Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project

Exhibit 4

Environmental Impact

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Page

EXHIBIT 4: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ...... 4-1

4.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 4.1-1

4.2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...... 4.2-1 4.2.1 Proposed Supplemental Property Rights ...... 4.2-1 4.2.2 Construction of Overhead Transmission Lines...... 4.2-6 4.2.2.1 Right-of-Way Vegetation Management ...... 4.2-6 4.2.2.2 Access Roads ...... 4.2-7 4.2.2.3 Structure Design and Installation ...... 4.2-8 4.2.2.4 Structure Installation in Wetland Areas ...... 4.2-8 4.2.2.5 Direct Bury Steel Pole Installation ...... 4.2-9 4.2.2.6 Concrete Foundation and Pole Installations ...... 4.2-10 4.2.2.7 Conductor Stringing ...... 4.2-11 4.2.2.8 Clean-up and Restoration ...... 4.2-11 4.2.3 Upgrades to Existing Substations ...... 4.2-12 4.2.4 Construction Coordination and Environmental Management and Construction Plans ...... 4.2-12 4.2.5 Construction Marshalling Yards or Staging Areas ...... 4.2-12

4.3 LAND USE ...... 4.3-1 4.3.1 Existing Land Use ...... 4.3-1 4.3.1.1 Land Use Along Proposed New Line 1 - Rotterdam Substation to Ballston Tap ...... 4.3-2 4.3.1.2 Land Use Along Proposed New Line 302 - Spier Falls Substation to Ballston Tap ...... 4.3-3 4.3.1.3 Land Use Along Rebuilt Line 302 - Ballston Tap to Ballston Substation .... 4.3-6 4.3.2 State and Local Land Use Planning and Policies ...... 4.3-6 4.3.2.1 2009 New York State Open Space Conservation Plan ...... 4.3-7 4.3.2.2 Schenectady County ...... 4.3-8 4.3.2.3 Saratoga County ...... 4.3-10

National Grid 4-i Exhibit 4: Table of Contents Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application 4.3.3 State and Local Parks/Public Lands ...... 4.3-15 4.3.3.1 Moreau Lake State Park ...... 4.3-15 4.3.3.2 Local Parks ...... 4.3-17 4.3.4 Floodplains ...... 4.3-17 4.3.5 Agricultural Districts ...... 4.3-18 4.3.6 Project Effects on Land Use and Mitigation...... 4.3-19 4.3.6.1 ROW Construction Effects ...... 4.3-19 4.3.6.2 Effects on Agricultural Lands ...... 4.3-20 4.3.6.3 Effects on State and Local Parks/Public Lands ...... 4.3-21 4.3.6.4 Conclusion on Project Effects on Land Use ...... 4.3-21

4.4 VISUAL RESOURCES ...... 4.4-1 4.4.1 Visual and Aesthetic Resources ...... 4.4-1 4.4.2 Existing Aesthetic Landscape Quality and Context ...... 4.4-1 4.4.2.1 Schenectady County ...... 4.4-1 4.4.2.2 Saratoga County ...... 4.4-1 4.4.3 Viewshed Characteristics and Aesthetic Quality near the Project ROWs ...... 4.4-2 4.4.3.1 Visual Setting from Rotterdam Substation to the Ballston Tap ...... 4.4-2 4.4.3.2 Visual Setting from Spier Falls Substation to Ballston Tap ...... 4.4-3 4.4.3.3 Visual Setting from Ballston Tap to Ballston Substation ...... 4.4-4 4.4.3.4 Existing Substations Associated with the Project ...... 4.4-4 4.4.4 Visual Resource Inventory of Historic Areas, Parks, and Preserves ...... 4.4-5 4.4.4.1 Historic Resources ...... 4.4-5 4.4.4.2 State Parks/Public Lands ...... 4.4-6 4.4.4.3 Local Parks/Public Lands ...... 4.4-6 4.4.4.4 Urban Cultural Parks Program Designation ...... 4.4-6 4.4.4.5 The State Forest Preserve ...... 4.4-7 4.4.4.6 National Wildlife Refuges and State Game Refuges ...... 4.4-7 4.4.4.7 National Natural Landmarks ...... 4.4-7 4.4.4.8 The National Park System ...... 4.4-8 4.4.4.9 Rivers Designated as National or State Wild, Scenic or Recreational ...... 4.4-8

National Grid 4-ii Exhibit 4: Table of Contents Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application 4.4.4.10 National and NYS Scenic Byways Program ...... 4.4-8 4.4.4.11 Scenic Areas of Statewide Significance ...... 4.4-9 4.4.4.12 State or Federally Designated Trails ...... 4.4-9 4.4.4.13 State Nature and Historic Preserve Areas ...... 4.4-9 4.4.4.14 Bond Act Properties Purchased Under Exceptional Scenic Beauty Category4.4-9 4.4.5 Viewshed Analysis Methodology ...... 4.4-10 4.4.6 Viewshed Analysis Results ...... 4.4-11 4.4.6.1 Existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam 115 kV Line 1 and 2 ROW from Rotterdam Substation to the Ballston Tap ...... 4.4-11 4.4.6.2 Existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam 115 kV Line 1 and 2 ROW from Spier Falls Substation to the Ballston Tap ...... 4.4-12 4.4.6.3 Existing Ballston Tap 115 kV Line 1 and 2 ROW from Ballston Tap to the Ballston Substation ...... 4.4-12 4.4.6.4 Visibility Field Verification ...... 4.4-13 4.4.7 Existing and Proposed Structures and Changes ...... 4.4-16 4.4.8 Results of Visual Simulations ...... 4.4-18 4.4.9 Summary of Project Effects on Visual and Aesthetic Resources ...... 4.4-19

4.5 CULTURAL RESOURCES ...... 4.5-1 4.5.1 Existing Cultural Resources Setting ...... 4.5-1 4.5.1.1 Known Archaeological and Historic Sites ...... 4.5-2 4.5.2 Agency Consultation and Area of Potential Effect Assessment ...... 4.5-2

4.6 TERRESTRIAL AND WILDLIFE RESOURCES ...... 4.6-1 4.6.1 Existing Ecological Communities in the Project Area ...... 4.6-2 4.6.1.1 Existing Ecological Communities along the Project ROWs ...... 4.6-3 4.6.2 Project Effects on Ecological Communities and Mitigation ...... 4.6-6 4.6.3 Existing Wildlife ...... 4.6-8 4.6.3.1 Project Effects on Wildlife and Mitigation ...... 4.6-9 4.6.4 Endangered and Threatened Species and Protected Communities ...... 4.6-11 4.6.4.1 Federally Listed Species ...... 4.6-11 4.6.4.2 State Listed Species ...... 4.6-14 4.6.4.3 State Protected Significant Natural Communities ...... 4.6-14

National Grid 4-iii Exhibit 4: Table of Contents Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application 4.6.4.4 Project Effects on Endangered and Threatened Species and Protected Communities and Mitigation ...... 4.6-15

4.7 WETLANDS AND WATER RESOURCES ...... 4.7-1 4.7.1 Existing Wetland Resources ...... 4.7-1 4.7.1.1 NYSDEC Protected Wetlands and NWI Wetlands ...... 4.7-3 4.7.1.2 Wetlands along Proposed New Line 1 ROW between the Existing Rotterdam Substation to Ballston Tap Junction ...... 4.7-3 4.7.1.3 Wetlands along Proposed New Line 302 ROW between the Existing Spier Falls Substation to Ballston Tap Junction ...... 4.7-4 4.7.1.4 Wetlands along Proposed Rebuilt Line 302 ROW between the Existing Ballston Tap and Ballston Substation ...... 4.7-4 4.7.2 Existing Surface Water Resources ...... 4.7-4 4.7.2.1 Streams along the Rotterdam Substation to Ballston Tap ROW ...... 4.7-6 4.7.2.2 Streams along Proposed New Line 302 - Spier Falls Substation to Ballston Tap ...... 4.7-6 4.7.2.3 Streams along Proposed Rebuilt Line 302 - Ballston Tap to Ballston Substation ...... 4.7-7 4.7.3 Other Water Resources ...... 4.7-7 4.7.3.1 Sole Source Aquifer ...... 4.7-7 4.7.3.2 Ground Water ...... 4.7-8 4.7.3.3 Stormwater ...... 4.7-8 4.7.4 Project Effects on Wetlands and Water Resources and Mitigation ...... 4.7-9 4.7.4.1 Impact Avoidance and Minimization ...... 4.7-9 4.7.4.2 Stormwater Discharges during Construction ...... 4.7-11

4.8 TOPOGRAPHY AND SOILS ...... 4.8-1 4.8.1 Existing Topographic and Soil Conditions ...... 4.8-1 4.8.1.1 Regional Geology ...... 4.8-1 4.8.1.2 Topography ...... 4.8-2 4.8.1.3 Soils ...... 4.8-2 4.8.2 Project Effects on Topography and Soils and Mitigation ...... 4.8-3

4.9 NOISE...... 4.9-1

National Grid 4-iv Exhibit 4: Table of Contents Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application 4.9.1 Existing Noise Quality Conditions ...... 4.9-1 4.9.1.1 Transmission ROW ...... 4.9-1 4.9.2 Applicable Noise Standards ...... 4.9-2 4.9.2.1 Federal Criteria ...... 4.9-2 4.9.2.2 State Criteria ...... 4.9-3 4.9.2.3 Local Criteria ...... 4.9-3 4.9.3 Project Effects on Noise Quality and Mitigation ...... 4.9-4 4.9.3.1 Transmission Line Construction and Operation ...... 4.9-4

4.10 SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ...... 4.10-1

4.11 REFERENCES ...... 4.11-1

National Grid 4-v Exhibit 4: Table of Contents Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application LIST OF TABLES

TABLE 4.2-1 Proposed Acquisition of Additional Right-of-Way and Easements ...... 4.2-15 TABLE 4.4-1 Visual Resource Inventory ...... 4.4-24 TABLE 4.5-1 Historic Sites and NRHP Historic Landmarks Within A 5.0-Mile Radius of the Project ROWs ...... 4.5-4 TABLE 4.6-1 Summary of Ecological Communities in and Adjacent to the Project ROWs ...... 4.6-17 TABLE 4.6-2 Common or Typical Wildlife Reasonably Expected to Occur in Upland and Wetland Habitats on or Adjacent to the Project ROWs ...... 4.6-18 TABLE 4.7-1 Wetlands in the Project ROW ...... 4.7-14 TABLE 4.7-2 Streams Traversed by the Project ROW ...... 4.7-22 TABLE 4.8-1 Soil Types Traversed by the Project ROWs ...... 4.8-6 TABLE 4.9-1 Typical Maximum Noise Levels of Major Construction Equipment ...... 4.9-8 TABLE 4.9-2 Typical Range of Sound Levels by Construction Phase – Overhead Lines ..... 4.9-9

National Grid 4-vi Exhibit 4: Table of Contents Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 4.3-1a: Spier Falls-Rotterdam ROW Corridor, Land Use and General Vegetation Cover Within One-Mile of Project ROW ...... 4.3-24 Figure 4.3-1b: Ballston Tap ROW Corridor, Land Use and General Vegetation Cover Within One Mile of Project ROW ...... 4.3-25 Figure 4.3-2a: Spier Falls-Rotterdam ROW Corridor, FEMA Designated Floodplains ... 4.3-26 Figure 4.3-2b: Ballston Tap ROW Corridor, FEMA Designated Floodplains ...... 4.3-27 Figure 4.3-3: Agricultural Districts ...... 4.3-28 Figure 4.4-1: Historic Resources, Parks, Public Lands, Representative Views and Right-of-Way Cross-Sections ...... 4.4-31 Figure 4.4-2a: Viewshed Analysis - Topographic Map ...... 4.4-32 Figure 4.4-2b: Viewshed Analysis - Digital Relief Map ...... 4.4-33 Figure 4.4-3a: Representative Views of the Spier Falls-Rotterdam Line 1 and 2 ROW at Road Crossings, Rotterdam Substation to Spier Falls Substation ...... 4.4-34 Figure 4.4-3b: Representative Views of the Ballston Tap 115 kV Line 1 and 2 ROW at Road Crossings from Ballston Tap to the Ballston Substation ...... 4.4-35 Figure 4.4-3c – 4.4-3j: Representative Visual Simulation of Proposed Structures Viewed from Road Crossings ...... 4.4-36 Figure 4.4-4a – 4d Viewpoint 1 and Viewpoint 1A: Moreau Lake State Park ...... 4.4-37 Figure 4.4-5a – 5b Viewpoint 2: Mohawk-Hudson Bike Way ...... 4.4-38 Figure 4.4-6a – 6b Viewpoint 3: Mohawk River Near Rotterdam Substation ...... 4.4-39 Figure 4.4-7a – 7b Viewpoint 4: Maalwyck Park ...... 4.4-40 Figure 4.6-1: Ecological Communities Along the Spier Falls-Rotterdam ROW Corridor ...... 4.6-22 Figure 4.6-2: Ecological Communities Along the Ballston Tap ROW Corridor ...... 4.6-23 Figure 4.7-1: Wetlands, Waterbodies, & Endangered Species Along the Spier Falls- Rotterdam ROW Corridor ...... 4.7-26 Figure 4.7-2: Wetlands, Waterbodies, & Endangered Species Along the Ballston Tap ROW Corridor ...... 4.7-27 Figure 4.7-3: Primary, Principal, and Sole Source Aquifer Mapping in the Project Area ...... 4.7-28

National Grid 4-vii Exhibit 4: Table of Contents Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application EXHIBIT 4: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

4.1 INTRODUCTION

National Grid is proposing to construct and operate the Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project (“Project”), which will provide additional and reliable transmission of electricity within an existing electric transmission infrastructure corridor while minimizing or avoiding conflicts with land uses. As described in Exhibit 3 (Alternatives), National Grid conducted an extensive evaluation of alternatives for potential transmission reinforcements in the Northeast Region. As a result of this analysis, National Grid selected this Project as the preferred alternative because it avoids and minimizes adverse effects on the environment, land use, and surrounding communities to the maximum extent practicable by utilizing existing transmission rights-of-way for the new 115 kV transmission lines.

