Lake Champlain PV-20 Submarine Cable Replacement
CHA provided project management, engineering, and construction administration for the replacement of submarine transmission cables installed more than 45 years ago in Lake Champlain to connect New York Power Authority (NYPA) and Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO). While minimizing environmental disturbance, four 230 kV electric transmission cables (operated at 115 kV) were installed using horizontal directional drilling (HDD), jet plow, and direct lay techniques to minimize environmental impacts over a distance covering approximately 1.7 miles. The design also included the removal of the seven existing 115 kV cables, removal of the existing cable and terminal stations, and replacement of the transition stations on each side of the lake.
The project included significant permitting support for New York's State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) and water quality certification and Vermont Section 248 permitting process. Construction administration support included the review of shop drawings and construction observation services. The techniques and equipment selected enabled the team to commission the new cable and retrieve the old cable without major interruption to power service.
Awards:
- 2019 ACEC Vermont Engineering Excellence Awards – Merit Award (Special Projects Category)
- 2020 ACEC New York Engineering Excellence Awards – Diamond Award (Energy Category)
- 2020 ACEC National Engineering Excellence Awards – National Recognition Award
- 2020 Engineering News-Record (ENR) New York Regional Awards – Award of Merit
Project Services:
- Project Management
- Survey (Land and Bathymetric)
- Geotechnical
- Environmental Engineering
- Civil and Structural Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Permitting Support
- Construction Administration