AMERICAN TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS, INCORPORATED A FIRSTENERGY COMPANY
CONSTRUCTION NOTICE
JUNIPER-NEWBURGH, JUNIPER-JENNINGS, AND JUNIPER-PLEASANT VALLEY 138 kV TRANSMISSION LINES STRUCTURE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
OPSB CASE NO.: 17-2013-EL-BNR
September 29, 2017
American Transmission Systems, Incorporated 76 South Main Street Akron, Ohio 44308
CONSTRUCTION NOTICE JUNIPER-NEWBURGH, JUNIPER-JENNINGS, AND JUNIPER-PLEASANT VALLEY 138 kV TRANSMISSION LINE STRUCTURE REPLACMENT PROJECT
The following information is being provided in accordance with the procedures in the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Chapter 4906-6 for the application and review of Accelerated Certificate Applications. Based upon the requirements found in Appendix A to OAC Rule 4906- 1-01, this Project qualifies for submittal to the Ohio Power Siting Board (“Board”) as a Construction Notice application.
4906-6-05: ACCELERATED APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
4906-6-05: Name and Reference Number
Name of Project: Juniper-Newburgh, Juniper-Jennings, and Juniper-Pleasant Valley 138 kV Transmission Lines Structure Replacement Project (“Project”).
4906-6-05 (B)(1): Brief Description of the Project In this Project, American Transmission Systems, Incorporated (“ATSI”), a FirstEnergy company, is proposing to replace two (2) existing steel lattice structures due to localized erosion along Tinker’s Creek in the Village of Valley View, Cuyahoga County Ohio. Existing steel lattice tower #2914, supporting the Juniper-Newburgh & Juniper-Jennings 138 kV Transmission Lines, and existing steel lattice tower #2218, supporting the Juniper-Pleasant Valley 138 kV Transmission Lines, will be replaced with two (2) steel monopole structures set with concrete foundations.
Recently, the geomorphology of Tinker’s Creek has changed significantly with the water channel shifting approximately 125-feet westward towards the existing steel lattice structures. To avert potential damage from the continued erosion, it is necessary for ATSI to replace the existing towers with steel monopole structures with concrete foundations designed to withstand flooding conditions. The proposed structures will be located approximately 39-feet west of the existing structures along the existing centerline. Existing structure #2914 is 95’ tall and existing structure #2218 is 94’ tall. The structure replacements are both 94’ tall structures. Access to the structures will be attained via Page | 1 American Transmission Systems, Incorporated Juniper-Newburgh, Juniper-Jennings, and Juniper- Pleasant Valley 138 kV Transmission Lines Structure Replacement Project
Tinkers Creek Road. An access drive is proposed to cross three (3) parcels to reach the existing right-of-way.
The general location of the Project is shown in Exhibit 1 on a topographical overlay, and Exhibit 2 on an aerial overlay with imagery provided by ESRI. Exhibit 3 shows the general project layout. Exhibit 3A shows the layout on an aerial overlay. The Project will be located in the Village of Valley View, Cuyahoga County Ohio.
4906-6-05 (B)(1): Letter of Notification Requirement The Project meets the requirements for a Construction Notice because the Project is within the types of projects defined by Item (2)(a) of the Application Requirement Matrix for Electric Power Transmission Lines, Appendix A of OAC Rule 4906-1-01. This item states:
(2) Adding new circuits on existing structures designed for multiple circuit use, replacing conductors on existing structures with larger or bundled conductors, adding structures to an existing line or replacing structures with a different type of structure, for a distance of:
(a) two miles or less
The proposed Project is within the requirements of Item (2)(a) as it involves the replacement of two (2) existing steel lattice structures with two (2) steel monopole structures with concrete foundations in the existing right-of-way.
4906-6-05 (B)(2): Need For the Project The Project is needed to ensure the structural integrity of the transmission line. The current rate of erosion is impacting the surrounding stream bank of Tinker’s Creek and exposing the existing structure foundations. The proposed steel monopole structures with drilled concrete foundations are designed to withstand flooding conditions.
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4906-6-05 (B)(3): Location of the Project Relative to Existing or Proposed Lines The location of the Project relative to existing or proposed lines is shown in the ATSI Transmission Network Map, included as part of the confidential portion of the FirstEnergy Corp. 2017 Long-Term Forecast Report. This map was submitted to the PUCO in Case No. 17-913-EL-FOR under Rule 4901:5-5:04 (C)(2)(b) of the Ohio Administrative Code. The map is incorporated by reference only. This map shows ATSI’s 345 kV and 138 kV transmission lines and transmission substations including the Juniper-Newburgh 138 kV Q-18, Juniper-Jennings 138 kV Q-15, and Juniper-Pleasant Valley 138 kV Q-1 & Q-2 Transmission Lines. The Project Area is located 1 approximately 9 /5 inches (11” x 17” printed version) from the left edge of the map and 2 3 /5 inches (11” x 17” printed version) from the top of the map. The general location and layout of the Project Area is shown in Exhibits 1 through 3.
