PUC rules in favor of power line

 

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, February 13, 2009

 

A commission judge sided with PPL's proposed power line route. Springfield supervisors said they would continue the fight.

A proposed power line route that would cut through environmentally sensitive portions of Springfield and Richland townships is one step closer to fruition.

In a decision filed Wednesday, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Judge Angela T. Jones sided with PPL's plan for a cross-country route and a 7-acre substation that would be built on an 80-acre parcel, which includes wetlands.

The 7-mile route primarily follows the length of the Tohickon Creek and would loop power lines and put utility poles through mature forests, sensitive wildlife habitats, protected wetlands and high-quality watersheds in Upper Bucks.

Springfield Township supervisors have already spent $168,000 battling the Allentown-based utility giant for nearly a year, and vowed to continue their fight.

"The board of supervisors were very disappointed with the decision by Judge Jones," said Springfield Township manager Richard Schilling. "She basically threw caution to the wind for any environmental damage that could be done here."

In a 4-1 vote, supervisors agreed at Wednesday night's meeting to file an exception to the judge's recommendation. Supervisor Rob Zisko voted against.

"The bottom line here is that we're moving forward. The board voted overwhelmingly to send our lawyer to file exceptions," said Schilling.

Township attorneys have until March 2 to file those documents.

In her decision, Judge Jones wrote that PPL has proven that the proposed power line route is necessary, it does not create an unreasonable risk or danger to the health and safety of the public, and that the utility has eminent domain rights over several Springfield and Richland township property owners.

Robert and Kathleen Mackey have already had 3 acres of their 35 acres taken by PPL. This time around, PPL wants another 4 acres from the property they bought in 1964, a year after they married.

"We really don't want it, but if we have to have it, we feel we should be getting a lot more money than what they're offering," said Kathleen Mackey.

They have since raised four children in their home along Rocky Valley Road in Springfield. The couple, who are both in their late 60s, are counting on the property as a nest egg, she said.

But Kathleen Mackey says power lines have sliced through much of their lands, which are primarily woodlands.

"The one power line goes in the back of our home, and the other comes down the side of it. It's really splitting our land up."

Judge Jones also found that PPL's plan "would have minimum adverse environmental impact, considering the electric power needs of the public, the state of available technology and the available alternatives."

Township Manager Schilling disagrees, and he said the Department of Environmental of Protection's written concern for the power line route's impact on the region backs up Springfield.

"The DEP is very critical of the environmental impact of what PPL is proposing," he said.

PPL spokesman Paul Wirth was satisfied with the judge's decision.

"We're pleased that the judge recommended approval of all parts of the project, which is very important to the reliability of the electric system in this region."

Judge Jones' recommendation and the township's appeal will go before a panel of five PUC judges, who will then make a final ruling.

Springfield is prepared for the fight ahead, says Schilling.

"That (the judge's opinion) is defeat, but we are ready for round two, and we're ready for round three."

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