As described in Exhibit 2 (Location of Facilities) and Exhibit E-1 (Description of Proposed Transmission Line), the scope of the Project includes the construction of proposed New Line 1 and New Line 302 and the busing together of existing Line 1 and Line 2, both to be performed primarily within the 32.5 mile right-of-way (“ROW”) of the existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam 115 kV Line 1 and Line 2, and the rebuild and reconductoring of the existing 115 kV Ballston Tap Line 2 within 4.2 miles of the existing Ballston Tap 115 kV Line 1 and 2 ROW (see Exhibit 2, Figures 2-1a through 2-1c and Figure 2-2). No new substations or expansions are proposed; the Applicant will renumber/relabel, as necessary, breaker and other station equipment at existing substations. The ROWs of existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam 115 kV Line 1 and Line 2 and of the existing 115 kV Ballston Tap Line 1 and Ballston Tap Line 2 (herein called the “Project ROWs”) contain, in certain segments, other utility facilities including overhead transmission lines and underground natural gas pipelines. This Project has been designed to reflect current National Grid standards for structure types, conductors, and clearances, as well as engineering codes and standards.

Extensive field investigations, literature reviews, and agency consultations were conducted to identify and assess existing environmental conditions and proposed changes within the Project area.

National Grid 4.1-1 Exhibit 4.1: Introduction Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application 4.2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Project will be located in National Grid’s Northeast Regional Transmission System (see Exhibit 2, Figure 2-3). The Project transmission circuit ROW segments and their geographic locations are depicted in Exhibit 2, Figure 2-2 and Figures 2-4a through 2-4c and in detail on ROW cross-sections in Exhibit 5. National Grid proposes to:

1. construct and operate one new 115 kV single circuit (proposed New Line 302) from the Spier Falls Substation to Ballston Tap - 21.7 circuit miles to be located within the existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam 115 kV Line 1 and 2 ROW;

2. construct and operate one new 115 kV single circuit (proposed New Line 1) from the Rotterdam Substation to Ballston Tap - 10.8 circuit miles to be located within the existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam 115 kV Line 1 and 2 ROW;

3. rebuild and reconductor the existing 115 kV Ballston Tap Line 2 (proposed Rebuilt Line 302) from the existing Ballston Tap to the Ballston Substation - 4.2 circuit miles within the existing 115 kV Ballston Tap Line 1 and 2 ROW; and

4. bus together the existing Spier Falls to Rotterdam 115 kV Lines 1 and 2 to operate as a single circuit (proposed Bused Line 2).

The existing 32.5 mile Spier Falls-Rotterdam 115 kV Line 1 and Line 2 ROW is located in the towns of Rotterdam and Glenville in Schenectady County, and the towns of Charlton, Ballston, Milton, Greenfield, Corinth, and Moreau in Saratoga County. The existing 4.2 mile 115 kV Ballston Tap Line 1 and Ballston Tap Line 2 ROW is located in the Town of Ballston, also in Saratoga County (see Exhibit 2, Figure 2-2). These ROWs consist of existing overhead transmission lines and in the southern segment, these lines are co-located in the ROW with existing National Grid natural gas pipelines.

4.2.1 Proposed Supplemental Property Rights

National Grid proposes to acquire any of three types of property rights along the Project ROW:

1. Fee Ownership: a variable strip of ROW width to be purchased and owned in fee for the construction and operation of the Project.

National Grid 4.2-1 Section 4.2: Project Description Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application 2. Vegetation Management Easement: a 20 to 25 foot wide strip of ROW where all vegetation, including tall growing species, would be removed for construction of the Project and maintained as a border zone in accordance with National Grid’s Transmission Right-of-Way Management Program. Maintenance would include removal of tall growing species; however, some medium growing species and woody shrubs would be allowed to revegetate. Landowners within the vegetation management easement would be allowed to plant low growing species.

3. Danger Tree Easement: a variable strip of ROW width that lies outside of fee ownership and vegetation management easements where any tall growing tree could be removed if it is determined that it would interfere with the operation or maintenance of the line.

There are locations along the existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam 115 kV Line 1 and Line 2 ROW where acquisition of new fee-owned ROW is required to accommodate the proposed New Line 1 and New Line 302 structures and associated line clearances. Vegetation management and danger tree rights are also required in several areas. These areas are shown on Figures 2-4a through 2- 4c of Exhibit 2, in Table 4.2-1 below, and are described as follows by ROW segment.

Rotterdam-Ballston Proposed New Line 1 ROW

Fee Ownership

• From existing structure T-233 northward to the vicinity of existing structure T-226, an additional 80-foot-wide strip of land will be purchased in fee adjacent to the easterly side of the existing ROW to accommodate the preference of most of the property owners in this area for the new line be located on the eastward side of the existing lines away from their homes.

• On the west side of the ROW, an additional 10-foot-wide strip of fee-owned ROW will be required from the vicinity of existing structure T-227 northward to existing structure T-201 to accommodate required spacing between the transmission structures and two existing gas pipelines located in the ROW. This fee-owned ROW will provide the necessary space between the line conductors and facilities constructed adjacent to and at the edge of the ROW.

National Grid 4.2-2 Section 4.2: Project Description Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application • On the western side of the ROW at existing Structure T-209 on the south side of Crooked Street in the Town of Charlton, Saratoga County, it will be necessary to acquire one single family residence due to its location within the 10’ wide fee expansion necessary in this area.

• Adjacent to the Swaggertown Substation (near existing structure T-219 and within the segment of line described above), an additional 65-foot-wide by 150-foot-long strip of fee-owned ROW will be required adjacent to the westerly side of the existing ROW to achieve necessary clearance for a switch structure and associated tap structures.

Vegetation Management Easement

• A 20-foot-wide strip of vegetation management easement area will be required adjacent to the ROW from the vicinity of existing structure T-227 northward to existing structure T-201.

• Adjacent to the Swaggertown Substation (near structure T-219 and within the segment of line described above), an additional 20-foot-wide strip vegetation management easement area will be required adjacent to the strip of fee-owned ROW.

• From existing structure T-201 northward to the Ballston Tap, an additional 20-foot-wide strip of vegetation management easement area will be required on the westerly side of the ROW.

Danger Tree Easement

• Danger tree easements will be acquired, where none exist, along the Rotterdam-Ballston proposed New Line 1 ROW.

Spier Falls-Ballston Proposed New Line 302

Fee Ownership

• In the vicinity of existing structure T-14, just south of Moreau Lake State Park, additional land will be acquired in fee to accommodate the crossing of proposed New Line 302 over

National Grid 4.2-3 Section 4.2: Project Description Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application the existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam Line 1 and 2. The line crossing is proposed so that the new line may be located on the current ROW owned by Applicant within the Moreau Lake State Park. A total of approximately 0.05 acre of new fee owned ROW will need to be acquired from two private landowners.

• Adjacent to the Brook Road Tap (near existing structure T-113) an additional 55-foot- wide by 75-foot-long strip of fee-owned ROW will be required adjacent to the westerly side of the existing ROW to provide for the necessary space for installation of a switch structure and associated tap structures.

• National Grid would acquire a duplex residence and an associated well and septic system due to their location within the existing 100-foot-wide fee-owned ROW. Negotiations are presently underway with the occupant for the removal of this structure. The duplex residence is located at the intersection of NYS Route 29 and Sodeman Road in the Town of Milton, near existing structure T-122.

Vegetation Management Easement

• Beginning at the southerly boundary of the Moreau Lake State Park, near existing structure T-14, and extending southward to the Ballston Tap, an additional 20-foot-wide strip vegetation management easement area will be required on the westerly side of the ROW.

• Adjacent to the Brook Road Tap (near existing structure T-113), an additional 20-foot- wide strip of vegetation management easement area will be required.

Danger Tree Easement

• Danger tree easements to be acquired, where none exist, along the Spier Falls-Ballston proposed New Line 302 ROW.

National Grid 4.2-4 Section 4.2: Project Description Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application Ballston Tap to Ballston Substation Proposed Rebuilt Line 302

Fee Ownership

• None required.

Vegetation Management Easement

• An additional 25-foot-wide strip of vegetation management easement area will be required on the northerly side of the ROW between proposed new structures T-180 and T-206.

Danger Tree Easement

• Danger tree easements to be acquired, where none exist, along the proposed Rebuilt Line 302 ROW.

Bused Line 2 (formerly Lines 1 and 2)

Fee Ownership

• None required.

Vegetation Management Easement

• None required.

Danger Tree Easement

• Danger tree easements to be acquired, where none exist, along the entire Spier Falls- Rotterdam 115 kV Line 1 and 2 ROW.

National Grid 4.2-5 Section 4.2: Project Description Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application 4.2.2 Construction of Overhead Transmission Lines

The location of the Project is described in Exhibit 2 and cross-sections of the proposed transmission facilities are provided in Exhibit 5, Figure 5-2. The following paragraphs describe the proposed construction activities for the Project.

Construction of proposed New Lines 1 and 302 and the rebuild and reconductoring of the existing 115 kV Ballston Tap Line 2 will entail several construction activities that facilitate the progression of structure construction and wire stringing within specific service outage restrictions, while maximizing work efficiency and environmental compatibility. Transmission facility construction consists of the following activities and general environmental practices.

4.2.2.1 Right-of-Way Vegetation Management

The proposed 115 kV transmission lines will be primarily constructed within existing Project ROWs. Within these existing ROWs, tree saplings and shrubs will be mowed or cleared to provide unimpeded and safe access to proposed structure work sites. In addition, trees will be cleared within the newly acquired vegetation management easement areas described in Section 4.2.1. Following construction, the vegetation management easement areas will be maintained under grants of easement established with the landowners, and in accordance with National Grid’s existing Transmission Right-of-Way Management Program. All vegetation, including tall growing species, would be removed from a 20 to 25 foot wide strip of ROW for construction, and that strip would be maintained as a border zone after construction is complete, in accordance with National Grid’s Transmission Right-of-Way Management Program. Maintenance would include removal of tall growing species; however, some medium growing species and woody shrubs would be allowed to revegetate. Landowners within the vegetation management easement would be allowed to plant low growing species.

The specific clearing and vegetation management specifications for the Project will be provided on the plan and profile drawings to be included in the Project Environmental Management and Construction Plan (“EM&CP”). Merchantable wood will be salvaged in the form of logs or pulpwood, where allowed by relevant landowner agreements. The non-merchantable wood and brush that is cleared will be removed, chipped, or piled, as specified in the EM&CP. Disposal of all wood on the Project ROWs will be in compliance with agreements made with property owners and in accordance with the EM&CP.

National Grid 4.2-6 Section 4.2: Project Description Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application 4.2.2.2 Access Roads

Access roads provide entry to and egress from the cleared ROW at the intersection of local, state, and public roadways. Existing access roads or paths in the Project ROWs will be utilized, wherever possible and will be improved as required to provide safe and effective equipment access to each structure location.

Significant environmental impacts to existing vegetation, water, and soil resources will be avoided by using existing access roads or paths and by properly locating any new access roads. The timing of use of existing access roads or paths and the siting of new access roads will be based on such factors as avoidance of environmentally sensitive features (e.g., wetlands and agricultural fields); facilitation of future maintenance work; minimization of erosion; and maximum utilization of existing roadways and cleared ROWs. Where site conditions such as steep slopes, sensitive streams and wetlands, or agricultural operations are a concern, off ROW access will be considered to avoid such sensitive sites. Permission for off ROW access will be obtained from landowners if existing rights do not already provide for such access.

In environmentally sensitive areas, such as wetlands and stream crossings, temporary access protection procedures will be implemented prior to construction activities (e.g., crushed stone over geo-textile fabric or temporary swamp mats) and will be removed following completion of the construction. Temporary mats will also be placed over crossings of natural gas pipelines and other underground facilities, if necessary, to protect them during heavy equipment passage.

The details for construction of new access roads, the use of existing roads, and the control of erosion and sedimentation during construction of the proposed transmission lines will be provided in the EM&CP. Erosion and sediment controls will be designed to maintain and protect the soil and water resources located within the Project ROWs during and immediately following construction activities. These erosion and sediment controls will be in conformance with conditions of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (“NYSDEC’s”) State Pollution Discharge Elimination System (“SPDES”) General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activities (see Section 4.7.4.2). Such conditions will include, but not be limited to, timing of construction; accessibility; movement of construction traffic within the ROW at stream crossings; heavy equipment operation; and creation of access roads (e.g., cut and fill, waterbar, bridge, and culvert installation). During operation of the transmission lines, similar erosion and control measures will be employed during maintenance activities.

National Grid 4.2-7 Section 4.2: Project Description Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application 4.2.2.3 Structure Design and Installation

Construction activities required for structure erection include structure fabrication and installation, which will typically take place at each proposed structure site on the existing ROWs.

In order to facilitate locating the proposed 115 kV structures primarily within the existing Project ROWs, a compact structure design is proposed that primarily involves the use of single, direct buried steel poles with davit arms and restrained suspension insulator assemblies. This type of structure minimizes the horizontal displacement of the conductors and provides greater strength of the structure. Direct buried poles will be utilized for the majority of the proposed new transmission lines. Steel poles will be the direct embedded type except for those structures that support two circuits, at angles in the ROW, and at dead end type structures where concrete foundations may be utilized.

The wood poles that will be installed for the rebuild of the existing 115 kV Ballston Tap Line 2 will be installed in a manner similar to the direct embedded steel poles (i.e., placed in culverts with crushed stone backfill). Diameters of the culverts, in this case, will be 2.5 to 4 feet in diameter. Transmission line structures typically will be located as far from public road, stream, and river crossings as feasible to minimize construction related effects on these areas and to facilitate the establishment of vegetative buffer strips of compatible species at these locations. In addition, the placement of transmission line structures in wetland areas and on steep slopes will be avoided where possible. Transmission line structures will not be located within any identified archaeological sites.

