The Construction Process

There are several stages to the construction process and this page will let you know what to expect during each stage of the MPRP.

During construction, the technique and duration of activities will vary by community and contractor as necessary.

Transmission Lines

Surveying

Prior to beginning any construction activities, survey crews walk every mile of CMP's corridor and use different colored flags to identify resources and landmarks such as:

• sensitive natural resources such as wetlands and vernal pools
• rare, endangered, or protected animals, plants, and habitats
• recreational trails and bridges
• property boundaries and encroachments

The surveyors record all their findings and crews use this information to minimize the impacts of construction on our neighbors and the environment.

Corridor Clearing and Preparation

Once the corridor has been surveyed and flagged, crews may begin clearing the corridor. This process involves:

• mowing or laying down timber mats for temporary access ways
• removing vegetation and trees capable of growing into the transmission lines and "danger trees" that could fall into the lines
• "side-trimming," or trimming trees on the clearing boundary to remove any branches that extend into the mandatory clearance area or that could threaten the lines
• removing and/or chipping cleared trees and vegetation
  
• mowing access roads and areas around poles

All abutting landowners are notified prior to the start of clearing activities and of any "danger" trees or branches that may be on their property.

Structure Installation and Wire Stringing

After the corridor has been cleared, transmission line contractors will begin transporting poles by flatbed trucks to lay-down yards for installation. These poles, like the majority of all CMP's poles, are typically wooden. In certain instances, steel poles will be used instead of wood.

Crews will either auger or excavate the new pole locations to the appropriate depth (typically 10 feet). In some circumstances, localized blasting may be necessary to break through bedrock. If blasting is deemed necessary, all necessary permits will be acquired and surveys and notifications performed prior to blasting.

Poles are erected and wires are strung using bucket trucks and occasionally helicopters.These operations will take place within CMP's ROW and any helicopter activity will comply with local, state and federal regulations, including notifying nearby landowners.

Once the replacement lines have been installed, the old lines will be decommissioned and their structures will be cut off at-grade and removed. In some instances, decommissioned lines will be removed prior to the installation of new lines.

Restoration

After all construction activities have been completed, ground cover and vegetation is encouraged to grow back. Good construction practices will be used to stabilize disturbed soils to promote re-vegetation and progress will be monitored. If any damage occurs to roads or licensed trails, they will be restored to their original state.

Substations

Site Development

As part of the MPRP, five new substations are being constructed by CMP's contractors. At these locations, substation site development will include vegetative clearing, construction of temporary access ways and transmission lines, groundwork and excavation.

In addition to these five new substations, five of CMP's existing substations will be receiving major upgrades or expansions. Some site development work may be necessary at these locations, including excavation.

Construction

In many instances, construction will begin as soon as site development is completed. Foundations will be built at new substations and major expansion sites. Equipment, including transformers, breakers, and steel pole structures, will be delivered by truck in accordance with all road restrictions and is installed using heavy equipment, cranes and bucket trucks.

Following the completion of construction, any restoration will be completed, including planting vegetative buffers.