A presentation with a demo of current online GIS-based siting and routing tools

1. GIS and Web Based Tools to
Streamline Transmission Routing
By
Daniel Belin, AICP
Ecology & Environment, Inc.

2. Presentation Topics
• Background
• Corridor Routing Opportunities and
Challenges
• Benefits of web based GIS Tools for
Transmission Line Routing

3. Background
• Resource Planning vs. Transmission
Routing
• WECC / WGA initiatives
• HVDC emergence

4. Background
• Resource Planning
– Reliability modeling (congestion)
– Corridor separation
– Load growth scenarios – time horizon
• Transmission Routing
– Natural resource planning (integrity)
– Corridor co-location
– Impact scenarios – time horizon

5. WECC / WGA
• WECC RTEP - SPSG
• WGA WREZ
• WGA WC DSS
– Montana CAPS

6. HVDC Emergence
How do we get power from here to there?
Source: Wyoming Infrastructure Authority, 2008

7. Wildlife Issues

8. Routing Criteria
• Utilize 20 (+) Corridor Evaluation Criteria
• Criteria Include:
– Biological Resources - Socio Economic Conditions
– Cultural Resources - Water Resources
– Geology and Soils - Engineering Considerations
– Land Use
Table 1: Corridor Evaluation Criteria
Criterion Unit of Measure Source Date
GEOLOGY AND SOIL RESOURCES
Karst areas Square Miles USGS 1984
Seismic Hazards Square Miles National Atlas of the United States/USGS 2002
Slopes greater than 15% Square Miles USGS DEM 2009
Landslide Incidence and Susceptibility Square Miles National Atlas of the United States/USGS 2001
Earthquakes Number National Atlas of the United States/USGS 2004
Quaternary Faults Square Miles National Atlas of the United States/USGS 2005

9. Routing Opportunities
Parallel Existing Infrastructure / ROW
• Transmission Line ROW
• Pipelines
• Interstate Highways and State Routes
• Railroads
• Previously disturbed corridors
Non-Parallel Routing
• Utilize Undeveloped Corridors, as needed

10. Routing Opportunities (Continued)

11. Transmission Line Constraints
Constraints Include:
• T&E Species Habitat
• Densely Populated
Areas
• NWRs and SWMAs
• Cultural Resources
• Topography & Soils
• Large Waterbodies

12. National Wildlife Refuges and
State Wildlife Management Areas

13. GIS Website Demonstration
• Hypothetical project in WY
• Private website linked to GIS data layers and
variety of base maps
• Constraint layers visible on base mapping
• Buffer and measurement functions facilitate
route analysis
• Website has an Address search function with
applications for:
– Routing and Public Involvement

14. GIS Website Case Study
(Continued)
Corridor Routing Tool

15. Private GIS Website Benefits
• Ease of Operation
(Web browser Interface)
• Identifies critical issues
early
• Provides immediate
analysis through
buffering and
measurement
• Helps facilitate public
involvement

16. Conclusion
• New paradigm in transmission planning in the US
• Many more factors and stakeholders
• Web based GIS sites expedite routing study tasks
– Provide critical information early
– Keep project team coordinated
– Identify stakeholders quicker
– Consult with agencies sooner
– Eliminate costly alternatives proactively

17. Thank you!
Questions?
Contact:
Daniel Belin, AICP
Ecology &Environment
1501 Lee Highway,
Suite 306
Arlington, VA. 22209
(703) 522-6065
dbelin@ene.com