Getchell 115kV Transmission Line
Snohomish PUD is constructing a new 115kV transmission line to connect the planned Getchell Switching Station (estimated completion in 2028) to the new Jennings Park Substation. Together, this infrastructure will help support both existing and future system loads and provide additional capacity for the PUD to receive electricity from the Bonneville Power Administration. Additional capacity is needed in Marysville and northern Snohomish County primarily due to growth and increased electrification of buildings and transportation.
Where will this work be located?
An existing distribution line (in red) and transmission line (in blue) currently exist along the proposed route.
Distribution lines along the route will be rebuilt to include transmission and a parallel transmission line will be built opposite the existing line east of Bayview Trail. A new transmission line will also be added behind Marysville Getchell High School.
Upcoming Community Engagement Opportunities:
Watch for details coming soon
Project Timeline:
2026:
- Easements
- Permitting
- Material Acquisition
- Construction to begin late 2026
2027:
- Construction completed late 2027
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FAQs
Why was this route chosen for the new transmission line?
This route allows us to take advantage of existing poles and wire while giving us access to connect with Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) infrastructure to supply power to the region. The PUD receives approximately 80% of its power from BPA’s hydropower and Columbia Generating Station projects.
What will the impacts of this project be on local businesses and residents?
During construction, brief temporary traffic impacts will occur. These will be noted on road signage, and impacted businesses will be contacted directly by the PUD. The PUD will be reaching out to properties adjacent to the line prior to construction. We want to work with the community to minimize impacts. Please reach out to Kellie Stickney, kastickney@snopud.com if you’re interested in scheduling a meeting.
How tall will the transmission poles be?
The double circuit overhead 115-kV line will be comprised of ductile iron and/or steel poles ranging from 80 ft in height to 85 ft in height.
I’m concerned about EMF. Can you explain what it is and its impact on health?
Electric and magnetic fields (EMF) are invisible lines of force that surround any electrical device. Electric fields are created by differences in voltage while magnetic fields are created by electric currents. Higher voltages and/or greater currents will result in a stronger EMF. The strength of EMF decreases dramatically with increasing distance from the source. At the edge of a standard powerline right-of-way, the EMF has already decreased by more than 90 percent compared to what a lineman experiences while working on a line.
Based on a recent in-depth review of scientific literature, the World Health Organization concluded that current evidence does not confirm the existence of any health consequences from exposure to low-level EMF. Low-level EMF is defined as low frequency non-ionizing radiation, typically below 300 Hz. Power lines fall within the extremely low frequency range at just 60 Hz. The EMF from power lines is well below radio, mobile phones, and microwaves.