4906-6-05 (B)(4): Alternatives Considered No other alternatives were considered as the Project involves replacing two (2) existing transmission structures due to localized erosion along the same transmission line centerlines with no identified impacts.
4906-6-05 (B)(5): Public Information Program ATSI’s manager of External Affairs will advise local officials of features and the status of the proposed Transmission Line Project as necessary. ATSI will maintain a copy of this Construction Notice application on FirstEnergy’s website. Letters will be sent to affected property owners at least 7 days before construction begins on the Project informing them of the Project’s start and a proposed timeframe of construction and restoration activities.
4906-6-05 (B)(6): Construction Schedule The construction schedule for this Project is expected to begin as early as October 26, 2017 and is anticipated to be completed by March 30, 2018.
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4906-6-05 (B)(7): Area Map Exhibit 1 depicts the general location of the Project on a partial copy of the United States Geological Survey USGS 7.5’ Quad ID Northfield. Exhibit 2 provides a partial copy of aerial imagery provided by ESRI.
4906-6-05 (B)(8): Property Owner List The Project is located on existing FirstEnergy right-of-way and all work pertaining to the structure replacements will occur inside of it. New access easements will be obtained to gain access from Tinkers Creek Road to the Project location. Table 1 contains a list of property owners effected by the Project.
Table 1: Property Owner List
Parcel Property Owner Address Easement Status Number
FirstEnergy Service 11350 Tinkers Creek Road 573-17-003 Fee Simple Company Valley View, OH. 44125
11400 Tinkers Creek Road To be obtained prior to the 573-17-010 Shawn & Linda Vitu Valley View, OH. 44125 start of construction.
7397 Canal Road 573-17-008 USA National Park Service Existing Easement Valley View, OH. 44125
4906-6-05 (B)(9): TECHNICAL FEATURES OF THE PROJECT
4906-6-05 (B)(9)(a): Operating Characteristics The existing transmission lines have the following characteristics. The same conductors, static wire, and insulators will be installed on the new proposed structures. Voltage: 138 kV Conductors: 795 kcmil 36/1 ACSR Static Wire: 7#8 Alumoweld Insulators: Porcelain
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Structure Types: Exhibit 4: Steel monopole structure with concrete foundation; (2) two structures are needed.
4906-6-05 (B)(9)(b): Electric and Magnetic Fields The closest occupied residence or institution is approximately 405 feet north-northwest from the proposed transmission line centerline; therefore, no Electric and Magnetic Field (“EMF”) calculations are required by this rule.
4906-6-05 (B)(9)(c): Estimated Cost The estimated cost for the proposed project is approximately $1,358,000.00.
4906-6-05 (B)(10): SOCIAL AND ECOLOGICAL IMPACTS
4906-6-05 (B)(10)(a): Land Uses The Project is located in the Village of Valley View, Cuyahoga County, Ohio. The main land use around the Project is greenspace owned by the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and nearby residential development to the north and adjacent to Tinkers Creek Road.
4906-6-05 (B)(10)(b): Agricultural Land Agricultural land does not exist within the Project’s disturbance area.
4906-6-05 (B)(10)(c): Archaeological or Cultural Resources As part of the investigation, a search of Ohio Historic Preservation Office (“OHPO”) online database was conducted to identify the existence of any significant historic or cultural resource sites within a 0.5-mile area of potential effect (APE). The results of the search are shown in Exhibit 5. The specific locations of any archeological resources identified within the APE and surrounding areas are excluded from the map as their locations are considered proprietary.
The OHPO database includes all Ohio listings on the National Register of Historic Places (“NRHP”), including districts, sites, building, structures, and objects that are significant
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in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture. The results of the search indicate that three (3) listed NRHP sites, and four (4) NRHP Districts were identified within 0.5-miles of the Project potential disturbance area. The nearest NRHP site is the Tinkers Creek Aqueduct approximately 0.28-miles west of the Project location. The nearest NRHP District is the Edmund Gleason Farmstead located approximately 0.14-miles west of the Project location. No NRHP listed sites or districts reside within the direct APE. Identified NRHP sites and districts are shown below in Tables 2 and 3.
