line will originate at the existing Coppell Substation and proceed in a generally northerly and northwesterly direction for approximately 5.44 miles (8.75 km) terminating at the proposed new 138/24.9 KV Wilkerson substation located at the intersection of Farm to Market roads 3040 & 2499 in Denton County, Texas. B. Topography: The proposed project area is comprised primarily of rangeland. This area is being heavily developed and consequently much of the acreage has been platted and/or is being held for future development. The balance of the land is covered with native grasses and some trees of the Post Oak variety and currently lies fallow. C. Routes & Corridors: Three potential routes have been defined which would provide the required Right-of-Way for the proposed project. These routes are defined below and are marked as Alternate Routes A, B & C on the attached maps. Alternate "AI' - This proposed route is approximately 5.44 miles in length originating at the existing Coppell substation. The line then proceeds in a northerly direction for approximately 0.85 miles, the line then turns northwesterly and proceeds for approximately 4.59 miles, terminating at the proposed new Wilkerson Substation site. Alternate "B" - This proposed route is approximately 6.06 miles in length also originating at the existing Coppell substation. The line then proceeds in a northerly direction for approximately 2,18 miles, turns westerly and proceeds for approximately 3.79 miles, then turns northwesterly and proceeds for approximately 0.09 miles terminating at the proposed new Wilkerson substation site. Alternate IICI' -- This proposed route is approximately 6.02 miles in length originating at the existing Coppell Substation. From the substation, the line will proceed in a northerly direction for approximately 2.18 miles, turn westerly and proceed for approximately 2.71 miles, turn northwesterly and proceed for approximately 1.13 miles terminating at the proposed new Wilkerson substation site. Corridors: Environmentally, a one mile wide corridor was defined and analyzed for each potential route. D. Borrower's Environmental Report (BER): The BER represents a comprehensive analysis of the proposed project area taking into consideration various environmental and economic concerns as well as specific areas or items of interest to Federal and State Agencies which were requested to review the proposed project route and corridor. The agencies typically requested to review and respond to the proposed project routing and corridor are as follows: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Texas Parks & Wildlife Texas Historical Commission Soil Conservation Service Corps of Engineers An opportunity to review and comment on the proposed Wilkerson project was afforded to the above agencies and their concerns were addressed in the Wilkerson project BER. The BER was then reviewed by the U.S.D.A. - REA as the lead Federal Agency involved in the project and was approved for construction as proposed. E. Special Considerations: Due to the rapid development of this area of Dallas and Denton Counties, current and future land usage and avoidance of potential development areas as well as minimal impact on existing facilities was given considerable consideration in the routing of the proposed transmission line and the siting of the Wilkerson substation. IV. MAPS WITH ROUTES & CORRIDOR DEFINED See Exhibit "C" PUC Maps V. ROUTING STUDY REPORT FORM BRAZOS ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE, INC. ALTERNATE ROUTE EVALUATION ALTERNATE A ALTERNATE B ALTERNATE C SYHBOL TERRAIN/OTHER WEIGHT LENGTH UC LENGTH UC LEHGTH UC OP Open Pasture/Range 1.0 6,600' --- 9,100' TL Parallel Transmission Line 1.0 4,500'* II,600'* ii,600'* PL Parallel Pipe Lines 1.0 I7,600' --- 5,800' RR Parallel Railroad Lines 1.0 ......... HWY Parallel Hwy or Roads 1.0 4,500' 32,000' 16,900' C~ FL Parallel Fence Lines 1.O ......... CLE Cultivated Land-Irrigated 2.5 ......... CDR Cultivated Land-Dry 2.5 ......... ~'.0.0 QE D_L A.N...D. GC Growth Corridor 3,5 ......... WLR Range (Open) 1,0 ......... RA Residential Area 3,5 ......... PA Public Area 5.0 ......... TOTALS 28,700'/5.~4 32,000'/6.0~ ~1,800'/6.0~ mi mt / mi *Not included in Total Length ALTERNATE A ALTERNATE B ALTERt.~ATE C SYHBOL TERRAIH/OTHER WEIGHT LEHGTH UC LENGTH UC LErIGTH UC }t S !4 A .B .I _T. A B.L E_.S]~. R. U p_T_ U..R.E_.S X 500 Feet 5 plus 14 plus 9 plus 200 Feet 1 subdivision 2 subdivisions 1 subdtvisien EI Electronic Inst. (10,000') X 1 1 1 A Airstrips (10,000') )~ I I 1 R Recreational Areas (2500') X ......... H Historical Sites (2500') X 1 i 1 ~ SC _S..T R_ _E .~ ..M__ _C.R...O_.~ .$_! ~ .G..S.. x Perennial 1 1 1 Intermittent 1 3 1 FP Flood Plain X 200' 200' 200' OW Open Water Crossin9 X ......... RC B .o. _A p_C...R_ ..O.S_.S_I...N.. _G_.S.. X Fed. Hwy. - ........ State Hwy. 1 1 1 Farm Harket 3 6 4 Lt. Duty 1 4 4 Preferred Route (1) Alternate I (2) Alternate II (3) 28'700'/5.44 mi 32'000'/6.06 mi 31'800'/6.02 mi UC = Unit Cost BRAZOS ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE, INC. ALTERNATE ROUTE COST EVALUATION ALTERNATE A ALTERNATE B ALTERNATE C UNIT TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL SYHBOL DESCRIPTION COST NO. COST NO. COST NO. COST WSP Wood Single Pole ......... ~ WitF Wood H-Frame ......... SSP Steel Single Pole 5.44 884,200 6.06 1,053,780 6.02 893,700 ALTERNATE A ALTERNATE B ALTERNATE C UNIT TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL SYMBOL DESCRIPTION COST NO. COST NO. COST NO. COST SLT Steel Lattice Tower ED Engr Design Cost 35% 323,125 380,366 324,319 ROW ROW Procurement 5,930,000 7,618,000 6,501,000 Cost C&GC Clearing & Gate 8,500/mi 4.59 39,015 3.88 32~980 3.84 32,640 Construction Cost CM&I Conductor Material & Installation Cost EF Existin9 Facilities Modifications Cost SA Speci al Area Cost Salvage Cost on (65,000/mi) .85 (55,250) 2.18 (141,700) 2.18 (141,700) Existing Line Preferred Route (1) 7,121,090 Alternate I (2) 7,609,959 Alternate II (3) 8,943,426 VI. ANALYSIS OF PROPOSED ROUTES In evaluating the three (3) alternate routes as provided on the attached maps and routing evaluation forms, consideration was given to environmental and economic concerns as well as ease of construction, with special emphasis being placed on the following items: a. Minimum impact on developments (planned & proposed) b. Parallel existing utility easements c. Minimize the number of road crossings d. Avoid housing and developed areas e. Avoid other structures and environmentally sensitive areas. f. Utilizing land with less potential for developments Following the aforementioned criteria as well as incorporating the Cooperative routing procedure, analysis of the proposed Wilkerson alternate routes is provided below: Alternate Route "A" - This proposed route has been environmentally accepted by Federal and State Agencies having jurisdiction over the project (see attached Borrower's Environmental Report). Alternate Route "B" - This proposed route has been rejected due to length, contact with multiple housing developments and relationship to the Flower Nound historical site. Alternate Route "C" - This proposed route has been rejected due to length, contact with existing and planned housing developments, and impact on water resources of the project area. VII. RECOMMENDATION As a result of the performance of the Routing Study, Route "A" was selected as the best possible route for the following reasons: 1. Acceptance of routing by Federal and State Agencies 2. Minimum adverse environmental impact 3. Minimum adverse impact on residences 4. Minimum adverse impact on existing roads 5. Minimum adverse impact on planned and proposed developments Accordingly, the routing study, as provided, herein determines that the proposed Route "A" is the best possible route for the proposed Wilkerson transmission line and substation project. Approved: ProjeCt ConstruCtion & Engineering EXHIBIT "C" PUC MAPS Attached LEG E N D F Q~__PU_C_._M__A_.P_~_.;.. Red - Corridor Boundaries Blue - Primary Route ..~i- Alternate Route A Yellow - Alternate Route B EXHIBIT "D" TYPICAL STRUCTURES ~HIBIT "D" LIST OF MATERIALS Ref.] Req.l Description !' ~ ISteel pole Section ~ssemblv 2. Arm Assemoiv, 3. 2 Arm Assemoiv 4. 24 !Bolt 5. ~8 iWasner 6. 24 Anco Lock 9ut 7. 3 Ball ~ Clevis, 3/4" 8. 27 linsulator, ~&S, 5-3/4"X 10", 15,000 lb. 9. ] Socket Eve iO. 3 Armor ROd Set forq~ ACSR Conductor, 11. 3 Su$oen$ion Clamn for 47~ ACSR Conouctor w~t~ )rmor rods 32. : SusPension Clamo for 3/8" Overhead Srouna Wire 13. 1 l AncOt Shackle __STEEL SINGLE POLE TANGENT STRUCTURE ~ APP'D~ Ik~t Ne. PAGE 40 EXHIBIT "DI" 8'-~' '~ -'""-'"'~'-' '~x" ® 7'-6' 7'-6' ¢"% INSULATOR STRING DETAIL k...,JNTS. ~ ! MATERIAL LZST I I f ~ S~AC[LE- ANCHOR- 5/8 ~,,~"~ 9RAZOS ELECTRIC DBL CKT T~NGENT qT:~i POL'-" JAN 89 DATE PHILIP'W. HOLT DRAWN TUSS-I DC ~ APP'O 41 Use additional pages when necessary. 1, State the distance (if within 1000 feet from the proposed substation to the nearest: a, Existing residence l....,.Q¢.O b, Residential lot ~50~±.......~.~ c. B.E~.p~.....~e~.].~pme.~......(.~.o.p.]..~.~.~.~..). Other (school, business, church) 2. If the proposed substation is within 1000 feet of an existing subdivision, briefly described the subdivision, Include the approximate size of the subdivision in acres, number of and average size of the lots, and type of development. If the proposed substation is in an urban area, describe the area immediately surrounding the substation site, .L~.Ee ........... E~£~ .......... s~.b~.i.~.i..~.iD~ .......... J.~ .......... ~ .......... P~.E~D.n ...... ¢~ .......... J.~ ........ a~.me ......... ~m~.]..~ .........~.J..~g ........... ~e~.~.¢~ ............. ~ ........... ~ ........ m~]..~.i...~.]..~ ........... ~e .......... ~J..!..J.~ .£.~8J..~.......~........~BmeE6J..~]..'.......~em......~me~.......~.....~a.~e.u~.) ................ ¢.E~e~._.....sub~J.en........~.i.~¢ .......... b~.ECe.c~........~D.~.8 .......... ~e~.!~p~e~.....~u ........ ~.be B~.E~~..'........~¢.E~h......~......~E~e~8~.......~.J..~......¢~.......&b......~.u.b.~.~a~.J.~u.......~1.&e ..... H~.E.; ........ ~h e.......~ e~ ~ ~ ......... ~ e~.J..~e.~........~.J...].. ] ........... be.......~pp.E~x ~. m~ ~.]...y ......... ~ ........... %.EDm......~be....su.b~a~.J.~m .......... ~h~.....~G.E~.g~.....B~.E~....~be... ~.u.bm~a~.j..~.~ .J..~......G~.E.E¢ D~ ] y.. u~P.l ~.....~B~......W.J.. ]. ]......P E~ b~ ~ ]. Y..... D~G¢~e..... ~e E.6.~.~ ]. ~.ED~.E~.J..~ S ................ I.he.~e ......~.~ .....c~ E E~ n~.]..y....J..2.9...._b~m~........~J..~e~ ..... p.]..~ ~ ....j...~ Gu~E~Ee~]~¥~G¢mp]~e~e~a~nd~E~J~D~ns¢~Eu~1~aBd~b~aVe~Age b~me......A.J..~e......be.J, ng.....J.J5...~ ....... ~........7.5.~ ................ L~nd .J.mmedi.a~eJy ..~djape~.....%~ ~]~]~s~es~~e~p~EDpQ~ed~su~s~j~R~.~¢~¢e~8~e~GuEE~%]~y u~¢~e]..~ped.....pA~uFe~.....aDd/o~ ........... EA~.g~ ....... ].a.~¢~...mo$~]y ...... j..n .... g.EA~......~.~.~....~W.....~E~., 3. Are area residents aware of the proposed construction? ~__ Yes, No. How were the residents notified? Zb~.~....p.E~p~.~¢~........~.M.b~.~.~.j.~Q........~.j..%e........b.~.~..~...~.~........E~.~.1~e~.......~.Q~.......~.~.E~e~ .~.........%.b~........Z¢~.B.......¢.~.......E.]..~eE...~.~.......B.]..~.~.~.j..~.g.........~.d.........z~.~.j.~.~........GDmm.j.%.%ee aQ~.......G.j.~.......Ga.US~.i.~ ..................... Zb~._.....~.uD.~a~.i.a~......~.il.~ .......... D~.......G~B~.E.MG~e~........~.J.%b a~aM~.j.~ ............. ~.~ .............. ae.s.%.be%.J.¢ ................ b.~.E.EJ.~ES .............. ~8 ................ E~.UJ..Eed .............. ~.BQ ............. ~.Q ~.E~.B~ .......... ~.J.~b .......... ~.b~ ........... E~Q~.J..E~.Q~.8 .......... ¢~ ......... ~.b~ .......... ZD~Q ......... Q~ ............ E.]..~e.E ~.~.Q.¢ ..... 4, Have any area residents or property owners objected to the proposed substation? Yes, __X__ No, If yes, please provide details. 5, Is the substation site located within the incorporated limits of a city? __~ Yes. No, If yes, identify city ....... E..}..o~r.....H~.u.~..d 6. Describe the terrain in the vicinity of the proposed substation site. B~.]..]..~-.Bg.......=.........~b.e........8..~.b.8~.~..~.~.......s..~..~.......1.s...~..m.~......~.Eedu~.~.~..ye........~.~.~......~.a.~.~.~ ~.1~.b........~.~......~.~p..~.~..~.~....~.~-~m.e.....m~Q.~.1.~.e.....~.~es.....a~.......B~.~.j.y.e.....g.E~.~.~.s .~.~......~.~ .... 7. How many transformers are to be installed initially? 8. How many additional transformers are planned? Two 9. Describe what s~eps are being taken to alleviate the acoustical and visual impact of the substation. _~_b~......A.U.~.A.~.~.~.~..¢B......~..i...]]......b~ ]Q~..p.E~.~.~.]..e.....~.~.%.b......a....br..~...¢.k......~.ence......~.B.¢ _]...~.O.~.8.GAP.~...B9.., 10. Will the construction of the substation be low profile? _~ Yes, No. 11. What is the anticipated decibel level at the transformers and at the nearest adjacent property line initially and ultimately after all transformers have been installed? jni ti al 1 y 38 db U 1 t i ml:.~.e_l.y...__4.~..._.d.b 12. What environmental standards have been used to determine whether the noise level of the substation is acceptable? If distance is a relevant factor in the standard used, at what distance from the substation does the standard indicate that the noise level will be acceptable? Sections 11-96 thru 11-99 Standard H~ndbook for Electr~9_~} ~ngineers 13. In the event certification cannot be granted for the facilities as proposed, indicate two (2) acceptable alternatives, in order of preference, on a general highway map, showing other feasible locations for the substation and the attendant costs of each. None - This site has been ap~.Q%~d._Dy the TQ.WJ~__O~__E.I~_Q.~ Mound. :! BRAZOS -7!" E£ cr IC ................... AITVE ~R.~zos ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE, INC. 2404 LaSalle Avenue · P.O. Box 2585 Waco, Texas 1817) 750-65~ March 28, 1990 City Manager of Grapevine P.O. Box 729 Grapevine, Texas 76051 Re: Wilkerson Transmission Line and Substation Project Dear Sir: Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, Inc., Waco, Texas, is notifying you of its plans to construct a 138 KV transmission line and substation. A copy of the legal notice and a location map are enclosed for your use. Sincerely, · Dyess / r- Pi~o~ect Construction & Engineering vm Encl. CV, RTIFIF. D MAIl,. RETURN RECRIPT REQUESTW, D gLECTRIC _ I~['II3I)rl).