Petition No. 729
The Connecticut Light and Power Company
Madison, Connecticut
Staff Report
August 24, 2005

On August 12, 2005, the Northeast Utilities Service Company (NUSCo) as an agent for its corporate affiliate, the Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P) submitted a petition to the Connecticut Siting Council (Council) that no Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need would be required for the proposed modifications to the existing Green Hill Substation because the proposed construction would not have a substantial adverse environmental effect. On August 18, 2005, Gerald Heffernan of the Council and Christina Lepage of the Council staff met with CL&P representative Chuck Ponte for a field review of this petition.

The Green Hill Substation is located off of Green Hill Road in the Town of Madison. The substation is fed from two 115-kV transmission lines and serves local distribution feeders through step-down power transformers.

CL&P proposes to install one 115-kV breaker with associated 115-kV disconnect switch; one 115k-kV coupling capacitor voltage transformer; one 115-kV circuit switcher with integral disconnect switch; one 115-kV to 23-kV, 46.7-MVA power transformer and associated equipment; one 23-kV switchgear enclosure; three sets of disconnect switches within the existing 23-kV bus structure; and a new bus structure for the connection of 23-kV mobile transformer cables. The proposed modifications would be done within the fenced-in area of the existing substation.

Visual impact from the proposed project would be minimal because the new structures and equipment are similar in appearance to the existing substation, which is screened in all directions. Sound pressure levels along the property line would meet State regulations. The substation is not within a 100-year flood zone or any stream channel encroachment lines. No wetlands or waterways would be impacted. A sump would be provided around the transformer with the capacity to contain all of the oil from the transformer.

CL&P would begin construction on the proposed project in October of 2005 with completion expected by November of 2006.