4.2.2.4 Structure Installation in Wetland Areas

Structures will be located in a manner to avoid wetland areas as much as possible. When it is necessary to locate structures within the limits of a wetland, special construction methods and environmental procedures will be employed to minimize adverse effects and protect the individual functions of the wetland. Wetlands will be individually reviewed to determine the best method of access to the structure work site as specified on the Project plan and profile drawings in the EM&CP. Either direct bury poles or concrete foundations may be used in wetland construction; depending upon structure type and loads, soil strength, environmental effects, and cost effectiveness. Temporary construction work pads will be placed at each structure to provide a level, stable work area to locate necessary equipment, excavate structure foundations, and erect the pole structures while minimizing disturbance.

National Grid 4.2-8 Section 4.2: Project Description Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application

4.2.2.5 Direct Bury Steel Pole Installation

Steel pole structures will be typically installed by directly burying the poles into the ground. The direct bury process involves excavating a hole and installing a corrugated metal culvert pipe in the vertical position to the appropriate depth for the new steel pole. The steel pole is then set inside the culvert and backfilled with stone.

Depth to bedrock, soil bearing capacities, and depth to groundwater will influence structure placement and foundation design. In some areas, blasting or drilling shallow bedrock may be required. Shallow bedrock would require mechanical rock removal to ensure the poles are installed to the correct depth. Should blasting be required, it will be conducted in accordance with applicable state and local regulations. Foundation design for dead-end and angle structures will consider site-specific soil bearing capacities and subsurface conditions through individual boring investigations at those locations.

Typically, for structures in wetlands, temporary “swamp” mats will be utilized for access and work pads to minimize ruts and soil compaction and the potential for erosion and sedimentation impact. After the work area has been prepared to properly situate construction equipment, work will begin with excavating holes for the new pole structure using an auger or an excavator. In wetland areas, topsoil, containing root and seed stock will be segregated from subsoil and stockpiled on construction matting or geo-textile fabric. Similar to upland installations, the steel poles (approximately two feet in diameter) will be installed by excavating a narrow hole approximately 8 to 10 feet deep. Segregated subsoil will be stockpiled adjacent to the excavation. After excavating a narrow hole, a corrugated “grounding” culvert (30 to 48 inches in diameter) will be lowered into the excavation with a crane or excavator and the area around the culvert will be backfilled with the excavated subsoil, as necessary. The steel pole will then be lowered into the culvert and backfilled between the pole and the vertical culvert with crushed stone.

The work area will be re-contoured to approximate pre-construction conditions, typically within the same day. Segregated wetland topsoil will be replaced over the grounding culvert and allowed to re-vegetate with wetland vegetation. Excess soil will be transferred to an upland area in the ROW or to an off-site, upland location.

National Grid 4.2-9 Section 4.2: Project Description Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application 4.2.2.6 Concrete Foundation and Pole Installations

Concrete pier foundations will consist of steel culvert encasements with an anchor bolt assembly to support the pole. The concrete foundation construction typically involves the excavation of an 8 to 12 foot diameter hole to accommodate 6 to 8 foot diameter pier foundations. Holes are typically excavated 15 to 25 foot deep to accommodate a vertical culvert form for the anchor bolt assembly and concrete foundation. Pier foundations may be excavated with a large drilling machine, a tire-mounted backhoe, or track excavator. If existing grades have the potential to cause erosion, staked straw bale or silt fence barriers will be placed between the work activity and the wetland prior to commencing work.

For foundations that must be located in wetlands, excavated topsoil and subsoil will be segregated and temporarily stockpiled on construction matting or geo-textile fabric. Once the culvert form is placed in the excavated hole, native soil backfill will be placed around the foundation and the segregated topsoil will be spread over the disturbed areas and mulched. Excess soil will be permanently removed and spread in appropriate upland areas within the ROW, as far from the wetland as practical, and seeded and mulched to prevent erosion.

If it appears that the initial excavation of a pier area or the pouring of concrete into the caisson form will result in a discharge of water, the following dewatering procedures will be employed. Water will be pumped from the excavation area into a containment area that will be situated in an upland location, as feasible. The containment area will be constructed of straw bales and geo- textile fabric and will be consistent with the EM&CP erosion and sediment control criteria. Prior to pumping, an energy dissipation device will be deployed at the discharge point to reduce the force of the water and thereby limit the potential for erosion of upland soils. The water will then be allowed to infiltrate back into the ground or filter through and/or overtop the straw bale dike.

After the concrete has been poured and cured and the steel poles have been set, disturbed areas will be finish-graded, seeded appropriately for summer or winter conditions, and mulched. In wetland areas where grades have the potential to cause erosion, annual rye seed will be cast over disturbed soils to provide rapid germination of vegetation and prevent the introduction of undesirable upland or invasive plant species in wetlands.

National Grid 4.2-10 Section 4.2: Project Description Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application 4.2.2.7 Conductor Stringing

After the structures are erected, insulators will be installed and conductor and lightning wire protection (called shieldwire) will be strung using a lead line and puller/tensioner machine. Lead lines can be walked through wetlands and vegetative buffer zones with minimum disruption to wetland habitat. Conductors will be pulled through stringing blocks by the tensioning equipment that is staged at appropriate structure locations. During conductor stringing, temporary guard structures will be placed at all highway, railroad, hiking trail, and canal crossings, and near existing utility lines to ensure public safety and the continued operation of other utility equipment.

Conductor stringing sites will be designated at selected structure sites on the existing Project ROWs and will be specified in the EM&CP. Such sites will involve set-up and operation of mechanized pulling equipment and conductor reels. Wetlands and other sensitive environmental sites will generally be avoided in locating such sites. If they cannot be avoided, temporary swamp mats or other appropriate protective measures will be implemented, as specified in the EM&CP.

4.2.2.8 Clean-up and Restoration

Clean-up and restoration activities will be conducted, as required, at structure work sites and access roads. Clean-up activities include the removal of all equipment and construction debris from the ROWs. Sites requiring restoration as a result of the construction work will be identified by an environmental monitor and the appropriate restoration measures will be implemented in accordance with the EM&CP. Restoration work may include re-grading; removal of temporary erosion controls; the restoration of wetlands and stream banks; temporary or permanent seeding and mulching for erosion control; reseeding or restoration of agricultural fields; tree and shrub plantings in vegetative buffer strips; and removal of temporary access roads and stream or wetland crossings. The specific restoration measures to be implemented will depend on the resources specific to a particular section of the ROW.

National Grid will perform construction activities in accordance with all state and federal regulations. Additionally, National Grid will adhere to the procedures and specifications in the EM&CP, which includes best management practices (“BMPs”) that will be utilized to minimize impacts to the environment and the surrounding community.

National Grid 4.2-11 Section 4.2: Project Description Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application 4.2.3 Upgrades to Existing Substations

As described in Exhibit 2 (Location of Facilities), eight existing substations will require the renumbering/relabeling of breaker and other station equipment to accommodate the Project. None of these renumbering/relabeling operations will require any construction or excavation. Additionally, the Project will require modification to a structure within the fence of the Spier Falls Substation property and the replacement of two (2) structures within the fence of the Rotterdam Substation property. None of the work at these substation properties will involve expansion of existing substation fence lines. Therefore, no additional discussion of these facilities is provided within this Exhibit, with the exception of Section 4.4.3.4.

4.2.4 Construction Coordination and Environmental Management and Construction Plans

National Grid will plan and coordinate construction activities with the development of its EM&CP. Construction coordination includes: the designation of appropriate work zones; the development of maintenance of traffic plans; the layout of access road locations; the identification of tree and brush clearing and disposal sites; and locating structure foundation, structure assembly sites and conductor pulling sites. Advance planning of the Project will assure that: safe traffic conditions on public roads are maintained; tree removal and brush clearing is properly conducted through site specific tree marking, selective clearing and disposal procedures; work in wetlands and other sensitive environmental resources is conducted with best management procedures; equipment operation and construction activities are limited to designated areas; and, appropriate erosion and sediment control measures are applied.

4.2.5 Construction Marshalling Yards or Staging Areas

During construction of the Project, it will be necessary to establish and utilize areas that will serve as locations for construction-related facilities such as:

• Office trailers. • Personnel parking, portable sanitary facilities, and telephones. • Material, equipment and vehicle storage. • Minor equipment and vehicle maintenance.

National Grid 4.2-12 Section 4.2: Project Description Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application These areas, referred to as construction marshalling yards or staging areas, will be strategically placed at selected locations along or adjacent to the existing Project ROWs or at selected off- ROW locations. These sites will normally be located adjacent to existing public roads where material deliveries can be efficiently conducted and remain in the vicinity of the Project ROWs. These areas will be located to avoid environmentally sensitive features including wetlands, known archaeological sites, and habitats that support rare, threatened, and endangered plants and animals.

The location of construction marshalling yards or staging areas will be identified during final design and presented in the EM&CP. Each area will be of sufficient size to accommodate the materials to be delivered and will serve as a major storage yard for materials such as poles, hardware, and conductors delivered from outside the region. Arrangements may be made with landowners to temporarily use locally available and developed commercial properties for such marshalling yards or staging areas, thereby minimizing the amount of site preparation and improvement work that would be needed to use an undeveloped site. If such properties or sites are not locally available, the establishment of these areas could require vegetation clearing, removal and stockpiling of topsoil, site grading, spreading of gravel cover, fencing, and installation of temporary utilities. Additional vegetation clearing and grading for site access also may be required. These areas will be utilized at various times as construction proceeds along the ROWs. After completion of construction, the marshalling yards and staging areas will be restored to conditions comparable to those that existed before construction, unless an affected landowner desires otherwise.

National Grid 4.2-13 Section 4.2: Project Description Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application

SECTION 4.2 - PROJECT DESCRIPTION

TABLE

National Grid 4.2-14 Section 4.2: Project Description Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application

TABLE 4.2-1

Proposed Acquisition of Additional Right-of-Way and Easements Number of Existing Acres Need for Additional ROW Landowners Structure Span Required Affected a/ Rotterdam-Ballston Proposed New Line 1 ROW Acquire an additional 80-foot-wide fee owned ROW 8 T-233 to T-226 19 ac. to accommodate landowner requests to site the new line on the eastward side of the existing lines, away from homes. Acquire danger tree easements where none exist. Acquire an additional 10-foot-wide fee owned ROW 24 T-227 to T-201 4.5 ac. in fee to accommodate required spacing between 9 ac. in transmission structures and two existing gas easement pipelines. Acquire an additional 20-foot-wide vegetation management easement adjacent to the ROW. Acquire danger tree easements where none exist. Acquisition of one single family residence due its 1 T-209 .40 ac location within the 10-foot-wide fee owned ROW to be acquired. Acquire an additional 65-foot-wide by 150-foot-long 1 Near T-219 .23 ac. in fee strip of fee owned ROW adjacent to the westerly .10 ac. in side of the existing ROW to achieve necessary easement clearance for a switch structure and associated tap structures. Acquire an additional 20-foot-wide vegetation management easement adjacent to the ROW. Acquire danger tree easements where none exist. Acquire an additional 20-foot-wide vegetation 17 T-201 to the 9 ac. management easement adjacent to the ROW. Ballston Tap Acquire danger tree easements where none exist. Spier Falls-Ballston Proposed New Line 302 Acquire an additional variable -foot-wide fee owned 2 Near T-14 0.05 ac. ROW to accommodate the crossing of the proposed New Line 302 over the existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam Line 1 and 2. Acquire an additional 20-foot-wide vegetation management easement adjacent to the ROW. Acquire danger tree easements where none exist. Acquire an additional 20-foot-wide vegetation 136 T-14 to the 50 ac. management easement on the westerly side of the Ballston Tap ROW. Acquire danger tree easements where none (T-173.5) exist. Acquire one two family residence due its location 1 T-122 1.40 ac. within the existing fee owned ROW. This acquisition is being made as part of a previous reconductoring project and negotiations are underway. Acquire an additional 55-foot-wide by 75-foot-long 1 Near T-113 .10 ac. in fee strip of fee owned ROW adjacent to the westerly .06 ac in side of the existing ROW to provide space for easement

National Grid 4.2-15 Section 4.2: Project Description Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application TABLE 4.2-1

Proposed Acquisition of Additional Right-of-Way and Easements Number of Existing Acres Need for Additional ROW Landowners Structure Span Required Affected a/ installation of a switch structure and associated tap structures. Acquire an additional 20-foot-wide vegetation management easement adjacent to the ROW. Ballston Tap to Ballston Substation Proposed Rebuilt Line 302 Acquire an additional 25-foot-wide vegetation 21 T-180 to T-206 9 ac. management easement on the northerly side of the ROW. Acquire danger tree easements where none exist.

a/ National Grid has and will meet with the affected landowners to acquire the new Right of Way.

National Grid 4.2-16 Section 4.2: Project Description Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application 4.3 LAND USE

In accordance with PSL §122(1)(c) and 16 NYCRR § 86.5(b)(2)(iv), this section evaluates existing land uses in the Project area, and whether the Project preserves the natural landscape and minimizes changes or excessive conflict with any present or future planned uses.

4.3.1 Existing Land Use

National Grid evaluated the existing Project ROWs with the intention of utilizing them for construction of proposed New Lines 1 and 302, the rebuild and reconductoring of the existing 115 kV Ballston Tap Line 2, and the bussing together of the existing Spier Falls to Rotterdam 115 kV Lines 1 and 2. The Project ROWs are located in the towns of Rotterdam and Glenville in Schenectady County, and the towns of Charlton, Ballston, Milton, Greenfield, Corinth, and Moreau in Saratoga County (see Exhibit 2, Figure 2-2). As described in Section 4.2.1 and Section 4.3.1.1, there are five locations where additional ROW is required to accommodate new structures and line clearances. Of the 32.5 miles of new transmission line construction, National Grid proposes to acquire minor expansions of ROW along approximately 4.2 miles in the southern segment of the existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam 115 kV Line 1 and 2 ROW.