~TIL, L' BRAZOS ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE. I~C. ' 2404 LaSalle Avenue · P.O. Box 2585 Waco. Texas 76702-2585 (817) 750-65~ March 28, 1990 City Manager of Flower Mound 2121 Cross Timbers Drive Flower Mound, Texas 75028 Re: Wilkerson Transmission Line and Substation Project Dear Sir: Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, Inc., Waco, Texas, is notifying you of its plans to construct a 138 KV transmission line and substation. A copy of the legal notice and a location map are enclosed for your use. Sincerely, ',~ . Billy Id. Dyess/.fl . Manager- Project Construction '& Engineering vm Encl. CERTIFIED MAIl,, RETURN RECF, IPT RF, OUESTED ".! ---BRAZOS E££cr IC Coo e .................... ATIVE m{,xzos I':LECTRIC POXk'ER COOPERATIVE, INC. 2404 LaSalle Avenue * P.O. Box 2585 Waco, Texas 76702-2585 1817) 750-65~ March 28, 1990 City Manager of Dallas City Hall - 1500 Morilla Dallas, Texas 75201 Re: Wilkerson Transmission Line and Substation Project Dear Sir: Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, Inc., l~aco, Texas, is notifying you of its plans to construct a 138 KV transmission line and subs~tion. A copy of the legal notice and a location map are enclosed for your use. Sincerely, Construction & Engineering vm Encl. CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN R~CEIPT REQUESTED 4q ~I~"BRAZOS_ _ Er cr c ...................... /E BRAZOS ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE, INC. 2404 LaSalle Avenue ', P.O. Box 2585 Waco, Texas '76702-2585 (817} 750-6500 March 28, 1990 City Manager of Coppell P.O. Box 478 Coppell, Texas 75019 Re: Wilkerson Transmission Line and Substation Project Dear Sir: Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, Inc., Waco, Texas, is notifying you of its plans to construct a 138 KV transmission line and substation. A copy of the legal notice and a location map are enclosed for your use. Sincerely, Billy ~/{ Dye~ t Manag.~r- P~ject Construction & Engineering vm Encl. C~,RTIFI~,D MAIL, R~TURN R~C~IPT R~OU~STKD . I LECTRIC .. ........... I'~npr~rn'r' .R.~zos E~.r-cTmc ~OWER COOPER:~TIVE. ~xc. 2404 LaSalle Avenue · P.O. Box 2585 Waco, Texas 76702-2585 ~817) 750-6500 March 28~ 1990 City Manager of Double Oak 1100 Cross Timbers Drive Lewisville, Texas 75067 Re: Wilkerson Transmission Line and Substation Project Dear Sir: Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, Inc., Waco, Texas, is notifying you of its plans to construct a 138 KV transmission line and substation. A copy of the legal notice and a location map are enclosed for your use. Sincerely, Manager- Project Construction & Engineering vm Encl. C~RTIFI~D ~AII,~ RRTU~ R~C~IPT REOUESTE~ (e-BRAZOS ELECTRIC Cooe ....................... ATIVE BRAZOS ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE. INC. 24(14 LaSalle Axenue ,, P.O. Box 2585 Waco, Texas 76702-2585 1817) 750-65~ March 28, 1990 City Manager of Lewisville 151 W. Church Lewisville, Texas 75067 Re: Wilkerson Transmission Line and Substation Project Dear Sir: Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, Inc., Waco, Texas, is notifying you of its plans to construct a 138 KV transmission line and substation. A copy of the legal notice and a location map are enclosed for your use. Sincerely, I '"' ..i~U' , Billy ~l Dyese' .~- Manager- Project Construction & Engineering Encl, CERTIFIED MAIl,. RETURN RECEIPT RE(~UESTED ·,.,. ~RAZOS "~tx ELECTRIC ~ Cooe~.~ ............................................................... AI'IVE BRAZOS ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE. INC. 2404 LaSalle Avenue ,, P.O. Box 2585 Waco, Texas 76702-2585 (817) 750-6500 March 28, 1990 City Manager of Copper Canyon 400 Woodland Dr. Route 2 Lewisville, Texas 75067 Re: Wilkerson Transmission Line and Substation Project Dear Sir: Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, Inc., Waco, Texas, is notifying you of its plans to construct a 138 KV transmission line and substation. A copy of the legal notice and a location map are enclosed for your use. Sincerely, A,',,:.,_ ., _Billy ~4. Dyess~//. Manager- Project Construction & Engineering vm Encl. CERTIFIED MAIl,. RETURN RECEIPT REOUESTED Z'"-BRAZOS Er crI C [.'DDPFI~ITIVF BR,XZOS ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE, INC. 24~ LaSalle Avenue · P.O. Box 2585 Waco, Texas 76702-2585 ~817) 750-65~ March 28, 1990 City Manager of Bartonville Rt. I - Box 134B Argyle, Texas 76226 Re: Wilkerson Transmission Line and Substation Project Dear Sir: Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, Inc., Waco, Texas, is notifying you of its plans to construct a 138 KV transmission line and substation. A copy of the legal notice and a location map are enclosed for your use. Sincerely, Construction & Engineering vm Encl. CERTIFIED MAI1,, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED. ELECTRIC CooeaAh,.-' ............................................................................. pow[ COOPERAIIVE, INC. 2404 LaSalle Avenue · P.O. Box 2585 Waco, lexas 76702-2585 (817) 750-65~ March 28, 1990 City Manager of Highland Village 948 Highland Village Rd. Lewisville, Texas 75067 Re: Wflkerson Transmission Line and Substation Project Dear Sir: Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, Inc., Waco, Texas, is notifying you of its plans to construct a 138 KV transmission line and substation. A copy of the legal notice and a location map are enclosed for your use. Sincerely, ri : . ? ' ./,~ / -' l~lana~ler- Project Construction & Engineering vm Encl. CERTIFIED MAIl,, RETURN RECEIPT REOUESTF~I~ . BRAZOS El, Cte c .............................................. "E POXVER COOPERATIVE. INC. 2404 LaSalle Avenue · P.O. Box 2585 ~k aco, Texas ,6 ~0.-~_8. (817) 750-65(~ March 28, 1990 Denton County Electric Cooperative, Inc. P.O. Box 2147 Denton, Texas 76202 Attn: Mr. McGinnis Re: Wilkerson Transmission Line and Substation Project Dear Mr. McGinnis: Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, Inc., Waco, Texas, is notifying you of its plans ~o construct a 138 KV transmission line and substation. A copy of the legal notice and a location map are enclosed for your use. Sincerely, ~i[ly ~/Dyess; Mana~r- Proj~{ Construction & Engineering V~ Encl. C~RTIFIED ~AIL, RETURN RECEIPT R~UEST~D .. BRAZOS E££cr c . ............................................................. .4TIVE BRAZOS ELECTRIC POWFR COOPERATIVE, INC. 2404 LaSalle Avenue · P.O. Box 2585 ,6~0.--58. Waco, Texas'' '~ '~ q ~817} 750-6500 March 28, 1990 Texas Utilities Company P.O. Box 660268 Dallas, Texas 75266-0268 Attn: Mr. Pittman Re: Wilkerson Transmission Line and Substation Project Dear Mr. Pittman: Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, Inc., Waco, Texas, is notifying you of its plans to construct a 138 KV transmission line and substation. A copy of the legal notice and a location map are enclosed for your use. Sincerely, Manag/er- Pro.ct Construction & Engineering vm EncL CERTIFIED MAIl,, RETURN RECEIPT RE©UESTED BRAZoS E ct ic ....,.----..--I.'I)t~Pl:IL-tTn-'I: ~RAZOS ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE, INC. 2404 LaSalle A~enue · P.O. Box Waco, Texas ?6?02-2585 {fliT) 750-6500 March 28~ 1990 Texas-New Mexico Power Company P.O. Box 2943 Fort Worth, Texas 76113 Attn: Mr. Ringness Re: Wilkerson Transmission Line and Substation Project Dear Mr. Ringness: Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, Inc., Waco, Texas, is notifying you of its plans to construct a 138 KV transmission line and substation. A copy of the legal notice and a location map are enclosed for your use. Sincerely, / Billy f../Dyess .,' / Manag~r - Project' Constr'uction & Engineering vm Encl. CF. RTIFIRD MAIl,. RF. TURN RECEIPT REQUESTED LEGAL NOTICE Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, Inc., P.O. Box 2585, Waco, Texas 76702- 2585, announces that it is making application to amend its Certificate of Convenience and Necessity within Dallas and Denton Counties. The proposed project consists of constructing approximately 5.44 miles (8.75 kin) of steel single-pole 138 KV [single-circuit for 4.59 miles (7.39 km}; double-circuit for 0.85 miles (1.37 km)] transmission line on a 70-foot (21.4 m) right-of-way and constructing the 138/25 KV, 12/16/20 MVA Wilkerson substation to serve the Flower Mound area. The proposed route originates at the existing Brazos Electric Coppell substation located within the city limits of Coppell, Texas, in the northwestern corner of the city boundaries (in Dallas County). From the Coppell substation the route heads north paralleling Coppell Road (on existing easements) for approximately 4,500 feet (1.37 kin) and will be steel single-pole 138 KV double circuit construction. The proposed route (steel single-pole 138 KV single circuit construction on new 70-foot (21.4 m) easements from this point to the Wilkerson substation) then turns in a northwesterly direction and follows Denton Creek for approximately 6,600 feet (2.01 km), turns in a northwesterly direction again and parallels an existing gas pipeline for approximately 17,500 feet (5.33 kin) terminating in the new Wilkerson substation to be located on approximately 3.5 acres (1.42 ha) of land at the intersection of Farm-to-Market Roads 2499 and 3040 within the town of Flower Mound, Texas (in Denton County). The estimated cost of the project is $10,340,000.00. Persons who wish to intervene in the proceeding or comment upon action sought, should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, 7800 Shoal Creek Boulevard, Suite 400N, Austin, Texas 78757, or call the Public Utility Commission Consumer Affairs Division at (512)458-0223 or (512)458-0227, or (512)458-0221 for teletypewriter for the deaf, within 15 days of this notice. OATH STATE OF TFXAS COUNTY OF NclFNNAN I, Billy W. Dyess, being duly sworn, file this application as Manager - Pro.iect Construction & Fngineering (indicate relationship to Applicant; that is, owner, member of partnership, title as officer of corporation, or other authorized representative) of Applicant; that, in such capacity, I am qualified and authorized to file and verify such application, am personally familiar with the maps and exhibits filed with this application, and have complied with all the requirements contained in the application; and, that all statements made and matters set forth therein and all exhibits attached thereto are true and correct. I further state that the application is made in good faith, that notice of its filing was given to all neighboring utilities, and that this application does not duplicate any filing presently before the Commission. AFFIANT' ppl orized Representative) SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO BEFORE ME, a Notary Public.in and for the State of Texas this ~~ day of ~c~ , 19 90 .-~ ~ - .'.'.' ' '~-.T-..' ~ ~ My Commission Expires: ~-~-9~ ~. ~. ~2. 1~ .BQREO~.EE..~..~.......E~¥.[.EOHH.EHI~.L._.E.E~O.RI WILKERSON TRANSNISSION LINE & SUBSTATION PROJECT PROPOSED BY f. TEXAS 121 BRAZOS BRAZOS ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE, INC. PREPARED BY BRAZOS ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE, INC. OECEMBER 1989 TABLE OF CONTENTS I · 0 ~ 1.1 SCOPE OF THE PROJECT I .2 PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT I .3 DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT · I. 3.1 .L..i...13..e_...l~.~...$_..i..g.13 I. 3.2 .S.u.bs.~.~...~....o.!3__..D..e..s.._i._g ri 1.3.3 M..i.'....c...r....o...wa.v..e__._De.~s..i_gn · I. 3.4 &..o.ce.s~...._.E.Q.a.d.~_...a..n....~......~._t...o~ge_....A.~e.a.~ I. 3.5 g_]wm~ma...r...i...r~ g._.. a.~m~ .__.C.~.~,Sm~m~mUmGm~m.~ .~ .n.........~.C.he.d.u..! me I .4 DESCRIPTION OF AREA SURROUNDING THE PROJECT ~ I. 4. I C.o..u.n.~_i...es_.._In....~b..i..ch..._~Ehe.......P. roject..wi..1.] Be .................. .L.o.~.a~e.d I. 4.2 L.Q..c..a.~.j...~n..._..o_l~........P.....r..opc~sed.._.P. ro_i e.¢.1; ~ I. 4.3 C..]..i.mate I. 4.4 S.o..~.....1..s I. 4.5 _W..a.~c.e.E._._.E.e.so.u roes , I. 4.6 E..]..o.l~.a 1.4.7 .E.au.o.a 1.4.8 H.J .s.!;.o.~.y.....arid.....AEcheo] ogy ~ I. 4.9 L.a.D.d.......U.se I .4.9. I Agriculture 1.4.9.2 Nineral Deposits , 1.4.9.3 Industrial 1 .4.9.4 Residential 1 .4.9.5 Woodlands 1.4.1 0 ~.umma~.~l...~ mm.La~m..m..~.~.~.~ 2.0 .EN¥.[R.~.NHE~IA.L......IH~C~......~E.....~Q~E~.......~.J 2.1 COMMITMENTS 2.2 IMPACT ON SOILS 2.3 IMPACT ON VEGETATION 2.4 IMPACT ON FAUNA 2.5 IMPACT ON AESTHETICS 2.6 IMPACT ON WATER RESOURCES 2.6.1 .E].~.dp.].~.J..~.......~d.....~.e~]..~.~ 2.7 IMPACT ON HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES 2.8 IMPACT ON HUMAN ACTIVITY 2.9 IMPACT ON AVIATION 3.1 NO ACTION 3.2 SERVING FLOWER MOUND FROM LE~ISVILLE & MOUND 3.3 CONSTRUCTION OF THE ~ILKERSON PROJECT F gure 1-1 Service Area F gure 1-2 & 1-2A Existing System Maps Figure 1-3 Structure Drawing F gure 1-4 Highway Maps of Proposed Pro~ect · Figure 1-5 Quads for Project Figure 1-6 thru 1-7 Soil Maps Figure 1-8 Denton County Agriculture Statistics Figure 1-9 Dallas County Agriculture Statistics Figure 2-1 Ocelot ~ Figure 2-2 Arctic Peregrine Falcon Figure 2-3 Bald Eagle Figure 2-4 Whooping Crane ~ Figure 2-5 Interior Least Tern Figure 2-6 Piping Plover Figure 2-7 American Peregrine Falcon r Table 1-1 Mammals of Dallas & Denton County 1.0 ~.E~G~.%..~.!.ON.....~.E......~Q~Q~E~.....~OJ.E~ A map of Texas with the service area defined (Figure 1-1) and enlarged maps of the existing system (Figure 1-2 & 1-2a) with the counties involved and the location of the project marked are included as a part of this report. 1.1 SCOPE OF THE PROJECT The proposed project consists of the construction of 5.44 miles (8,75 km) of 138 KV transmission line and a 138/25 KV 12/16/20 NVA substation, The facilities for the 138 KV transmission line will be steel single pole on a 70 foot (21.4 m) right-of- way, The new transmission line will originate at the Brazos . Electric Cooperative, Inc. 