NATIONAL GRID SCHAGHTICOKE 115 kV TRANSMISSION LINE CONNECTIONS

REPORT TO THE STATE OF NEW YORK PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION ON THE INSTALLATION OF NON-ARTICLE VII ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION FACILITIES PURSUANT TO 16 NYCRR PART 102

Prepared for:

300 Erie Boulevard West, A-3 Syracuse, New York 13202 P. 518-761-5981

Prepared by:

Environmental Design & Research, Landscape Architecture, Engineering & Environmental Services, D.P.C. 217 Montgomery Street, Suite 1000 Syracuse, New York 13202 P. 315.471.0688

August 2017 Schaghticoke 115 kV Transmission Switching Station –115 kV Connection Lines Part 102 Report

NATIONAL GRID Schaghticoke 115 kV Transmission Switching Station Line Connections REPORT PURSUANT TO PART 102

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...... 1 1.1 Project Overview...... 1 1.2 Need for Project...... 1 1.3 Project Setting ...... 2 1.3.1 Line Installation and Previous Work...... 3 1.3.2 Information Required by Section 102.3...... 3 1.4 Engineering Information ...... 6 2.0 Environmental Resources ...... 6 2.1 Project Description...... 6 2.2 Access ...... 7 2.3 Grading ...... 7 2.4 Stormwater and Erosion Control...... 7 2.5 Standards and Best Management Practices ...... 8 2.6 Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species ...... 8 2.7 Waterbody and Wetland Delineations...... 10 2.8 Agricultural Land...... 10 2.9 Cultural Resources ...... 10 2.10 Existing Commercial Areas ...... 10 2.11 Avoidance and Minimization of Impacts...... 10 2.12 Permits, Approvals, and Permissions...... 11 2.13 Right-of-Way Ownership ...... 11 3.0 Economy, Efficiency and Care for Public Safety...... 11 3.1 Applicable Codes, Requirements and Standards...... 11 3.2 Engineering Details...... 11 4.0 References...... 13

i August 2017 Schaghticoke 115 kV Transmission Switching Station –115 kV Connection Lines Part 102 Report

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Schaghticoke Transmission Switching Station Transmission Line Connections –Proposed Aboveground Structure Details...... 1 Table 2. § 102.3 Classes of Areas (A) Requiring Advantage-Disadvantage Analysis...... 3 Table 3. § 102.3 Classes of Areas (B) Not Requiring Advantage-Disadvantage Analysis ...... 4 Table 4. List of Permits/Approvals for The Schaghticoke Loop In –Loop Out 115 kV Line Project...... 11

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. Project Location Figure 2. Proposed Structure Location Figure 3. Existing Infrastructure Figure 4. Environmental Resources

LIST OF EXHIBITS Exhibit A. Project Data Form Exhibit B. Engineering Drawings Exhibit C. Agency Correspondence Exhibit D. Photo-log of Site Visit Exhibit E. SHPO Determination

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LIST OF ACRONYMS BMP Best Management Practice CCR Conductor Clearance Refurbishment CWA Clean Water Act DE Dead-end Dbl Ckt Double Circuit Dbl SW Double Shieldwire EG Environmental Guidance ESRI Environmental Systems Research Institute FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency GIS Geographic Information System GP General Permit IPaC Information, Planning and Conservation System NESC National Electric Safety Code NERC North American Electric Reliability Corporation NOI Notice of Intent NYCRR New York Code of Rules and Regulations NYS New York State NYISO New York Independent System Operator NYSDEC New York State Department of Environmental Conservation NYSDAM New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets NYSDOT New York State Department of Transportation NYSOPRHP New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation NYSPSC New York State Public Service Commission NYNHP New York Natural Heritage Program NWI National Wetlands Inventory NWP Nationwide Permit ROW Right-of-Way SHPO State Historic Preservation Office SPDES State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System SSESC Standards and Specifications for Erosion and Sediment Control SWPPP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service USGS United States Geologic Survey WMA Wildlife Management Area

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1.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

1.1 Project Overview

Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation d/b/a National Grid (“National Grid”) proposes to construct four new 115 kilovolt (“kV”) line connections (the 115kV Connections”), including the installation of approximately 2,400 circuit-feet of new conductor (1113 ACSR “Finch”), supported by three new steel structures and one replacement steel structure approximately 80 to 95 feet aboveground. The 115kV Connections would extend from the new Schaghticoke Transmission Switching Station (“Station”) and tie into the existing 115kV Mohican –Luther Forest Line 3 and its existing 115kV Battenkill –Eastover Road Line 10 (the “Project”). The Station will be located south of the Hoosic River and north of New York State Route 67 in the Town of Schaghticoke, Rensselaer County, New York (see Figure 1).