This section generally describes land uses within 3.0 miles of the Project ROWs corridors. Land use policies for Schenectady and Saratoga Counties, as well as land use regulations and policies for the individual towns traversed by the ROWs, have been reviewed and evaluated to determine whether the proposed transmission facilities “minimize conflict with any present or future planned land use.” An assessment of the applicability of local ordinances and zoning for each town is provided in Exhibit 7 (Local Ordinances).

Land uses along the Project ROWs were identified from several sources including the U.S. Geological Survey (“USGS”) New York Land Cover Dataset and classification (1997) on U.S. Department of Transportation (“USDOT”) base maps, the NYS Geographic Information System (“GIS”) Clearinghouse (2004) inventories, and mapping of land use, cultural, visual, and recreational resources. Land use and vegetation cover types and cover type communities adjacent to the Project ROWs are provided on Figure 4.3-1a and Figure 4.3-1b. Exhibit 2, Figures 2-4a through 2-4c reflect the current land use conditions as depicted on aerial ortho- photography. These data have been verified using the aerial imagery taken during an April 2009 flyover of the ROW and field reconnaissance surveys conducted in June and July 2007 and June 2009. The following sections summarize the existing land uses along the Project ROWs.

National Grid 4.3-1 Section 4.3: Land Use Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application 4.3.1.1 Land Use Along Proposed New Line 1 - Rotterdam Substation to Ballston Tap

Proposed New Line 1 will be constructed primarily within the existing ROW and traverses the towns of Rotterdam and Glenville in Schenectady County and the towns of Charlton and Ballston in Saratoga County (see Figure 4.3-1a, Sheets 1 through 3).

Land uses directly adjacent to the existing Rotterdam Substation consist of a mix of commercial and industrial use, highway and railroad corridors traversing east to west on the south side of the Mohawk River, and large forested parcels and light residential use to the south of the station. At the southern most section of the Project ROW, north of the Rotterdam Substation, the ROW crosses NYS Interstate 890 (“I-890”), the Mohawk-Hudson Bikeway, and NYS Route 5. North of the Mohawk River, the ROW traverses an area of industrial and commercial redevelopment associated with the former military facility located between NYS Route 5 and Vley Road, now called Corporation Park and Scotia-Glenville Industrial Park. The ROW traverses two railroads within the industrial park area.

Near the Schenectady/Saratoga county line and the existing Swaggertown Substation in the Town of Glenville, land uses generally consist of residential housing surrounded by agricultural and forest land. Areas adjacent to the ROW are mostly forested, interspersed with low intensity residential development, and a few small parcels in agricultural use.

As previously described in Section 4.2.1, the Project will require an 80-foot-wide expansion of the existing fee-owned ROW to the east to accommodate the placement of the proposed New Line 1 structures between Sacandaga Road and Snake Hill Road, in the Town of Glenville (see Figure 4.3-1a, Sheet 1 of 7). The land use along this 1.2-mile-long expansion area consists of low intensity residential and predominantly deciduous forest. The proposed ROW expansion would involve primarily clearing deciduous forest land. Within this segment of ROW, just south of Swaggertown Road, a second additional 65-foot-wide by 150 linear feet of ROW in old field must be acquired adjacent to the west ROW boundary to route the proposed New Line 1 around the existing Swaggertown Substation tap structures.

The Project will also require an 10-foot-wide expansion of fee-owned ROW to the west between Snake Hill Road and Valentine Road in the towns of Glenville and Charlton (see Figure 4.3-1a, Sheet 1 and 2 of 7), and a 20-foot-wide vegetation management easement to the west of this ROW expansion area (see Section 4.2.1). In addition, National Grid proposes to acquire a single

National Grid 4.3-2 Section 4.3: Land Use Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application family residence on a small lot directly adjacent to and west of the existing ROW at the Crooked Street overhead crossing in the Town of Charlton due its location within the 10-foot-wide fee- owned ROW to be acquired. Land use adjacent to the ROW at this location is high intensity residential, surrounded by large forested parcels and agricultural fields.

The land use along this 3.2-mile-long expansion and easement area is mixed low intensity residential, agricultural, and mixed forest land. The proposed ROW expansion area and a 20- foot-wide easement area will be cleared of all woody vegetation, including tall growing species for construction. Shrubs and low growing vegetation, as well as vegetation buffers at streams or in visually sensitive areas within the ROW expansion area, will be retained if they do not interfere with the operational integrity of the transmission lines. The 20-foot-wide vegetation management easement area will be maintained as a border zone in accordance with National Grid’s Transmission Right-of-Way Management Program. Maintenance would include removal of tall growing species; however, some medium growing species and woody shrubs will be allowed to revegetate. Landowners within the vegetation management easement will be allowed to plant low growing species in accordance with negotiated easements. A variable strip of ROW width that lies outside of fee ownership and vegetation management easements will also be maintained for danger trees to allow for the removal of any tall growing tree if it is determined that it would interfere with the operation or maintenance of the line.

4.3.1.2 Land Use Along Proposed New Line 302 - Spier Falls Substation to Ballston Tap

Construction of the proposed New Line 302 will take place within the existing ROW. This ROW traverses approximately 21.7 miles of primarily rural low intensity residential and forested land (see Figure 4.3-1a, Sheets 3 through 7). The existing Spier Falls Substation is fee-owned land located adjacent to the existing Spier Falls Hydroelectric Station, on the Hudson River, and located within the Moreau Lake State Park boundary. The existing ROW that crosses Moreau Lake State Park contains a fee-owned area of varying width, together with a reserved easement for all facilities that existed at the time the land was sold by National Grid to the Beaverkill Conservancy, Inc., a predecessor in title to Moreau Lake State Park. The fee and easement areas were and are used for fourteen (14) existing tower structures, which traverse mixed deciduous and coniferous forest land on both sides of the ROW. No additional fee-owned ROW or easements is required within Moreau Lake State Park.

National Grid 4.3-3 Section 4.3: Land Use Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application Moreau Lake State Park is the only state park land traversed by this segment of the Spier Falls- Rotterdam 115 kV Line 1 and 2 ROW (see Section 4.3.3). As described in Section 4.2.1, in the vicinity of existing structure T-14, just south of Moreau Lake State Park, approximately 0.05 acre of new fee-owned ROW to the west will need to be acquired from private landowners to accommodate the crossing of proposed New Line 302 over the existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam Line 1 and Line 2. The line crossing is proposed so that New Line 302 may be located on the current ROW owned by the Applicant within the Moreau Lake State Park. Trees would be cleared from this portion of new ROW located adjacent to the existing clearing for the residence directly adjacent to ROW.

As the ROW traverses south from Moreau Lake State Park, it continues through the towns of Moreau, Corinth, Greenfield, Milton, and Ballston crossing mostly large parcels of forested land, interspersed with relatively small parcels under agricultural use. As previously described, beginning at the south boundary of Moreau Lake State Park and extending southward to the Ballston Tap, National Grid proposes to construct the proposed New Line 302 within the existing ROW; however, a 20-foot-wide vegetation management easement will be required on the westerly side of the ROW and provide for the removal of all woody vegetation for construction and long-term operation of the proposed New Line 302.

Following construction, National Grid proposes to maintain this area as a border zone in accordance with National Grid’s Transmission Right-of-Way Management Program. Maintenance of this border zone would include removal of tall growing species; however, some medium growing species and woody shrubs will be allowed to revegetate. Landowners within the vegetation management easement will be allowed to plant low growing species in accordance with negotiated easements. A variable strip of ROW width that lies outside of fee ownership and vegetation management easements will also be maintained for danger trees to allow for the removal of any tall growing tree if it is determined that it would interfere with the operation or maintenance of the line.

From the south boundary of Moreau Lake State Park in Moreau, the Spier Falls-Rotterdam 115 kV Line 1 and 2 ROW traverses in a westerly direction through the Town of Corinth where the existing land use consists of primarily privately owned evergreen, deciduous and mixed forest, and very low intensity residential development along roads near the Village of Randall Corner. The ROW traverses the Town of Greenfield primarily through privately owned evergreen, deciduous, and mixed forest, and low intensity residential development and several small areas

National Grid 4.3-4 Section 4.3: Land Use Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application of commercial land adjacent to local and state roads in the village areas of North Greenfield and Kings Station. An approximate five mile segment of the ROW traverses the Kayaderosseras Creek Valley where the existing land use consists of large parcels of privately owned undeveloped forest land that is interspersed with forested and open wetlands and floodplain along the Kayaderosseras Creek. Also in south Greenfield, south of Hyspot Road, the ROW traverses a small high intensity residential mobile home trailer park located adjacent to and west of the ROW. The land use adjacent to the mobile home trailer park and surrounding the ROW consists of low and high intensity residential use, large parcels of mixed and evergreen forest land, and commercial/industrial/transportation land.

To the south, in the Town of Milton, adjacent land use along the ROW is primarily mixed forest, with scattered patches of agricultural use, and low intensity residential and commercial development near the villages of North Milton and West Milton. Directly south of the Greenfield/Milton town line, adjacent to the Brook Road Tap (near existing structure T-113), an additional 55-foot-wide by 75-foot-long strip of fee-owned ROW will be required adjacent to the westerly side of the existing ROW to provide for the necessary space for installation of a switch structure and associated tap structures. In this location, the ROW is surrounded by large parcels of forested land. This small fee-owned strip of ROW would be cleared and maintained for the proposed structures. South of this location, the ROW traverses a large auto salvage yard in North Milton off Sodeman Road.

Also in the Town of Milton, south of the auto salvage yard, National Grid would acquire an existing duplex residence and a well and septic system on the property due to their location within the existing 100-foot-wide fee-owned ROW. The land use adjacent to this property, near NYS Route 29 and adjacent to the west side of the ROW, is primarily low intensity residential, surrounded by large private parcels, mixed forested land, and pasture.

Directly north of Rock City Road and Lewis Road in the Town of Milton, the ROW traverses two high intensity residential mobile home trailer parks that are surrounded by open space and forest land. National Grid is investigating minor potential encroachments in the ROW in these areas (see section 4.3.6). National Grid will survey precise ROW property boundaries and contact adjacent property owners and occupants on a case by case basis.

In the Town of Ballston, existing land use on both sides of the ROW is primarily agricultural, with scattered low intensity residential housing. From southern Milton to the Ballston Tap

National Grid 4.3-5 Section 4.3: Land Use Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application junction located in the Town of Ballston, the land use is dominated by low intensity agriculture and low intensity residential development. The Ballston Tap junction is located on a large parcel in agricultural use and is within a designated Saratoga County Agricultural District (see Section 4.3.5 and Figure 4.3-3).

4.3.1.3 Land Use Along Rebuilt Line 302 - Ballston Tap to Ballston Substation

The proposed Rebuilt Line 302 will traverse the Ballston Tap junction east along the existing Ballston Tap 115 kV Line 1 and 2 ROW (see Figure 4.3-1b, Sheet 2 of 2). This ROW traverses approximately 4.2 miles over primarily open agricultural land and large patches of forest land. There is rural-residential land use near the Malta Tap ROW and at the terminus of the proposed New Lines 1 and 302 at the Ballston Substation, just south of the Village of Ballston Spa.

4.3.2 State and Local Land Use Planning and Policies

Introduction

There are two counties and eight towns that will be crossed by the Project ROWs. Local land use plans and polices, including local park lands and recreational facilities were investigated for both Schenectady and Saratoga Counties and for all the towns crossed by the Project ROWs. Saratoga County does not have a Master Land Use Plan, but it has a comprehensive Green Infrastructure Plan. Schenectady County does not have a Master Land Use Plan. The Town of Rotterdam has not adopted a comprehensive plan. Each of the towns of Glenville, Charlton, Ballston, Milton, Greenfield, and Moreau has adopted a comprehensive plan. The Town of Corinth is in the process of updating its comprehensive master plan.

The construction of proposed New Lines 1 and 302 within the existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam 115 kV Line 1 and 2 ROW and the rebuild and reconductoring of the existing 115 kV Ballston Tap Line 2 within the Ballston Tap 115 kV Line 1 and 2 ROW will not adversely change local or regional land use patterns or land use planning. The Project will provide additional and reliable transmission of electricity within an existing electric transmission infrastructure corridor while minimizing or avoiding conflicts with surrounding land uses. The Project can be viewed as supporting the continued economic development of the communities in the Northeast Region (see Exhibit 6 – Economic Effects). A summary of land use planning in the Project area follows.

National Grid 4.3-6 Section 4.3: Land Use Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application 4.3.2.1 2009 New York State Open Space Conservation Plan

The 2009 New York State Open Space Conservation Plan encourages various state and local stakeholders to take advantage of opportunities to implement conservation recommendations as these stakeholders develop strategies for achieving conservation goals. The conservation plan focuses on four major areas: responding to climate change; fostering green, healthy communities; connecting New Yorkers with nature and recreation; and safeguarding the state's natural and cultural heritage. The state conservation goals include measures to protect plant and animal habitat and the State's surface and ground water quality; combat global climate change; maintain an interconnected network of protected lands and waters for wildlife use; improve community quality of life and health; maintain critical natural resource industries; protect hunting, fishing, trapping and wildlife viewing habitats; provide outdoor recreation, open space, and education and research opportunities; and protect and enhance scenic, historic and cultural resources (NYSOSCP, 2009). The conservation plan includes a list of 135 regional priority conservation projects across the State, some of which are in the vicinity of the Project. These include the following:

Project 49 – Mohawk River Valley Corridor/Barge Canal: The conservation plan states that priority should be given to protecting significant scenic, cultural, recreational, and natural resources along the Mohawk River in addition to securing river and tributary access parcels that would enhance public enjoyment of these resources. Areas of particular concern in the Mohawk River corridor include "The Noses"; two prominent landmarks of significant scenic and cultural value; Wolf Hollow, which exhibits unique geological, botanical, and cultural importance; and the Great Flats Aquifer in Schenectady County (see Section 4.7.3.1). Efforts should also be directed toward securing buffer land adjacent to the newly created Mohawk River State Park in Schenectady County and to protect linkage parcels that contribute to the continuity of a statewide Canalway Trail System (see Section 4.4.4.12)

Project 66 – Saratoga County: Several conservation projects are listed in Saratoga County

Karner Blue Butterfly Recovery Units: Three units in the county support the majority of the remaining populations of Karner blue butterfly. The conservation plan states that acquisition and easements will be needed in conjunction with management agreements and other land protection tools to halt the decline of the Karner blue butterfly and to create the long-term self sustaining populations necessary to remove the species from the endangered list (see Section 4.6.4.1).