's (the Cooperative) existing Coppe 11 substation. From the Coppe 11 substation the proposed transmission line will proceed north paralleling · Coppell Road for approximately 4500 feet (1.37 km), turn a northwester1 y di rection and fo1 low the Denton Creek floodplain for approximately 6,600 feet (2.01 km), turn in a northwesterly direction again and parallel an existing gas pipeline for approximately 17,500 feet (5.33 km) terminating at the proposed new Wilkerson substation site. The proposed new substation will be located on approximately 3.5 acres ( 1 .42 ha) of land at the intersection of Farm to Market Roads 2499 and 3040, and will . i,~F. C4f' SMiT.~i RA;VDALL A,~.~IST~'OA'G DO,~ZEY COLLINGSWORT~ ' ~1' ~LE~RIC : ' BRAZOS ELE~RIC POWER C~PE~TIVE, I~C. , ~ ~o ~ -' ~o~o .... ~'~ .~ . .~..,~ . -~ ~'~ ..... , ~ D, ~, . , ~ . . ' ,,% J , - ~ III '~ , · $. . ~ . ~n ..... ~- . , i -~1 '. x / ~ / · j ; ~- :' .., /~ ~ : . f ~O.~s ,~O~RO ~/ j : MITCHELL HOLAN ~'nH= '%~ '- .................. '~:j ~s '- i TOM G,qEE,'I C~IIE ~uPTO,V RE~GAN i ~ CO~iCHO ~ ' .: ;CNL EICNE~ - I UT:~ITmE~ ............. o. o : FIG~E 1-2A ........ ~..,...¢ ......... . .............. ' ....... WESY TEXAS - contain a full-tension steel tower, associated surge arrestors and disconnect switches, one 138/25 KY 12/16/20 KVA transformer, with four-3 phase 25 KV bays and one snare bay. 1.2 PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT The growth of the Flower Mound area, located north of Grapevine Lake and west of the City of Lewisville, has experienced a resurgence in recent years. This, combined with plans for massive development of the area within the next 10 to 15 years, indicates rapidly increasing loads in the area. Although the Cooperative has met the challenge of serving these loads with various line improvements, the single 12/16/20 HVA transformer at Mou~d substation, which serves the majority of the Flower Hound area, will be ]oa~ed to capacity by 1989. For the Cooperative to adequately serve this area, some form of relief must therefore be prov i ded. Historically, the existing load has exhibited a 8.17% annual growth rate over the period from 1978 to 1984. This growth rate is expected to remain fairly constant over the 10 year period from 1986 to 1996 for that load. However, the anticipated development of the Flower Mound area will increase the growth rate during the same 10 year period from 8.84% annually to 11.15% annually. During the succeeding 10 year period from 1996 to 2000, the growth rate of the same area is anticipated to decline to 8,27% annually due, primarily, to saturation of the area, This yields a composite growth rate of 9,7% annually for the period from 1986 to 2006, 1,3 DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION 1,3,1 L.~.Q~._...B~.J..gQ The proposed construction is steel single pole structures with three steel arms (Figure 1-3), The poles will vary in height from 65 to 85 feet (19.8 to 25,9 m). The structure will be 18 feet (5,49 m) wide at the davit arms, There will be three 795 MCM aluminum clad-steel reinforced (. (ACSR) conductors, Each conductor will be supported by nine gray colored insulators nine inches (22.9 cm) in diameter and 5.75 inches (14,6 cm) long, There will be one static ¢ . wire which will be 3/8 inch (0,95 cm) high strength steel. The base pole in the proposed line section will be 75 feet (22.86 m) tall. Tension stringing will be utilized to install the conductors. The minimum heights of the conductors above ground level will vary according to the land use of the facilities present beneath the line. Above areas accessible to pedestrians only, the line will sag to a minimum of 19.5 (5.94 m) above grade. Over roads, streets, alleys, driveways, pastureland, cultivated land or any land likely LIST OF MATERIALS Ref.(Req. I Description ~( 1. 2 Steel Pole Section Assemoly 2. 1 Arm Assemoiv, 7'-6" 3. 2 Arm Assenolv, 3'-6" ~ 4. 24 Bolt 5. 4~ i~asner 6. 2 IAnco Lock ~lut 7. 3 )Sail Y Clevis, 9. 3 Socket Eve 10. 3 Armor Roa Set for4~T ACS~ Conductor, 11. 3 Susoension Clamn for 4T~ ~CSR Conauctor Wl~ ar~or reds 12. 3 SusPension Clamp for 3/8" Overhead Sround ~ire ~[ 13. ! ~ z~c~, 8'-¢' : STEEL SINGLE POLE TANGENT STRUCTURE li''' ~ 10-26-84 O&TKI ...... ~.. ~.~_ ~. o~,~.I mu~5- ~ ~ o APP'D{ 8~HI N~. ,. ~IG~g 1-3 P~GE q O to be traversed by vehicles, the minimum height will be 24.5 ft. (7.47 m) above grade. The proposed new Wilkerson substation will be a 138/25 KV, 12/16/20 MVA substation with four-3 phase 25 KV bays and one spare bay. There will be a full-tensioned steel tower, associated surge arrestors and disconnect switches. This type of substation normally requires a two acre (0.8 ha) site. However, enough additional area is being acquired (total site acreage 3.5 acres [1.42 ha]) to expand the station to ultimately include four-12/16/20 MVA transformers and twelve-3 phase bays. 1,3,3 ~.J_Q.[Qwa~......De~.J. gn The proposed oroject does not include any microwave facilities, 1.3,4 ADQ~.s~......~Qa~a......A.D~......~O.[age.....A[9a~ No access roads will be constructed, Storage areas that are used will be arranged by the construction contractor. The storage areas will be on private property, and the arrangements for restoration and revegetation of these storage areas will be made with private landowners. '71 1.3.5 C.J.~.E.J.Qg.....ABd......CQ.~.S~.E~c.~.j.~O_._.SG.be.du).e B_e. gJ..Q E~.~ R.O.W. Clearing 12/1/90 1/15/91 Substation Construction 12/1/90 3/30/91 Line Construction 1/2/91 3/30/91 Energization 3/31/91 Separate contracts will be let for the Right-of-Way Clearing and Gate Construction, the Substation and the Line Construction. Supervisory responsibility will be retained by the Cooperative. 1.4 DESCRIPTION OF AREA SURROUNDING THE PROJECT The proposed project lies on the Blackland Prairie physiographic province of Texas. This province consists o¢ about 11 million acres, while cal~ed '"prairie" it has much timber along the streams, including a variety o¢ oaks, pecan, elm, bols d'arc and mesquite. In its native state it was largely a grassy plain - the first native grassland in the westward extension o¢ the Southern Forest Region. Most of this fertile area has been cultivated and only small acreages of meadowland remain in original vegetation. It is easily turned by plow and because of this it developed rapidly as a farming area unti] the 1930's and was the principal cotton producing area o¢ Texas. Now, however, other Texas irrigated and mechanized areas 3ead in farming. Because of this early growth, this area is still the most dense]y populated area of the state and contains within it and along its borders more of the state's large and middle- sized cities than any other area. Primarily because of this concentration of population, this area has the most diversified manufacturing industry of the state. The surrounding area is one of the nation's most vibrant population centers. The main cultural activities revolve around the hub cities of Dallas and Fort Worth. The economy and interests are diversified to such an extent that many suburban cities have become ma3or activity centers of the area. Agriculture and ranching have become minor parts of the areas income producing activities. /he mineral income of the entire area is approximately $18 million from sand, grave], cement, stone and clays. /he altitude ranges between 450-750 feet (137-229 m) above mean sea level, and the annual rainfall is about 36.95 inches (0.91 m). /he growing season is aDProximate]y 235 days. 1.~.1 CQun~y......!n......Wbj..Gh.....~be......~.coj~ct...W.i]l..B~...Loca~ed The proposed project will be located in the North Central portion of Dallas County and the Sou%h Central portion of Denton County, Texas (Figure 1-4). The proposed new transmission line will originate at the Cooperative's existing Coppell substation in Dallas . County, Texas. From the substation, the transmission line will parallel Coppell road heading north for approximately 4500 feet (1.37 km), turn in a northwesterly direction and follow the Denton Creek Floodplain for approximately 6,600 feet (2.01 km), turn in a northwesterly direction again and parallel an existing natural gas pipeline for approximately _ 17,500 feet (5.33 km) terminating at the proposed new Wilkerson substation site located at the intersection of Farm to Market Roads 2499 and 3040 in Denton County, Texas. ¢ The right-of-way required for the proposed new transmission line will be 70 feet (21.4 m) in width. However, a one mile (1.61 km) wide corridor has been ~ described environmentally in this report. This corridor is shown on the attached U.S.G.S. 7.5 Minute Quadrangles (Figure 1-5), which also show the location of the proposed · project with respect to nearby towns, roadways, waterways and other environmental and cultural features of interest. 1.4.3 C.]...J...m.a~.~ The climate of the area is characterized by dry winters and hot, humid summers. The maximum temperature in July is 95° F (35.0° C) and the minimum January temperature is 36° F (2.22° C). The average annual rainfall is about 35.9 inches (0.63 m). /he growing season is approximately 235 days. 1,4,4 .~9.i~ The prolect traverses four malor soil associations as delineated by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service. These soil associations are shown on Figures 1-6 thru 1-7 and are described as follows: B J. E.Q_m~ =.G.a~.J....]_m~.a.]...]...J...~ bM.E g Well drained, gently sloping to moderately steep, loamy soils that have moderate to slow permeability. The soils in this unit are used mainly for pasture and , urban development. Peanuts are grown in some areas. Areas near cities are being covered by urban structures, and urban fringe areas were used for small ranches. Most of the farm areas and ranches are now being rezoned to residential areas. The soils in this unit have medium potential for range and pasture because fertility is low. Because there is a hazard for erosion and tooography is sloping, recreational development is high. The native oak trees and scenic topography attract developers. B~.~.~,~.~mm6m~m~..]..~m~-H.~-~,.~ · Well drained and moderately well drained, nearly level to moderately steep, clayey soils that have very slow permeability. This unit was used for cropland and pasture. The area in the southern part of the county has been urbanized. Well drained and moderately we]] drained, nearly level clayey soils that have moderately slow and very slow permeability. This unit is made up of soils on floodplains of streams. This unit is used for crops, pasture and range. · Moderately alkaline, somewhat poorly drained and well drained soils that have slopes of 0 to 1 percent. Trinity soils are somewhat poorly drained and are located on broad bottom lands along the Trinity River and its laFger tributaries. Frio soils are we]] drained and are located on broad bottom]ands along the larger streams. These soils are used mainly as crop]and and pasture. Many sma]] areas are strip mined for sand and LEGEND* MODERATELY DEEP AND DEEP SOILS ON UPLAND SAVANNAHS Birome-Oasd-Callisburg: Well drained, gently sloping to moderately steep. loamy soils that have moderate to slow permeability MODERATELY DEEP AND DEEP SOILS ON UPLAND PRAIRIES · Sanger-Somervell: Well drained, gently sloping to moderately steep, clayey and loamy soils that have moderate and very slow permeability Navo-Wilson: Well drained and somewhat poorly drained, nearly level to gently sloping, loamy soils that have very slow permeability Branyon-Burleson-Heiden: Well drained and moderately well drained. · nearly level to moderately steep, clayey soils that have very slow permeability Altoga-Ver~eloFerris: Well drained, gently sloping to moderately steep, clayey soils that have moderate and very slow permeability '~ SlidelI-Sanger: Well drained, gently sloping to moderately steep, clayey soils that have very slow permeaPility rPonder-Lindale: Well drained, nearly level to gently sloping, loamy soils that have slow to very slow permeability DEEP SOILS ON BOTTOM LANDS Frio-Ovan: Well drained and moderately well drained, nearly level, clayey soils that have moderately slow and very slow permeability VERY SHALLOW TO DEEP SOILS ON UPLAND PRAIRIES [ A ledo-Somervell: Well drained, gently sloping to sloping, loamy soils that have moderate permeability [Houston Black-Stephen: Moderately w~ll drained and well drained, nearly level to gently sloping, clayey soils that have very slow and moderately slow permeability · The texture noted Jn the descriptive headings applies to the surface layer of the major soils. ComplleO 1979 IL u. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE TEXAS AGRICULTURAL £XPERIMENT STATION GENERAL SOIL MAP DENTON COUNT5 . TEXAS Flglllllg 1- 6 £c~1c i - 2 b 3,.1,40 9?°2o· COOKE [ 97 o IOo COUNTY [ ~'. 97°0C' [ GRAYSON COUNTY ' '": 2 ~ . _ .~.~,;. .- ~ . . ~ :.: . % 2 3 : ,/ ~ , L~ P~k 0 LAK~ · ..... ~.:'~ ..'. ~,'"~ . ;~":~' '. ~WISVILLE .- ~.. ...... Z . 5 2 4 e."'::. ] -F": --33oc I ' I TARRANT I COUNTY I DALLAS COUNTY N / FIGURE 1- 6A LEGEND HOUSTON BLACK-HEIDEN: Deep, nearly level tost,ronglyslopmg, clayey sods; on uplands EDDY-STEPHEN-AUSTIN: Very shallow, shallow, and moderately deep, gentw sloping to moderately steep, loamy and clayey sods; on uplands TRINITY-FRIO: Deep, nearly level, clayey soils; on flood plains AUSTIN-HOUSTON BLACK: Moderately deep and deeD, nearly level to sloping, clayey sods; on uplands WILSON-RADER-AXTELL: Deep, nearly level to gently sloping,loamy soils; on uplands FERRIS-HEIDEN: Deep, gently sloping to sl:rongiy sloping, clayey sods; on uplands SILAWA-SILSTID-BASTSIL: Deep, nearly level to slopmg, loamy and sandy SODS; on stream terraces * In the headings, texture refers to the surface layer of the major sods. ~o .~:e~ i979 N U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION GENERAL SOIL MAP DALLAS COL:NTY .TEXAS I DENTON COUNTY ' COLLIN ! ~ ~- -~r .... COUNTY 2 1 >'' .~. ....... 2 - . D~S .; ':.. ~ ~ckre[I Hgl 2 ~ ~ 1' ?x :': Dun~n~dl~ ~ · ':~ ~' 3 C~ar Hdl ~, ~: Wdmer [ ./. 2 91'CT ELLIS :c ~. COUNTY FIGURE I-7A gravel. The flood hazard, clayey texture and very slow and moderately slow permeability of the soils and the very high shrink-swell potential of the Trinity soils are the main limitations to urban and recreational uses. 1.4.5 ~.~%_~.[...._.B.~.~.Q~Ge.