1.2 Need for Project

The Project is necessary to provide system reliability to the electric utility end users and to support demand from the expansion of the Global Foundries computer chip fabrication facility at the Luther Forest Technology Campus. Table 1 below presents a summary of the scope of work involved in the Project and Figure 2 contains mapping that includes Project structure locations. No grading is proposed for the 115kV Connections and, therefore, the locations of the new structures will not be impacted. (Exhibit B). 1

Table 1: Schaghticoke Transmission Switching Station Transmission Line Connections – Proposed Aboveground Structure Details Existing Existing Existing New Structure Structure Structure New Structure Structure Structure Proposed Work above ground Number above ground Type1 Number Type height (ft) height (ft) Square Replace Complete Dbl Ckt, Dbl SW T-304 SP-304 82’9” 90’-95’ base DE Structure Steel Pole DE Install Complete Dbl Ckt, Dbl SW N/A SP-304A N/A N/A 90’-95’ Structure Steel Pole DE Install Complete Dbl Ckt, Dbl SW N/A SP-304B N/A N/A 80’-85’ Structure Steel Pole DE SP-304 Install Complete Dbl Ckt, Dbl SW N/A N/A N/A 80’-85’ 1/2 Structure Steel Pole DE 1Structure types: SP = steel pole, Dbl Ckt = Double Circuit, Dbl SW = Double Shieldwire, DE = Dead End

1 Although grading is proposed for the construction of the new Station (not covered in this report), the location of the new structures will not be impacted.

1 August 2017 Schaghticoke 115 kV Transmission Switching Station –115 kV Connection Lines Part 102 Report

As per 16 New York Code of Rules and Regulations (NYCRR), the Project requires the preparation of this Part 102 report because: (1) even though Line connections only amount to 2,400 circuit feet of new conductor, the Lines to which such connections will be made have a voltage of 65kV or more for distances of one mile or more; (2) the proposed work will increase the number of structures on the ROW; and (3) the height of a new tower will exceed the height of a replaced tower by more than 10 feet; and (4) there is an increase in the number of structures on the right- of-way. (16 NYCRR §Part 102.2(a)(2)).

1.3 Project Setting

The Mohican –Luther Forest 3 line runs from the Mohican Station in Moreau, New York to the Luther Forest Station in Stillwater, New York. The Battenkill –Eastover Road 10 line originates at the Battenkill Station in Easton, New York, and terminates at the Eastover Station in Schaghticoke, New York. Aerial photographs (2015) depicting the location of the proposed work are included in Figure 2. Existing land uses are reflected in the current aerial photographs (see Figures 3 and 4).

Two of the new steel structures will be installed on the parcel where National Grid intends to build the Station (the “Property”). The third new structure will be installed on the existing transmission right-of-way (“ROW”). National Grid will also be replacing an existing tower, located within the ROW, with the fourth new structure. The Property is located in the Town of Schaghticoke, within the Town’shighway commercial (HC) zoning district. In addition, the Property was previously owned and operated as a sand and gravel mine by Warren Fane, Inc.; however, it is no longer used for mining purposes. In addition, the Property has no existing agricultural uses, forest, wetlands, or streams thereon. Although the Property is not used for agricultural purposes, the structure installations will occur in an agricultural district, established in accordance with article 25-AA of the Agriculture and Markets Law. As discussed below, the Project will have no impact on the agricultural district.

