The proposed project consists of installing a new 115kV transmission line approximately 5.17 miles in length connecting the existing Johns Island substation to Dominion Energy’s Church Creek-Queensboro transmission line. The project length has been reduced by the applicant by 1.2 miles from the original public notice. Please see the “Revised Project Study Area Map” for more details of the reduction in project area. The new line will be built in accordance with the North American Electric Reliability Corporation standard and mostly parallels existing transmission lines. A new 100’ right of way will be established along the proposed route, except where the line parallels the existing SCPSA Mateeba-Johns Island line, requiring an additional 55’ of right of way. The transmission lines will be elevated to the same height or higher than the existing transmission lines on metal transmission poles installed via vibratory caisson. The purpose of the project is to improve reliability of the power grid.
Community Engagement
Virtual Public Hearing
DHEC held a virtual public hearing to receive comments on the proposed Santee Cooper Johns Island Critical Area Permit Application on October 14, 2020 at 6:00 pm. During the public hearing, DHEC staff provided a brief summary of the proposed action and accepted verbal and written comments to be considered prior to making a final decision.
- Santee Cooper Johns Island Public Hearing Presentation
- Revised critical area permit application drawings
- Audio recording of the public hearing
Written comments were accepted through October 28, 2020. All comments that were received by the end of the notice period will be considered when making a decision to approve, disapprove, or modify the permits. This decision will be based upon consideration of applicable regulations, the permit applications, comments made at the public hearing and all other written comments received within the required time frame, and any other pertinent information.
What to Expect After the Public Hearing
DHEC will review all written comments. DHEC’s final permit decision will be made available on this webpage and by email or mail to everyone on DHEC’s mailing list who requested to be notified of the final decision for the proposed Santee Cooper Johns Island Critical Area Permit. If you would like to be notified of the final permit decision, please contact Josh Hoke, Critical Area Project Manager, at hokejd@dhec.sc.gov.