~ The proposed project crosses Denton Creek, Baker's Branch and several unnamed intermittent secondary streams, The streams crossed will be spanned. Any structures placed in the floodplain of a stream will be constructed in such a manner as to minimize the potential impact on the environment and in accordance with guidelines as provided by the Corp of Engineers and Rural Electrification Administration. The area of the proposed substation site (junction of FM roads 3040 & 2499) is at elevation 640 ft. (195.07 m) while the nearest stream, which is intermittent is at elevation 630 ft. (192.02 m) and approximately 700 ft. (21.36 m) southeast of the proposed site. Accordingly, the potential for flooding of the proposed substation site is minimal. I. 4.6 E..l..Q..r_.a The proposed project lies on the Blackland Prairie physiographic province. This is a region covering approximately 11 million acres. In its native state it was largely a grassy plain. However, extensive cultivation has changed the area and now only small areas remain in original vegetation. In heavily grazed pasture, the tall bunch grasses have been replaced wlth buffalograss, Texas Grama and other less productive grasses. Mesquite, lotebush and other woody plants have invaded the grasslands. Non-grass vegetation is largely legumes. Continued rapid urbanization of the area is causing increases in woody plants and low order grasses and weeds. There are no endangered or rare plants in Denton and Dallas Counties (Endangered and Threatened Species of Texas and Oklahoma 1987 with 1988 Addendum), 1.4.7 E_a...u.o.a A listing of the mammals which have the possibility of occurring in the Dallas and Denton county areas appear in Table 1-1, This does not mean that they will necessarily occur in the project area, but given the proper environment they may occur. This list was compiled from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Bulletin 41. This is not a complete listing since it does not list any of the native oirds which may occur in the project area. None of these listed mammals are considered to be rare or endangered. In reference to correspondence with the U·S. Fish and Wildlife Service and their publication Ep..da.0.ge..E.ec! S.p. ec.i...e.s........o~_._.T, ex..as.....aD..d OB.!aboma 198Z_ _~i ~bL_ I 988_.A~d. end.um, there $2 Least Shrew (Cryptotis parva) Cave Bat (Myotis velifer) Georgia Bat (Pipistrellus subflavus) Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus) Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus) Red Bat (Lasiurus borealis) Guano Bat (Tadarida mexicana) Free Tailed Bat (Tadarida femorosacca) Raccoon (Procyon ~otor) Ringtai~ (Bassariscus astutus) Mink (Mustela vision) Spotted Skunk (Spilogale putorius) Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis) Badger (Taxidea Taxus) Red Fox ((Vulpes Fulva) Desert Fox (Vulpes Macrotis) Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) Coyote (Canis latrans) Bobcat (Lynx rufus) Prairie Dog (Cynomys ludovicianos) Fox Squirrel (Sciurus Niger) Pocket Gopher (Geomys bursarius) Plains Pocket Mouse (Perognathus merriami) Hispid Pocket Mouse (Perognathus hispidus) Texas Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys elator merriman) Beaver (Castor canadensis) Fulvous Harvest Mouse (Reithrodontomys fulvescens) Plains Harvest Mouse (Reithrodontomys Montanus) Pygmy Mouse (Biomys taylori) Deer Mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) White Footed Mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) Texas Mouse (Peromyscus attwateri) Encinal Mouse (Peromyscus pectoralis) Hispid Cotton Rat (Sigmodon hispidus) Gray Wood Rat (Neotoma micropus) Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) Nutria (Myocastor coypus) Jack rabbit (Lepus californicus) Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) Nine Banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) are several endangered or threatened species which may have the possibility of occurring in the project area. These are the Ocelot (Felis paradalis), the Arctic Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus tundrius), the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), the Whooping Crane (Grus americana), the Interior Least Tern (Sterna Antillerum), the Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus), and the American Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus). The possible impact on these species, due to the high degree of urbanization in the proposed project area, is considered to be minimal. Records of the Texas Archeological Research Laboratory (see letter attached) indicate that three archeological sites are located within the proposed corridor. There are no sites currently on the National Register of Historic Places located in the proposed corridor. The State Historic Preservation Officer may request an archeological survey of the proposed project area. If this request is made, the Cooperative will have the survey completed, the results of which will be forwarded to the State Historic Preservation Officer and the Rural Electrification Administration. 1.4.9 L&~.d......U.s~ 1.4.9.1 Agriculture The principle land use in the past has been pasture. However, some land was cultivated. Livestock in the area consists primarily of horses, cattle and hogs. There are no irrigated farmlands in the proposed project corridor. The principle land use currently and in the future will be for the development of subdivisions and apartment complexes. The average annual income from agriculture in Denton County is approximately $54 million and in Dallas County is approximately $35 million (Figures 1-8 & 1-9). 1.4.9.2 Mineral Deposits The mineral income of Dallas and Denton counties · is produced from the production of sand, gravel, stone, clay and cement. There are no active oil or gas fields in the proposed project corridor. · 1.4.9,3 Industrial With the exception of a concrete batcm olant, there are no lands currently used for industrial purposes within the proposed project corridor. The concrete batch plant is located at the Junction of State Highway 121 and 1985 AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS DENTON Yield per Planted Acres Ha~ested Acres Harvested Acre Unit Production Crops 1984 I 1985 198 I 1985 198.11985 198 I 19B5 -- Thousand -- -- Thousand -- - Barley, A11 .............. * * Bushel Corn for Grain, A11 1/... * * Bushel Irrigated 1/ .... - ... Bushel Non-Irrigated 1/ ....... * * Bushe] Cotton, Am. Pima~ Irrig.o Lb:Bale Cotton, Upland, All ...... 3.9 2.8 3.9 2.7 28~ 231 Lb:Bale 2.3 1.3 Irrigated .............. Lb:Bale Non-Irrigated .......... 3.9 2.8 3.9 2.7 28~ 231 Lb:Bale 2.3 1.3 ~ Hay, Al1 ................. 22.4 27.1 1.7 1.9 Ton 38.7 50.q Alfalfa ................ * * Ton Other, Ext. Sorghum .... 22.0 26.9 1.7 1.9 Ton 38.0 50.0 Oats, All ................ 18.7 9.4 11.0 4.0 49.9 66.8 Bushel 548.9 267.0 Peanuts, All ............. 3.8 3.5 3.6 3.4 780 895 Pound 2,812.0 3,042.0 Irrigated .............. * * Pound Non-Irrigated .......... 3.4 3.4 3.2 3.3 710 865 Pound 2,267.0 2,862.0 Rice, Irrigated .......... Lb:cwt Rye, All ................. * * Bushel Sorghum for Grain, All 1/ 28.0 14.5 27.5 1~.0 2,635 3,040 Lb:cwt 72~.6 425.6 Irrigated 1/ ........ - Lb:cwt Non-Irrigated ~/ ....... 28.0 14.5 27.5 14.0 2,635 3,040 Lb:cwt 724.6 425.6 Sorghum Hay ............. · * Ton Soybeans, All . . Bushel - Irrigated .............. Bushel Non-Irrigated; ......... Bushel Sugarbeets, Irrigated .... Ton Sugarcane, Irrigated ..... Ton Sunflowers, All .......... Pound Wheat, All ............... 71.7 56.8 65.1 43.6 41.0 31.1 Bushel 2,669.0 1,356.0 Irrigated .............. * * Bushel Non-Irrigated .......... 71.2 56.6 64.6 43.5 40.9 31.1 Bushel 2,644.0 1,352.0 Vegetables -- Acres Harvested -- January 1 Inventory -- Thousand -- Broccoli ..................... Cabbage ...................... All Cattle and Calves ......... 75.0 66.0 Cantaloups [/ ................ * Milk Cows That Have Calved .... 1.0 1.2 Carrots ...................... Beef Cows That Have Calved .... 36.0 35.0 Cauliflower .................. All Hogs 4/ ................... 2.6 2.0 Corn, Sweet 2/ ............... All Sheep~ .................... * Cucumbers 2/~. ................ Ewes 1 Year 01d and Over ...... * * Honeydew ~lons ~/ ........... All Angora Goats .............. Lettuce 2/ ..... Onions. - Peppers, Bell ................ Potatoes ..................... 1984 1985 Spinach 2/ ................... Sweetpot~toes ................ * * Production and Marketing -- Thousand -- Tomatoes 2/ .................. * * Wool Produced (Pounds) ........ * * Watermelons .................. * Hohair Produced (Pounds) ...... Processed Vegetables ~/ ........ Million -- All Vegetables ............... * * Milk Produced (Pounds) ........ 13.2 15.2 Fruits and Pecans -- Production -- Grapefruit (000-80 Lb Bxs)... Oranges (000-85 Lb Bxs) ...... Peaches (000 Bushels) ........ 1.0 1.3 Pecans (000 Pounds) .......... w 54.0 LandUs~ 1984 1985 I Receiptsfrom Farm Marketmgs 1984 [ 1985 Cash -- Thousand Acres -- Approximate Land Area ........... 583 -- Thousand Dollars -- Land In Farms and Ranches ....... 462 q57 All Crops 5/ ................... 18,470 11,704 Cropland Planted ................ 150 ll5 Livestock ~ Livestock Products. 35,121 26,960 Cropland Harvested .............. 135 96 Total Crops and Livestock ...... 53,591 38,664 Land Irrigated .................. 2 1 Iff Pla. Lcd ~r all F~rpo~¢s. ~ I-7~'~h ~:cr~,'t ~lt'. ~/ h~c!t~dcs beets, c:~mbe~ !hr ptcklcs, snap b,'ans. ~pi~:,:ch and to,haLOeS. 4/ lnrento~, as of December j pre~ b.t$ year. ~/ Docs ~t,~t h:ciudc r~hti' ~).r' timber Froduc:s sold. ' Item reported hut )uJt pttblishcd because t~'limite~prodttcHon, or to atom dis('losttre r~.l'indiridtta! r~pcratto.$. ' 80 FIGIYRE 1-8 DENTON 40-121 1985 AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS DALLAS Yield per Planted Acres Ha~ested Acres Harvested Acre Unit Production Crops 198~ I 1985 198~ I 1985 19841 1985 1984 ! 1985 -- Thousand .... Thousand .i Barley, All .............. * Bushel Corn for Grain, All 1/... 2.2 1.2 1.9 1.2 5g.7 70.1 Bushel lOg.0 84.1 Irrigated 1/ ...... ~ .... Bushel Non-IrrigaTed 1/ ....... 2.2 1.2 1.9 1.2 54.7 70.1 Bushel 104.0 84.1 Cotton, Am. PiBa~ Irrig.. Lb:Bale Cotton, Upland, All ...... 1.3 * 1.3 325 Lb:Bale .9 Irrigated .............. * Lb:Bale Non-Irrigated .......... 1.2 * 1.2 312 Lb:Bale .8 Hay, All ................. 15.4 15.9 1.3 2.5 Ton 20.7 40.4 Alfalfa ................ * * Ton Others Exc. Sorghum .... 14.9 15.6 1.3 2.6 Ton 19.8 40.0 Oats, A11 ................ 12.0 6.0 4.9 1.4 40.8 62.4 Bushel 199.9 87.4 Peanuts, All ............. Pound Irrigated .............. Pound Non-Irrigated .......... Pound Rice, Irrigated .......... Lb:cwt Ryes All ................. * * Bushel Sorghum for Grain, A11 1/ 8.7 9.5 8.7 9.3 2,630 3,047 Lb:cwt 228.8 283.4 Irrigated 1/ ......... ~. 1.4 * 1.4 3,979 Lb:cwt 55.7 Non-Irrigated 1/ ....... 7.3 9.3 7.3 9.1 2,371 3,029 Lb:cwt 173.1 275.6 Sorghum Hay ..... ~ ........ * Ton Soybeans, All ............ * Bushel Irrigated ..... ~ ........ Bushel Non-Irrigated .......... * Bushel Sugarbeets, Irrigated .... Ton Sugarcane, Irrigated ..... Ton Sunflowers, All .......... * Pound Wheat, All ............... 26.1 24.1 20.9 19.3 42.5 33.5 Bushel 888.0 647.0 Irrigated .............. * * Bushel Non-irrigated .......... 25.9 23.4 20.7 18.6 42.4 33.1 Bushel 878.0 615.0 Vegetables. Fruits and Pecans I 1984 I 1985 Livestock and Poultry I 1985 I 1986 Vegetables -- Acres Harvested -- January 1 Inventory -- Thousand -- Broccoli ..................... Cabbage ...................... * * All Cattle and Calves ......... 22.0 22.0 Cantaloups 2/ ................ * * Milk Cows That Have Calved ..... 8 .7 Carrots .... ~ ................. Beef Cows That Have Calved .... 9.0 10.0 Cau]iflower .................. All Hogs 4/ ................... 1.9 1.4 Corn, SweeE 2/ ............... All SheepT .................... * * Cucumbers 2~ ................ Ewes 1 Year Old and Over ...... * * Honeydew M~lons 2/ ........... A11 Angora Goats .............. Lettuce 2/ ...... ~ ............ Onions..T .................... Peppers, Bell ..... ' ........ 1984 I 1985 Potatoes...... ....... o. ..... . Spinach 2/ ................... Sweetpot~toes ................ * * Production and Marketing -- Thousand -- Tomatoes 2/ .................. * * Wool Produced (Pounds) ........ * * Watermel~s .................. * * Mohair Produced (Pounds) ...... Processed Vegetables 3/ ...... -- Mi]lion -- All Vegetables ...... T ..... * * Milk Produced (Pounds) ........ 10.0 8.9 Fruits and Pecans -- Production -- Grapefruit (000-80 Lb Bxs)... Oranges (000-85 Lb Bxs) ...... Peaches (000 Bushels) ........ * * Pecans (000 Pounds) .......... 60.0 323.0 [.andl'~e [ 1984 I 1985 Cash Receipts from Farm Marketln~s 198g I 1985 -- Thousand Acres Approximate Land Area ........... 563 -- Thousand Dollars -- Land In Farms and Ranches ....... 115 98 All Crops 5/ ................... 15,256 19,319 Cropland Planted ................ 68 59 Livestock ~ Livestock Products. 8,018 7,519 Cropland Harvested .............. 55 50 Total Crops and Livestock.. ..... 23,274 26,838 I Land Irrigated .................. 3 2 I l_J Planted ~br all Fttrposes '/ bTesit ,, "rKct t.tlv d_~/ /, ciudes beets c:tc~tmbers tbr picklc~ snap beans. $~ittac'h attd tomatoes. 4/ Inventor)' a~ December I pre~'tou$ year. ~, Does ~u~t inc'! tdc value ~! tn bcr prouuct$ sold Item reported. ] ut not pub~shcd because of Iimitt~ production, or to azloM d~closure n]' i~ldA, idual ,pcratio,s. 76 FIGURE I--~ PAl. LAS --0- Coppe]] Road and will not be affected by the proposed r transmission line, 1.4.9.4 Residential There are numerous residences and subdivisions in the proposed project corridor either in existence and/or planning stage. However, the final transmission line routing within the proposed corridor will be done in such a manner as to avoid impacting these areas as much as possible. 1.4.9.5 Woodlands There are no commercial woodlands in the proposed project corridor. Most of the wood to be removed wi31 be of the postoak and mesquite variety. 