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Many people are aware by now that PPL Electric Utilities has chosen “alternative routes” for the Northeast/Pocono Reliability Project, a new power line that will supposedly improve electric service in northeast Pennsylvania and the Poconos.
It is said that the new line and three new electrical substations will strengthen the electricity delivery system, improving the reliability of service for homes and businesses in the region.
The general locations of these substations are, West Pocono in Buck Twp., North Pocono in Covington Twp., and Paupack in Paupack Twp.
In order to supply these substations with the power their customers need, PPL Electric Utilities will build about 55 to 60 miles of new 230-kilovolt power line from the Wilkes-Barre area to an area west of Hawley. Steel poles for this line will be an average of 145 feet tall and will require a 150-foot wide clear cut maintained with herbicides.
According to PPL, “Based on our studies of existing electrical facilities and customer power usage, we need to rebuild the existing 69-kilovolt line from Peckville to Honesdale by 2014. The new substations and related 69-kilovolt short connector lines, and the new 230-kilovolt line, are expected to be placed in service in phases, staring in 2014 and running until 2017.”
But many people are in opposition of this project. For example, Thornhurst, Clifton and Covington townships have all recognized the threat that the proposed PPL 230-kilovolt transmission lines bring to our area.
According to Bonnie Smith, a concerned resident of Thornhurst and an active member of North Pocono CARE, “PPL has routed the lines in a way that severs communities, encroaches on residential areas, damages popular intact forestlands, and threatens 10 exceptional value streams and the Lehigh River.”
That is why town leaders, property owners and longtime visitors from townships along the proposed route of PPL Northeast Pocono transmission lines are banning together to fight the route.
Smith said, “Since last fall Thornhurst residents have hosted several public meetings to discuss the issue and create both a town-level and area-wide plan suggesting alternate routes that would better protect property values, maintain the integrity of the communities, reduce the environmental impact and lower the possible risk to residents’ health.”
On Monday, Feb. 13, Dianne Dusman, Senior Assistant Consumer Advocate from Harrisburg will speak to area residents protesting the proposed route of transmission lines on PPL’s Northeast Pocono Project. She will provide an overview of residents’ rights and opportunities to influence the route of the 230-kilovolt lines. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be held at the Thornhurst Fire Hall, River Road, Thornhurst.
Smith added, “The informal group is maintaining a Facebook page for ongoing information, news and events at Against PPL Transmission Lines.”
Many people are aware by now that PPL Electric Utilities has chosen “alternative routes” for the Northeast/Pocono Reliability Project, a new power line that will supposedly improve electric service in northeast Pennsylvania and the Poconos.
It is said that the new line and three new electrical substations will strengthen the electricity delivery system, improving the reliability of service for homes and businesses in the region.
The general locations of these substations are, West Pocono in Buck Twp., North Pocono in Covington Twp., and Paupack in Paupack Twp.
In order to supply these substations with the power their customers need, PPL Electric Utilities will build about 55 to 60 miles of new 230-kilovolt power line from the Wilkes-Barre area to an area west of Hawley. Steel poles for this line will be an average of 145 feet tall and will require a 150-foot wide clear cut maintained with herbicides.
According to PPL, “Based on our studies of existing electrical facilities and customer power usage, we need to rebuild the existing 69-kilovolt line from Peckville to Honesdale by 2014. The new substations and related 69-kilovolt short connector lines, and the new 230-kilovolt line, are expected to be placed in service in phases, staring in 2014 and running until 2017.”
But many people are in opposition of this project. For example, Thornhurst, Clifton and Covington townships have all recognized the threat that the proposed PPL 230-kilovolt transmission lines bring to our area.
According to Bonnie Smith, a concerned resident of Thornhurst and an active member of North Pocono CARE, “PPL has routed the lines in a way that severs communities, encroaches on residential areas, damages popular intact forestlands, and threatens 10 exceptional value streams and the Lehigh River.”
That is why town leaders, property owners and longtime visitors from townships along the proposed route of PPL Northeast Pocono transmission lines are banning together to fight the route.
Smith said, “Since last fall Thornhurst residents have hosted several public meetings to discuss the issue and create both a town-level and area-wide plan suggesting alternate routes that would better protect property values, maintain the integrity of the communities, reduce the environmental impact and lower the possible risk to residents’ health.”
On Monday, Feb. 13, Dianne Dusman, Senior Assistant Consumer Advocate from Harrisburg will speak to area residents protesting the proposed route of transmission lines on PPL’s Northeast Pocono Project. She will provide an overview of residents’ rights and opportunities to influence the route of the 230-kilovolt lines. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be held at the Thornhurst Fire Hall, River Road, Thornhurst.
Smith added, “The informal group is maintaining a Facebook page for ongoing information, news and events at Against PPL Transmission Lines.”
