Advisory Working Groups

Town of Union Vale

April 8, 2015

Agenda

Introductions Recap

– About Advisory Working Groups (AWG)– Project Overview & Update– AWG Recap

Tonight’s topics– Article VII Review Process– Vegetation– Visual Impact

Planning for next AWG

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Tonight’s Team

Bob De Meyere – Cricket Valley Energy (CVE)

Mike Guski – Epsilon Associates, Inc.

David Klinch – Epsilon Associates, Inc.

Nora Madonick – Arch Street Communications

Tom Clemmons – Arch Street Communications

Michael LaPick – Arch Street Communications

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What is an Advisory Working Group (AWG)?

Informal, unofficial opportunities for the public and project experts to share information and ideas

Not required by the public process – additional outreach by Cricket Valley Energy – comments are not part of the official public record

No specialized knowledge is needed – technical information will be presented in plain language

If you are attending as a member of an organization, please share what you learn tonight with your members

Announced via website, postcards, email blast, calendar listing, posters, advertising, posting on town websites

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Recap: Project Overview

Cricket Valley Energy is a 1000 MW energy generation facility in Dover, NY

- Fully approved and permitted

- Completed State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) process

- Restoration of abandoned industrial site

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Recap: New York Independent System Operator (NYISO)

CVE has been required by NYISO to increase transmission/transfer capacity, redundancy, and operational capacities by:- Funding and installing 14.6-mile transmission line in

existing right-of-way between CVE in Dover and Con Edison substation in Pleasant Valley

- Reconductoring 3.4-mile segment of existing line between CVE substation and the NY/CT border

- Upgrading Pleasant Valley substation (within existing footprint) security/communication infrastructure

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NOT part of any of the following transmission line projects: NY Transco Edic to Pleasant Valley; NEXTERA New Scotland to Pleasant Valley; North American Transmission; or Boundless Energy Transmission

AWG Recap (December 2014 meeting)

Project Benefits (Short & Long Term)

− Labor and workforce

− Sourcing local business

− Low impact design

Design Factors− Revised pole heights reviewed by Con Edison and

NYS Department of Public Service (DPS); compliant with National Electric Safety Code (NESC)

− Use of Insulated Cables: Technically impractical− Ice/Wind Loads: Designs exceed NESC code

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Article VII Review Process

Ensures public is fully involved in the review process before a major infrastructure project is approved

State Law requires a full assessment of the project

Provides a forum for residents to participate in the review with State and local officials

Article VII is not subject to SEQRA (State Environmental Quality Review Act), however:

− Requires environmental analysis− Requires impact minimization

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Article VII Review Process (cont’d)

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Article VII Review Process (cont’d)

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Cricket Valley Transmission Public Involvement Plan– Attend: Advisory Working Groups – scheduled

throughout the Project review process

– Visit: www.CricketValleyTransmission.com

– Email: info@cricketvalley.com to sign up for Project updates

– Call: (845) 877-0596

– Mail: Cricket Valley Energy Transmission Upgrade

PO Box 407 Dover Plains, NY 12522

QUESTIONS

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Vegetation

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Purpose: Prevent power outages that can occur if trees or tree limbs fall on transmission lines during severe weather events, such as strong winds, lightening, and ice storms

Existing Con Edison ROW is already 90% clear

Tree clearance will represent less than 8% of the total area of the ROW

All vegetation clearance will be performed by licensed arborists and trained foresters in accordance with vegetation clearance protocols to protect the environment

QUESTIONS

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BREAK-OUT GROUPS

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TOPICS FOR NEXT ADVISORY WORKING GROUP

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