1.4.10 Summ~cz.....Qf.....Land...C~os~ed The following summary of lands crossed by the proposed transmission line was obtained from examination of USGS Quadrangle maps, Texas Highway Department full scale county maps, aerial photographs and field reconnaissance. All distances s%ated in the following sections are approximate. Private - 28,300 ft. (5.36 miles) State Road rights-of-way - 600 ft. (0.11 m) Waterways - 200 ft. - (0.04 miles) Nonwooded Agriculture -11,400 ft.(2.15 miles) Noncommercial Wooded - 2,000 ft. (0.38 miles) Residential - 2,900 ft. (0.55 miles) Industrial - 12,600 ft. (2.39 miles) Water (perennial streams) - 200 ft. (0.04 miles) BO_a~_..~E~.J..O.g~ Unnumbered County Roads - 1 State Highways - 1 Total right-of-way - 46.75 acres (18.92 ha) Substation Site - 3.5 acres (1.42 ha) Structures per mile - 7.5 Width of right-of-way - 70 ft. (21.34 m) 2,0 E.N..Y.._I_B..O_..N..M.E..N._T..AL_..I.MP. AC.T... ~.E.....PRO..P..06 E D.....P.. RO_J..EC._.T. 2,1 COMMITMENTS In an effort to minimize any adverse environmental effects the project may cause, the Cooperative is committed to following the ideals set forth in the joint USDA-USDI publication entitled "Environmental Criteria for Electric Transmission Systems", where applicable, plus the 90 Cooperative has involved and will continue to involve itself in additional environmental mitigating measures necessary for the successful construction and operation of the project. Where there may be reason to believe that construction practices used on the project may cause abnormal soil erosion, the Cooperative will consult with the U.S. Soil Conservation Service for methods on erosion control and revegetation procedures, and will follow all reasonable recommendations. 2.2 IMPACT ON SOILS Construction and clearing along the transmission corridor will be carried on in such a manner to minimize, to the extent possible, general soil erosion hazards. The major impact on soils along the proposed route is the potential erosion hazard and soil compaction. The hazard of erosion will be greatest during the initial clearing of the right-of-way. Clearing of the right-of-way will be delayed until absolutely necessary to reduce the time that bare soil will be exposed. The most important factor in controlling soil erosion associated with construction activity is to revegetate the erosion-prone, disturbed areas as soon as possible. The grassland portions of the right-of-way, which are heavily grazed, will not have to be cleared by heavy machinery. The impact on soils in these areas should be minimal. It should be emphasized that natural succession will quickly revegetate the vast majority of the corridor and only in those areas with steep slopes and shallow top soils will the preceding criteria need to be applied, Previous transmission corridor experience in the vicinity of the proposed project area shows that the cleared areas will usually revegetate during the first growing season, According to the U,S, Soil Conservation Service, there are no major cropland fields in the proposed transmission corridor, Therefore, little or no impact is expected on major croplands, Since the rest of the area is rangeland, there will be no impact on prime or unique farmland, According to the U.S. Soil Conservation Service, "None of this area would be classified as ~.mpoE~a.n~ 2.3 IMPACT ON VEGETATION The impact of the proposed project on the vegetation will involve the removal of approximately 1,363 sq, ft. of vegetation. This being the actual area occupied by the structures, Wherever clearing must be done, a brush blade will be used and grazing will be improved, Some brush piles resulting from the clearing of the corridor will be left as additional cover for wildlife; other brush piles will be burned at the discretion of the landowner, Any burning that is done will be conducted under the Texas Air Control Board Regulation I. Control of Air Pollution From Visible Emission and Particulate Matter 131.03.01, carefully controlled safety conditions and during appropriate weather conditions to minimize the danger of wildfires. Men and equipment will be on site during any burning. Waste construction materials will be removed from the area, No rare, threatened or endangered plant species occur in the project area. This can be concluded by a perusal of the O.J_~.~.~J...~.g.%.J.~D.._.....~.~......._R.~P.O~ed ......... E.]..~.8 as compiled by the U,S, Fish and Wildlife Service. Also the potential of such plants occurring in the area is rather low due to the alteration of native vegetation by extended, heavy grazing of livestock. No herbicides will be used for maintenance. Woody vegetation will be mowed by bush hogs when it becomes tall enough to become a hazard to the line. No maintenance roads will be maintained. 2.4 IMPACT ON FAUNA Clearing and construction will directly and/or indirectly affect most species which reside or wander w~thin the right-of-way of the prooosed line. The noise and activity of machinery and work crews will disturb normal behavior patterns of larger more mobile species, however this disturbance will be of a temporary nature. Habitat destruction will temporarily decrease the faunal carrying capacity of the proposed right-of-way with respect to some species while increasing it for others. After restoration, the right-of-way through rangeland will exhibit habitat extremely similar to that present before construction. There are seven species which are considered rare or endangered that may occur in the area of the oroposed project. These species are the Ocelot (Felis pardalis), Arctic Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus tundrius), the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), the Whooping Crane (Grus Americana), the Interior Least Tern (Sterna Antillerum), the Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus), and the American Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus). The Ocelot historically ranged over a vast portion of the State of Texas; however, it's present range is restricted to South Texas, Hexico and Central and South America, where its habitation includes dense, almost impenetrable thickets that offer seclusion particularly in the lower Rio Grande Valley and possibly north along the coast to Corpus Christi in Texas. The primary reason for their decline are predator control activities and habitation alteration due to brush clearing. While there is a remote possibility that the Ocelot may occur in the proposed project area, no permanent impact should result from the construction or operation of the proposed project. The Arctic Peregrine Falcon may be migrant through the entire State of Texas. Primary concentrations are along the Gulf Coast with the vast majority of individuals continuing on to Central and South America during their migrations. The primary reason for their decline is the use of high levels of chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides. No pesticides or any chemicals will be used during the construction or maintenance of this project. The Arctic Peregrine Falcon could possibly occur in the proposed project once during migration; however, the potential for impact is very low and no impact is anticipated. The entire State of Texas was historically part of the range of the Bald Eagle. The specie as shown on Figure 2-3 is only found in those counties that are shaded. None of these habitat types occur in or adjacent to the proposed corridor, lherefore, no impact on this species is anticipated. The Whooping Crane is a possible migrant through the central part of Texas. The Whooping Crane is near extinction, but their number has been increasing over the last several years. They currently nest only in Wood Buffalo National Park, southern MacKenzie District and northeastern Alberta, Canada, and winter in the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge and adjacent peninsulas of Matagorda and St. Joseph Islands in Aransas, Refugio and Calhoun Counties of Texas. Recent studies have indicated that Whooping Cranes are very susceptible to collisions with power lines in proximity to preferred habitats for roosting and feeding during migrations. The nearest migration stops to Aransas National Wildlife Refuge are in the Wichita and Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge in northern Oklahoma. There are no known major migration stops in Texas. During migrations, Whooping Cranes generally select areas of open expanse for roosting. There is a remote possibility of Whooping Cranes occurring in the project area and being forced down during bad weather. However, no impact on Whooping Cranes should result from the construction or operation of this proposed project. Sand bars on the Colorado River (in Texas) and Red River were historically part of the Interior Least Terns' range. Terns presently occur as small remnant colonies within their historic distribution. The primary reason for decline is the permanent inundation or destruction of many nesting areas due to reservoirs and channelization projects. Recreational use of sand bars is also a major threat to the tern's reproductive success. Although there is a remote possibility the Interior Least Tern may occur in the proposed project area, no permanent impact should result from the construction or ooeration of the proposed project. Although the historic range of the Pioing Plover occurred primarily along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, and on the northern Great Plains, the Great Lakes and the Bahamas and West Indies, their native habitat includes bare areas on dredge-created and natural alluvial islands in rivers, gravel pits along rivers, and salt-encrusted bare areas of sand, gravel or pebbly mud on interior alkali lakes and ponds which characterize the northern most end of the proposed project, Loss or modification of habitat due to commercial, residential and recreational developments, dune stabilization, damming and channelization of rivers (eliminating sand bars, encroachment of vegetation, and altering water flows), and wetland drainage are the primary reasons for decline of the Piping Plover. The Piping Plover could possibly occur in the proposed project area, however, the potential for impact is very low and no impact is anticipated. Migrant populations of the American Peregrine Falcon have been reported statewide in Texas. Historically their breeding range extended from Canada to Alaska south in Baja, California, Central Mexican highlands, and northwest Mexico including the continental U.S., except the southeast quarter of the country. Reintroduction efforts have succeeded in the re-occupation of eastern and western North American areas. The primary reasons for decline are reproductive failure due to pesticides; indiscriminate shooting, habitat loss, recreational use and develooment and illegal collecting. Although the American Peregrine Falcon has been reported statewide in Texas, the possibility of impact is minimal and of a temporary nature. The area for possible occurrence and comments on the Ocelot, the Arctic Peregrine Falcon, the Bald Eagle, the Whooping Crane, Interior Least Tern, Piping Plover, and the American Peregrine Falcon as disolayed in the USFWS publication Emd..~nge. E~¢ ........... Specj.e.s.........Q.~........Z~s......An.d...Ok].a.h~ma.!..9.8.Q are included in this report as Figures 2~...!..., ....... 2.~.2.., ........ 2.~..2 ............ 2~..,. 2..~.5...,..._...2.~.6...,.........amd......2~..7 ..... 2.5 1MPACT ON AESTHETICS General aesthetic impacts of an adverse nature are practically unavoidable in the construction of a 138 KV line. These adverse impacts will be minimized as much as possible by location and design of the proposed line. Brazos · is committed to following the guidelines set down in the USDA-USDI joint publication E.O~.~..~DDm~D~.] ............... CE~..~.~.~.~ ............ E~.~ .~le.~.~_i~_Z.c~m~.~.i~Q......~_~.~em~. · 2.6 IMPACT ON WATER RESOURCES Construction of the proposed 138 KV transmission line should have minimal or no adverse impact on the water resources of the area. The primary potential impact on water resources from any major construction project is pollution resulting from erosion and the spilling of petroleum or other chemical products. Soil erosion control measures should minimize soil erosion and resulting siltation, as well as any nutrient loading of the water resources. No chemicals will be used in the construction or maintenance of the project and right-of-way, Extreme care will be exercised in the handling of any petroleum product. OCELOT ...... Fells pardalis STATUS: Endangered from U.S. (Texas and Arizona) to Central and South America (37 FR 6476; March 30, 1972 and 47 FR 31670; July 21, 1982) w£thout critical habitat. SPECIES DESCRIPTION: Small, spotted cat, 20-40 lbs., 30-47 inches long. The females are usually smaller than the males. The upper surface (backs) of ocelots are grayish to cinnamon, paler on the sides; underparts and inside of limbs are whitish; dark markings form streak~ that run obliquely down the sides. Each cheek has two black stripes. The tail is spotted and ringed with black. Young are darker than adults, but with similar coloration. Litter size fs 1-4 kittens, usually 2. HABITAT: In southern Texas, this species inhabits dense, almost impenetrable thickets that offer seclusion.' Once occurred in desert scrub communities.in southeastern Arizona. South of the U.S., ocelots inhabit hhmid t.ropical a~d. subtropical forests, coastal mangroves, and swampy savannas. DISTRIBUTION: Historic: May have been found over. much of Texas, but probably restricted to wooded areas of creeks, streams, and drainages in the northern and western part of its range (south %~xas); also occurred in southeast Arizona, along the east and west coasts of Mexico,. southern Mexico, Central and South America. Present: Small and disJunct populations are confined to native brushlands of the lower Rio Grande Valley and possibly north along the coast to Corpus Christi, Texas; Mexico; Central and South America.. REASONS FOR DECLINE: Predator control activities, and habitat alteration and loss due to brush clearing. OTHER INFORMATION: Protected by the State of Texas. Recovery plan drafted 1987. REFERENCES: Davis 1966; Hall 1981; Tewes and Everett 1982, 1986; Tewes 1986; USFWS 1987e. FIGURE 2-lA ARCTIC PEREGRINE FALCON ~, . . .: :~(' '. LEGERB