The ROW and Property are owned by National Grid. ROW ownership is further described in Section 2.11. The Battenkill –Eastover 10 & Mohican –Luther Forest 3 lines are installed on the same double circuit towers. There are two sub-transmission lines (wood pole) that run parallel to these two transmission lines and share the same ROW; the Schuylerville –Mechanicville #4 line and the Mechanicville –Clay Hill #2 line. The #4 line runs parallel to the Mohican –Luther 3 and Battenkill –Eastover 10 lines for 13.9 miles from existing structures T-212 to T-305.. The Schuylerville –Mechanicville #4 line runs from the Schuylerville Station in Schuylerville, NY to the Mechanicville Station in Mechanicville, NY for 19.32 miles and consists of 419 structures. The #2 line runs parallel to the Mohican –Luther Forest 3 and Battenkill –Eastover 10 lines for 1.1 miles from structure T-299 to structure T-305 (Figure 3). The Mechanicville –Clay Hill #2 line runs from the Mechanicville Station to the Clay Hill Station in the Village of Hoosick and consists of 594 structures.

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1.3.1 Line Installation and Previous Work

The Mohican –Luther Forest 3 and Battenkill –Eastover Road 10 lines were constructed in the 1930’s. The lines have been re-configured since the original construction with the recent construction of the Luther Forest Station (2012) and the Eastover Station (2014).

1.3.2 Information Required by Section 102.3

Having determined that a report under Part 102 is required (see section 1.2 above), an evaluation was conducted to determine whether an Advantage-Disadvantage analysis is required. Such an analysis is required if any of the Classes of Areas listed in Section 102.3(a) of 16 NYCRR Part 102 (see Exhibit A) are present. The evaluation was performed for the area in the vicinity of structures which are the subject of this Part 102. To make this determination, EDR reviewed the sources presented in Table 2. Geographic Information System (“GIS”) data reviewed was primarily provided by the New York State GIS Clearinghouse (http://gis.ny.gov) and applicable layers were reviewed as noted. Additional sources reviewed as part of the analysis are presented in Table 3, below. Table 2 lists those classes of areas requiring an Advantage-Disadvantage analysis, in accordance with Section 102.3(a).

Table 2. § 102.3 Classes of Areas (A) Requiring Advantage-Disadvantage Analysis Located in Project Sources Reviewed/Agencies § 102.3 Classes of Areas (a) Area Subject to Part Contacted 102? National and State parks, preserves, New York State Office of Parks, reservations, landmarks, and monuments Recreation & Historic Preservation formally so designated and acquired for their (“NYSOPRHP”) GIS Data (Accessed natural or cultural value by appropriate State and 2016) Federal agencies (included would be historic Cultural Resources Information landmarks, national landmarks, national System (“CRIS”) (Accessed 2016) No monuments and trails, and wild and scenic United States Geological Survey rivers). (“USGS”) National Map (Accessed 2016) National Wild and Scenic Rivers System Online Mapping (Accessed 2015)

New York State Historic Preservation Historic sites formally so designated by National Office (“SHPO”) Online GIS Mapper or State agencies but without acquisition of of New York and National Register No rights or ownership sufficient for the purpose of (Accessed 2016) preservation. Consultation letter sent to theSHPO (August 12, 2016) Town of Schaghticoke Zoning map Central business districts in cities and villages. No (2016)

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Located in Project Sources Reviewed/Agencies § 102.3 Classes of Areas (a) Area Subject to Part Contacted 102?

Developed and partly developed residential areas with an existing density of one or more dwelling units per acre, as shown on approved Town of Schaghticoke Zoning Map subdivision maps, occupying a minimum (2016) No contiguous area of 20 acres, all or a portion of which would be traversed by the proposed transmission facility right-of-way.

Based on the review above, it was determined that the new structure installations will not be conducted within the priority areas specified in Section 102.3 (a). Therefore, no Advantage-Disadvantage Analysis is required under Section 102.4.

An additional review was performed to determine if any of the classes of areas specified in Section 102.3(b) are present in the vicinity of the proposed new structures. Results of this evaluation are presented in Table 3.

