PPL Electric Utilities says the transmission line it plans to run through Sinking Spring is necessary to keep the electric grid strong and provide backup power during outages.
The electric company says there is little evidence such lines affect property values or create dangerous emissions.
Sinking Spring officials say the transmission line would wreck its plans for major redevelopment of the downtown.
PPL still needs to acquire easements, including in the Village Greens Golf Course along Broad Street. The owner, Randy Robitzer, said selling the easement would destroy his business and retirement plans.
Borough officials hope to develop the course as housing someday.
In a letter dated Sept. 30, the power company provided answers to "frequently asked questions" about the project.
This is a verbatim copy:
Q: What is PPL Electric Utilities proposing
in the Sinking Spring area?
A:
PPL plans to build a 1.3-mile 69kV transmission line that will tap into two
existing transmission lines in the Sinking Spring area. The line is not
designed to operate at more than 69 kilovolts. Single steel poles along the
line are expected to be between 90 and 105 feet tall.
Q: Why is this project necessary?
A: Without this project, many customers could be left without power for an extended period of time if problems develop on the system due to strong storms, equipment failure, or other factors.
A: Without this project, many customers could be left without power for an extended period of time if problems develop on the system due to strong storms, equipment failure, or other factors.
Q: My electric service is very dependable.
Why add this line when there doesn’t seem to be a problem?
A: Part of PPL’s job is to ensure safe and reliable power and be ready to restore power in the event of an outage. This new line not only gives us a second source of power to feed local substations in Sinking Spring and Wyomissing, but it also helps us keep the grid strong and more dependable in the larger region.
A: Part of PPL’s job is to ensure safe and reliable power and be ready to restore power in the event of an outage. This new line not only gives us a second source of power to feed local substations in Sinking Spring and Wyomissing, but it also helps us keep the grid strong and more dependable in the larger region.
Q: Won’t this new power line hurt Sinking
Spring’s development plans?
A: We have already committed to avoiding conflicts with road relocation projects in Sinking Spring. Should development envisioned by the BOSS 2020 plan occur, we are willing to consider options for mitigating the effects of the line, which is tentatively scheduled to be in service in mid-2018. Mitigation for development can occur after the line is built.
A: We have already committed to avoiding conflicts with road relocation projects in Sinking Spring. Should development envisioned by the BOSS 2020 plan occur, we are willing to consider options for mitigating the effects of the line, which is tentatively scheduled to be in service in mid-2018. Mitigation for development can occur after the line is built.
Q: Did you choose this route because it is
the least expensive to build?
A: Cost is one of a variety of factors we consider when building a new power line. All of our 1.4 million customers pay for improvements to the grid through their bills. We also consider things like potential effects on the environment, including the amount of any forested land that may have to be cleared.
A: Cost is one of a variety of factors we consider when building a new power line. All of our 1.4 million customers pay for improvements to the grid through their bills. We also consider things like potential effects on the environment, including the amount of any forested land that may have to be cleared.
Q: Won’t this power line hurt our property
values?
A: We have no evidence that there is a long-term effect on property values from a project like this. There are numerous examples across our service territory where both commercial and residential development is close to our lines. The Hamilton Crossings commercial development along Route 222 outside Allentown is one example.
A: We have no evidence that there is a long-term effect on property values from a project like this. There are numerous examples across our service territory where both commercial and residential development is close to our lines. The Hamilton Crossings commercial development along Route 222 outside Allentown is one example.
Q: How extensive was PPL’s review of
potential routes?
A: Over a period of several months, we evaluated numerous routes for this new line, including one suggested by Sinking Spring. We discussed the project with many stakeholders, including state Sen. David Argall and state Rep. Jim Cox. In the end, the currently planned route makes the most sense based on all factors.
Q: Don’t you have to get approval from the state Public Utility Commission?
A: Transmission line projects under 100 kilovolts do not require review or approval from the PUC. We consider the same factors and take the same steps for lines under 100 kilovolts that we would take to build larger lines.
A: Over a period of several months, we evaluated numerous routes for this new line, including one suggested by Sinking Spring. We discussed the project with many stakeholders, including state Sen. David Argall and state Rep. Jim Cox. In the end, the currently planned route makes the most sense based on all factors.
Q: Don’t you have to get approval from the state Public Utility Commission?
A: Transmission line projects under 100 kilovolts do not require review or approval from the PUC. We consider the same factors and take the same steps for lines under 100 kilovolts that we would take to build larger lines.
Q: How much room will the power line
take up?
A: Our standard right-of-way width on 69kV lines is 100 feet — 50 feet on each side of the power line.
A: Our standard right-of-way width on 69kV lines is 100 feet — 50 feet on each side of the power line.
Q:
Will you be taking property to build the line?
A: PPL works with property owners in order to obtain easements that enable us to build and maintain the power line. The property owner retains ownership of the land and is paid for the easement based on the market value of the land. We work hard to reach amicable agreements for easements. Seeking eminent domain is a last resort.
A: PPL works with property owners in order to obtain easements that enable us to build and maintain the power line. The property owner retains ownership of the land and is paid for the easement based on the market value of the land. We work hard to reach amicable agreements for easements. Seeking eminent domain is a last resort.
Q:
I’ve heard this new line won’t even be used. Is that true?
A: This new line will be energized when construction is complete and provide operational flexibility in the region.
A: This new line will be energized when construction is complete and provide operational flexibility in the region.
Q:
I’m concerned about electromagnetic fields that will be created by the new
line.
A: Current evidence does not confirm the existence of any health consequences from exposure to low level electromagnetic fields. Power lines, home appliances and electrical wiring all produce these fields. For more information on EMF, you can visit pplelectric.com/emf.
A: Current evidence does not confirm the existence of any health consequences from exposure to low level electromagnetic fields. Power lines, home appliances and electrical wiring all produce these fields. For more information on EMF, you can visit pplelectric.com/emf.
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