Table 2. List of NRHP Sites Reference Resource Applicable Address County Function # Name Criteria Terra Vista Address Information 78000378 Archaeological Cuyahoga Domestic Restricted Potential District Event & Tinkers Creek Near Tinkers 79000296 Cuyahoga Architecture/ Transportation Aqueduct Creek Road Engineering Edmund Event & Domestic & Gleason Farm & 7243 Canal 93000075 Cuyahoga Architecture/ Agricultural\ Boundary Road Engineering Subsistence Increase
Table 3. List of NRHP Districts
Number of Properties Associated Reference # Resource Name County with District Per County Listed Edmund Gleason 93000075 Cuyahoga 8 Farmstead Ohio and Erie Canal 66000607 Cuyahoga 2 District Terra Vista 78000378 Cuyahoga 0 Archeological District Valley Railway 85001123 Cuyahoga 0 Historic District
The OHPO database also includes listing of the Ohio Archaeological Inventory (“OAI”), the Ohio Historic Inventory (“OHI”), previous cultural resource surveys, and the Ohio Genealogical Society (“OGS”) cemetery inventory. Eleven (11) OAI resources have been previously inventoried within 0.5-miles of the Project location and are shown in Page | 6 American Transmission Systems, Incorporated Juniper-Newburgh, Juniper-Jennings, and Juniper- Pleasant Valley 138 kV Transmission Lines Structure Replacement Project
Table 3 below. Six (6) OHI structure are located within 0.5 miles of the Project location and are shown in Table 4 below. The closest structural resource is the Sophia Franz House located approximately 0.18 miles northeast of the Project location. One (1) previous cultural resource survey was conducted within 0.5 miles of the Project location and is identified in Table 5. The area associated with the previous cultural resource survey (Potential Historic Districts In Suburban Cuyahoga County) encompassed land associated with the proposed temporary access drive. No OAI sites or OHI sites are located in the direct APE of the proposed Project.
Table 3. List of OAI Listed Archeological Resources OAI Number Site Name Affiliation County Quad Name CU0349 N/A Historic Cuyahoga Northfield CU0491 N/A Historic Cuyahoga Northfield (Whittlesey) Fort CU0010 Prehistoric Cuyahoga Northfield # 4 (Russell Site) CU0017 Terra Vista 1 Prehistoric Cuyahoga Northfield CU0018 Terra Vista 2 Prehistoric Cuyahoga Northfield Soldat Mound CU0020 Prehistoric Cuyahoga Northfield and Village Site CU0023 Valley View #16 Prehistoric Cuyahoga Northfield CU0028 Chamberlin Site Prehistoric Cuyahoga Northfield Winters Brown CU0052 Prehistoric Cuyahoga Northfield Site CU0055 Bernstein Site Prehistoric Cuyahoga Northfield Flood Fort Site Prehistoric and CU0060 (Native Cuyahoga Northfield Historic longhouse site)
Table 4. List of OHI Structural Resources OHI Present Name Historic Use County Municipality Number Cuyahoga Valley NRA\ CUY0430419 Barn Cuyahoga Valley View Edmund Gleason Barn Road/Vehicle CUY0045519 Canal Road Bridge Cuyahoga Valley View Related CUY0212819 Sophia Franz House Single Dwelling Cuyahoga Valley View CUY0043919 Gleeson House Single Dwelling Cuyahoga Valley View Tinkers Creek CUY0046219 Canal Related Cuyahoga Valley View Aqueduct
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OHI Present Name Historic Use County Municipality Number Tinkers Creek CUY0046719 Cemetery/ Hillside Cemetery Cuyahoga Valley View Cemetery
Table 5. List of Previous Cultural & Historic Resource Survey Year Name County Potential Historic Districts In Suburban 1984 Cuyahoga Cuyahoga County
The Database indicated that two (2) OSG cemeteries are located within 0.5-miles of the Project location. The OHPO database indicates the Gleeson Homestead Cemetery resides approximately 0.35-miles northwest of the Project location. OHPO data indicates that the cemetery has since been moved. The Old Indian-Pilgurrah-Hillside-Tinkers Creek Valley Cemetery was also identified approximately 0.26-miles north of the Project location. Neither identified OSG cemetery is located in the direct APE of the proposed Project. These sites are identified below in Table 6.
Table 6. List of OGS Cemeteries OGS ID Name County Location Confidence 2657 Gleeson Homestead Cuyahoga Confident Old Indian-Pilgurrah-Hillside-Tinkers 2604 Cuyahoga Confident Creek-Valley
The Project scope includes replacing two (2) existing 94’ & 95’ tall steel lattice structures with proposed 94’ steel monopoles with concrete foundations. No NRHP sites, NRHP districts, OAI sites, OHI, sites, or OGS cemeteries were identified in the APE. Therefore, the Project will have no adverse direct effect to any resources. The proposed structure replacements are the same heights as tower #2218 and 1-foot shorter than existing tower #2914. Furthermore, the monopole tower design is visually more compact than the existing streel lattice tower structure design. Therefore, the proposed project is not expected to have an adverse visual effect on any of the surrounding resources identified in the 0.50-mile APE.