Table 3. § 102.3 Classes of Areas (B) Not Requiring Advantage-Disadvantage Analysis Located in Project Sources Reviewed/Agencies § 102.3 Classes of Areas (b) Area Subject to Part Contacted 102? Areas of outstanding natural or scenic value which are preserved by non-profit private National Agriculture Imagery Program No agencies but which have not been formally so (“NAIP”) Aerial Images (2015) designated by national or State agencies. Consultation Letter sent to SHPO Areas of outstanding cultural value (e.g., (August 12, 2016) (see response in attractive pastoral scenes, locations of Exhibit E) noteworthy architectural and/or social import NYS Department of State, Office of No both within and outside specific sites) that have Planning & Development GIS been formally designated by the appropriate Database (Accessed December governmental authority 2016) NYS GIS Program Office (Accessed December 2016) Online USGS National Map Viewer Existing local (city, town, village and county) (2016) parks and open space areas that have been New York State Department of No formally established by governmental or private Environmental Conservation authorities. (“NYSDEC”) GIS Database (Accessed 2016) Field Visit (October 2015)

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Located in Project Sources Reviewed/Agencies § 102.3 Classes of Areas (b) Area Subject to Part Contacted 102? Tax Maps (Accessed December 2016) New York State Education Public and semipublic facilities such as Department GIS Data (Accessed cemeteries, educational, correctional and December 2016) No medical facilities, and military installations. CRIS (Accessed December 2016) NYS GIS Program Office (Accessed 2016) Field Visit (October 2015) Tax Maps (Accessed 2016) Existing light industrial and commercial areas NAIP Aerial Images (2015) (e.g., industrial parks, shopping centers, office NYS GIS Program Office (Accessed No building complexes). December 2016) Field Visit (October 2015) Tax Maps (Accessed December Partially developed residential areas where the 2016) subdivision will have an eventual population NYS GIS Program Office (Accessed density of one or more dwelling units per acre, December 2016) as shown on approved subdivision maps, Consultation Letter sent to NYSHPO No comprising a minimum contiguous area of 20 (August 12, 2016) (see response in acres or a portion of which is traversed by the Exhibit E) proposed transmission facility right-of-way. NAIP Aerial Images (2015) Field Visit (October 2015) Areas of outstanding cultural value (e.g., attractive pastoral scenes, locations of noteworthy architectural and/or social import ESRI World Imagery (2016) both within and outside specific sites that lend No Field Visit (October 2015) attractiveness to a neighborhood or community) that have not been formally designated by governmental or private authority. Residential areas with less population density Tax Maps (Accessed December No than those specified in preceding categories. 2016) Tax Maps (Accessed December Planned and zoned undeveloped light industrial, 2016) Yes commercial and residential areas. Town of Schaghticoke Zoning Map (December 2016) NYSDEC GIS Database (Accessed Managed woodlands (e.g., commercial and other December 2016) No productive forests). NAIP Aerial Images (2015) Field Visit (October 2015) Agricultural districts established in accordance Rensselaer County Agricultural with article 25-AA of the Agriculture and Markets Yes Districts Map (2016) Law, and other farmlands. Tax Maps (Accessed December 2016) Existing and planned heavy industrial areas. No Town of Schaghticoke Zoning Map (2016)

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Located in Project Sources Reviewed/Agencies § 102.3 Classes of Areas (b) Area Subject to Part Contacted 102? Field Visit (October 2016) Woods and open lands other than those NAIP Aerial Images (2015) included within areas specified in any priority No Field Visit (October 2015) area above.

Based on the review above, it was determined that the structure installations will be performed within an existing agricultural district and an undeveloped commercial zoning district as listed in Section 102.3 (b). Potential impacts to these districts are described in further detail in Section 2.

1.4 Engineering Information

The proposed structure installations for this Project will consist of approximately 90-95 foot tall single galvanized steel poles, and double shieldwire double circuit dead-end structures. The Project does not include new or modified interconnection facilities. The new structures will be set on caisson foundations (drilled pier). Final engineering plans are yet to be completed, but will determine the dimensions of the proposed foundations and the steel pole structures. However, Exhibit B contains the typical engineering drawings of the proposed structures and caisson foundations. Project construction is proposed to begin in August 2017 (substation civil work), with transmission line construction in 2019. The target date for completion of the Project is 2020.

2.0 ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES

The following section describes the environmental resources in the vicinity of the Project as well as a discussion of the potential impacts of the pole replacement/installation on those resources. Figure 4 depicts existing land use, agricultural districts, wetlands, and streams on aerial photography within the vicinity of the Project.

