National Park Service Presents Alternatives to PSE&G's Power Line Upgrade Through Montville

The National Park service held a public hearing on its alternatives to PSE&G's proposed upgrade to the Susquehannah-Roseland transmission line, a project that would involve augmenting seven miles of transmission lines in Montville Township, at a public hearing Thursday in Lafayette.

The hearing, which was the third such public event help by the NPS in August, provided residents with an opportunity to provide input on the seven alternatives created by the park service to be considered for upgrades instead of the Susquehanna-Roseland line.

Eric Svenson, PSE&G Vice President for policy and environment, said that, while he is aware some negative public feedback as a result of the project, the route planned by the power company is the most effective.

"We recognize that the proposed S-R transmission line has severely tested our good reputation with some homeowners and municipalities along the proposed transmission route," he said. "We are not pleased with this development. However, I must emphasize that we have an obligation to implement what the power grid operator, PJM, has told us is required to maintain the reliability of the regional transmission grid."

Svenson also said that, according to the Board of Public Utilities, the proposed power line upgrade was reasonable and that "no alternative route would be less intrusive to the environment or community."

According to the Park service, the alternatives were born out of PSE&G's request for expansion of its current right-of-way permits within natural park areas, to construct newer, taller power lines and to include an additional 500kv line on the existing transmission.

Because the proposed project would involve enhancing existing lines within National Parks, such as the Delaware Water Gap Recreation area and the Appalacian trail, law required the NPS to create alternatives.

Of the NPS's six alternatives, only one, "Alternative 1," called for a complete cancellation of the project.

Alternatives 5, 6 and 7 would alter the line in such a way that the project would no longer pass through the seven miles of township. All three alternatives would have the line upgrades going west parallel or along the same path of Route 80 from Roseland, NJ.

PSE&G communications director Karen A. Johnson recognized that, while some alternatives might benefit Montville, the proposed route for the project was chosen for a reason.

"We are working very closely with Montville's leaders and we pledge to work on this project in the least disruptive way for the township's residents," she said. "We understand the people have concerns. PSE&G is working on alternative energy sources, but we would still need a way to get it to the people."

Johnson said she understands the public reaction within the township, but that the need for increased power to the grid is documented and vital.

"The lines have been there for a long time," she said. "Towers have existed since the 1920s. This project is a big step for in our ability to maintain reliability."

Public reaction to the PSE&G plan was strongly negative, with many in attendance encouraging the park service to choose Alternative 1, the "no action" alternative.

"We cannot allow this horrible project to deepen the existing scar on our land," Kate Millsaps, campaign and grassroots coordinator for the New Jersey Highland Coalition said, calling the project "a scam to line the pockets of the power company."

Scott Olsen of Ogdensburg received a loud round of applause from the 75+ people in attendence when he summarized the opinions of the crowd.

"Not in my back yard," he said. "Not in anyone's back yard."

According to Patrick Malone, a representative from the NPS, the organization would compile the opinions of the public and create a report of summary, a process that he said would not be completed until the fall of 2012.

"We have another two years before the park service makes a decision on what to do with this proposal," he said.

According to representatives from PSE&G, the project is currently on hold until the company can secure permits from the NPS and will be delayed until 2014.

Montville Township would be given almost $400,000 as a result of granting the power company temporary construction rights within the township.