National Grid 4.3-7 Section 4.3: Land Use Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application Kayaderosseras and Fish Creek Corridor/Saratoga Lake: These waterbodies are major tributaries of the Hudson River and are important for recreation, fishing, watershed protection, as well as providing significant wetlands and natural habitat. Increased public access to both the creeks and the lake are goals of the surrounding municipalities and the County's Green Infrastructure Plan (see Sections 4.3.2.3 and 4.7.2). The conservation plan states that protection efforts can be undertaken by state, county, and municipal jurisdictions or by other organizations and could take the route of either fee or easement acquisitions.

Mid-County Trail System – Saratoga County has a trail system that traverses four towns and a village in the center of Saratoga County and it has the potential to link some of the major residential population centers. The conservation plan states that protection of the wetlands and natural corridors along the trail and establishment of trail linkages into residential areas will advance recreational use and enjoyment (see Section 4.3.2.3).

Agricultural Lands – Throughout Saratoga County, an active farmland conservation easement program has been created with assistance from the County Farmland Preservation and Open Space Fund. Important farmland protection projects have been initiated under the umbrella of a county wide program (see Sections 4.3.5 and 4.3.6.2). The conservation plan states that any reasonably viable farmland under consideration should be protected, whenever possible, by the purchase of an easement rather than fee simple acquisition, in order to enhance future use of the land for agriculture.

The Project, as presented in this Application and the EM&CP, will not affect the goals of the 2009 New York State Open Space Conservation Plan.

4.3.2.2 Schenectady County

The areas traversed by the Project ROWs in Schenectady County primarily include agricultural and mixed residential land use. The existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam 115 kV Line 1 and 2 ROW traverses the Mohawk River just north of the existing Rotterdam Substation, which is a central transmission hub for the National Grid Northeast Region transmission system. The existing Rotterdam Substation is located southwest of the City of Schenectady in an area where several transmission lines converge from the west, north, south, and east. The existing Rotterdam Substation and Spier Falls-Rotterdam 115 kV Line 1 and 2 ROW traverses an industrial and commercial area just north of the Mohawk River for approximately 1.2 miles, and then traverses

National Grid 4.3-8 Section 4.3: Land Use Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application north through mostly sparse residential areas in the Town of Glenville, before entering rural residential land in Saratoga County.

Town of Rotterdam The Town of Rotterdam has not adopted a comprehensive plan to guide land use planning. There will be no adverse effect on future land use or planned development in the Town of Rotterdam because the Project will be constructed almost entirely within the existing ROW and will consist of paralleling existing tower structures.

Town of Glenville Chapter 270 of the Town of Glenville’s Comprehensive Plan sets the following zoning priorities:

• protection of the Schenectady (Great Flats) Aquifer; • protection of natural areas such as federal wetlands, flood-prone areas, stream corridors, and view sheds known to be important to the community or region; • establishment of parklands, open space, and recreational opportunities; • maintenance of the rural character of western Glenville; • preservation of scenic vistas, particularly in western Glenville where the topography is visually appealing, and wherever unspoiled views of water bodies are present; • preservation of historic structures and distinctive architecture; • minimization of traffic congestion; • increase in housing options to accommodate a broader spectrum of demographic groups; • decrease in the property tax burden upon residents; • additional appropriately scaled and sited recreational and commercial development opportunities along the Mohawk River so that the public may benefit from improved access to this resource; • preservation of community identity and character focusing on the NYS Route 50/Glenridge Road area known as the “Town Center”; • improvement in the appearance of the Town through the use of building design standards; • encouragement of pedestrian and bicycle design features and structures; and • development and building activities on the border of other municipalities that do not conflict with existing land use patterns of those adjacent municipalities.

The Town of Glenville Open Space Plan, adopted by the Town Board on May 7, 2008, includes similar goals and objectives such as the protection of natural and cultural features, land use

National Grid 4.3-9 Section 4.3: Land Use Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application development patterns that are consistent with the carrying capacity of natural resources, water quality, the rural character of western Glenville, buffers between developed areas in eastern Glenville, environmentally sensitive areas, scenic views, key entryways or gateways to the Town of Glenville, and the development of recreational facilities and opportunities.

During 2004, the Town of Glenville developed a Town Center Master Plan and a Freeman’s Bridge Road Master Plan, but the area of focus for each of these plans is outside of the Project area.

The Project will traverse existing and future recreational bike paths in the towns of Glenville and Rotterdam. The City of Schenectady has developed an Urban Bike Route Master Plan (2001) that outlines a plan to create bicycle routes throughout the city and beyond. Goals include improvement of the existing Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail, which is crossed by the Project in the Town of Rotterdam. It also proposes creating connections to the Mohawk-Hudson Bike Trail through designated regional routes, including one along NYS Route 5/Mohawk Avenue, which is crossed by the existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam 115 kV Line 1 and 2 ROW in the Town of Glenville.

Because the Project will be constructed almost entirely within the existing ROW in the Town of Glenville and parallel to existing tower structures, the Project is consistent with the Town of Glenville’s Master Plan, will not adversely affect land use and planned development, and will not add new visual impacts to any previously undisturbed landscape (see Section 4.4 for information on visual resources). In addition, construction of the Project will not cause adverse impacts to existing or proposed bike routes in the area. Therefore, the Project is consistent with local land use planning in the Town of Glenville.

4.3.2.3 Saratoga County

The Green Infrastructure Plan for Saratoga County, adopted in November 2006, proposes a plan for a “Green Infrastructure Network” that is designed to protect and promote open space resources through the conservation of “unfragmented areas” of working farm and forest land, connections between natural areas, concentrated areas of historic resources, and “Green Infrastructure Gateways.” These “Gateways” are planned entrances to the “Green Infrastructure Network” that will serve as a focus area for economic development and tourism. The Green Infrastructure Plan outlines four green infrastructure theme areas: 1) Farmland Core Areas, 2) Natural System “Hubs,” 3) Greenways and Trail Corridors, and 4) Heritage Hubs.

National Grid 4.3-10 Section 4.3: Land Use Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application

While the Green Infrastructure Plan does not outline any specific goals or recommendations relative to electric transmission projects, one of the major goals addressed in the plan is to prioritize implementation of projects that will not increase fragmentation of farmlands and natural lands and that will preserve existing open space corridors in the landscape. Because the Project will be constructed almost entirely within existing electric transmission line ROWs, parallel to existing tower structures, it will not increase the fragmentation of agricultural or natural lands in Saratoga County and will not affect areas designated for the preservation of historic resources.

Based on a review of the Green Infrastructure Plan mapping, the Project traverses a proposed “Core Farm Area” that incorporates southwest Milton, northwest Ballston, and most of Charlton. Farming in this region is described as typically encompassing small and diverse operations, including dairy and horse farms with hay and pasture land, orchards, Christmas tree farms, and fiber (sheep, llama, and alpaca) production. Because the Project will be located along or immediately adjacent to the existing ROWs, it will not increase fragmentation of the agricultural landscape in this area. The location of agricultural lands and lands enrolled in an Agricultural District are further described in Section 4.3.5.

Moreau Lake State Park, located at the northeastern end of the Project, is within the planned “Adirondack Foothills Natural Hub” and is considered an important natural area with significant natural benefits of regional and/or statewide importance under the Saratoga County Green Infrastructure Plan. Additionally, this park is under evaluation as a “State Bird Conservation Area.” The Project will be located within the existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam 115 kV Line 1 and 2 ROW within Moreau Lake State Park. No ROW expansion is proposed in this area (see Section 4.3.3).

As described in Exhibit 2, the Project will involve the continuation of ROW vegetation management and the acquisition of additional vegetation management easement areas adjacent to the ROW (e.g., hazard or “danger trees”). “Danger trees” are tall and defective trees that are vulnerable to toppling or breakage by storms and high winds. Removal of “danger trees” along the ROW will be limited to tree species likely to contact the conductors in the ROW should they fall. “Danger tree” clearing will not result in adverse fragmentation of forest lands, including those in Moreau Lake State Park and will not affect the goal of preserving unfragmented forest

National Grid 4.3-11 Section 4.3: Land Use Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application lands and important natural areas as enumerated in the Saratoga County Green Infrastructure Plan.

In addition to designating natural areas, the Saratoga County Green Infrastructure Plan proposes the development of connections between natural areas for use by wildlife and for recreational use. This proposal includes the development of trails along existing utility line ROWs that would be part of the Saratoga County Trails System. As a result, portions of National Grid’s existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam 115 kV Line 1 and 2 ROW could be included in the trail system with appropriate agreements. The Project will not affect the potential for the development of a trail system along the existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam 115 kV Line 1 and 2 ROW and is consistent with the Saratoga County Green Infrastructure Plan with respect to this use.

The Project will cross several “Greenways” proposed under the Saratoga County Green Infrastructure Plan. These “Greenways” occur along rivers and streams and serve as natural corridors between resources. “Greenways” traversed by proposed New Line 302 include the Hudson River within Moreau Lake State Park, Kayaderosseras Creek, Fish Creek, Mourning Kill, and Alplaus Kill. Both the Hudson River and Fish Creek are also planned “Blueways” that would serve as a public access water trail for recreation. At each “Greenway” crossing, the Project ROWs will be situated along existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam 115 kV Line 1 and 2 ROW. Mourning Kill and Alplaus Kill are located south of the Ballston Tap junction where the ROW will require a 10-foot-wide expansion. The Project will not result in fragmentation of these “Greenway” corridors.

For the reasons described above, the Project is consistent with the goals of the Saratoga County Green Infrastructure Plan.

Town of Charlton In July 2007, the Town of Charlton adopted the Town of Charlton Comprehensive Plan. The purpose of this plan is to protect and maintain the quality of Charlton’s built and natural environment as well as to uphold the town’s agricultural and rural character. The Town of Charlton Comprehensive Plan does not propose any recommendations regarding energy use or electrical service. Specific goals outlined in the plan that relate indirectly to the Project include the following:

National Grid 4.3-12 Section 4.3: Land Use Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application • protection and enhancement of the Town’s rural, agricultural, historic, and aesthetic character; and • protection of the Town’s environmental resources, particularly groundwater quality, quantity, and availability.

Because the Project will be constructed almost entirely within the existing ROW in the Town of Charlton, parallel to existing tower structures, the Project will not adversely impact Charlton’s agricultural, historic, and aesthetic character, or its environmental resources. Thus, the Project is consistent with the goals set forth in the Town of Charlton Comprehensive Plan.

Town of Ballston The Town of Ballston adopted a Final Draft Comprehensive Plan in December 2005. The plan was developed with the intent of achieving a balance between village, suburban, and rural land use perspectives and protection of the existing quality of life. The Final Draft Comprehensive Plan discusses the use of utility ROWs for the development of recreational trails. The Final Draft Comprehensive Plan recommends that any utility facilities be placed in visually unobtrusive locations. The Town of Ballston also drafted an Interim Open Space Plan in 2004.

The goals of the Town of Ballston Final Draft Comprehensive Plan include:

• encouragement of the conservation of farmland and significant open spaces and ensure the long-term viability of agriculture; • creation of a network of open spaces to provide wildlife habitat and potential greenway/recreational trail corridors; • expansion of the Town’s active and passive recreational resources to meet the growing demand for these amenities; and • protection and promotion of the Town’s significant historic and cultural resources.

Because the Project will be constructed entirely within the existing ROW, parallel to existing tower structures, the Project is consistent with the goals set forth in these two plans.

Town of Milton The Town of Milton has an approved Comprehensive Master Plan that provides for planned growth while preserving rural and recreation areas throughout the town (Town of Milton, 2010). Because the Project will be constructed almost entirely within the existing ROW in the Town of

National Grid 4.3-13 Section 4.3: Land Use Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application Milton, parallel to existing tower structures, it is anticipated that the Project will not adversely affect existing or future land uses and planned development in the town.

Town of Greenfield The Town of Greenfield Comprehensive Plan was adopted by the Town Board on May 12, 2005. The intention of this plan is to guide future development in the Town of Greenfield while striving to remain a largely rural town with sizeable residential parcels. The applicable goals of the Comprehensive Plan include:

• expansion of the definition of home occupations; • creation of a new zoning map reflective of the Town’s vision; • prohibition on expansion of the existing commercial districts; • prohibition on the creation of additional or expansion of the existing industrial manufacturing zone; • establishment of a procedure for lot line revisions; • establishment of bike paths to connect the hamlets and parks with one another; • protection of Kayaderosseras Ridge from visual, drainage, and erosion impacts; • development of additional parks, preferably large, town wide parks; and • discouragement of development of pocket parks.

The Town of Greenfield Comprehensive Plan does not address or make any recommendations regarding energy use or electrical service. Because the Project will be constructed entirely within the existing ROW in the Town of Greenfield, parallel to existing tower structures, the Project is consistent with the goals of the Comprehensive Plan and will not adversely affect existing land use and planned development. With respect to the natural resources identified in the Town of Greenfield Comprehensive Plan, the Project ROW is located nearly five miles east of the Kayaderosseras Ridge. The Project ROW is obscured from view due to intervening terrain and forest cover, and not anticipated to affect the visual aesthetics from ridge top views looking east towards the ROW (see Section 4.4, Figures 4.4-2a and 4.4-2b).

National Grid 4.3-14 Section 4.3: Land Use Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application Town of Corinth The Town of Corinth is in the process of updating the Corinth Comprehensive Master Plan (2008). Because the Project will be constructed entirely within the existing ROW in the Town of Corinth, parallel to existing tower structures, it is not anticipated that the Project will adversely affect existing land use and planned development.