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4906-6-05 ((10)(d): Local, State, and Federal Requirements Table 7 shows the list of government agency requirements associated with the Project.
Table 7. List of Government Agency Requirements Agency Permit Requirement FAA Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration USFWS Endangered Species Act Consultation ODNR – Division of Wildlife State-Protected Species Consultation Ohio ODOT Aviation Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration Ohio SHPO Archaeological and Historical Consultation No-Rise Certification, Driveway Approval, Floodplain Village of Valley View Development Permit, & Alteration of Topography Permit
4906-6-05 (B)(10)(e): Endangered, Threatened, and Rare Species Investigation As part of the investigation, ATSI submitted a request to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (“ODNR”) Office of Real Estate to conduct an Environmental Review on August 21, 2017. The ODNR comments are not available at the time of the filing. Therefore, an online search of the ODNR’s State Listed Wildlife and Plant Species for Cuyahoga County was completed. The results of this search indicated that the ODNR has records within Cuyahoga County of three (3) state extirpated species, eleven (11) state endangered species, fifteen (15) state threatened species, nineteen (19) state potentially threatened species, six (6) state species of concern, and two (2) state species of special interest. The results of this search are included in Exhibit 6. Once comments are received from the ODNR, any pertinent information will be forwarded to the OPSB.
ATSI also submitted a request to the US Fish and Wildlife Service (“USFWS”) for a threatened and endangered species review on August 21, 2017, to research the presence of any endangered, threatened, or rare species within one (1) mile of the Project area. The USFWS comments were returned September 18, 2017. The comments indicated the proposed Project lies within the range of the federally endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalist) and the federally threatened northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis). A copy of the USFWS comments are included in Exhibit 7.
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The ODNR’s State Listed Wildlife and Plant Species identified fifty-six (56) species for Cuyahoga County. Due to the project type, size, and location, we do not anticipate adverse effects to any state or federal listed endangered, threatened, or species of concern listen above.
The Project Area is potentially within the range of the following state and/or federal listed species: Wild Calla (Calla palustris), Grass-pink (Calopogon tuberosus), Louisiana Sedge (Carex louisianica), Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy), Water Avens (Geum rivale), Burbot (Lota lota), Bigmouth Shiner (Notropis dorsalis), Great Lakes Crayfish (Orconectes propinquus), Channel Darter (Percina copelandi), Longnose Dace (Rhinichthys cataractae), and Deer's-tongue Arrowhead (Sagittaria rigida). These species are exclusively associated with aquatic habitats. As the Project will have no impacts to any aquatic environments, no impacts to these species are anticipated.
The Project Area is also potentially within the range of the following state and/or federal listed species: Upland Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda), Caddisfly (Chimarra socia), Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttate), Wood Turtle (Clemmys insculpta), Star-nosed Mole (Condylura cristata), Tiger Spiketail (Cordulegaster erronea), Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis), Yellow-crowned Night-heron (Nyctanassa violacea), Smooth Greensnake (Opheodrys vernalis), Bewick's Wren (Thryomanes bewickii), and Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera). No impacts to these species are anticipated due to the extremely limited scope of the Project, the Project location, and the mobility of these species.
The Project Area is potentially within the range of the following state and/or federal listed species: American Beach Grass (Ammophila breviligulata), Leather-leaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata), Spotted Coral-root (Corallorhiza maculate), Round-leaved Dogwood (Cornus rugosa), Schweinitz' Umbrella-sedge (Cyperus schweinitzii), Bearded Wheat Grass (Elymus trachycaulus), Green Cotton-grass (Eriophorum viridicarinatum), Seaside Spurge (Euphorbia polygonifolia), Canada Hawkweed (Hieracium umbellatum),
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Ground Juniper (Juniperus communis), Tamarack (Larix laricina), Cow-wheat (Melampyrum lineare), Dotted Horsemint (Monarda punctate), Large-leaved Mountain- rice (Oryzopsis asperifolia), Long Beech Fern (Phegopteris connectilis), Lurking Leskea (Plagiothecium latebricola), Marsh Five-finger (Potentilla palustris), Canada Buffalo- berry (Shepherdia canadensis), Northern Blue-eyed-grass (Sisyrinchium montanum), Dusty Goldenrod (Solidago puberula), Leafy Goldenrod (Solidago squarrosa), and Shining Ladies'-tresses (Spiranthes lucida). No impacts to these species are anticipated due the Project area lacking suitable habitat for these species.
