Residents speak out against proposed Susquehanna-Roseland power line
Published: July 3, 2009
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share thisCLARKS SUMMIT - Frank Suraci is concerned PPL Electric Utilities' proposed Susquehanna-Roseland transmission line will hurt his property's value in Ransom Twp.
Speaking during a state Public Utility Commission hearing at the Abington Community Library on Thursday, Mr. Suraci said the proposed 500-kilovolt transmission line would have an "environmental impact too great to measure."
He was one of 21 people who spoke during the hearing, which was attended by more than 50 people.
PPL plans to have the transmission line extend 101 miles through Northeast Pennsylvania from a substation near Berwick to the Delaware River, where a connection would be made with a 45-mile-long line being built in New Jersey by Public Service Electric and Gas Co.
The transmission line is expected to cut through parts of Luzerne, Lackawanna, Wayne, Pike and Wayne counties, crossing about 700 properties.
PPL spokesman Paul Wirth said the goal is to have the transmission line in service by May 2012.
Noting the transmission line is needed to strengthen the power grid, Mr. Wirth said easements have been acquired along the project's proposed route.
Towers on the transmission line are expected to be on average 175 feet tall.
"These 20-story-high structures will affect the beauty of Lackawanna County without benefiting the residents," said Nancy Jackman of Clarks Summit.
Although the majority of residents who spoke Thursday questioned the benefit of the proposed power line, retired PPL employee and Clarks Summit resident John LoRusso said the project will increase transmission reliability.
He said the existing power line is "way beyond its useful life."
Thursday's hearing ended with residents asking for another session to be held in Scranton.
According to Administrative Law Judge Susan Colwell, additional hearings were not scheduled as of Thursday.
Judge Colwell said she expects to recommend a decision by Nov. 13, with a PUC meeting to be held in January.
Contact the writer: jmrozinski@ timesshamrock.com
2 posted comments
Their power and transmission capabilities are overloaded, and that country is a "It Is What It Is" Country.
Do you want that? Huh?....Wake up! You want, want, want, but no one wants to give! This is the electronic age. Let's face it. Would you be willing to do without a clothes dryer, air conditioning, your refridgerator? I'm sure NOT! Don't worry! Those towers will Blend Right in, when you see reductions in your energy bills! Towers too high? Don't Look Up!
Bite the Bullet! Maybe You,Your kids, and your kids kids, are gonna need that electrical energy to charge their electric cars which are going to be the norm in a decade or so.
Remember: "You Can't Make Omlets, Without Breaking Eggs!"......and. "It Ain't As Easy, As Stackin Wood!"