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
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