The Project Area is potentially within the range of the following state and/or federal listed species: Bebb’s Sedge (Carex bebbii), Tufted Fescue Sedge (Carex brevior), Pale Sedge (Carex pallescens), Showy Lady's-slipper (Cypripedium reginae), Simple Willow- herb (Epilobium strictum), Marsh Bedstraw (Galium palustre), Fringed Gentian (Gentianopsis crinite), Flat-leaved Rush (Juncus platyphyllus), Weak Spear Grass (Poa saltuensis ssp. Languida), Virginia Meadow-beauty (Rhexia virginica), and Hobblebush (Viburnum alnifolium). Although the Project area may include potential habitat for these species, due to the extremely limited Project scope and minimal disturbance associated with construction, no adverse impacts are anticipated for these species.
The response from USFWS indicated the federal and state endangered Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis) and the federal threatened Northern Long-Eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis) are within the range of the Project. Minimal tree clearing will be associated with the proposed Project. Tree clearing will take place between the recommended seasonal clearing timeframe of October 1 through March 31 to avoid potential impacts to listed bat species. Therefore, no impacts to these species are anticipated.
4906-6-05 (B)(10)(f): Areas of Ecological Concern The USFWS comments did not identify any areas of ecological concern. FirstEnergy performed a desktop review to determine if any areas of ecological concern, including
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conservation areas, floodplains, wetlands and/or streams were located within the Project Area, and none were identified.
A review of the National Conservation Easement Database (www.conservationeasement.us) revealed no conservation easements in the Project Area.
The FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) was consulted to identify any floodplains or flood hazard areas in the Project area. The Project Area is found on FIRM Panel 39035C0326E in an area labelled at Zone AE. Zone AE designates areas that have a 1% probability of flooding every year, otherwise known as a 100-year floodplain. The proposed Project is not expected to have any adverse effect on the floodplain based on the scope. The appropriate coordination and authorization will be obtained from the local floodplain coordinator prior to the start of construction.
A review of the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) database provided by the USFWS indicated that there were no NWI-mapped wetlands, USFWS Areas of Interest, USWFS Managed Lands, or Historic Wetlands are identified within the Project Area.
4906-6-05(B)(10)(g): Other Information Construction and operation of the proposed Project will be in accordance with the requirements specified in the latest revision of the National Electric Safety Code as adopted by the PUCO and will meet all applicable safety standards established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
No other or unusual conditions are expected that will result in significant environmental, social, health or safety impacts.
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4906-6-07: Documentation of Letter of Notification Transmittal and Availability for Public Review
This Construction Notice is being provided concurrently with its docketing with the Board to the following officials and/or libraries in the Village of Valley View, Cuyahoga County, Ohio. Cuyahoga County
Mr. Dan Brady, President Mr. Nathan Kelly, Chair Cuyahoga County Council Cuyahoga County Planning 2079 East 9th Street, 8th Floor Commission Cleveland, OH 44115 2079 East 9th Street Cleveland, OH 44115 Mr. Pernel Jones Jr., Vice President Cuyahoga County Council Ms. Sunny Simon, Vice Chair 2079 East 9th Street, 8th Floor Cuyahoga County Planning Cleveland, OH 44115 Commission 2079 East 9th Street Mr. Jack Schron Cleveland, OH 44115 Cuyahoga County Council – District 6 2079 East 9th Street, 8th Floor David E. Marquard P.E., P.S. Cleveland, OH 44115 Cuyahoga County Engineer 2079 East 9th Street Mr. Armond Budish Cleveland, OH 44115 Cuyahoga County Executive 2079 East Ninth Street Ms. Ruth Skuly, Chair Cleveland, OH 44115 Soil and Water Conservation District 3311 Perkins Avenue, Suite 100 Mr. Glenn Coyne, FAICP Cleveland, OH 44114 Executive Director Cuyahoga County Planning Ms. Rachel Webb, Vice Chair Commission Soil & Water Conservation District 2079 East 9th Street, Suite 5-300 3311 Perkins Avenue, Suite 100 Cleveland, OH 44115 Cleveland, OH 44114
Village of Valley View
Mayor Jerry Piasecki Mr. Jeff Wyatt, President Village of Valley View Valley View Village Council 6848 Hathaway Road 6848 Hathaway Road Valley View, OH 44125 Valley View, OH 44125
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Ms. Mary Snyder Mr. Todd Sciano, P.E. Executive Assistant Village of Valley View Engineer 6848 Hathaway Road 7979 Hub Parkway Valley View, OH 44125 Valley View, OH 44125
Library
Ms. Melanie Rapp-Weiss Independence Branch Manager Cuyahoga County Public Library 6361 Selig Drive Independence, OH 44131
Copies of the transmittal letters to these officials have been included with this applications proof of compliance under OAC Rule 4906-6-07 (B) to provide the Board with proof of notice to local officials as required by OAC Rule 4906-6-07 (A)(1) and to libraries per OAC Rule 4906-6-07 (A)(2).
