+ What environmental reviews are required for the project?

The project’s environmental review is folded into the New York State Public Service Commission’s (PSC) Article VII process. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is a party to the process and will conduct rigorous review and oversight of all planned and ongoing activities to ensure adequate protection of human health and the environment throughout the construction area. The Department of Agriculture and Markets is also a party and will review proposed activities and construction as it relates to farming along the project route. Additional reviews will be conducted by the Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. There will also be local governmental review of Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans in some municipalities.

+ What are the EMF levels that will come from these lines and are they safe for people and animals?

New York Transco commissioned an Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) study for the project and submitted it to the New York State Public Service Commission as part of our Article VII application. The study found EMF levels after the upgrade will be below New York State standards in all route sections, and will bring into compliance two sections of the corridor that currently exceed state EMF standards. A summary of the study can be found here. Beyond our project, a wealth of independent research exists on the possible health effects of EMF exposure and, to date, none have concluded that EMF from transmission lines or other sources are a cause of any adverse health effects in humans or animals. More information is available from the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

+ What state agency regulates EMF compliance?

EMF standards are established and regulated by the New York State Public Service Commission.

+ Will tree and vegetation removal be required for the project?

Yes, but because work will be conducted within an existing utility corridor, this activity will be minimal. Preliminary design calls for tree removal on approximately eight percent of the corridor. “Danger trees” (those that pose a risk of falling on the line) will also be removed. Preliminary information on areas of possible tree and vegetation removal can be found by clicking on your town on this page and viewing the NYES plan map.

+ Will herbicides be used on the corridor either during construction or for ongoing operations/maintenance?

We are currently evaluating whether herbicide and pesticide use will be necessary during construction. If so, a Pesticide and Herbicide Plan will be developed and submitted to the NYSDEC and NYSDPS for approval. Long-term operations and maintenance plans are still under discussion.

+ How will vegetation be removed?

We are currently developing our vegetation removal plan and will submit it to the Public Service Commission as part of our Environmental Management and Construction Plan (EM&CP). A variety of methodologies may be used and more information can be found in our Vegetation Management Fact Sheet. Additionally, our interactive community maps show the areas where vegetation removal could be necessary before construction can begin.

+ When will tree and vegetation removal begin?

We expect to begin this work just prior to the start of construction. Tentatively, and pending approvals, this will be in the Spring of 2021.

+ How will you prevent the spread of invasive species?

Our contractors will be required to follow a comprehensive program of invasive species management, including regular cleaning of all equipment used during the construction process. The use of herbicide or pesticide may also be part of that management plan. If so, a Pesticide and Herbicide Plan will be developed and submitted to the NYSDEC and NYSDPS for approval. More details on this will be included in our Environmental Management and Construction Plan (EM&CP).

+ How will you protect wetlands during construction?

All wetland boundaries will be identified and flagged prior to construction, and efforts will be made to avoid disturbance. Where complete avoidance is not possible, disturbance will be minimized through the use of existing access roads and temporary wooden construction mats. When construction is complete, any temporary disturbance will be repaired and land contours will be returned as close as possible to their pre-construction state. Any bare earth disturbances will be seeded and mulched according to the New York State Standards and Specifications for Erosion and Sediment Control.

+ Have you conducted a review of rare, threatened, and endangered species along the route? How will they be protected?

Yes, we have conducted a study and are planning our construction schedule and operations to adhere to any seasonal restrictions, monitoring or other protective measures as required by regulators. More information can be found in Appendix G of our Article VII application and will be included in our Environmental Management and Construction Plan (EM&CP).

+ Will noise studies be conducted for construction and ongoing operations?

A sound study conducted as part of our Article VII application found that noise levels resulting from the operation of our project are projected to be below New York State guidelines (without mitigation measures). Audible noise levels during construction will be periodic and construction equipment-related. More information on this study can be found in Appendix J of our application.