ttistoric S tatewide migrant and presentl during migration. ~ ~IG~Rg 2-2 ARCTIC PEREGRINE FALCON ..... Falco peregrinus tundrius STATUS: Threatened (49 FR 10520; March 20, 1984) without critical habitat SPECIES DESCRIPTION: Same as American peregrine falcon except slightly smaller and paler. HABITAT: Nests In the Arctic tundra. Winters in Central and South America, especially along coastlines and in mountains. DISTRIBUTION: Breed in North American tundra and winters along the Gulf Coast from Florida west to the eastern Mexico coast and Baja California, south to mid-Chile and mid- Argentina. Historic: In Texas, it occurred statewide (during migration only). Present: Occurs statewide in Texas during the fall and spring migration, with a few wintering along the Texas Gulf coast. Concentrate in April and October on North and South Padre Island. REASONS FOR DECLINE: Reproductive failure due to pesticides. OTHER I~FORMATION: Recent population increases due to reduced contaminant levels, resulting in the recent downlisting to threatened status. Recovery Team appointed. Recovery Plan for Alaska approved and being implemented. Protected by the State of Texas. REFERENCES: Oberholser 1974, USFWS 1982c. FIGDRE 2-2A .............. BALD EAGLE .... ~-I-!I ..... I I BALD EAGLE ..... Haliaeetus leueoeephalus STATUS: Endangered (32 FR 4001, March II, 1967; 43 FR 6233, February 14,.1978) without critical habitat SPECIES DESCRIPTION: Large eagle with white head and tail in the adult; tmmatures are dark or mottled. Feet are bare of feathers. Wingspan is 6-7.5 feet. HABITAT: Bald eagles require large trees or cliffs near water with abundant fish for nesting. They spend the winters along major rivers, reservoirs, or in areas where carrion is available. For nesting eagles, fish are the primary food source. Waterfowl, rabbits, and carrion are also important food items for transient and wintering eagles. DISTRIBUTION: C> Historic: Found throughout the U.S., Canada, and northern Mexico. Present: Current breeding range has diminished slightly, but most areas remain occupied with fewer breeding pairs. Wintering populations still may occur statewide. Winter concentrations occur around large bodies of water from December through March. Seventeen nesting territories are known in east Texas along rivers, near reservoirs, and along the Gulf Coast. REASONS FOR DECLINE: Degradation and loss of riparian habitat, pesticide-induced reproductive failure, and human disturbance (including shooting, poisoning and trapping). OTHER INFO~iAYION: Southeastern Bald Eagle Recovery Plan approved in 1983. The bald eagle is endangered in all but five of the lower 48 States. In Washington, Oregon, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, it is listed as threatened. It is not listed in Alaska, Mexico, or Canada. Nesting populations are gradually increasing in most areas of the country, including Texas. RSFERENCES: Lish 1975, USFWS 1983b, Busch (in press). FIGURE 2-3A WHOOPING CRANE ~.' LEGEND Historic Present Usual migration route Critical Habitat · FIG~R~. 2-4 Wintering Areas Calhoun and Aransas Counties WlIOOPING CRANE (Rocky Mountain population) .... Grus americana (Wood Buffalo-Aransas Population) STATUS: Endangered (32 FR 4001, March Il, 1967; 35 FR 8495, June 2, 1970) with critical habitat (43 FR 20938, May 15, 1978) SPECIES DESCRIPTION: The tallest American bird; males approach 5 feet tall. A very large, snowy white, long-necked bird with long legs that normally trail behind in flight, black primary feathers, a red crown, and a wedge-shaped patch of black feathers behind the eye. tlABITAT: Marshes, river bottoms, potholes, prairies, and cropland. Whooping cranes feed on small grains (corn, wheat, sorghum, barley) in agricultural fields, green forage (alfalfa, winter wheat), aquatic plants (tubers and leaves), insects, crustaceans, and small vertebrate animals. DISTRIBUTION: Breeds in isolated, marshy areas in Wood Buffalo N~tional Park, Northwest Territory, Canada; winters primarily in Aransas and Calhoun Counties, Texas, in marshes, tidal flats, uplands, and barrier islands. Historic: Originally found over most of North America. In the 19th century the main breeding area was from the Northwest Territory in Canada to the prairie provinces and northern prairie states to Illinois. A nonmigratory flock existed in Louisiana, .but is no longer extant. Wintered in the Carolinas, along the Texas Gulf coast, and the high plateaus of central Mexico. Present: Passes through the central and eastern panhandle of Texas on its migration (October-November in the autumn, April-May in the spring). Migration stopover areas exist in this corridor. Migrate as singles, pairs, family groups (normally three) or in small flocks, sometimes in the company of sandhill cranes. Winters on Aransas National Wildlife Refuge and adjacent areas of the central Texas coast. REASONS FOR DECLINE: Destruction of wintering and breeding habitat, shooting, collisions with powerlines and fences, specimen collecting, and human disturbance. OTHER INFORMATION: Recovery team appointed in 1976. Recovery plan published in 1980 and revised in 1986. Protected by Canada and Mexico. Intensive captive-breeding program conducted by the Service and the Canadian Wildlife Service. REF£RENCES: Allen 1952, USFWS 1986f. FIGURE 2-4A · i ' INTERIOR LEAST TERN --. I-;i-7 ..... -_-. .-. ~ -_..:L_T_. L.-_. ~_~- ...... I._..i ..,'~ _..I /' .... : .... '. .... i'--[-' ~/, -"1 .... . "-~ .... --I'-t---I I -' .... '"' .~,. ,.. --'- .--- ,1_,~ ? , '~ .'7,,,, I .... ~ !.1:( .I:. II__ · " .,.~., -,~' ,' ' ..'.-.' .... i~!~',! t..'i'.t~", i, .',: ~ '1 ! (...'! .'-; %~TGUi~ 2-.5 INTERIOR LEASf TERN (Interior population) ..... Sterna antillarum STATUS: Threatened (50 FR 21784; May 28, 1985) without critical habttat SI'ECi£S DESCRIPTION: Least terns are small birds with a 20-inch wingspan. Sexes are alike, characterized in the breediag plumage by a black crown, white forehead, grayish back and dorsal wing surfaces, snowy white nndersurfaces, orange legs, and a black- tipped yellow bill. Breeding colonies contain from about 5 to 75 nests. IIABITA'I': Important characteristics of its breeding habitat include: (1) The presence of bare or nearly bare ground and alluvial islands or sandbars for nesting, (2) the availability of food (primarily small fish), and (3) the existence of favorable water levels during the nesting season (so nests remain above water). DISTRIBUTION: Historic: Sand bars on the Colorado (in Texas), Red, Rio Grande, Arkansas, Hissouri, Ohio and Mississippi Rivers systems; braided rivers of northwest Oklahoma aud southwest Kansas; (salt) flats of northwest Oklahoma (Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge); mud playa lakes in southeastern New Flexico (Bitter Lakes National Wildlife Refuge). Present: Terns presently occur as small remnant colonies within their historic distribution. R£ASONS YOR bECLINE: Many nesting areas have been permanently inundated or destroyed by reservoirs and channelization projects. Alteration of natural river or lake dynamics has caused unfavorable vegetational succession on many remaining islands, curtailing their use as nesting sites by terns. Recreational use of sandbars is a major threat to the tern's reproductive success. Release of reservoir water and annual spring floods often inundate nests. OTItER INFOitHATION: Recovery plan drafted in 1986. The Service is working with the States of New Flexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and the Bureau of Reclamation to monitor tern populations. kI~FEF. ENCES: Downing 1980, Ducey 1981, Faanes 1983, USFWS 1986a. FIGURE 2-5A I ............. PIPING PLOVER -- i'"';L [_ I ..... I._ i ./, '-,.q-~/ J ';," I-"~.-" ' ~ 'F--'~"I': £'~:-" i-:1-' 'I -,I-~- "'--i-' .... -. - "~ ~, '- " ~-. Q.~- /,, ~ ~"~ ~~~%~ :::::: ., .- I., ,, ~ .... ~ - ~ ~.,<->~ '~ ~ · . ~ - . ~.-. ,~ ~ .... / 'L~~/ ~'~'<~ ~._~:.~.-. ~/ ...... ~,~-~ - ...-.~..... ..........~ .... . . PIPING I'LOVER ..... Charadrtus melodus STATUS: Endangered in the watershed of the Great Lakes, threatened in the remainder of its ~ange (including coastal Texas; 50 FR 50726; December 11, 1985) without critical habitat. SPECIES DESCRIP'rIoN: A small, stocky shorebird about seven inches long with a wingspan of about 15 inches. Both sexes have pale brownish upper parts and white underparts. A dark band encircling the body below tile collar and a dark stripe across ttle forecrown are distinguishing marks in summer adults, but are obscure in winter. IIABITAT: Nest sites include sandy beaches along the ocean or inland lakes; bare areas on dredge-created and natural alluvial islands in rivers; gravel pits alo~lg rivers; and salt-encrusted bare areas of sand, gravel or pebbly mud on interior alkali lakes and ponds. During the winter, piping plovers utilize beaches, sandflats, and dunes along the Gulf Coast and adjacent offshore islands. Spoil islands in intercoastal waterways are also used. D[STRIBUTIO:~: Historic: Common along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, and on the northern Great Plains, tile Great Lakes and the Bahamas and West Indies. Present: Drastically reduced, remnant populations occur throughout historic range. RSASONS FOR DECLINE: Loss or modification of habitat due to commercial, residential, and recreational developments, dune stabilization, damming and channelization of rivers (eliminating sandbars, encroachment of vegetation, and altering water flows), and wetland drainage. Other threats include human disturbance, egg predation by feral pets, and recreational use of habitat. OTiIIiR ~:~'OIC-~A'iIO~: Piping plover recovery plan drafted 1986; recovery team appointed. Listed as endangered by tile States of Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa, and as threatened by New York, South Dakota, and Nebraska. Survey work is underway and is planned to continue. Conservation efforts have included: research into habitat requirements, predation, and feeding ecology; habitat protection and acquisition; law enforcement; and educational efforts. REFI~RE~'~CES: ]taig and Oring 1985; llaig 1986, 1987; USFWS 1986d. FIGBRE 2-6A following alternatives were considered in lieu of the proposed solution: 3.1 NO ACTION The alternative of no action was considered but was determined that the present system was rapidly reaching its' maximum utilization. Any minor improvements in voltage · and/or the shifting of loads to other areas would be temporary in nature due to the constant urbanization currently in progress, 3.2 SERVING FLOWER MOUND FROM LEWISVILLE & MOUND This would require the complete renovation of the existing service areas including voltage and conductor conversions, construction of additional distribution circuits and transformer capacity increases. This alternative would require a larger capital investment that construction of the Wilkerson transmission line and substation and was therefore rejected. 3.3 CONSTRUCTION OF THE WlLKERSON PROJECT (Preferred Option) This option examined the possibility of constructing the Wilkerson transmission line and substation at the earliest feasible date. Construction of the 115 AMERICAN PEREGrIINE FALCON T~XAS A.','i.'.R1C;~ I'EREGRINE FALCON ...... Falco peregrinus anatum f:TATUS: i]ndangered (35 FR 16047, October 13, 1970; 35 FR 8495, June 2, 1970). SI'ECIES DISCRIPTION: Adults have 3.5 ft (1.1 m) wingspan, slate gray above, barred below, dark head with "moustaches" below each eye, long pointed wings. IIABI'I'A'r: Nests in areas containing diverse habitats and topography, and large cliffs. Freqt~ntly near water. DISTRIBU'fION: North and South America. Historic: Breeding range extends from Canada to Alaska south into Baja California, Central Mexican highlands, and northwest Mexico including continental U.S., except southeast quarter of the country. They have not been known to nest in eastern Texas. Migrant populations have been reported statewide in Texas. Present: Historic areas in eastern and western North America are now beginning to be reoccupled as a result of reintroduction efforts. Nesting birds have been reported in the Trans- Pecos area of Texas. kEASONS FOR DECLINE: Reproductive failure due to pesticides; indiscriminate shooting; habitat loss; recreational use and development; illegal collecting. OTHER I.~FOR~.b%TION: Recovery Team appointed; 1977 Recovery Plan being revised; captive breedl~g program underway. Greatest number of breeding pairs are in the Southwest and Mexico. Protected by the State of Texas. REFERE,'~ES: Johnson 1976; Oberholser 1974; USFWS 1978b. FIG~RIg 2-7A Care will be taken during design and construction to insure that structures are placed in such a manner as to insure that adverse impacts on the streams crossed and their ecosystems will be held to a minimum. A directive from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Electrification Administration dated June 1979 and titled SummaEy.......of.......I.~ems o_f ........ En.gJ...n~en.J..ng .......... !.n~e.re~ states in item 12, page 12 that "typically there is no adverse floodplain or wetland effect for: (1.) pole-type construction and buried cable in a floodplain, (2) repair, replacement and upgrading of electric distribution and telephone lines in wetlands using existing rights-of-way and (3.) burial of electric and telephone lines within public road rights-of-way. 2.6.1 .E.]_9D~la.in~._..an~...~.~.!.a.Q.Q~ When working near water courses, every care will be taken to minimize any damage. Necessary clearing within 100 ft. (30.48 m) of a permanent watercourse will be by hand. Bulldozers will not be used. No clearing or construction will be done on banks of permanent creeks. Vegetation along these watercourses will be left undisturbed. 2.7 IMPACT ON HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES There are no known archaeological sites near the corridor. A determination wi 11 be made by the Rural Electrification Administration if an archaeological investigation is needed. If requested, the survey will be made and if significant cultural resources are located, final mitigation may take the form of excavation or preservation of the site or sites by selective structure spotting or relocation of the line within the proposed corridor. This methodology meets with the approval of the State Historic Preservation Officer. The findings of the survey will be made available to the Rural Electrification Administration. 