2.1 Project Description

As mentioned in Section 1.4, the Project includes the installation of three new structures, a structure replacement, and approximately 2,400 circuit-feet of new conductor for two loop –in loop out lines from the existing Battenkill – Eastover 10 and the Mohican –Luther Forest 3 transmission lines into the proposed Schaghticoke Transmission Switching Station (see Exhibit B). Land along the Project ROW and owned by National Grid has already been disturbed by either utility operations or by previous owners (i.e., mining activity). The land to be used for the proposed Schaghticoke Transmission Switching Station was previously utilized as a sand and gravel mine. The land purchased for the Station is no longer operating as a mine, but the land remains highly disturbed with little vegetation, no forest, wetlands, or streams. New structure installations will take place within the developed ROW or on land

6 August 2017 Schaghticoke 115 kV Transmission Switching Station –115 kV Connection Lines Part 102 Report owned by National Grid, which will avoid potential impacts to existing and planned land uses. The installation of three new structures, as well as the structure replacement, will also result in few, if any environmental impacts, as the structures will be installed either within an existing transmission line ROW or on National Grid-owned property that is already cleared and maintained. As indicated above, the proposed new structures will be located within an existing agricultural district and commercial zoning district; however, the Property is not used for an agricultural use, and is over 500 feet from the nearest active agricultural field. In addition, the Property is well screened from adjacent roads and residences. Therefore, although the site may experience some temporary, short-term disturbance and inconvenience associated with construction, no permanent impacts to existing or proposed land uses or existing natural resources will occur as a result of this Project.

2.2 Access

Construction of both temporary and permanent access roads (constructed as part of the Station Project) will be necessary for completion of the Project. A proposed permanent access road from Route 67 to the Schaghticoke Transmission Switching Station will be used to access the existing ROW (see Exhibit B). In addition, temporary access will be constructed within the ROW, in order to provide access to the proposed structures. Existing unimproved access roads (developed to access the former sand and gravel mine) will be used as-is to the extent possible.

In addition, public roads will be utilized during construction, to access the Property and the ROW. Existing commercial, residential and agricultural land uses present in the vicinity of the Project may experience some temporary disturbance and inconvenience associated with the construction activities, primarily in the form of minor traffic delays at locations where the access road to the new station intersects with Route 67. This entrance will be used by construction vehicles to access the ROW and the Property. There will also be some unavoidable noise from the construction vehicles and equipment usage. These impacts will be temporary and short-term.

2.3 Grading

While grading is proposed for the construction of the Schaghticoke Transmission Switching Station (not discussed in this report) on land owned by National Grid and within the ROW, the grading will not impact the locations of the proposed pole installations (Exhibit B).

2.4 Stormwater and Erosion Control

For the construction of the Schaghticoke Transmission Switching Station, National Grid has prepared a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (“SWPPP”) in accordance with the New York State Department of Environmental

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Conservation (“NYSDEC”) State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (“SPDES”) General Permit for Construction Activities (GP-0-15-002). NYSDEC requires coverage under GP-0-15-002 for any “construction activities involving soil disturbances of one (1) or more acres; including disturbances of less than one acre that are part of a larger common plan of development or sale that will ultimately disturb one or more acres of land; excluding routine maintenance activity that is performed to maintain the original line and grade, hydraulic capacity or original purpose of a facility.” The SWPPP for the switching station includes areas where the proposed structures to support the new line connections will be installed. A Notice of Intent (“NOI”) will be submitted to the NYSDEC, Albany Main Office, certifying that the Project is in compliance with the technical requirements of GP-0-15-002. Development of this SWPPP incorporates design elements in conformance with the New York State Standards and Specifications for Erosion and Sediment Control (NYSDEC, 2016b).

2.5 Standards and Best Management Practices

The Project will be built in accordance with the NYSDEC’sNew York State Standards and Specifications for Erosion and Sediment Control (NYSDEC, 2016b). Minor vegetative clearing may be necessary at the site prior to construction. Sensitive areas such as streams, wetlands, and wetland adjacent areas do not occur on or adjacent to the site. Any areas including invasive species of special concern will be noted prior to construction. Temporary access installed to the structure sites in question will be restored to their pre-existing conditions following the completion of Project construction in accordance with National Grid’sEnvironmental Guidance (“EG”) for ROW Access, Maintenance and Construction Best Management Practices (“BMPs;” EG-303;). Proposed permanent access routes are presented in Exhibit B.

