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Big Bay/CR 550 Project Update
New Power Line along CR 510 and CR AAA

On July 2, the Marquette County Road Commission (MCRC) issued a permit to Alger Delta Cooperative Electric Association to install a new power line along County Road 510 and County Road AAA near Big Bay. The new line will provide electric power to the planned Kennecott Minerals nickel mine located in Northwest Marquette County. The total distance of the new line will be approximately 13.5 miles.

Placement of the power line has certain restrictions, and construction will be monitored throughout the project, said Jim Iwanicki, Engineer Manager for the MCRC. The line must be placed 23 feet from the centerline of the existing roadway. Whether it is installed underground or overhead, or a combination of both methods, will be at Alger Delta’s discretion.

According to Alger Delta Manager, Tom Harrell, the last four to five miles along CR AAA is controlled by the State of Michigan and will require a separate permit. Alger Delta expects this permit to stipulate underground installation.

The rustic nature of these rural roadways and necessary changes for installation of power to Kennecott Minerals were carefully considered as the MCRC and Alger Delta worked to negotiate the most beneficial construction methods for both agencies and the environment.

For example, Alger Delta originally intended to place the power line underground along the side of the gravel road, but the MCRC expressed concerns that a line placed there may be exposed and damaged during grading and other maintenance activities. The MCRC then proposed the power line be placed either overhead or underground along the outside edge of the road right-of-way, which is 32 feet from the centerline of the road, said Harrell. But Alger Delta felt this might create property issues since pole cross-arms can hang over private land and anchors can reach 20 to 30 feet underground. Both agencies compromised by agreeing to place the line 23 feet from the centerline of the existing road.

Because the first several miles of terrain are very rugged and feature many rock outcroppings, most installation will be on overhead lines, said Harrell. Since poles can be placed to avoid wetlands, there is less impact to the environment this way. In preparation for installing the line, Alger Delta will remove trees and brush on the south side of the road right-of-way. This requirement by the road commission will make way for the installation of the power line and will also allow sunlight get to the road surface, helping to dry up water after spring melts and rainstorms.

Should any variance from the distance requirement be necessary due to difficult terrain or other factors, Alger Delta is required to notify the road commission. The commission will help resolve any engineering issues as they arise, working closely with Alger Delta to ensure placement of the new line is compatible with the needs of both entities.