Completion of Duke transmission line study pushed back

Duke Energy officials now plan to complete their transmission line study by the end of the year. Duke had hoped to seek final approval for the study from the South Carolina Public Service Commission later this month. But the comprehensive nature of the license application process has pushed that timeline back several weeks, Duke officials said.

Duke held a series of community workshops in April and June regarding the transmission line study. That input will help in the selection process for the two transmission line corridors that will connect to the Lee Nuclear Station planned for the McKown's Mountain area.

The consultant will recommend transmission line sites based on a variety of factors, including the location of schools and housing, the public visibility of the lines, and the environmental impact.

A public comment and evaluation phase will be held to receive further feedback from residents before Duke Energy makes a final decision on the location of new transmission lines.

Duke is continuing to develop its license application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and other permit applications for submittal by the end of the year.

"The transmission corridor study is an integral part of the overall process," local Duke Energy Business Relations Manager George Acker said. "Therefore, we will be sharing information on our transmission corridor selection with you sometime in December."

Rita Sipe, Duke Energy spokesperson, said the U.S Nuclear Regulatory Commission estimates it will take at least 42 months to review the construction and operating license application once it is received by Duke Energy.

A final decision to build the nuclear station won't be made before 2010, she said.

Duke Energy is continuing demolition work to remove old structures located on the 2,000 acre property, according to Sipe.

"The steel will be recycled and much of the concrete debris will stay on site as backfill for future buildings," she said.

The utility's real estate department is working with property owners to secure the rail spur that will be needed once the nuclear station project is approved, Sipe said.