2.6 Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species

Federally-Listed Species

A list of federally-listed species and designated critical habitats that may be present in the vicinity of the Project was obtained from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s(“USFWS”) Information, Planning and Consultation (IPaC) system on May 9, 2017 (see Exhibit C). Upon the review of this list, EDR determined whether the species listed are likely to occur in the Project area based on information provided by the USFWS, the NYSDEC, or other reference materials. The only listed species indicated as possibly being present in the area was the northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis).

The northern long-eared bat is a medium sized bat with long ears, weighing between 0.2-0.3 ounces. This bat hibernates in caves and mines during the winter (NYNHP, 2015). The northern long-eared bat was assigned a federal status of threatened, effective May 4, 2015 (USFWS, 2015), following five years of review, analysis, and

8 August 2017 Schaghticoke 115 kV Transmission Switching Station –115 kV Connection Lines Part 102 Report public comment. This once-common species has experienced a decline of approximately 98% since onset of white nose syndrome (“WNS”) (NYSDEC, 2012). On January 14, 2016, the USFWS published in the Federal Register the Final 4(d) Rule under the Endangered Species Act, which outlined measures necessary to protect northern-long eared bat tailored to current understanding of the conservation needs of the species (USFWS, 2016). The rule became effective on February 16, 2016. Northern long-eared bat is also state-listed as threatened in New York.

The range of this rare bat is typically associated with mature interior forests. Northern long-eared bats tend to avoid woodlands with significant edge habitat. Although they are most often found in densely forested areas including in uplands, wetlands and riparian areas, northern long-eared bat may also use small openings or canopy gaps as well. Captures from New York State suggest that this species may also use younger forest types (NYNHP, 2015) or even non-forested areas adjacent to forests, such as the edges of agricultural fields and pastures (USFWS, 2015). Northern long-eared bats select day roosts in dead or live trees under loose bark, or in cavities and crevices, and may sometimes use caves as night roosts. They may also roost in buildings, behind shutters, or in bat houses. A variety of tree species are used for roosting, including black locust, silver maple, sugar maple, black oak, red oak, and American beech. Roosts tend to be in trees with larger diameter and greater height than the surrounding trees (USFWS, 2013). However, northern long-eared bat may also use smaller trees if there is sufficient cracked or exfoliating bark. For this reason, the USFWS defines potentially suitable summer roost habitat as any tree equal or greater to 3 inches diameter at breast height with exfoliating bark, cracks, crevices, or cavities (USFWS, 2015). Females tend to roost in more open areas than males, likely due to the increased solar radiation, which aids pup development.

The proposed site was previously used as a sand and gravel mine and contains no trees. As such, there is no suitable northern-long eared bat habitat on, or in the immediate vicinity of, the Project site and impacts to the northern long-eared bat are not anticipated.

State-Listed Species

A request concerning the presence/absence of state-listed species and designated critical habitats in the vicinity of the Project was submitted to the NYSDEC New York Natural Heritage Program (“NYNHP”) on August 12th, 2016. The NYNHP responded on September 22nd, 2016 (see Exhibit C). Based on the correspondence with the NYNHP, there are no records of rare or state-listed animals or plants occurring on, or in the immediate vicinity of, the Project site.

Additionally, there are no significant natural communities at the proposed Project site or in the immediate vicinity.

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County, the Town of Schaghticoke, and local law enforcement agencies, as applicable, to develop and implement traffic control measures to ensure safe and adequate traffic operations along roadways to be used by construction vehicles. A stabilized construction entrance will be installed at the intersection of the ROW and Route 67 to prevent tracking of sediment into the roadway and to prevent damage to the road shoulder.

2.12 Permits, Approvals, and Permissions

National Grid will obtain all necessary environmental and land development permits, and any additional permits required to construct, operate and maintain the connection lines. Table 4 identifies the permits required for the Project and continued operation of the line and the status of pending permit applications.

Table 4. List of Permits/Approvals for The Schaghticoke Loop In –Loop Out 115 kV Line Project

Agency Permit/Approval Status NOI scheduled to be Construction SPDES General submitted at least 5 business NYSDEC Permit days in advance of the start (GP-0-15-002) of construction New York State Public Service Commission Part 102 Report Acceptance This Report (“NYSPSC”)

2.13 Right-of-Way Ownership

All work associated with the Project will be performed within land owned by National Grid, including the existing ROW and the Property.

