Field Access and Stakeholder Coordination for Transmission Project

Customer

AEP

Location

West Virginia

Highlights

  • Access Conflict Resolved with Creative Rerouting
  • Improved Landowner Relations and Environmental Compliance
  • Cost and Time Savings Delivered Through Proactive Oversight

Streamlining Field Access and Stakeholder Coordination for Transmission Projects 

The Challenge

During construction oversight of a 69 kV transmission project, several field issues arose that could have delayed the project and increased costs. The original field access, prepared prior to civil construction, was unexpectedly compromised when a homeowner installed an above-ground pool on the designated path. Though contractual rights allowed enforcement, pushing this would have increased local resistance and damaged public relations. Additionally, challenges emerged with the access environment and landowner expectations, despite prior agreements. These issues risked escalation into costly permitting or civil redesign delays.  

The Solution

Immediate Remediation Rather than enforce removal of the homeowner’s new pool, an alternate access route was identified and pursued. This rerouting used an existing ridge path that proved to be both technically superior and more acceptable to the landowner.

Inspection Protocol Reinforcement The change required coordination with environmental and real estate teams to revise access plans and obtain new permits. The route was approved and aligned with environmental compliance guidelines.

Personnel Coordination The field lead conducted the on-site assessment and liaised with all stakeholders, including civil contractor, to execute the transition smoothly. Additional collaboration with environmental and permitting teams helped formalize the change quickly.

Key Benefits

  • Public Relations Preserved: Avoided antagonism with landowners and upheld AEP’s reputation. 
  • SWPPP Compliance Maintained: Preemptively avoided stormwater permitting issues that the original access could have triggered. 
  • Cost and Time Efficiencies Realized: Reduced civil work needs and sped up access to Structure 11. 
  • Field Expertise Leveraged: Real-world experience guided a more effective access solution. 

The Results

The project was completed on time and within budget over a 7-month timeframe. Environmental impact was minimized, with all permitting processes remaining aligned throughout. The client benefited from proactive and thoughtful field oversight, which not only added value but also enhanced the overall execution. As a result, AEP and other stakeholders experienced tangible time and cost savings while strengthening public goodwill and upholding technical excellence. 

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