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 Agawam-West Springfield Project - Construction Q&As
General
Q: Why did you upgrade the transmission lines in this area?
A: The Agawam-West Springfield project separated two high-voltage circuits that occupied the same towers. By placing each circuit on its own set of structures, the project improves the reliability of the electric system. It does this by reducing the likelihood of both high-voltage circuits being damaged or otherwise being forced out of service at the same time, and the potential impact such an event would have on electrical service in the area.
Q: Where is the project route?
A: The project spans approximately 2.5 miles through the towns of Agawam and West Springfield, Massachusetts. Construction occurred within the existing overhead right-of-way.
Click here to view the project route.
Q: What was constructed?
A: The existing transmission structures were removed and replaced with single-circuit, 115-kilovolt (kV) steel structures. The new structures average 110 feet in height, replacing existing structures averaging 90 feet.
On March 13, 2009, WMECo filed petitions with the Massachusetts siting authority. The project received approval from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities, with some conditions, on March 19, 2010. These documents are accessible via this Web site.
Q: How long did construction take?
A: The construction of the 115-kV transmission lines took about a year to complete, from preparation through construction and site restoration. Construction began in summer 2010. The lines were in service by late April 2011. Restoration work is now taking place.
Q: How will we know if workers on or near the right-of-way are associated with your project?
A: All contractors associated with the Agawam-West Springfield Circuit Separation Project are required to carry proper identification. If you have concerns with contractors on the right-of-way during restoration efforts, feel free to contact the project hotline at 1-800-793-2202 or e-mail AWSproject@nu.com.
Stages of construction
Q: What typically happens during construction?
A: Click here to learn more about how WMECo constructs overhead transmission lines.
About Vegetation Clearing and Planting
Q: Why does vegetation along the rights-of-way need to be cleared?
A: The first step in the construction process is clearing rights-of-way of vegetation where needed to provide safe access for construction equipment. This vegetation clearing is limited to areas where construction work and, ultimately, clearances for safe line operation are required. Clearing methods involve cutting trees close to the ground; allowing roots to remain in the ground; and removing lower-growing vegetation. No herbicides are used during the clearing process. You can read more about how WMECo manages vegetation on its rights-of-way at www.NURightsOfWay.com.
Q: Will manicured lawns and landscaped property be restored at the completion of construction?
A: Yes; WMECo will restore previously grassed areas using topsoil and seed. In some areas where visual impacts are greatest, WMECo will replant trees and shrubs with vegetation that is compatible with the future operation and maintenance of its transmission line and in accordance with applicable state law and/or regulatory directive. However, species of trees that threaten the safe operation of the lines will not be re-planted in the right-of-way in order to meet mandatory national electric system reliability standards. You can learn more about planting vegetation on or near rights-of-way at www.NURightsOfWay.com.
Q: What happens in natural areas of the right-of-way?
A: Power line rights-of-way provide a natural habitat for animals and vegetation, and will quickly revert to a natural, shrubland state following construction.
- Environmental controls, stone or other materials brought in during construction that are no longer needed or permitted to remain are removed.
- Native shrubs and groundcover are allowed to re-grow.
- Disturbed areas are seeded with a conservation grass seed mix. Some access roads may remain for future maintenance of transmission facilities.
Once power lines are built and energized, managing the vegetation within transmission rights-of-way becomes an ongoing maintenance activity critical to the safe and reliable operation of our electric system.
Q: What if I want to plant my own trees or shrubs to help screen the transmission structures?
A: You can find a helpful guide to planting in and around transmission rights-of-way at www.NURightsOfWay.com. In particular, we suggest you review the Tree and Shrub Planting Guide, which provides height guidelines and other considerations for planting in this area.
Other Construction-Related Activities
Q: Is my septic system, sprinkler system or invisible dog fence in danger of being damaged by construction?
A: WMECo works with property owners to identify undocumented subsurface items, such as septic systems, sprinkler systems and dog fences, in the right-of-way that could inadvertently be damaged during construction. We are available to meet with property owners to review the locations of any underground facilities and work with them to identify and mark underground facilities within or near the rights-of-way. We encourage property owners to contact us with information on any subsurface items that may be affected during construction. In the event that damages do occur, please call the project hotline at 1-800-793-2202 or e-mail AWSproject@nu.com.
Q: How will you discourage unauthorized access to the rights-of-way?
A: With prior approval from the landowner, WMECo will install gates to deter unauthorized access to the right-of-way, particularly where the affected locations are readily accessible to the public, such as public road crossings. Prior to any gate installation, the property owner will need to sign a gate agreement that outlines the policies and maintenance associated with that gate. You can read more about this at NURightsOfWay.com under "Managing Access to Transmission Rights-of-Way."
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