This Wind Farm and Transmission Line, located in Laredo, TX, consists of 45,500 acres of land in 40 sections, with an associated 345 kV Gen-Tie transmission line spanning 30.4 miles to an existing transmission line. SAM provided surveying and Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) and surveying services to assist the client with the project. Development included 120 wind turbines and various site improvements for a total capacity of 250 megawatts (MW). The client also required an ALTA/ACSM land title survey for the wind energy facility.
SUE services were particularly challenging. In order to meet the accelerated schedule, SUE crews had to sweep 150 miles of access roads and collection systems in a four week period. Ground cover prevented SUE crews from completing their work effectively requiring a subcontractor to clear the 150 miles to support sweeping. In addition, SAM coordinated with the subcontractor to utilize 13 hydro axe machines for clearing and additional SUE personnel were required to meet the expedited schedule. SAM was able to meet the clients’ expedited schedule and remain on budget.