2.8 IMPACT ON HUMAN ACTIVITY The proposed project will have little to no effect on local human activities. 2.9 IMPACT ON AVIATION No airports currently listed in the Airman's Information Manual are located close enough to the proposed corridor to fall within the criteria requiring notification of or review by the Federal Aviation Administration. 3.0 The proposed project as described in this report is to improve service to the area, This area is presently operating under marginal conditions due to the factors already mentioned in Section 1,2 of this report, The Wilkerson project will increase the reliability of Mound, Lewisville and the southern portions of the Canyon service areas. This project is conjunction with the future requirement to extend this line into the existing 138 KV Roanoke Substation will provide loop service to this heavily populated and growing area of the Brazos System. This option will also increase the Cooperative's capacity in the area. JOB DESCRIPTION WILKERSON 138 KV TRANSMISSION LINE & SUBSTATION The proposed Wilkerson 138 KV transmission line will commence at the existing Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. Coppell Substation located in the northwestern corner of Dallas County and proceed in a generally northerly and northwesterly direction for aoproximately 5.44 miles (8.75 km) terminating at the proposed new Wilkerson 138/25 KV 12/16/20 MVA substation to be located at the intersection of Farm to Market Roads 2499 and 3040 in the south central portion of Denton County. Due to the uncertainty of the exact transmission line routing, a corridor (providing the area of interest) has been provided on the attached maps. The proposed transmission line will be constructed u%ilizing single steel poles (Attachment 1). Pole holes will be augured and any excess soil will be removed from the area. LECTRIC COOPERATIVE BRAZOS ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE, INC. :'404 LaSalle Avenue · P.O. Box 2585 Waco, Texas ?6702-2585 (817) 750-6500 October 12, 1989 Mr. Jerome L. Johnson, Field Supervisor Ecological Services U.S. F_ish and Wildlife Services 9A33 Fritz Lanham Building 819 Taylor Street Fort Worth, Texas 76102 Re: Wi lkerson Transmission Line & Substation Project Dear Mr. Johnson: Enclosed are copies of the job description, typical structure drawing, U.S.G.S. Quads and General Highway maps (with the area of interest delineated) for the above referenced project. Please provide comments from your agency on any specific environmental concern (endangered species, critical habitat of an endangered specie, proposed endangered specie, or any other concern) which might be affected by this project. These comments are required by the Rural Electrification Administration to meet the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and Council on Environmental Quality Regulations and will be included in a Borrower's Environmental Report submitted to REA. Your time and effort are greatly appreciated. If you have any questions or nrnhlAm.~, nnnr. erl~iDcl feel free to ca l 1 ~SENDER: Complete Items I and 2 when additional services are desired, and complete Items 3 ~ end 4. Put your addreu In the "RETURN TO" SI=ace on the reverse side. Failure to do thls will prevent this card from being returned to you. The return receipt fee will orovlde vou the name of the Person delivered to and the date of dellverv. For additional fees the following services ere available. Consult postmaster for feel end check box(es) for additional servlce(a) requested. 1. D Show to whom delivered, date, and eddressee's addreu. 2. r-I Reltrlcted Delivery ?/Ex tra charge) ? ? (Ex ~re charge) t 3. Article Addressed to: 4. Article Number Mr. Jerome L. Johnson, Field 43477 Ecological Services Type of Service: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Serv. I--]Registered [-Ilnsured [~ Ce~ified [] COD 9A33 Fritz Lanham Bldg. ~-].Exp'ressUall vm 819 Taylor Street . Encl. Fort Worth, Texas 76102 Al~y. sobtalnsignatureofaddre~ee or agent and DATE DELIVERED. _~_F-J~T_~[.iF_~E D _ HA I I , ._R_ 5. Signature -- Addressee 8. Addressee's Address (ONLY if d.~g4, ~ r~' ~' I X requested and fee paid} 6. Sig · -- Agent ,' "~ . PS Form 3811, .Ma~. [987 * U.S.G.P.O. 1987-178-26l DOMESTIC RETURN RECEIPT ('~FtnPltI~ITII"~ BRAZOS ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE, INC. 24~ LaSalle Avenue · P.O. Box 2585 Waco, Texas 76702-2585 (817) 750-65~ October 12, 1989 Mr. Charles D. Travis Executive Director Texas. Parks & Wildlife 4200 Smith School Road Austin, Texas 78744 Re: Wi3kerson Transmission Line & Substation Project Dear Mr. Travis: Enclosed are copies of the job description, typical structure drawing, U.S.G.S. Quads and General Highway maps (with the area of inl;erest, delineated) for the above referenced project. Please provide information from your agency on any specific environmental concern (endangered species, critical habitat of an endangered specie, proposed endangered specie, or any other concern) which might be affected by this project. These comments are required by the Rural Electrification Administration to meet the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and Council on Environmental Quality Regulations and will be included in a Borrower's Environmental Report prepared and submitted to REA. Your time and effort are greatly appreciated. If you have any questions or problems concerning this matter, please feel free to call. Put your addre~ In the "RETURN TO" Space on the reverse aid& Failure to do this will prevent this card from being returned to you. The return receipt fee will provide you the name of the oerson delivered to and the date of delivery. For addltlonel fees the following ser,4ces are available. Coneult postmaster for fees and check box(es) for sddltlonal service(s) requested. 1. Fl Show to whom delivered, date, end ecldressee's eddr~. 2o [] Restricted Delivery t (Extra charge)t t fExtra charge]t 3. Article Addressed to: ° 4. Article Number L_~ Certified [] COD ~ ,'~ 70C/f~/~ Always obtain sionetu,, of addressee C FRT Z F I FD HA I I , R '~'~ or agent end DATE DELIVERED. ~" ~ / / T/ ~/' S. Signature -- Addressee 8. Addressee's Address {ONI. " X requested and Jet paid) 7t E crmc (.,'OOPERATIVE BRAZOS ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE, INC. 2404. LaSalle Avenue · P.O. Box 2585 Wa¢o, Texas 76702-2555 (817) 750-6500 October 12, 1989 Mr. Coy Garrett United States Soil Conservation Service P.O. Box 648 Temple, Texas 76501 Re: Wilkerson Transmission Line & Substation Project Dear Mr. Garrett: Enclosed are copies of the job description, typical structure drawing, U.S.G.S. Quads and General Highway maps (with the area of interest delineated) for the above referenced project. To meet the requirements of the National Environmental Pol icy Act and Counci 1 on Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508) the Rural Electrification Administration requires that its borrowers contact you for specific information concerning the presence of (a.) prime farmland, (b.) unique farmland, (c.) important rangeland, and (d.) protected forestland. If your office could supply this information, it would aid us greatly in fulfilling our obligations to REA. Your time and effort are greatly appreciated. If you have any questions or problems concerning this matter, please feel free call. _. SiNcere! Y, SENDER: Complete Items I and 2 when additional services are de~lred, and complete Items 3 and 4. Put your addreu In the "RETURN TO" Space on the reverse side Failure to do this will prevent thls card from being returned to you. The return recelut fee will orovlda VOU the name of the mar,on delivered to and the date of delivery. For addltlonal fees the following services are available. Consult postmaster for fee~ and check box(e~) for additional lerVlce(s) requested. 1. rt Show'to whom delivered, date, end eddressae'l address. 2. CI Restrlcted Delivery t {Extra charge}t ? fExrra charge}t :~//Article Addressed to: 4. Article Number Encl ~t~-~. f '~~~~~ Type of Se.ice: · -- ~ J~egistered [] Insured ~ IM~Certified .C_EI~.IEI.ED M~T~L~_} - F"I Express Mall J ' ~ ' -~ ~ Always~btaln signature of addressee " or ai;~e~nd DATE DELIVERED. 5. Signature -- Addressee 8. Addreesee's Address {ONLY if X requesfed and fee paid} X ~ '~'~ ~ 7. Det~of Delivery I/ ~/~ 124> PS Form 3811, ,~ax. 1987 · U.S.G.P.O. 1987-178-268 DOMESTIC RETURN RECEIPT October 12, 1989 Ms. Caroline Spock Texas Archeological Labs. 10100 Burner Blvd. · Austin, Texas 78758 Re: Wilkerson Transmission Line & Substation Project Dear Ms. Spock: c Enclosed are copies of the job description, typical structure drawing, U.S.G.S. Quads and General Highway maps (with %he area of interest delineated) for %he above referenced project. Please provide information from your office as %o the potential of archeological sites occurring within the area of interest. Correspondence on this prolect r is also being forwarded %o %he Texas Historical Commission. Should they deem it necessary %o peKfoFm a pedestrian survey, i% will be conducted prior %o cons%ruction with the results forwarded %o your office %he Historical Comm%ssio~ and REA for comments. Your time and effort are greatly appreciated. If you have any questions oF problems concevngng %h~s ma%rev, please fee] free ~o call. Sincerely, Put your addrm In the "RETURN TO" Sp~e on the r~eme side. Failure to do thlt will ~r~ent thll card from being r~rned tO you. The return r~elnt fee will =rovlde you the name of the ~ellvered to and the date of delivery. For additional f~ the following =e~l¢~ are avallabl& Con~uH pmtmatter for f~ and char box(~) for additional se~lce(a) requ~ed. 1. ~ Show to whom delivered, date. and eddresl~'l eddr~ 2. D Ratrlct~ Delivery 3., A,icl, Addm~,,d to: , ~ 4. A,icI. Numar Enc 1 . ' ~ister~ ~ Insu~ ~ .3 ~: / '~' Always obtain signature of ~r~ ' or ~nt end DATE DELIVERED. 5. Signature- Addressee 8. Addr~see's Addr~s[ON~YJ[ X re~ested and fee pa(dj 6'~'~ ~ ~ - Agent ~'OOPERATIVE ~AZOS ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE. INC. 2404 LaSalle A~enue * P.O. Box 2585 Waco, Texas 76702-2585 (817) 750-6500 October 12, 1989 Dr. James Bruseth Cultural Resource Nanagement Texas Historical Commission P.O. Box 12276 Austin, Texas 78711 Re: Wilkerson Transmission Line & Substation Project Dear Dr. Bruseth: Enclosed are copies of the job description, typical structure drawing, U.S.G.S. Quads and General Highway maps (with the areas of interest delineated) for the above referenced project. Please provide information from your office as to the potential of archeological sites occurring within the area of interest. Should your office deem it necessary for a pedestrian archeological survey, please advise. Then after the most appropriate route is selected, the pedestrian survey will be conducted prior to any construction with the results forwarded to your office and REA for comments. Your time and effort are greatly appreciated. If you have any questions or problems concerning this matter, please feel free to call. S~cerely,1 Put your addreu In the "RETURN TO" Space on the reverse lid[ Failure to do thl~ will Pr~ent this card from being returned to you. The return r~elot fee will provide you the name of the person delivered to and the date of delivery. For additional fe~ the following se~lcaa are available. Consult p~tmaster for fe~ and ch~k box(m) for additional la. Ice(s) requited. 1. D Show to whom delivered, date, end addressae's address. 2. D R~trlcted Delivery -vm. .~-3' A.icle AddresseS~.~l~2j~.~~ 4. A.icle Numar Encl ~~ ~(?~~ ~. ~~ Type of Samice: ~ERT.IFIFD HAil . E -- ~);~egistered D Insur~ , Al~ay$ obtain~natum of addre~ or ~ent and ~ATE DELIVERED. 5. Signature - Addressee 8. Addr~see's Addr~s [ON£ 6. Signature - Agent X 7. Date of Delivelq PS Form 3811. Mar. 1987 * U.S.G.EO. 1987-17~268 DOMESTIC RETURN RECEIPT EL crmc f~l~PleP,tTtl.-'l: BR;XZOS ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE, INC. 2404 LaSalle Avenue * P.O. Box 2585 Waco, Texas 76702-2585 t817) 750-65~ October 12, 1989 Mr. Wayne Lea Permits Section Department of Army Fort Worth District, Corps of Engineers P.O. Box 17300 Ft. Worth, Texas 76102 Re: Wilkerson Transmission Line & Substation Project Dear Mr. Lea: Enclosed are copies of the job description, typical structure drawing, U.S.G.S. Quads and General Highway maps ( wi th the area of interest de 1 i heated ) for the above referenced project. To meet the requirements of the National Environmental Poli cy Act and Counci I on Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508) the Rural Electrification Administration requires that its borrowers contact you for specific information. We are interested in obtaining information about the locations and boundaries of: (a.) wetlands, (b.) 100 year floodplains, (c.) wild and scenic rivers, and (d.) 404 streams (under Section 404 of P.L. 92-500). Your time and effort are greatly appreciated. If you have any questions or problems concerning this matter, please feel free to call. Si n~Tere ly, Construction and Engineering vm Encl. C_ER T I F I ED__MA2,_L..,_E{.EI[_U..R_Lq_RE¢_E.I.P_TREQU_E~_ILFD 133 United States Soil 101 South Main Department of Conservation Temple, TX RECE ,VEO OCT 2 5 Agriculture Service 76501 - 7682 October 20, 1989 Mr. Billy Dyess, Manager Project Construction and Engineerinq Brazos Electric Cooperative, Inc. P. O. Box 2585 Waco, TX 76702-2585 Dear Mr. Dyess: We have reviewed the job description and soil information for the proposed routing of the Wilkerson 138 KV transmission lines and substation. Some prime farmland soils occur within the designated area of interest. However, based on our evaluation, this project will have an insignificant adverse impact on these soils. There are no unique farmlands, important rangeland, or protected forestland in the area of interest. If you need sight specific soils information, you may contact the SCS office in Dallas. The address is: Soil Conservation Service 1132A North Dallas Avenue Lancaster, TX 75146-1620 Telephone No. 214-227-7803 If we may be of further assistance, please let me know. Sincerely, F_QR HARRY W. ONETH State Conservationist cc: Marion Pnrter, AC, SCS, Terrell ' ----'"'" COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS .4 THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN ....... Texas Archeological Research Laboratory' I0100 Burnet R~,ad' Austin, T~xas 78758-4497' ~ 512 J 4-1-5 960 November 2, 1989 Billy W. Dyess Brazos Electric Cooperative,Inc. P.O. Box 2585 Waco, Texas 76702-2585 Re: Wilkerson Transmission Line & Substation Project Dear Mr. I~yess: This letter is submitted in response to a file search requested b',' you on 12 October 1989 concerning the above-referenced project and the pos- sible location of archeological or historical sites within its bound- aries. Our research has determ, ined tha~ there are several recorded sites located within the project area. One of these sites, 41DL270, is a large site located at Denton Creek.