GIS and Web Based Tools toStreamline Transmission Routing

By

Daniel Belin, AICP

Ecology & Environment, Inc.

Presentation Topics

• Background

• Corridor Routing Opportunities andChallenges

• Benefits of web based GIS Tools forTransmission Line Routing

Background

• Resource Planning vs. TransmissionRouting

• WECC / WGA initiatives

• HVDC emergence

Background

• Resource Planning

– Reliability modeling (congestion)

– Corridor separation

– Load growth scenarios – time horizon

• Transmission Routing

– Natural resource planning (integrity)

– Corridor co-location

– Impact scenarios – time horizon

WECC / WGA

• WECC RTEP - SPSG

• WGA WREZ

• WGA WC DSS

– Montana CAPS

HVDC EmergenceHow do we get power from here to there?

Source: Wyoming Infrastructure Authority, 2008

Wildlife Issues

Routing Criteria• Utilize 20 (+) Corridor Evaluation Criteria

• Criteria Include:– Biological Resources - Socio Economic Conditions

– Cultural Resources - Water Resources

– Geology and Soils - Engineering Considerations

– Land UseTable 1: Corridor Evaluation CriteriaCriterion Unit of Measure Source DateGEOLOGY AND SOIL RESOURCES

Karst areas Square Miles USGS 1984

Seismic Hazards Square Miles National Atlas of the United States/USGS 2002

Slopes greater than 15% Square Miles USGS DEM 2009

Landslide Incidence and Susceptibility Square Miles National Atlas of the United States/USGS 2001

Earthquakes Number National Atlas of the United States/USGS 2004

Quaternary Faults Square Miles National Atlas of the United States/USGS 2005

Routing Opportunities

Parallel Existing Infrastructure / ROW

• Transmission Line ROW

• Pipelines

• Interstate Highways and State Routes

• Railroads

• Previously disturbed corridors

Non-Parallel Routing

• Utilize Undeveloped Corridors, as needed

Routing Opportunities (Continued)

Transmission Line Constraints

Constraints Include:

• T&E Species Habitat

• Densely PopulatedAreas

• NWRs and SWMAs

• Cultural Resources

• Topography & Soils

• Large Waterbodies

National Wildlife Refuges andState Wildlife Management Areas

GIS Website Demonstration• Hypothetical project in WY

• Private website linked to GIS data layers andvariety of base maps

• Constraint layers visible on base mapping

• Buffer and measurement functions facilitateroute analysis

• Website has an Address search function withapplications for:– Routing and Public Involvement

GIS Website Case Study(Continued)

Corridor Routing Tool

Private GIS Website Benefits

• Ease of Operation

(Web browser Interface)

• Identifies critical issuesearly

• Provides immediateanalysis throughbuffering andmeasurement

• Helps facilitate publicinvolvement

Conclusion

• New paradigm in transmission planning in the US

• Many more factors and stakeholders

• Web based GIS sites expedite routing study tasks

– Provide critical information early

– Keep project team coordinated

– Identify stakeholders quicker

– Consult with agencies sooner

– Eliminate costly alternatives proactively

Thank you!

Questions?

Contact:

Daniel Belin, AICP

Ecology &Environment

1501 Lee Highway,Suite 306

Arlington, VA. 22209

(703) 522-6065

dbelin@ene.com