Information is posted at www.firstenergycorp.com/about/transmission_project/ohio.html on how to request an electronic or paper copy of this Construction Notice application. The link to this website is being provided to meet the requirements of OAC Rule 4906-6- 07 (B) and to provide the Board with proof of compliance with the notice requirements in OAC Rule 4906-6-07 (A)(3).
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^_
Service Layer Credits: Copyright:© 2013 National Geographic Society, i-cubed
Key Map not to Scale. EXHIBIT 1 Legend 0 1,000 2,000 4,000 Lake Project Location Juniper-Newburgh, Juniper-Jennings, Feet ^_ & Juniper-Pleasant Valley 138 kV Juniper-Newburgh 138kV Q-18 Transmission Line Structure 1 inch = 2,000 feet Juniper-Jennings 138kV Q-15 Geauga Replacement Project Cuyahoga Juniper- Pleasant Valley 138kV Q-1 NAD 1983 StatePlane Ohio North Lorain ^_ Projection: Lambert Conformal Conic Juniper-Pleasant Valley 138kV Q-2 Linear Unit: US Foot Municipality: Valley View County Boundary Source: Cuyahoga County GIS Office County: Cuyahoga National Geogrphic Society Summit Portage State: Ohio Medina USGS Quads: Northfield ± ^_
Service Layer Credits: Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community
Key Map not to Scale. EXHIBIT 2 Legend 0 1,000 2,000 4,000 Lake Project Location Juniper-Newburgh, Juniper-Jennings, Feet ^_ & Juniper-Pleasant Valley 138 kV Juniper-Newburgh 138kV Q-18 Geauga Transmission Line Structure 1 inch = 2,000 feet Juniper-Jennings 138kV Q-15 Cuyahoga Replacement Project Juniper- Pleasant Valley 138kV Q-1 NAD 1983 StatePlane Ohio North Lorain ^_ Projection: Lambert Conformal Conic Juniper-Pleasant Valley 138kV Q-2 Linear Unit: US Foot Municipality: Valley View County Boundary Source: Cuyahoga County GIS Office County: Cuyahoga ESRI Imagery Summit Portage State: Ohio Medina USGS Quads: Northfield ±
oad Tinkers Creek R
Service Layer Credits: Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, SeCrvNicEeS L/aAyirebru Cs rDedSi,t sU: SDouAr,c Ue:S EGsSri,, AEX, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisPsHtOoTpOoG, RAPH 1 CNaEnSd/ Athireb GusIS D USs, eUrS CDoAm, mUuSnGitSy, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community ") ^_
") ^_
Legend Key Map not to Scale. EXHIBIT 3A 0 62.5 125 250 Lake ^_ Existing Tower #2914 ") Proposed Tower Location Juniper-Newburgh, Proposed Access Feet Juniper-Newburgh 138kV Q-18 Juniper-Jennings, & Parcel Boundary Juniper-Jennings 138kV Q-15 Juniper-Pleasant Valley 138 kV 1 inch = 125 feet County Boundary Geauga Existing Tower #2218 Transmission Line Structure ^_ Cuyahoga Replacement Project Juniper- Pleasant Valley 138kV Q-1 NAD 1983 StatePlane Ohio North Lorain ^_ Projection: Lambert Conformal Conic Juniper-Pleasant Valley 138kV Q-2 Linear Unit: US Foot Municipality: Valley View Note: The ERSI imagery used is from 2015. Tinker's Creek has Source: Cuyahoga County GIS Office County: Cuyahoga ESRI Imagery, 2015 shifted westward since the imagery was taken. Please see Photograph 1 Summit Portage State: Ohio above showing the current position of Tinker's Creek taken looking south Medina USGS Quads: Northfield ± towards the Project Area.
Legend NR Listings Listed
National Historic Landmark
Delisted NR Determinations of Eligibi Historic Structures Historic Bridges Historic Tax Credit Projects OGS Cemeteries Confident
Not Confident Dams UTM Zone Split NR Boundaries Phase1 Phase2 Phase3 Historic Previously Surveyed 0 0.30 0.61 Miles
1: 24,000
Copyright/Disclaimer This map is a user generated static output from an Internet mapping site and is for generalThis map is a user generated static output from an Internet mapping site and is for general reference only. Data layers that appear on this map may or may not be accurate, current, or otherwise reliable. THIS MAP IS NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION.