~_~ section of the ~ro~osed line r,~ns across this site. There are no sites currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places which would be impacted by the proposed work. We ho~e this response adeouatelv ~"~ ~'~'~ ~ _ ~ ~_.~o your request for info_~r,.ation. If you have any questions please let us know. Sincerely, Rosario Casarez Research Associate Enclosures TEXAS COMMISSIONERS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT 4200 Smith School Road Auslin. Texas 78744 CHARLES D. TPA~IS CHUCK NASH Execubve [3 rector Chairman, San Marcos GEORGE C. "TIM" HIXON V~ce-Cha~rman San Antonio ROB ARMSTRONG Austin LSEM. BASS Mr. Billy W. Dyess Ft. W0,h Manager - Project Construction HENRY C. BECK. III and Engineering Da,las Brazos Electric Cooperative 0ELOH. CASPARY Post Office Box 2585 R0ckp0, Waco, Texas 76702-2585 JOHN WILSON KELSEY Houston Re: Wilkerson Transmission Line and Substation Project BEATRICE CARR PICKENS Amarillo Dear Mr. Dyess: A.R. (TONYI SANCHEZ. JR. Laredo A search of the Texas Natural Heritage Program Information System revealed no presently known occurrences of special species or natural communities in the general vicinity of the proposed project. The Heritage Program information included here is based on the best data currently available to the state regarding threatened, endangered, or otherwise sensitive species. However, these data do not provide a definite statement as to the presence or absence of special species or natural communities within your project area, nor can these data substitute for an evaluation by qualified biologists. This information is intended to assist you in avoiding harm to species that occur on your site. Please contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department ' s Heritage Program before publishing or otherwise disseminating any specific locality information. To assist your planning efforts, the attached list of staff recommendations are provided. I appreciate the opportunity to review and provide comments on this project. Sincerely, . McKinney, Ph.D. Director, Resource Protection Division LDMcK: RWS: wj as PROPOSED GUIDELINES FOR CONSTRUCTION ~OF ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION LINES Construction of the lines should be performed to avoid adverse environmental impact and to restore or enhance environmental quality to the greatest extent practical. In order to minimize the possible project effects upon wildlife, the following measures are recommended: 1. All pole design should be single phase (without arms), where possible, to preserve the scenic beauty of the area. 2. Use wood or non-conducting crossarms in areas where lines cross river or creek drainage to minimize the possibility of electrical contact with perching birds. 3. When possible install electrical equipment on the bottom crossarm to allow top crossarm for perching. 4. To protect raptors, procedure should be followed as outlined in "Suggested Practices for Raptor Protection on Power Lines" distributed by the Raptor Research Foundation, Incorporated, for Edison Electric Institute, the REA Bulletin 61-10, Protection of Bald and Golden Eagles from Power Lines and USDI-EPA report entitled "Impact of Transmission Lines on Birds in Flight," (FWS/OBS-78/48). 5. Construction should avoid identified wetland areas. Appropriate coordination with agencies should be accomplished to ensure regulatory compliance; construction should occur during dry periods. 6. Construction should attempt to minimize the amount of flora and fauna disturbed. Reclamation of construction sites should emphasize native grasses and leguminous forbs. 7. Existing rights-of-way should be used to upgrade facilities, where possible. 8. Because forest and woody areas provide food and cover for wildlife, these cover types should be preserved. Trees and shrubs should be trimmed rather than cleared. 9. Lines should be buried, when practical. MEMORANDUM BRAZOS ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE. INC. David E. McDaniel ~ TO FILE FeOM TO November 17, 1989 DATE SUBJECT On Tuesday, Nov~nber 14, 1989, Ms. Jodi Jenkins, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Fort Worth and I met' to review and discuss the proposed Wilkerson Transmission Line and Substation project. Upon completion of the review, }is. Jenkins stated U.S. Fish and Wildlife had no problems with the proposed project and/or transmission line routing and accordingly indicated that U.S. Fish and 14ildlife project #2-12-90-1-16 had been assigned to the Wilk~rson project should there be need for further consultation with their agency. Further, there will be no correspondence forthcoming from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife and therefore this memo to file will represent their c~nu~nts and approval. cc: Ms. 3odi 3enkins U.S. Fish & Wildlife Fort Worth, TX DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY FORT WORTH DISTRICT. CORPS OF ENGINEERS P.O. BOX 17300 FORT WORTH. TEXAS 76102-0300 ATTENTION OF: .X'ovemuer !.t, 19~9 Operations Division Oft'ice Operations Branch SUBJECT: P~oject Number 198900277 ...... Brazos Elecnric Cooperative 2404 LaSalle Avenue Pos~ Office Box '."685 Waco, 'rexas 76702-Z585 Dear .~!r. Ds.'ess: Thank you for }-our correspondence or' October 12, i989, concerninc the proposed %¢iikerson Transmission line project in Denton, ~-'ot~nty. Yotur project has been assigned Pro.~ect N,~ber 1989002'77; ~ii fur_t~e corresponaence concerning }'ot~r project should include the pro.iec~ n[unber. Fail,.me r_o reference r~he project number on fut~e correspondence may result in delay. :~-o;~r pro.]ec% has been reviewed in accordance with Section [04 of' the Clean k-ater Ac~ ~u~der which the U.S. ~a~ms~ Corps of' Fn_~ineers re.g~iates the discharge of dredged and t'ill ma~eriai h'~[o ,~'ators ,.~' the United States including acl.iacent wetlands. ~ased on description c,i' '_-'.']e DroposeQ work and ail information ava].l~bJ_e ~_,2, ,.Is, ~.:e ha\-e ,.]eterm±ned that yotu~ project will not involve such ,_~iscn~z'-~es ~]t-~rj, ~]erefore, wii.i not recluire Department ,Df the c~usnorizaLion, ;.)enton ,3ce~!c has not been designa~.~.~J as a '~-ild ~nci ::..cenic: Kivor. Ft~ther, we ~:~re ur~4ware of any valuable weLiand z'esot~'ces i.~] the pro.]ect area ~hlch .kRy ~e aft'ect~-] by the proposed I'o oDtazn info~tion concerning the regulation of the ~uO year ~na~ement Agency, (Si Y) %{8Y-5~1i. Pier, se cor~[in,Je to c-~ecK %~Jl_[1%1s ])rlOF to il'll~il%~l, il'~ coll~Lrtlctlc.~] Copies {rtu'nisi]ed: 5!r. Roliin :.~clqz%e 'i'e.~[as P.~rks :~n~ Wii~lii'e ~e~artmen% {ZOO 5raLph School ~{oad :~ustin, Texas 7B.~4-i [qr, ~obert ?1. Short. ~.~.S.F.~.sn ~md %.;%.Ldlife Service Servzces 9ASJ Fritz ~am Buiidin~ 819 '[avlor Streel Fort !'cxas 'Fi{ ! OZ 5~. Jeff?- ~a~ers i/,S. ~v~rcnmentztl ?rolcc%~on _lgenc]- Re~ion 1445 Ross .~venue E'aiias, T<'->:.~s 75'.-"02 .~{, ~. . :~. '~. ~.~ ~ i-L '~.....~ · .-~: ...~ ~ RTIS EXECt TIVE DIRECTOR TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION November 13, 1989 Mr. Charles M. Philpott Chief, Distribution and Transmission Engineering Branch Southwest Area - Electric Rural Elecn-ificafion Administration Arm: Mr. Dennis Rankin · Washington, D.C. 20250 Re: Brazos Electric Power Coop. Wilkerson to Coppell transmission line Denton County, Texas (REA, A5, B4) Dear Mr. Philpott: This office is in receipt of a letter with accompanying maps from Brazos Electric Cooperative regarding the proposed project referenced above. Although the exact route has not been determined, the maps outlined the 'area of interest' and a proposed route. After reviewing our files and maps, it is the opinion of this office that, whatever route is chosen in the area of interest, a cultural resources su~,ev and assessment is wan'anted. Currently, there are numerous sites within the area that are potentially eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. An archeological survey undertaken by a qualified professional should be conducted for the proposed project. Field examination should include shovel testing to identif,v subsurface cultural deposits. Collection of materials present in these tests is required. A report of investigations should be produced in conformance with the Secretary of the Interiors Guidelines: Archeology and Historic Preservation for report standards. We will continue review of the project upon receipt of this documentation. If you have any questions or if we can be of further assistance, please contact Deborah Smith of this office at 512/463-6096. Sincerely, ,. ...---'James' E. Bruseth, Ph.D. Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer DS/JEB/Ift .~,-'" cc: Brazos Electric Power Coop. w/encl. United States Rural Washington Department Electrification D.C. of Agriculture Administration 20250 ! qn MAR Mr. Richard E. McCaskill, Manager Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. P. O. Box 2585 Waco, Texas 76702-2585 Dear Mr. McCaskill: The Rural Electrification Administration (REA) has reviewed the revised project description for t~e Wilkerson 138 kV Transmission Line Project. The initial 0.85 miles of transmission line will be steel single-pole double circuit construction instead of single circuit construction. The new construction will be done on the existing Coppell-Argyle 138 kV transmission line easements. We agree that this change will not have any effect on the environmental considerations as presented in the original Borrower's Environmental Report. Therefore, all REA's environmental considerations for this project have been satisfied. If you have any questions, please contact myself or Dennis Rankin at (202) 382-8931. Sincerely, Chief, Distribution and Transmission Engineering Branch Southwest Area - Electric RECEIV ED MAR 1990 \ .7.:!"' E££crI C ...... ATI['E BRAZOS ELECTRIC I'OWER COOPERA'FIVE. 1NC. 2404 LaSalle Axenue · P.O. Box Waco, Texas r6702-2585 ~317} ~50-65~ March 2, 1990 Mr. Charles Philpott D&T Engineering Branch Southwest Area Electric U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Electrification Administration Washington, D,C. 20250 Re: Wilkerson Project BER Project Number 85014 Dear Mr. Philpott: The subject BER, as submitted and approved, described the project as steel single-poie construction. However; in actuality, the first 4,500 ft. (0.85 miles) will be steel single-pole double circuit construction on existing transmission line easements. The balance of the proposed project 4.59 miles will be steel single-pole, single circuit construction. The reason for the double circuit construction is due to existing Coppell-Argyle 138 KV transmission line already being in place and the desire to double circuit this portion of the transmission line rather than acquire new easements as would be required should we parallel this existing transmission line. We do not believe this change will affect any of the environmental considerations as presented in the BER and as such should be approved and incorporated in the previously approved Wilkerson 138 KV Transmission Line and Substation project. Should you require additional information, please advise. Sincerely, d - . .: ] ,/~_ , , /.t... Manager- Project~ Construction & Engineering vm United Slates Rural Washington Department Electrificat,on D.C. of Agnculture Adrninistrabon 20250 Mr. Richard E. McCaskill, Manager Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. P. O. 8ox 2585 Waco, Texas 76702-2585 Dear Mr. McCaskill: The Rural Electrification Administration (REA) has reviewed the Borrower's Environmental Report (BER) for the Wilkerson Transmission Line and Substation Project. The BER is complete and complies with all the requirements of 7 CFR Part 1794, Environmental Policies and Procedures. We have determined that the proposed project is a categorical exclusion and no further documentation is required unless the project changes from that described in the BER. In accordance with the recommendation by the Texas Historical Co~ission (letter dated November 13, 1989), a cultural resource survey should be done for this project prior to construction. The results of the survey should be sent to REA for review. No construction should be started before final approval is received. Tnerefore, you now have REA's written approval for the project and all environmental considerations have been satisfied. If you have any questions, please contact myself or Dennis Rankin at (202) 382-8931. Sincerely, Chief, Distribution and Transmission Engineering Branch Southwest Area - Electric ' . BRAZOS /qx E£ crmc vvv----..--f.'OtgPl:i?ArlVl~ ~RAZOS ELECTRIC ~'O,,:ER COO~'ERATI,'~. INC. 2404 LaSalle Avenue · P.O. Box 2585 Waco, Texas 76702-2585 ($17) 750-6500 December 15, 1989 Mr Charles M. Philpott Chief, Distribution and Transmission Engineering Branch Southwest Area Electric Rural Electrification Administration U.S.D.A. Washington, D.C. 20250 Re: Wilkerson Transmission Line & Substation BER BEPCI Project Number 85014 Dear Mr. Philpott: We are forwarding the subject BER for your review and approval. If we can be of further as~/~tance, please advise. ~i,~.~~ Sincerely, Executive Vice President and General Manager vm Encl. cc. Mr. Cliff Burris/wo/att. Mr. Thomas W. Nusbaum/wo/att. Mr. George Sevier/wo/att.