3.0 ECONOMY, EFFICIENCY AND CARE FOR PUBLIC SAFETY

3.1 Applicable Codes, Requirements and Standards

National Grid will ensure that all proposed facilities comply with applicable codes, requirements and standards.

3.2 Engineering Details

Based on a desktop review of the National Pipeline Mapping System, there are no underground gas transmission lines crossing under the proposed Project site. Prior to any construction Dig Safely New York will be notified of the proposed excavations and any underground facilities identified will be marked before construction begins.

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The Project does not involve upgrading of conductors or changing of voltages along the lines, and the line’s configuration will remain essentially the same. Consequently, National Grid does not intend to conduct an electric and magnetic field strength study as a part of this project.

As indicated previously, none of the replacement or new structures are located within a Flood Hazard Area (FEMA, 2016).

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4.0 REFERENCES

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 2016. National Flood Hazard Layer Web Map Service in Google Earth. Available at: https://hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/wps/portal/!ut/p/a0/04_Sj9CPykssy0xPLMnMz0vMAfGjzOINLIx8zcwDgp0tDJyN 3A2cQsyNDCBAvyDbUREAWzSTKw!!/. Accessed January 2017

New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets. 2016. Agricultural Districts Mapping –Rensselaer County. Cornell Institute for Resource Information Sciences.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). 2012. DEC Reports: 2012 Winter Bat Surveys Results. Press Release dated April 19, 2012.Available at: http://www.dec. ny.gov/press/81767.html Accessed January 2017.

NYSDEC. 2016a. Environmental Resource Mapper. NYSDEC Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources. Albany, NY. Available at http://www.dec.ny.gov/imsmaps/ERM/viewer.htm. Accessed January 2017.

NYSDEC. 2016b. New York State Standards and Specifications for Erosion and Sediment Control. November 2016.

New York State Department of Transportation. 2015. New York State Scenic Byways. Accessed at: https://www.dot.ny.gov/display/programs/scenic-byways/maps

New York Natural Heritage Program (NYNHP). 2015. Online Conservation Guide for Myotis septentrionalis. Available at: http://www.acris.nynhp.org/guide.php?id=7407 (Accessed February, 2016).

United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2013. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Finding on a Petition to List the Eastern Small-footed Bat and the Northern Long-Eared Bat as Endangered or Threatened Species; List the Northern Long-Eared Bat as an Endangered Species; Proposed Rule. Federal Register. Vol. 78, No. 191. Wednesday, October 2, 2013. Part III. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-10-02/pdf/2013-23753.pdf

USFWS. 2015. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status for the Northern Long- Eared Bat with 4(d) Rule. Federal Register 80(63): 17974-18033. April 2, 2015. USFWS. 2015b. Range-Wide Indiana Bat Summer Survey Guidelines (April 2015). USFWS Endangered Species Program: Midwest Region

USFWS. 2016. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 4(d) Rule for the Northern Long-Eared Bat. Federal Register Vol. 81 (6):1900-1922. January 14, 2016.

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2.7 Waterbody and Wetland Delineations

EDR visited the proposed site on October 16th, 2015. Based on the site visit, it was determined that there were no wetlands and/or waterbodies at the site. The Project site is already highly disturbed as it was previously used as a sand and gravel mine. Mining is no longer taking place on the property, but much of the area still is dominated by disturbed soils or early successional vegetation. Exhibit D includes photographs taken of the proposed site during the October 16th, 2015 site visit. Additionally, according to the NYSDEC Environmental Resource Mapper, no regulated state wetlands, National Wetland Inventory (NWI) mapped wetlands, or classified streams exist within the proposed Project site. The Project is not located in a mapped flood hazard area (FEMA, 2016).

2.8 Agricultural Land

New structures proposed for this Project will occur within and adjacent to a mapped Rensselaer County agricultural district (Figure 4). One proposed structure will occur within a Rensselaer County agricultural district. The other three proposed structures will occur immediately adjacent to the agricultural district. However, the proposed Project site is located on abandoned agricultural land as was previously used as a sand and gravel mine. Mining is no longer occurring at the proposed site, and the land at the site is highly disturbed. No impacts are anticipated to ongoing farming activities or agricultural lands in the area as a result of the proposed Project.