Datum: [Datum] Projection: WGS_1984_Web_Mercator_Auxiliary _Sphere Cuyahoga County State Federal Scientific Name Common Name Last Observed Status Status Ammophila breviligulata American Beach Grass 1977-08 T Bartramia longicauda Upland Sandpiper 1988-06 E Calla palustris Wild Calla 1957-06-04 P Calopogon tuberosus Grass-pink 1957-07 T Carex bebbii Bebb's Sedge 1986-07 P Carex brevior Tufted Fescue Sedge 2009-06-19 P Carex louisianica Louisiana Sedge 2006-07 E Carex pallescens Pale Sedge 1974-05-18 P Chamaedaphne calyculata Leather-leaf 1956-05 P Chimarra socia A Caddisfly 2003-10-02 E Clemmys guttata Spotted Turtle 1985 T Clemmys insculpta Wood Turtle 1952-06 X Condylura cristata Star-nosed Mole 1993-07-06 SC Corallorhiza maculata Spotted Coral-root 1977-08 P Cordulegaster erronea Tiger Spiketail 2009-07-22 SC Cornus rugosa Round-leaved Dogwood 2004-05-29 P Cyperus schweinitzii Schweinitz' Umbrella-sedge 1983-09-22 T Cypripedium reginae Showy Lady's-slipper 1956-07-08 T Elymus trachycaulus Bearded Wheat Grass 1980-07-24 T Epilobium strictum Simple Willow-herb 1957-08-18 T Eriophorum viridicarinatum Green Cotton-grass 1957-06-04 P Esox masquinongy Muskellunge 1970 SC Euphorbia polygonifolia Seaside Spurge 1974-09-08 P Galium palustre Marsh Bedstraw 2010-06-02 T Gentianopsis crinita Fringed Gentian 1981-10-01 P Geum rivale Water Avens 1957-06-04 P Hieracium umbellatum Canada Hawkweed 1995-11-09 T Junco hyemalis Dark-eyed Junco 2012-04-03 SI Juncus platyphyllus Flat-leaved Rush 1975-08-28 E Juniperus communis Ground Juniper 2004-05-29 E Larix laricina Tamarack 1955-02-26 P Cuyahoga County State Federal Scientific Name Common Name Last Observed Status Status Lota lota Burbot 1972 SC Melampyrum lineare Cow-wheat 1976-06-07 E Monarda punctata Dotted Horsemint 1974-09-08 E Myotis sodalis Indiana Bat 2002-06-25 E FE Notropis dorsalis Bigmouth Shiner 2002-04 T Nyctanassa violacea Yellow-crowned Night-heron 1978-07 SI Opheodrys vernalis Smooth Greensnake 1991-11-30 E Orconectes propinquus Great Lakes Crayfish 1979-10-12 SC Oryzopsis asperifolia Large-leaved Mountain-rice 1993 E Percina copelandi Channel Darter 1996-07-30 T Phegopteris connectilis Long Beech Fern 2000-07-06 P Plagiothecium latebricola Lurking Leskea 2007-05-10 T Poa saltuensis ssp. languida Weak Spear Grass 1993 P Potentilla palustris Marsh Five-finger 1956-06-28 T Rhexia virginica Virginia Meadow-beauty 1987-09 P Rhinichthys cataractae Longnose Dace 1974-08-16 SC Sagittaria rigida Deer's-tongue Arrowhead 1974-08-01 P Shepherdia canadensis Canada Buffalo-berry 1996-07-12 P Sisyrinchium montanum Northern Blue-eyed-grass 2002-05-15 T Solidago puberula Dusty Goldenrod 1998-09-30 E Solidago squarrosa Leafy Goldenrod 1979-10-20 T Spiranthes lucida Shining Ladies'-tresses 2002-06-05 P Thryomanes bewickii Bewick's Wren 1970 X Vermivora chrysoptera Golden-winged Warbler 1986-06-13 X Viburnum alnifolium Hobblebush 1958-07 P
Ohio Division of Wildlife Ohio Natural Heritage Database Date: March 6, 2015 Status based on 2016 Rare Animal List Cuyahoga County State Federal Scientific Name Common Name Last Observed Status Status and 2014-15 Rare Plant List. Status: EX = Extinct X = Extirpated E = Endangered T = Threatened P = Potentially Threatened SC = Species of Concern SI = Special Interest List Created: July 2016 Cargill, Mary E (Humphrys, Scott M)
From: [email protected] on behalf of Ohio, FW3
TAILS# 03E15000-2017-TA-1817
Dear Ms. Cargill,
We have received your recent correspondence requesting information about the subject proposal. There are no federal wilderness areas, wildlife refuges or designated critical habitat within the vicinity of the project area. The following comments and recommendations will assist you in fulfilling the requirements for consultation under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA).
