Energy Facility Development

Power Transmission Systems

Hundreds of Miles of Power Transmission Experience

ESS has been the lead environmental consultant for more than 500 miles of power transmission systems. We understand of the physical equipment and technology involved in transmission project development and the implications for permitting. Our Energy Team participates in state and regional working groups on electric distribution and ISO practices and policy. This team is familiar with the arrangement and constraints of the regional grid and system interconnection requirements.

Finding a Power Transmission Route

ESS has the in-house expertise to evaluate routing and installation constraints for a variety of terrains, environmental conditions, and land use settings. Recent ESS projects have involved routing, specialized installation, and restoration strategies for:

• Contaminated Subsurface Conditions
• River, Lake, and Stream Crossings
• Sensitive Cultural and Historic Resources
• Rare and Endangered Species Habitat
• Sensitive Visual and Noise Receptors
• Agricultural Lands

Overland and Underwater Transmission Systems

ESS specializes in submarine transmission system installations in coastal and offshore environments. We also have experience with aerial installations, routing along remote overland routes, and buried transits through existing urban rights-of-way. Our projects include:

• Submarine cable systems installations across urban harbors
• Natural gas pipeline interconnections through protected species habitat
• Cabling for offshore wind projects
• Directional drilling for road and major utility crossings
• Aerial repowering through mountainous rights-of-way
• Submarine cable system replacement through fisheries habitats
• Offshore siting of a transmission hub for wind project integration

Services for Power Transmission Facilities

ESS offers full-service capabilities for electric transmission and natural gas transmission systems. We have experience with projects of all sizes and technologies - from inside-the-fence upgrades to regional transmission system expansions. ESS has strong working relationships with state and federal regulatory staff to facilitate power transmission project planning, permitting, and operations. Our power transmission system services include:

• Route Planning and Alternatives Analysis
• Construction Feasibility Assessments
• Interconnect and Substation/Compressor Station Planning
• Geological, Geophysical and Hydrogeological Surveys
• Noise Impact Evaluation
• Traffic and Navigation Assessments
• Terrestrial, Wetland, and Marine Ecology Studies
• Cultural Resource Assessments
• Visual Impact Modeling and Analysis
• Erosion/Sedimentation Control Strategies
• Impact Mitigation and Habitat Restoration Strategies
• EIR/EIS/FERC Report Preparation
• Construction Monitoring and Compliance