2.9 Cultural Resources

In order to address the potential impacts on historic and archaeological resources, the SHPO CRIS was consulted on August 12th, 2016 to review the Project and determine whether any cultural resources are present in the Project area. SHPO responded to National Grid’srequest on August 15th, 2016 and determined that the Project would have no effect on historic and archaeological resources (see Exhibit E).

2.10 Existing Commercial Areas

The location of the Project site is within a commercially zoned area. The Project site was previously used as a sand and gravel mine. The mine has closed and National Grid currently owns the property on which the construction will take place. No other commercial businesses occur on or adjacent to the Project site. Therefore, no impacts to zoned commercial areas will occur during the structure installation work.

2.11 Avoidance and Minimization of Impacts

To further minimize potential construction impacts to adjacent landowners, National Grid will provide timely information to adjacent property owners and/or tenants regarding the planned construction activities and schedule. National Grid will also coordinate with the New York State Department of Transportation (“NYSDOT”), Rensselaer

10 August 2017 Schaghticoke 115 kV Transmission Switching Station –115 kV Connection Lines Part 102 Report

EXHIBIT A PROJECT DATA FORM

1 August 2017 Schaghticoke 115 kV Transmission Switching Station –115 kV Connection Lines Part 102 Report

Part 102. Installation of Non-Article VII Electric Transmission Facilities Line Name: Luther –Forest 3 and Battenkill –Eastover 10

Will or Will Not be Traversed by the 102.3 Classes of Areas Proposed Transmission Facility/ROW Will Will Not (a) For transmission lines in the following areas, the analysis required by Section 102.4 of this Part must be included in the report of x the proposed construction: (1) National and State parks, preserves, reservations, landmarks, and monuments formally so designated and acquired for their natural, scenic or cultural value by appropriate State and Federal agencies. (Included would be historic landmarks, national x landmarks, national monuments and trails, and wild and scenic rivers.) (2) Historic sites formally so designated by National or State agencies but without acquisition of rights or ownership sufficient for x the purpose of preservation. (3) Central business districts in cities and villages. x (4) Developed and partly developed residential areas with an existing density of one or more dwelling units per acre, as shown on approved subdivision maps, occupying a minimum contiguous area of 20 acres, all or a portion of which would be traversed by the x proposed transmission facility right-of-way. (b) Other Areas for which reports, but without the analysis required by Section 102.4 of this Part, are required are: (1) Areas of outstanding natural or scenic value which are preserved by non-profit private agencies but which have not been x formally so designated by National or State agencies. (2) Areas of outstanding cultural value (e.g., attractive pastoral scenes, locations of noteworthy architectural and/or social import x both within and outside specific sites) that have been formally designated by the appropriate governmental authority. (3) Existing local (city, town, village and county) parks and open space areas that have been formally established by government x or private authorities. (4) Public and semi-public facilities such as cemeteries, educational, correctional and medical facilities and military installations. x (5) Existing light industrial and commercial areas (e.g., industrial parks, shopping centers, office building complexes). x (6) Partially developed residential areas where the subdivision will have an eventual population density of one or more dwelling units per acre, as shown on approved subdivision maps, comprising a minimum contiguous area of 20 acres or a portion of which x is traversed by the proposed transmission facility right-of-way. (7) Areas of outstanding cultural value (e.g., attractive pastoral scenes, locations of noteworthy architectural and/or social import both within and outside specific sites that lend attractiveness to a neighborhood or community) that have not been formally x designated by a governmental or private authority. (8) Residential areas with less population density than those specified in preceding categories. x

August 2017 Schaghticoke 115 kV Transmission Switching Station –115 kV Connection Lines Part 102 Report

Will or Will Not be Traversed by the 102.3 Classes of Areas Proposed Transmission Facility/ROW Will Will Not (9) Planned and zoned undeveloped light industrial, commercial and residential areas. x (10) Managed woodlands (e.g., commercial and other productive forests). x (11) Agricultural districts established in accordance with Chapter 25-AA of the Agriculture and Markets Law, and other farmlands. x (12) Existing and planned heavy industrial areas. x (13) Woods and open lands other than those included within areas specified in a priority area above. x

August 2017