Comments Show Opposition And Support For New Power Line Corridor Across Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

As National Park Service officials settle down to draft an Environmental Impact Statement on a proposal for a larger transmission line corridor across Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, they'll take with them a large number of public comments expressing support for, and opposition to, the idea.

The proposed Susquehanna to Roseland Transmission Line would cross the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and the Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River as well as the NRA.

Under the proposal, the existing transmission corridor that runs through the three units would be upgraded to carry more energy. But opponents have said that a transmission-line corridor sprouting 200-foot-tall towers should not be permitted within the National Park System.

Park Service officials said Monday that they had received more than 1,700 pieces of correspondence from more than 27 states and seven countries during the public comment period. Nearly 1,600 letters were submitted from individuals living within the proposed area for the Susquehanna to Roseland Transmission line (Pennsylvania and New Jersey). And a majority of those letters "were expressions of support for or opposition to the proposed alternatives; concerns for vegetation, wildlife, and water quality; concerns about the health and safety of individuals living in close proximity to the proposed transmission line; and concerns of impacts to individual’s real estate values."

You can read a Park Service summary of these comments in the 280-page Alternatives Workshop Public Comment Summary Report found at this site.

Park Service officials hope to have that draft EIS completed and ready for public review and comment a year from now.