Town of Moreau The Town of Moreau has a Comprehensive Land Use Plan (2008), which provides a succinct description of existing conditions, outlines goals and objectives developed through the planning process, and presents findings and conclusions through the evaluation of existing conditions. The Comprehensive Land Use Plan recommends specific actions and implementation mechanisms, but does not specifically address the existing electric transmission corridor within the town, nor does it propose any recommendations regarding energy use or electrical service. Specific goals outlined in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan that relate indirectly to the Project include the following:

• protection of important environmental features and open space; • protection of important historic, cultural and recreational features; and • encouragement of economic development opportunities.

Because the Project will be constructed entirely within the existing electric ROW in the Town of Moreau, parallel to existing tower structures, the Project will not adversely affect existing land use and planned development and is consistent with the goals set forth in the Town of Moreau‘s Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

4.3.3 State and Local Parks/Public Lands

The Project ROWs traverse through only one state park (Moreau Lake State Park) and are directly adjacent to only two local parks (Little Troy Park and Maalwyck Park). These areas are described in more detail as follows, and also are evaluated in Section 4.4 (Visual Resources).

4.3.3.1 Moreau Lake State Park

Moreau Lake State Park is a 4,100 acre forested area adjacent to the Hudson River and Moreau Lake. It is primarily dominated by hemlock-northern hardwood forests and beech-maple mesic forests. Recreational facilities and activities are available within the park including camping,

National Grid 4.3-15 Section 4.3: Land Use Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application hiking, biking, swimming, boating, and fishing. These facilities are primarily located to the east of the Project ROW.

A Final Master Plan, which included an Environmental Impact Statement, was adopted for Moreau Lake State Park (“Park”) on November 7, 2006. There are no specific recommendations relative to the siting of new electric transmission facilities in the Final Master Plan. The Plan generally emphasizes the preservation of the scenic nature of the Park and the Hudson River corridor. The Final Master Plan specifies that “new facilities” for the Park will be sited in such a way that they take maximum advantage of existing scenic features such as lakes and wooded areas, yet will be located so that they do not intrude on undeveloped view sheds. In addition to encouraging the preservation of scenic resources within the Park, the Final Master Plan has a goal to preserve and enhance views from the Park. It states that management “shall encourage relationships with surrounding property owners – internal and external to the Park – to maintain and enhance the scenic quality of their properties.”

As previously described, no new cleared ROW expansion will be necessary within Moreau Lake State Park. National Grid has designed the proposed New Line 302 to be located within the fee- owned ROW, adjacent to the fee and easement areas used for the existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam 115 kV Line 1 and 2 and 34.5 kV Spier Falls – Brook Road Line/Saratoga Line 12, and will remain consistent with land use goals in the Park. Tree clearing for the Project will be limited to “danger trees” that pose a potential risk of falling on the lines. As demonstrated in the viewshed analysis in Section 4.4, existing vistas and viewsheds within Moreau Lake State Park will not be adversely affected by proposed New Line 302. The Project is consistent with the Moreau Lake State Park Final Master Plan in that it will not affect undeveloped viewsheds.

Additionally, the Final Master Plan cites a Memorandum of Agreement with National Grid that allows the Park to construct a limited number of pedestrian and/or vehicle accesses across the ROW. It is anticipated that the Project will have no effect on any planned access across the ROW within Moreau Lake State Park.

National Grid has met with the Moreau Lake State Park manager to discuss the Project and has determined that the Project is consistent with the Park’s Final Master Plan because it will not change the current overall land use of the Park and will not affect existing or potential hiking trails or access to any nature observation in the portion of the Park where the ROW is located. In addition, National Grid contacted NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation

National Grid 4.3-16 Section 4.3: Land Use Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application (“NYS OPRHP”) to request any additional comments it may have about the Project, as it relates to Moreau Lake State Park.

4.3.3.2 Local Parks

Little Troy Park is owned and managed by the Town of Charlton. It is located in a river meander of the Alplaus Kill and immediately abuts the existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam 115 kV Line 1 and 2 ROW. Recreational activities within Little Troy Park primarily consist of swimming, hiking, and nature observation.

Maalwyck Park in the Town of Glenville is located adjacent to the east side of the existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam 115 kV Line 1 and 2 ROW, directly north of the Mohawk River and next to Canal Lock 8. It is a 57.5 acre recreational park and is equipped with soccer and baseball fields, which are accessed from NYS Route 5.

Because the Project will be constructed almost entirely within existing electric transmission line ROW in the towns of Charlton and Glenville, parallel to existing tower structures, the Project will not adversely affect existing land use or existing or potential recreational uses of the Little Troy Park and Maalwyck Park.

4.3.4 Floodplains

Figures 4.3-2a and 4.3-2b illustrates the 100-year floodplains relative to the Project corridor. For Saratoga County, 100-year flood data from the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (“FIRMs”) published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) were obtained through the NYS GIS Clearinghouse. Because no GIS data were available for Schenectady County, floodplain areas in Figure 4.3-2a depict digitized data from the FIRM map viewer obtained directly from online FEMA maps.

Flood hazard areas are determined using statistical analysis of records of river flow, storm tides, rainfall, information obtained through consultation with the communities, floodplain topographic surveys, and hydrological and hydraulic analysis. Typically, only drainage areas that are greater than 1.0 square mile are studied.

The Project traverses ten, 100-year floodplains in Saratoga County and two, 100-year floodplains in Schenectady County. In Saratoga County, the floodplains in the Project area are associated

National Grid 4.3-17 Section 4.3: Land Use Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application with the Alplaus Kill and Mourning Kill in the Town of Charlton, Glowegee Creek in the Town of Milton, Kayaderosseras Creek (four floodplain crossings) in the towns of Milton and Greenfield, Woodland Lake in the Town of Corinth, and Stony Brook and the Hudson River in the Town of Moreau. In Schenectady County, the floodplains in the Project area are associated with the Mohawk River in the towns of Rotterdam and Glenville. Environmental protection measures, such as use of temporary swamp mat access, will be used during construction of the proposed facilities, to protect these floodplains. These protection measures will be prescribed in the EM&CP.

4.3.5 Agricultural Districts

Article 25-AA of the Agriculture and Markets Law authorizes the creation of local agricultural districts pursuant to landowner initiative, preliminary county review, state certification, and county adoption. These districts encourage improvement and continued use of agricultural land for the production of food and other agricultural products. An important benefit of the Agricultural Districts Program is the opportunity provided to farmland owners to receive real property assessments based on the value of their land for agricultural production rather than on its development value. The Agricultural Districts Law and the Agricultural and Farmland Protection programs have influenced municipal comprehensive plans and zoning regulations. County agricultural and farmland protection boards may develop protective plans in collaboration with county soils and water conservation districts. The Agricultural Districts Law protects farmers against local laws that may unreasonably restrict farm operations located within an agricultural district.

In a letter dated August 1, 2007, the State of New York Department of Agriculture and Markets indicated that several parcels crossed by the existing ROW in the Town of Glenville are included in Schenectady County Agricultural District No. 1. It also stated that several parcels along the Project ROWs in the towns of Charlton and Milton are included in Saratoga County Agricultural District No. 2.

Mapping of the Agricultural Districts in Saratoga County and the parcels enrolled with the Agricultural District in Schenectady County is provided on Figure 4.3-3. Based on mapping obtained from the NYS GIS Clearinghouse and the Soil and Water Conservation District in Schenectady County, there are three parcels of land enrolled in Agricultural District No. 1 that are crossed or directly adjacent to the ROW in the Town of Glenville. In Saratoga County, information regarding which specific parcels are enrolled with the Agricultural District is

National Grid 4.3-18 Section 4.3: Land Use Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application unavailable. The Project, however, traverses one large area where parcels are protected by Saratoga Agricultural District No. 2. Based on this information, the Project will involve an estimated 10.8 miles of Agricultural District lands.

4.3.6 Project Effects on Land Use and Mitigation

4.3.6.1 ROW Construction Effects

The construction of proposed New Lines 1 and 302 will occur primarily within the existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam 115 kV Line 1 and 2 ROW. The Project will require an 80-foot-wide expansion of the existing fee-owned ROW to the east to accommodate the placement of the proposed New Line 1 structures in a shared ROW with gas pipeline between Sacandaga Road and Snake Hill Road, in the Town of Glenville (see Figure 4.3-1a, Sheet 1 of 7). This proposed ROW expansion would involve primarily clearing deciduous forest land on relatively few and large parcels. Within this segment of ROW, just south of Swaggertown Road, a second additional 65-foot-wide by 150 linear feet expansion of ROW (within existing old field) must be acquired adjacent to the west ROW boundary to route the proposed New Line 1 around the existing Swaggertown Substation tap structures. In addition, the Project will require an 10-foot-wide by 3.2-mile-long expansion of fee-owned ROW to the west between Snake Hill Road and Valentine Road in the towns of Glenville and Charlton, along with a 20-foot wide vegetation management easement to the west of the ROW that would be cleared during the construction phase of the project (see Section 4.2.1). Maintenance of this area would include removal of tall growing species; however, some medium growing species and woody shrubs will be allowed to revegetate. Existing forest land in these ROW and easement areas will be converted to herbaceous cover and compatible shrub and tree species respectively. The estimated acreage for the proposed ROW expansion areas and vegetation management easements is provided in Table 4.2-1. These vegetation cover changes associated with these areas is not anticipated to affect land use patterns or uses along the ROW.

As previously mentioned, there are three high intensity mobile home trailer parks located directly adjacent to the Project ROW. These trailer parks are relatively small and have existed adjacent to the ROW for many years. National Grid does not anticipate that the Project will change the existing residential use adjacent to the ROW or in surrounding areas. Any potential encroachments within the ROW will be investigated through a survey of the precise fee-owned ROW boundaries at these locations. National Grid will contact individual abutting property owners or occupants to address potential encroachments and vegetation management easements

National Grid 4.3-19 Section 4.3: Land Use Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application on a case by case basis. Any additional encroachments identified during the preparation of the EM&CP will be similarly addressed. Adjacent landowners will be afforded the opportunity to remove any encroaching structures or uses prior to the start of construction.

In addition, National Grid plans to acquire a duplex residence and an associated well and septic system in the Town of Milton, due to their location within the existing 100-foot-wide fee-owned ROW (see Section 4.2.1). The duplex residence is located at the intersection of NYS Route 29 and Sodeman Road, near existing structure T-122. Negotiations are presently underway with the occupant for the removal of these residential facilities, leaving the property as a small open space parcel. National Grid also proposes to acquire a single family residence on a small lot directly adjacent to and west of the existing ROW, at the Crooked Street overhead crossing, in the Town of Charlton, due its location within the additional 10-foot-wide fee-owned ROW strip to be acquired.

Nearby residences may experience temporary disturbance and traffic inconvenience associated with construction activities, primarily at locations where the existing ROWs cross roadways that will be used by construction vehicles to access construction ROWs. These effects will be temporary and short in duration.

To minimize potential construction effects to adjacent landowners, National Grid will provide timely information to adjacent property owners and/or tenants regarding the planned construction activities and schedule, and will coordinate with NYS Department of Transportation (“NYSDOT”), Schenectady and Saratoga County officials, and local police departments, as applicable, to develop and implement traffic control measures to ensure safe and adequate traffic operations along roadways used by construction vehicles.

4.3.6.2 Effects on Agricultural Lands

The existing Project ROWs traverse active agricultural lands in Schenectady and Saratoga Counties and approximately 10.8 miles of designated Agricultural Districts in Saratoga County. National Grid will comply with landowner and the Department of Agriculture and Markets’ recommendations and incorporate site specific recommendations and protection measures in the EM&CP. In most areas along the ROWs, farming operations do not occur within the existing ROWs. Existing agreements between local farm operators and National Grid allow for the co- existence of active farmland and transmission line operation. National Grid will locate new pole structures to avoid long term disruption of farm activities. During construction, agricultural

National Grid 4.3-20 Section 4.3: Land Use Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application operations may be disrupted within the ROWs for a single season, depending upon the timing of construction. To the extent possible, pole structures will not be located in the middle of crop fields. All construction debris will be removed from the fields.

Should soil rutting occur in agricultural fields and pastures, National Grid will grade and restore topsoil conditions upon completion of the work. In a letter dated December 3, 2009, the State of New York Department of Agriculture and Markets indicated that construction of electric transmission lines across agricultural land can have temporary and permanent impacts on agriculture. The EM&CP will include consideration of the type of construction activities, the type of structures, structure locations and spanning distances in determining options to minimize effects on agricultural land and operations in the Project corridor. Restoration measures such as rehabilitation of drainage tile fields, deep tilling of compacted areas, and thorough removal of all construction debris will be specified by location and implemented in active agricultural areas. Additionally, there is one tree farm along the existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam 115 kV Line 1 and 2 ROW, in the Town of Milton. Efforts will be made to avoid the loss of commercially valuable trees.

4.3.6.3 Effects on State and Local Parks/Public Lands

No adverse impacts to state and local parks or public lands are anticipated as a result of the Project. Because the Project is located in or along existing ROWs, there will be only minor changes in the structure types and visual effect of the ROW on these lands. These changes will not adversely affect land uses or visual aesthetics along or adjacent to the ROW. Further analysis of visual aesthetics on state and local parks or public lands along the Project ROWs is provided in Section 4.4. There will not be an expansion of the existing ROW in Moreau Lake State Park, Little Troy Park, or Maalwyck Park. The Project will be consistent with local open space and public land planning, although there may be some temporary disruption of recreational uses on these lands during construction along the existing Project ROWs. There will be no disruption of water-related activities (e.g., fishing and boating) along the Hudson River. Because there is no structure work proposed in the area of the Mohawk-Hudson Bikeway, no disruption in the use of this bike trail is anticipated.

4.3.6.4 Conclusion on Project Effects on Land Use

The Project will not adversely affect local or regional land use patterns or land use planning, or state and local public lands. The Project will provide additional and reliable transmission of

National Grid 4.3-21 Section 4.3: Land Use Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application electricity within an existing electric transmission infrastructure corridor, which will support the continued land use patterns. The Project does not conflict with existing comprehensive county or town plans, or the potential for economic development of the communities in the Northeast Region (see Exhibit 6 – Economic Effects).

