PPL’s ABCs

Power company seeks feedback on proposed power line routes

By SANDY LONG

PIKE AND WAYNE COUNTIES, PA — “Now we know our ABC’s. Tell us what you think of these.” The classic nursery rhyme could serve as PPL’s slogan when it comes to selecting the route for its new 500-kilovolt power transmission line.

Routes A, B and C represent the three possibilities identified for the Susquehanna-Roseland Power Line. PPL attributes the need for the line to handling “increasing customer demand that could otherwise lead to overloads and even blackouts on the regional power grid.”

Independent regional electricity transmission organization, PJM Interconnection, claims that the new line is needed to stabilize electrical service to 51 million consumers in 13 states (including Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia. PPL is in the process of selecting one of three potential routes and is providing information in a series of nine workshops where the public is invited to submit comments by filling out forms, sending email messages or calling a toll-free number (see sidebar).

Each route originates in Berwick, PA and must connect to Roseland, NJ. How they ultimately get there is the matter currently under consideration. PPL will select the potential route after processing the public comments and other sources of information it receives about impacts to natural and cultural resources as well as land uses. The preferred route will be chosen “to balance economics, reliability and impacts,” according to PPL, and will be submitted to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), which has final authority over the siting of power lines in Pennsylvania.

At a public information session held at Wallenpaupack Area High School in Hawley on June 18, people peered at maps and displays provided by PPL. “It could run within a half-mile of my front porch,” lamented one woman.

More than 20 PPL representatives staffed a series of tables covering topics such as the route selection process, project schedule and details on planned work. PPL’s Joy Schmalzle offered information about ways that consumers can reduce their electric consumption and learn more about their daily usage on PPL’s new website, featuring an energy analyzer and learning center ((www.pplelectric.com)).

Transmission design engineer Jay Keeler answered questions about mitigating the amount of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the towers. According to Keeler, it is impossible to completely eliminate the magnetic field, but PPL will attempt to reduce it by reversing phases at the source on the tower and doubling the height of the towers to range between 155 to 195 feet. At 200 feet and higher, the FAA requires the installation of 24-hour lighting on towers.

One homeowner living near the existing line asked if the magnetic flux would be contained within the right-of-way. “The flux diminishes quickly, but not necessarily within the right-of-way,” responded Keeler. “We have kids, pets and families,” said a man from Blooming Grove Township who is opposed to Route B. “You’re putting us in danger. That’s not right in a housing area.” Keeler responded that such exposures are similar to the levels emitted by common household appliances such as refrigerators.

Other questions regarding an older transmission configuration identified as “Delta” were addressed by Keeler, who said that PPL is not pursuing this alternative since it necessitates two separate lines and therefore an increased right-of-way. In addition, the line is harder to maintain and requires a complete shutdown while work is being performed on it, according to Keeler.

Additional issues had to do with the crackling noise, called corona, emitted by the towers and a “feel” like static in the air near the towers. Keeler said that the noise, likened to radio static by one bystander, is at its worst during rain or when the towers are new, and that it diminishes over time.

Shohola township supervisor Nelia Wall handed out copies of a resolution opposing the proposed Route A, which would traverse a large portion of the township. “This route is extremely environmentally destructive,” said Wall. Citing no direct benefit to Shohola citizens, a desire to maintain the pristine character of the township, an objection to the 200-foot right-of-the-way and the fact that approximately 200 property owners are located within 1,000 feet of the proposed line, the resolution was passed by the township on June 12.

Shohola resident Shirley Masue said that she is circulating a petition in the township opposing Route A and encouraged residents to contact her at shirleym@ptd.net for more information.

PPL’s project director Pat McMackin said that feedback is important to the process and urged the public to share their concerns and questions or to provide detailed information about specific sites. “We can’t go on private property without permission, so we might not know that there’s a family cemetery there or a rattlesnake den or eagle nesting site,” he said.

Learn more at an open house scheduled for June 30, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Best Western Inn at Hunt’s Landing in Matamoras, PA.