New York State Public Service Commission Approves Environmental Plan for Rochester Transmission Project Enhancement

The New York State Public Service Commission has approved the "Environmental Management and Construction Plan" (EM&CP) for the Rochester Transmission Project Enhancement in Monroe County. The approval, outlined in an "Order Approving Environmental Management and Construction Plan Subject to Conditions" (Case No. 20-T-0103), was issued and effective July 18, 2025. The plan outlines the design, construction, maintenance, and environmental controls for the project, including methods to avoid, minimize, and mitigate environmental impacts such as stormwater prevention, vegetation clearing, and protection of waterbodies.

Key Takeaways:

• The Rochester Transmission Project Enhancement involves the construction of a 115 kV transmission line spanning approximately 6.7 miles from Station 418 in Gates to Station 48 in Rochester.
• The project requires RG&E to submit an EM&CP for public review and PSC approval, which was filed on July 26 and July 29, 2024.
• RG&E submitted supplemental filings on April 18 and June 19, 2025, addressing comments and recommendations from staff at the Department of Public Service (DPS) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC).
• The EM&CP details methods to avoid, minimize, and mitigate environmental impacts, covering aspects like stormwater prevention, vegetation clearing, protection of waterbodies, threatened species, and cultural resources.
• Both DPS staff and NYSDEC reviewed the plan and confirmed that RG&E adequately addressed their concerns regarding construction methods, health and safety, hazardous materials, stormwater management, and environmental protection measures.

Statistics:

• The project involves the construction of a 115 kV transmission line spanning approximately 6.7 miles.
• The EM&CP filing was available for public inspection at local libraries and published in the Democrat & Chronicle (Source: "Order Approving Environmental Management and Construction Plan Subject to Conditions" (Case No. 20-T-0103)).
• RG&E submitted supplemental filings on April 18 and June 19, 2025, addressing comments and recommendations from staff at DPS and NYSDEC.
• The 30-day comment period concluded on August 28, 2024, with no public comments received.

Sources:

• "Order Approving Environmental Management and Construction Plan Subject to Conditions" (Case No. 20-T-0103)
• RCS No. 20-T-0103 - Environmental Management and Construction Plan Filing (Attachments)