National Grid 4.3-22 Section 4.3: Land Use Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application

SECTION 4.3 - LAND USE

FIGURES

National Grid 4.3-23 Section 4.3: Land Use Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application Figure 4.3-1a: Spier Falls-Rotterdam ROW Corridor, Land Use and General Vegetation Cover Within One-Mile of Project ROW

National Grid 4.3-24 Section 4.3: Land Use Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application MAP LOCATION Indian Meadows Park Hamilton Moreau Corinth

Greenfield

Saratoga County Milton

Charlton Ballston Glenville

Schenectady Rotterdam County

Scotia-Glenville Pop Warner Field

Existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam Line 1 and 2 ROW Corridor

Bike Plotter Kill Path County Nature Preserve Maalwyck Park

Collins Park Old Maid Woods City Preserve Existing Rotterdam Substation Freedom Park

Existing Right-of-Way (ROW) High Intensity Residential Pasture/Hay Corridor and Property Commercial/Industrial/Transportation Row Crops One-Mile Radius Quarries/Strip Mines, Gravel Pits Urban/Recreational Grasses SPIER FALLS-ROTTERDAM NEW Local Parks and Public Lands Transitional Woody Wetlands 115 kV TRANSMISSION PROJECT Land Use Deciduous Forest Emergent Herbaceous Wetlands Open Water Evergreen Forest SPIER FALLS-ROTTERDAM ROW CORRIDOR Low Intensity Residential Mixed Forest LAND USE AND GENERAL VEGETATION COVER WITHIN ONE MILE OF PROJECT ROW Sources: Land Use, USGS Land Cover Dataset, 1997; Local Parks/Public Lands, NYS Dept of Transportation, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, town websites; 0 1,000 2,000 Base Maps, New York State Dept of Transportation Feet FIGURE 4.3-1a SHEET 1 OF 7

R:\Projects\GIS_2006\51494_NIMO\mxd\Article_VII_Final_Figs_2010\FIG4_3-1a_LandUse_SR_01-26-10.mxd printed: 2/9/2010 MAP LOCATION

Hamilton Moreau Corinth

Greenfield

Saratoga County Milton

Charlton Ballston Glenville

Schenectady Rotterdam County

Gideon Hawley Park

Elmer Smith Park Charvale Swimming Pool

Existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam Line 1 and 2 ROW Corridor

Little Troy Park

Swaggertown Substation

Indian Meadows Park

Existing Right-of-Way (ROW) High Intensity Residential Pasture/Hay Corridor and Property Commercial/Industrial/Transportation Row Crops One-Mile Radius Quarries/Strip Mines, Gravel Pits Urban/Recreational Grasses SPIER FALLS-ROTTERDAM NEW Local Parks and Public Lands Transitional Woody Wetlands 115 kV TRANSMISSION PROJECT Land Use Deciduous Forest Emergent Herbaceous Wetlands Open Water Evergreen Forest SPIER FALLS-ROTTERDAM ROW CORRIDOR Low Intensity Residential Mixed Forest LAND USE AND GENERAL VEGETATION COVER WITHIN ONE MILE OF PROJECT ROW Sources: Land Use, USGS Land Cover Dataset, 1997; Local Parks/Public Lands, NYS Dept of Transportation, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, town websites; 0 1,000 2,000 Base Maps, New York State Dept of Transportation Feet FIGURE 4.3-1a SHEET 2 OF 7

R:\Projects\GIS_2006\51494_NIMO\mxd\Article_VII_Final_Figs_2010\FIG4_3-1a_LandUse_SR_01-26-10.mxd printed: 2/9/2010 MAP LOCATION

Hamilton Moreau Corinth

Greenfield

Saratoga County Milton

Charlton Ballston Glenville

Schenectady Rotterdam County

Existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam Line 1 and 2 ROW Corridor

Existing Ballston Tap

Existing Ballston Tap ROW Corridor (See Figure 4.3-1b)

Existing Right-of-Way (ROW) High Intensity Residential Pasture/Hay Corridor and Property Commercial/Industrial/Transportation Row Crops One-Mile Radius Quarries/Strip Mines, Gravel Pits Urban/Recreational Grasses SPIER FALLS-ROTTERDAM NEW Local Parks and Public Lands Transitional Woody Wetlands 115 kV TRANSMISSION PROJECT Land Use Deciduous Forest Emergent Herbaceous Wetlands Open Water Evergreen Forest SPIER FALLS-ROTTERDAM ROW CORRIDOR Low Intensity Residential Mixed Forest LAND USE AND GENERAL VEGETATION COVER WITHIN ONE MILE OF PROJECT ROW Sources: Land Use, USGS Land Cover Dataset, 1997; Local Parks/Public Lands, NYS Dept of Transportation, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, town websites; 0 1,000 2,000 Base Maps, New York State Dept of Transportation Feet FIGURE 4.3-1a SHEET 3 OF 7

R:\Projects\GIS_2006\51494_NIMO\mxd\Article_VII_Final_Figs_2010\FIG4_3-1a_LandUse_SR_01-26-10.mxd printed: 2/9/2010 MAP LOCATION

Hamilton Moreau Corinth

Greenfield

Saratoga County Milton

Charlton Ballston Glenville

Schenectady Rotterdam County

Middle Grove Park

Existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam Line 1 and 2 ROW Corridor

County Forest

Existing Right-of-Way (ROW) High Intensity Residential Pasture/Hay Corridor and Property Commercial/Industrial/Transportation Row Crops One-Mile Radius Quarries/Strip Mines, Gravel Pits Urban/Recreational Grasses SPIER FALLS-ROTTERDAM NEW Local Parks and Public Lands Transitional Woody Wetlands 115 kV TRANSMISSION PROJECT Land Use Deciduous Forest Emergent Herbaceous Wetlands Open Water Evergreen Forest SPIER FALLS-ROTTERDAM ROW CORRIDOR Low Intensity Residential Mixed Forest LAND USE AND GENERAL VEGETATION COVER WITHIN ONE MILE OF PROJECT ROW Sources: Land Use, USGS Land Cover Dataset, 1997; Local Parks/Public Lands, NYS Dept of Transportation, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, town websites; 0 1,000 2,000 Base Maps, New York State Dept of Transportation Feet FIGURE 4.3-1a SHEET 4 OF 7

R:\Projects\GIS_2006\51494_NIMO\mxd\Article_VII_Final_Figs_2010\FIG4_3-1a_LandUse_SR_01-26-10.mxd printed: 2/9/2010 MAP LOCATION

Hamilton Moreau Corinth

Greenfield

Saratoga County Milton

Charlton Ballston Glenville

Schenectady Rotterdam County

Existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam Line 1 and 2 ROW Corridor Kings Station

Porter Corners Park

New Town Park

Veterans Park

Nature Conservancy Preserve

Existing Right-of-Way (ROW) High Intensity Residential Pasture/Hay Corridor and Property Commercial/Industrial/Transportation Row Crops One-Mile Radius Quarries/Strip Mines, Gravel Pits Urban/Recreational Grasses SPIER FALLS-ROTTERDAM NEW Local Parks and Public Lands Transitional Woody Wetlands 115 kV TRANSMISSION PROJECT Land Use Deciduous Forest Emergent Herbaceous Wetlands Open Water Evergreen Forest SPIER FALLS-ROTTERDAM ROW CORRIDOR Low Intensity Residential Mixed Forest LAND USE AND GENERAL VEGETATION COVER WITHIN ONE MILE OF PROJECT ROW Sources: Land Use, USGS Land Cover Dataset, 1997; Local Parks/Public Lands, NYS Dept of Transportation, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, town websites; 0 1,000 2,000 Base Maps, New York State Dept of Transportation Feet FIGURE 4.3-1a SHEET 5 OF 7

R:\Projects\GIS_2006\51494_NIMO\mxd\Article_VII_Final_Figs_2010\FIG4_3-1a_LandUse_SR_01-26-10.mxd printed: 2/9/2010 MAP LOCATION

Hamilton Moreau Corinth

Greenfield

Saratoga County Milton

Charlton Ballston Glenville

Schenectady Rotterdam County

County Forest

Existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam Line 1 and 2 ROW Corridor

Existing Right-of-Way (ROW) High Intensity Residential Pasture/Hay Corridor and Property Commercial/Industrial/Transportation Row Crops One-Mile Radius Quarries/Strip Mines, Gravel Pits Urban/Recreational Grasses SPIER FALLS-ROTTERDAM NEW Local Parks and Public Lands Transitional Woody Wetlands 115 kV TRANSMISSION PROJECT Land Use Deciduous Forest Emergent Herbaceous Wetlands Open Water Evergreen Forest SPIER FALLS-ROTTERDAM ROW CORRIDOR Low Intensity Residential Mixed Forest LAND USE AND GENERAL VEGETATION COVER WITHIN ONE MILE OF PROJECT ROW Sources: Land Use, USGS Land Cover Dataset, 1997; Local Parks/Public Lands, NYS Dept of Transportation, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, town websites; 0 1,000 2,000 Base Maps, New York State Dept of Transportation Feet FIGURE 4.3-1a SHEET 6 OF 7

R:\Projects\GIS_2006\51494_NIMO\mxd\Article_VII_Final_Figs_2010\FIG4_3-1a_LandUse_SR_01-26-10.mxd printed: 2/9/2010 MAP LOCATION

Hamilton Moreau Corinth

Greenfield

Saratoga County Milton

Charlton Ballston Glenville

Schenectady Rotterdam County

State Park

Existing Spier Falls Substation

Moreau Lake State Park

Existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam Grant Cottage Line 1 and 2 ROW Corridor State Historic Site

Existing Right-of-Way (ROW) High Intensity Residential Pasture/Hay Corridor and Property Commercial/Industrial/Transportation Row Crops One-Mile Radius Quarries/Strip Mines, Gravel Pits Urban/Recreational Grasses SPIER FALLS-ROTTERDAM NEW Local Parks and Public Lands Transitional Woody Wetlands 115 kV TRANSMISSION PROJECT Land Use Deciduous Forest Emergent Herbaceous Wetlands Open Water Evergreen Forest SPIER FALLS-ROTTERDAM ROW CORRIDOR Low Intensity Residential Mixed Forest LAND USE AND GENERAL VEGETATION COVER WITHIN ONE MILE OF PROJECT ROW Sources: Land Use, USGS Land Cover Dataset, 1997; Local Parks/Public Lands, NYS Dept of Transportation, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, town websites; 0 1,000 2,000 Base Maps, New York State Dept of Transportation Feet FIGURE 4.3-1a SHEET 7 OF 7

R:\Projects\GIS_2006\51494_NIMO\mxd\Article_VII_Final_Figs_2010\FIG4_3-1a_LandUse_SR_01-26-10.mxd printed: 2/9/2010

Figure 4.3-1b: Ballston Tap ROW Corridor, Land Use and General Vegetation Cover Within One Mile of Project ROW

National Grid 4.3-25 Section 4.3: Land Use Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application MAP LOCATION

Hamilton Moreau Corinth

Greenfield

Saratoga County Milton

Charlton Ballston Glenville

Schenectady Rotterdam County

Existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam Line 1 and 2 ROW Corridor (See Figure 4.3-1a)

Existing Ballston Tap

Existing Ballston Tap ROW Corridor

Existing Right-of-Way (ROW) High Intensity Residential Pasture/Hay Corridor and Property Commercial/Industrial/Transportation Row Crops One-Mile Radius Quarries/Strip Mines, Gravel Pits Urban/Recreational Grasses SPIER FALLS - ROTTERDAM NEW Local Parks and Public Lands Transitional Woody Wetlands 115 kV TRANSMISSION PROJECT Land Use Deciduous Forest Emergent Herbaceous Wetlands Open Water Evergreen Forest BALLSTON TAP ROW CORRIDOR Low Intensity Residential Mixed Forest LAND USE AND GENERAL VEGETATION COVER WITHIN ONE MILE OF PROJECT ROW Sources: Land Use, USGS Land Cover Dataset, 1997; Local Parks/Public Lands, NYS Dept of Transportation, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, town websites; 0 1,000 2,000 Base Maps, New York State Dept of Transportation Feet $ FIGURE 4.3-1b SHEET 1 OF 2 R:\Projects\GIS_2006\51494_NIMO\mxd\Article_VII_Final_Figs_2010\FIG4_3-1b_Landuse_Ballston_01-26-10.mxd printed: 2/9/2010 MAP LOCATION Saratoga Spa Hamilton Moreau State Park Corinth

Greenfield

Saratoga County Milton

Charlton Ballston Glenville Kelly Park

Schenectady Spensieri Park Rotterdam County

Existing Ballston Substation

Recreation Field

Existing Malta Tap

Existing Ballston Tap ROW Corridor

Existing Right-of-Way (ROW) High Intensity Residential Pasture/Hay Corridor and Property Commercial/Industrial/Transportation Row Crops One-Mile Radius Quarries/Strip Mines, Gravel Pits Urban/Recreational Grasses SPIER FALLS - ROTTERDAM NEW Local Parks and Public Lands Transitional Woody Wetlands 115 kV TRANSMISSION PROJECT Land Use Deciduous Forest Emergent Herbaceous Wetlands Open Water Evergreen Forest BALLSTON TAP ROW CORRIDOR Low Intensity Residential Mixed Forest LAND USE AND GENERAL VEGETATION COVER WITHIN ONE MILE OF PROJECT ROW Sources: Land Use, USGS Land Cover Dataset, 1997; Local Parks/Public Lands, NYS Dept of Transportation, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, town websites; 0 1,000 2,000 Base Maps, New York State Dept of Transportation Feet $ FIGURE 4.3-1b SHEET 2 OF 2 R:\Projects\GIS_2006\51494_NIMO\mxd\Article_VII_Final_Figs_2010\FIG4_3-1b_Landuse_Ballston_01-26-10.mxd printed: 2/9/2010

