Bond Brook Transmission Line (S-128) Build

Project Overview

As part of our commitment to provide safe, resilient service to our customers, Central Maine Power (CMP) is building a new overhead transmission line in its existing Bond Brook area right-of-way (ROW) to deliver electricity to Augusta area customers who depend on it. We are reaching out to you -- our neighbors -- to ensure you that the improvements will be performed safely and with minimal distribution to your daily lives, the community, and the environment.

Project Need

The Bond Brook Substation currently is radially fed by one transmission line and is need of a second one to reliably meet the electricity needs of 3,802 customers who receive power through three distribution circuits.


This area had two until recently. One of two 34.5kV transmission lines that connected to the Bond Brook Substation and extended through Mill Park was knocked out of service due to an underground cable fault in July 2022.


The existing transmission line that currently is not in service will be removed, allowing the City of Augusta to have full access to Mill Park with no overhead line obstructions. The inoperable underground portion of the existing line will remain safely underground.

Project Scope

Beginning in November 2023, CMP plans to build a new, half-mile long 34.5kV transmission line adjacent to an existing line on the hill between the Bond Brook Recreation Area and Mount Vernon Avenue, where the Bond Brook Substation is located, and adjacent to the City of Augusta Public Works facilities.


New, taller wooden structures, conductor and other components will be installed in CMP’s existing 135-foot right-of-way, and the new line will bisect an existing line at the top of the hill in the recreation area. Bond Brook Substation will be slightly expanded to allow for protection and control equipment.

Estimated Timetable

  • Construction: Beginning December 2023.
  • Estimated Completion: Spring 2024.

Permits

The Bond Brook Project was designed to avoid or minimize natural resource impacts to wetlands at the extent practicable, including all equipment access ways. CMP has applied for all required permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. On Sept. 12, 2023, we received a conditional use permit from the City of Augusta Planning Board after a public hearing.

Work Hours and Noise

Work activity periods will comply with town ordinances. Typical construction noise will occur. Abutters may hear heavy equipment (bucket trucks, cranes, and excavators) during construction activities.

Trees and Vegetation

Trees and vegetation will be trimmed or removed from border-to-border of the 135-foot ROW to make room for the new line as well as reduce possibility of storm-related damages or outages. CMP may need to talk to landowners about trees outside the ROW that could pose a danger to the line.

Timber ground mats will be used, especially in environmentally sensitive areas, that can safely disburse the weight of construction vehicles and not disrupt the land below them.

Project Facts & Information

View the project fact sheet, project notification letter, Bond Brook Hunter Safety Information, and Augusta public meeting presentation.

  • Municipality: Augusta
  • County: Kennebec County
  • Permitting Required:
    • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Maine General Permit through the Pre-Construction Notification review process.
    • Maine Department of Environmental Protection: Natural Resource Protection Act Tier 2 Permit.
    • Town of Augusta: Conditional Use Permit. Approved on Sept. 12, 2023.

Visual Simulations

Benefits to Customers

  • The line upgrades will improve system reliability and resiliency to ensure that safe transmission of power is maintained.
  • Increased capacity will help meet the electricity needs of customers.
  • No overhead transmission line in popular Mill Park.

For More Information

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