CL&P Power Line Project
History:
The
Northeast Utilities Greater Springfield Reliability Project (GSRP) will
directly impact East Granby residents and businesses since it will
result in either considerably larger transmission towers and more
powerful overhead lines, or an underground route that runs along
Newgate Road and other roads. On
September 25th, 2008, the East Granby Board of Selectmen unanimously
decided to recommend that CL&P put the high-voltage power line
entirely underground.
On June 9th, 2009, there was a public hearing on the East Granby portion of the project. The
meeting was well-attended, not only by East Granby residents, but by
parties and special interest groups from outside the area. Television
and print reporters covered the hearing.
On February 10, 2009,
the Siting Council effectively approved the project (official final approval is pending) to involve overhead lines,
rather than underground. This is despite the Selectmen's
recommendations and a vigorous opposition of some community
organizations and individuals. The final draft is scheduled for
approval on February 17th. Contact CTEG at info@egtaxpayers.org of you would like a copy of the 47 page draft document emailed to you.
CTEG is providing links below to help residents know more about the history of the
proposed project and will post additional information as we receive
it.
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If you would like to know how to formally contact the Siting Council, see the information and links below. However, they are accepting no more evidence or arguments; they will accept comments on errors and inconsistencies in their Feb. 11th draft only.
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General Information About the Project
Northeast Utilities (through its CL&P subsidiary) has proposed major changes to the transmission lines that run through East Granby and Suffield as part of its Greater Springfield Reliability Project (GSRP), which itself is part of a much larger undertaking, the New England East-West Solution (NEEWS). Information about the projects may be obtained through the links below. Citizens Against Overhead Powerline Construction, based in Suffield, is taking a position that the project should include underground lines rather than expansion of the existing overhead infrastructure. One of the links below includes their website. We will also post news of any upcoming meetings that are brought to our attention.
Northeast Utilities Greater Springfield Reliability Project (GSRP) - This site is an overview of the portion of the project directly impacting East Granby and Suffield. It contains maps and a link to contact information.
Northeast Utilities New England East-West Solution Project (NEEWS) - This site describes the purpose and scope of the overall project, and includes links to a short video and FAQs.
Northeast Utilities Transmission Project Welcome Page - Provides the rationale for its series of projects and has links to the individual projects in the area, some of which have been completed.
NoPowerTowers.info - Website of Citizens Against Overhead Powerline Construction. Provides a wealth of links with information supporting opposition to overhead lines. This organization also has a printable brochure.
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How to Submit Your Comments
The Connecticut Siting Council (CSC) has reviewed and issued a decision on this project. For more information, you may access their website here. The section of the CSC website directly related to the East Granby portion of project is under Docket 370, accessible here.
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Comments and Suggestions
If you have any suggestions about more material that may be presented here, please contact CTEG at info@EGTaxpayers.org.
Please also note that East Granby First Selectman Jim Hayden has indicated that anyone with comments and concerns about the project should also contact him at jimh@egtownhall.com.
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| Existing Power Lines from Hatchet Hill Road, Facing South |
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| Turkey at Allgrove School |
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| Fox Run Country Club |
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| Public Safety Complex |
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