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) recommends that proposed developments avoid and minimize water quality impacts and impacts to high quality fish and wildlife habitat (e.g., forests, streams, wetlands). Additionally, natural buffers around streams and wetlands should be preserved to enhance beneficial functions. If streams or wetlands will be impacted, the Corps of Engineers should be contacted to determine whether a Clean Water Act section 404 permit is required. Best management practices should be used to minimize erosion, especially on slopes. All disturbed areas should be mulched and revegetated with native plant species. Prevention of non-native, invasive plant establishment is critical in maintaining high quality habitats.
FEDERALLY LISTED SPECIES COMMENTS: All projects in the State of Ohio lie within the range of the federally endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) and the federally threatened northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis). In Ohio, presence of the Indiana bat and northern long-eared bat is assumed wherever suitable habitat occurs unless a presence/absence survey has been performed to document absence. Suitable summer habitat for Indiana bats and northern long-eared bats consists of a wide variety of forested/wooded habitats where they roost, forage, and travel and may also include some adjacent and interspersed non-forested habitats such as emergent wetlands and adjacent edges of agricultural fields, old fields and pastures. This includes forests and woodlots containing potential roosts (i.e., live trees and/or snags ≥3 inches diameter at breast height (dbh) that have any exfoliating bark, cracks, crevices, hollows and/or cavities), as well as linear features such as fencerows, riparian forests, and other wooded corridors. These wooded areas may be dense or loose aggregates of trees with variable amounts of canopy closure. Individual trees may be considered suitable habitat when they exhibit the characteristics of a potential roost tree and are located within 1,000 feet (305 meters) of other forested/wooded habitat. Northern long-eared bats have also been observed roosting in human-made structures, such as buildings, barns, bridges, and bat houses; therefore, these structures should also be considered potential summer habitat. In the winter, Indiana bats and northern long-eared bats hibernate in caves and abandoned mines.
1 Should the proposed site contain trees ≥3 inches dbh, we recommend that trees be saved wherever possible. If any caves or abandoned mines may be disturbed, further coordination with this office is requested to determine if fall or spring portal surveys are warranted. If no caves or abandoned mines are present and trees ≥3 inches dbh cannot be avoided, we recommend that removal of any trees ≥3 inches dbh only occur between October 1 and March 31. Seasonal clearing is being recommended to avoid adverse effects to Indiana bats and northern long-eared bats. While incidental take of northern long-eared bats from most tree clearing is exempted by a 4(d) rule (see http://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/mammals/nleb/index.html), incidental take of Indiana bats is still prohibited without a project-specific exemption. Thus, seasonal clearing is recommended where Indiana bats are assumed present.
If implementation of this seasonal tree cutting recommendation is not possible, summer surveys may be conducted to document the presence or probable absence of Indiana bats within the project area during the summer. If a summer survey documents probable absence of Indiana bats, the 4(d) rule for the northern long-eared bat could be applied. Surveys must be conducted by an approved surveyor and be designed and conducted in coordination with the Endangered Species Coordinator for this office. Surveyors must have a valid federal permit. Please note that summer surveys may only be conducted between June 1 and August 15.
If there is a federal nexus for the project (e.g., federal funding provided, federal permits required to construct), no tree clearing should occur on any portion of the project area until consultation under section 7 of the ESA, between the Service and the federal action agency, is completed. We recommend that the federal action agency submit a determination of effects to this office, relative to the Indiana bat and northern long-eared bat, for our review and concurrence.
Due to the project type, size, and location, we do not anticipate adverse effects to any other federally endangered, threatened, proposed, or candidate species. Should the project design change, or during the term of this action, additional information on listed or proposed species or their critical habitat become available, or if new information reveals effects of the action that were not previously considered, consultation with the Service should be initiated to assess any potential impacts.
These comments have been prepared under the authority of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661 et seq.), the ESA, and are consistent with the intent of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the Service's Mitigation Policy. This letter provides technical assistance only and does not serve as a completed section 7 consultation document. We recommend that the project be coordinated with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources due to the potential for the project to affect state listed species and/or state lands. Contact John Kessler, Environmental Services Administrator, at (614) 265-6621 or at [email protected].
If you have questions, or if we can be of further assistance in this matter, please contact our office at (614) 416-8993 or [email protected].
Sincerely,
Dan Everson
2 Field Supervisor
cc: Nathan Reardon, ODNR-DOW
Kate Parsons, ODNR-DOW
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