TECO's new proposal to build a 230 kV transmission line to span from Polk County through Valrico onto Temple Terrace is drawing attention from residents throughout the area.
The line, which will measure 30 miles, will begin at the yet-to-be constructed Willow Oak substation and will travel west to the established substation located at Wheeler Rd. in Seffner, cutting through Valrico between Mulrennan and Sydney Washer roads. From there, the proposed corridor, which varies from 300 ft. to one mile wide, travels to another planned substation by the name of Davis in Temple Terrace.
"It will allow TECO to meet the increased demand of existing customers within Polk and Hillsborough County and that of a growing community," states TECO Spokesman Rick Morera who mentions that the corridor will fall north of S.R. 60 and east of I-75 when entering Valrico.
According to Morera, the exact location of the corridor's single 80-120 ft. steel or concrete poles has not yet been determined, but the actual corridor width will be maintained between 25 and 100 ft.
Residents in the potential impact area have received surveys and TECO has taken into account the response as well as the line's impact on environmental lands, schools, its costs, engineering and much more in determination of this corridor.
Four open houses have been held in the areas of Mulberry, Plant City, Temple Terrace and Seffner, but according to Terry Flott, president of the Seffner Community Alliance (SCA). Inc., there are still some concerns from local citizens.
"SCA's mission is to encourage a sense of community, increase communication between residents and provide Seffner area residents a means to have a voice in county and state governments while fostering controlled community growth while preserving the character of our community," says Flott. "Obviously, no matter where they run them, they will be intrusive."
According to Flott, concerns include an adverse impact on property values, health issues stemming from the line's electro-magnetic field and possible destruction of forests and wetland areas.
"We believe TECO is being short-sighted by not looking at other means of transporting power," adds Flott, who believes other roadways and routes could be considered for the line or the possible transformation to underground lines could be of consideration.
While the proposal, which was forwarded to the county in October, is still in its formative phase, a certification proceeding is scheduled for March 3, according to Marva Taylor, assistant county attorney working on the review for Hillsborough County. Although the date has passed for alternative proposal of routes by outside parties, which had to be received 45 days before the scheduled certification hearing on January 18, residents may still submit concerns. "When appropriate, any person may be given an opportunity to present oral or written communications to the administrative law judge," says Taylor.
TECO plans to send out more letters in the upcoming months to make residents aware of the outcome of events and will hold community meetings as soon as a permanent route is designated to the area.
Morera concludes saying, "We have and plan to continue to work with our residents during the route process and will continue to do so, being sensitive to their feedback." The proposal will end in front of the Siting Board Hearing on Certification scheduled for June 30 where at its Board will approve or deny it.
For more information, contact DEP Siting Coordination Case Manager Ann Seiler at (850) 245-8008, TECO at 223-0800 or go to www.dep.state.fl.us/siting/Highlights/applications.htm#Tampa_Electric_Willow_Oak-Davis_230KV_Line. Also, residents can contact Renee Lee, Hillsborough County attorney at leer@hillsboroughcounty.org who is providing Seiler with Hillsborough County's review.
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