Figure 4.3-2a: Spier Falls-Rotterdam ROW Corridor, FEMA Designated Floodplains

National Grid 4.3-26 Section 4.3: Land Use Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application MAP LOCATION

Hamilton Moreau Corinth

Greenfield

Saratoga County Milton

Charlton Ballston Glenville

Schenectady Rotterdam County

Existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam Line 1 and 2 ROW Corridor

Existing Rotterdam Substation

Existing Right-of-Way (ROW) Corridor and Property Floodplains Area inundated by 100-year flooding; no BFEs (Base Flood Elevations) determined SPIER FALLS-ROTTERDAM NEW Area inundated by 100-year flooding; BFEs determined 115 kV TRANSMISSION PROJECT Area inundated by 100-year flooding (usually an area of ponding); BFEs determined; flood depths 1 to 3 feet Sources: Floodplains, FEMA SPIER FALLS-ROTTERDAM ROW CORRIDOR Note: No Digital Floodplain Data available for Schenectady County. Floodplain for Mohawk River FEMA DESIGNATED FLOODPLAINS digitized from FEMA-FIRM Maps. Base Maps: USGS 7.5 Minute Topographic Quadrangle(s): 0 1,000 2,000 Burnt Hills, Pattersonville, Rotterdam Junction, Schenectady Feet FIGURE 4.3-2a SHEET 1 OF 7

R:\Projects\GIS_2006\51494_NIMO\mxd\Article_VII_Final_Figs_2010\FIG4_3-2a_Floodplain_SR_01-27-10.mxd printed: 2/9/2010 MAP LOCATION

Hamilton Moreau Corinth

Greenfield

Saratoga County Milton

Charlton Ballston Glenville

Schenectady Rotterdam County

Existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam Line 1 and 2 ROW Corridor

Existing Right-of-Way (ROW) Corridor and Property Floodplains Area inundated by 100-year flooding; no BFEs (Base Flood Elevations) determined SPIER FALLS-ROTTERDAM NEW Area inundated by 100-year flooding; BFEs determined 115 kV TRANSMISSION PROJECT Area inundated by 100-year flooding (usually an area of ponding); BFEs determined; flood depths 1 to 3 feet Sources: Floodplains, FEMA SPIER FALLS-ROTTERDAM ROW CORRIDOR Note: No Digital Floodplain Data available for Schenectady County. Floodplain for Mohawk River FEMA DESIGNATED FLOODPLAINS digitized from FEMA-FIRM Maps. Base Maps: USGS 7.5 Minute Topographic Quadrangle(s): 0 1,000 2,000 Burnt Hills Feet FIGURE 4.3-2a SHEET 2 OF 7

R:\Projects\GIS_2006\51494_NIMO\mxd\Article_VII_Final_Figs_2010\FIG4_3-2a_Floodplain_SR_01-27-10.mxd printed: 2/9/2010 MAP LOCATION

Hamilton Moreau Corinth

Greenfield

Saratoga County Milton

Charlton Ballston Glenville

Schenectady Rotterdam County

Existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam Line 1 and 2 ROW Corridor

Existing Ballston Tap ROW Corridor (See Figure 4.3-2b)

Existing Ballston Tap

Existing Right-of-Way (ROW) Corridor and Property Floodplains Area inundated by 100-year flooding; no BFEs (Base Flood Elevations) determined SPIER FALLS-ROTTERDAM NEW Area inundated by 100-year flooding; BFEs determined 115 kV TRANSMISSION PROJECT Area inundated by 100-year flooding (usually an area of ponding); BFEs determined; flood depths 1 to 3 feet Sources: Floodplains, FEMA SPIER FALLS-ROTTERDAM ROW CORRIDOR Note: No Digital Floodplain Data available for Schenectady County. Floodplain for Mohawk River FEMA DESIGNATED FLOODPLAINS digitized from FEMA-FIRM Maps. Base Maps: USGS 7.5 Minute Topographic Quadrangle(s): 0 1,000 2,000 Burnt Hills, Middle Grove Feet FIGURE 4.3-2a SHEET 3 OF 7

R:\Projects\GIS_2006\51494_NIMO\mxd\Article_VII_Final_Figs_2010\FIG4_3-2a_Floodplain_SR_01-27-10.mxd printed: 2/9/2010 MAP LOCATION

Hamilton Moreau Corinth

Greenfield

Saratoga County Milton

Charlton Ballston Glenville

Schenectady Rotterdam County

Existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam Line 1 and 2 ROW Corridor

Existing Right-of-Way (ROW) Corridor and Property Floodplains Area inundated by 100-year flooding; no BFEs (Base Flood Elevations) determined SPIER FALLS-ROTTERDAM NEW Area inundated by 100-year flooding; BFEs determined 115 kV TRANSMISSION PROJECT Area inundated by 100-year flooding (usually an area of ponding); BFEs determined; flood depths 1 to 3 feet Sources: Floodplains, FEMA SPIER FALLS-ROTTERDAM ROW CORRIDOR Note: No Digital Floodplain Data available for Schenectady County. Floodplain for Mohawk River FEMA DESIGNATED FLOODPLAINS digitized from FEMA-FIRM Maps. Base Maps: USGS 7.5 Minute Topographic Quadrangle(s): 0 1,000 2,000 Middle Grove, Saratoga Springs Feet FIGURE 4.3-2a SHEET 4 OF 7

R:\Projects\GIS_2006\51494_NIMO\mxd\Article_VII_Final_Figs_2010\FIG4_3-2a_Floodplain_SR_01-27-10.mxd printed: 2/9/2010 MAP LOCATION

Hamilton Moreau Corinth

Greenfield

Saratoga County Milton

Charlton Ballston Glenville

Schenectady Rotterdam County

Existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam Line 1 and 2 ROW Corridor

Existing Right-of-Way (ROW) Corridor and Property Floodplains Area inundated by 100-year flooding; no BFEs (Base Flood Elevations) determined SPIER FALLS-ROTTERDAM NEW Area inundated by 100-year flooding; BFEs determined 115 kV TRANSMISSION PROJECT Area inundated by 100-year flooding (usually an area of ponding); BFEs determined; flood depths 1 to 3 feet Sources: Floodplains, FEMA SPIER FALLS-ROTTERDAM ROW CORRIDOR Note: No Digital Floodplain Data available for Schenectady County. Floodplain for Mohawk River FEMA DESIGNATED FLOODPLAINS digitized from FEMA-FIRM Maps. Base Maps: USGS 7.5 Minute Topographic Quadrangle(s): 0 1,000 2,000 Corinth, Middle Grove, Porter Corners, Saratoga Springs Feet FIGURE 4.3-2a SHEET 5 OF 7

R:\Projects\GIS_2006\51494_NIMO\mxd\Article_VII_Final_Figs_2010\FIG4_3-2a_Floodplain_SR_01-27-10.mxd printed: 2/9/2010 MAP LOCATION

Hamilton Moreau Corinth

Greenfield

Saratoga County Milton

Charlton Ballston Glenville

Schenectady Rotterdam County

Existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam Line 1 and 2 ROW Corridor

Existing Right-of-Way (ROW) Corridor and Property Floodplains Area inundated by 100-year flooding; no BFEs (Base Flood Elevations) determined SPIER FALLS-ROTTERDAM NEW Area inundated by 100-year flooding; BFEs determined 115 kV TRANSMISSION PROJECT Area inundated by 100-year flooding (usually an area of ponding); BFEs determined; flood depths 1 to 3 feet Sources: Floodplains, FEMA SPIER FALLS-ROTTERDAM ROW CORRIDOR Note: No Digital Floodplain Data available for Schenectady County. Floodplain for Mohawk River FEMA DESIGNATED FLOODPLAINS digitized from FEMA-FIRM Maps. Base Maps: USGS 7.5 Minute Topographic Quadrangle(s): 0 1,000 2,000 Corinth Feet FIGURE 4.3-2a SHEET 6 OF 7

R:\Projects\GIS_2006\51494_NIMO\mxd\Article_VII_Final_Figs_2010\FIG4_3-2a_Floodplain_SR_01-27-10.mxd printed: 2/9/2010 MAP LOCATION

Hamilton Moreau Corinth

Greenfield

Saratoga County Milton

Charlton Ballston Glenville

Schenectady Rotterdam County

Existing Spier Falls Substation

Existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam Line 1 and 2 ROW Corridor

Existing Right-of-Way (ROW) Corridor and Property Floodplains Area inundated by 100-year flooding; no BFEs (Base Flood Elevations) determined SPIER FALLS-ROTTERDAM NEW Area inundated by 100-year flooding; BFEs determined 115 kV TRANSMISSION PROJECT Area inundated by 100-year flooding (usually an area of ponding); BFEs determined; flood depths 1 to 3 feet Sources: Floodplains, FEMA SPIER FALLS-ROTTERDAM ROW CORRIDOR Note: No Digital Floodplain Data available for Schenectady County. Floodplain for Mohawk River FEMA DESIGNATED FLOODPLAINS digitized from FEMA-FIRM Maps. Base Maps: USGS 7.5 Minute Topographic Quadrangle(s): 0 1,000 2,000 Corinth, Gansevoort, Glens Falls, Lake Luzerne Feet FIGURE 4.3-2a SHEET 7 OF 7

R:\Projects\GIS_2006\51494_NIMO\mxd\Article_VII_Final_Figs_2010\FIG4_3-2a_Floodplain_SR_01-27-10.mxd printed: 2/9/2010

Figure 4.3-2b: Ballston Tap ROW Corridor, FEMA Designated Floodplains

National Grid 4.3-27 Section 4.3: Land Use Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application MAP LOCATION

Hamilton Moreau Corinth

Greenfield

Saratoga County Milton

Charlton Ballston Glenville

Schenectady Rotterdam County

Existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam Line 1 and 2 ROW Corridor (See Figure 4.3-2a)

Existing Ballston Tap ROW Corridor

Existing Ballston Tap

Existing Right-of-Way (ROW) Corridor and Property Floodplains Area inundated by 100-year flooding; no BFEs (Base Flood Elevations) determined SPIER FALLS-ROTTERDAM NEW Area inundated by 100-year flooding; BFEs determined 115 kV TRANSMISSION PROJECT Area inundated by 100-year flooding (usually an area of ponding); BFEs determined; flood depths 1 to 3 feet Source: Floodplains, FEMA BALLSTON TAP ROW CORRIDOR Note: No Digital Floodplain Data available for Schenectady County. Floodplain for Mohawk River FEMA DESIGNATED FLOODPLAINS digitized from FEMA-FIRM Maps. Base Maps: USGS 7.5 Minute Topographic Quadrangles: 0 1,000 2,000 Burnt Hills, Middle Grove Feet FIGURE 4.3-2b SHEET 1 OF 2

R:\Projects\GIS_2006\51494_NIMO\mxd\Article_VII_Final_Figs_2010\FIG4_3-2b_Floodplain_Ballston_01-27-10.mxd printed: 2/9/2010 MAP LOCATION

Hamilton Moreau Corinth

Greenfield

Saratoga County Milton

Charlton Ballston Glenville

Schenectady Rotterdam County

Existing Ballston Substation

Existing Ballston Tap ROW Corridor

Existing Ballston Tap ROW Corridor

Existing Right-of-Way (ROW) Corridor and Property Floodplains Area inundated by 100-year flooding; no BFEs (Base Flood Elevations) determined SPIER FALLS-ROTTERDAM NEW Area inundated by 100-year flooding; BFEs determined 115 kV TRANSMISSION PROJECT Area inundated by 100-year flooding (usually an area of ponding); BFEs determined; flood depths 1 to 3 feet Source: Floodplains, FEMA BALLSTON TAP ROW CORRIDOR Note: No Digital Floodplain Data available for Schenectady County. Floodplain for Mohawk River FEMA DESIGNATED FLOODPLAINS digitized from FEMA-FIRM Maps. Base Maps: USGS 7.5 Minute Topographic Quadrangles: 0 1,000 2,000 Burnt Hills, Middle Grove, Round Lake, Saratoga Springs Feet FIGURE 4.3-2b SHEET 2 OF 2

R:\Projects\GIS_2006\51494_NIMO\mxd\Article_VII_Final_Figs_2010\FIG4_3-2b_Floodplain_Ballston_01-27-10.mxd printed: 2/9/2010 Figure 4.3-3: Agricultural Districts

National Grid 4.3-28 Section 4.3: Land Use Spier Falls-Rotterdam New 115 kV Transmission Project Article VII Application Existing Spier Falls Substation

3

4

Existing Spier Falls-Rotterdam Line 1 and 2 ROW Corridor

5 7

2

8 9

10

11

12 Existing Ballston Substation

14

13

6 15 16 Existing Ballston Tap

17 Existing Ballston Tap ROW Corridor

18 3 19 2 21 20

23 5 24 22 4 26

7 25 6

8

9 10 11 28 27 29 12 13 30 14 16 15 31 19 17 21 20 18 23 24 25 27 26 22 29 28 31 30 33 34 32 35 34 33 35 38 36 37 37 32 38 40 43 41 41 44 42 45 47 48

52 36 42 43 53 56 57 58

39 44 59 Existing Rotterdam Substation 64 65 45 66 47 67 68 69 46

48 70 50 51 80 52 49 81 54 82 83 84 55 85 53 89 90 57 56 91 88 92 94 95

97 98 99 102 104 109 107 110

116 115

117 118 119 127 120 123 126 124 121 125 122

Existing Right-of-Way (ROW) Corridor and Property 10 Agricultural Districts (labeled with district number) Government Facilities SPIER FALLS-ROTTERDAM NEW 115 kV TRANSMISSION PROJECT

AGRICULTURAL Sources: Agricultural Districts, NYS Dept of Agriculture and Markets; Government Facilities, US Census Bureau; DISTRICTS USGS 30 x 60 Minute Topographic Quadrangles: 0 1 2 3 Albany, Amsterdam, Glens Falls and Gloversville Miles FIGURE 4.3-3

printed: 1/26/2010