Burying power lines may be feasible   Derek DiFronzo, Staff Writer October 20, 2004 ORANGE - An independent review of the proposed 345kV power line upgrade has shown that it may be technically feasible to bury 10 to 20 miles of lines underground. KEMA Inc., a consultant for the Connecticut Siting Council, released a report on the project last Wednesday in Hartford that produced excitement among political leaders and interest groups. According to the report, steps can be taken that would make it possible to bury the lines for up to 20 miles along the proposed corridor from Milford to Wallingford. Although pleased with the report's findings, First Selectman Mitchell Goldblatt remains concerned about the cost of burying the lines and would like to see another study conducted. "Certainly, this is what we've been calling for all along," Goldblatt said. "It is encouraging news, although we've been warned that the cost of burying lines is much more expensive than going overhead." The proposed power line project involves running new, high voltage lines from Norwalk to Middletown, which includes parts of Orange. Goldblatt said a major concern among residents of Orange and surrounding towns has to do with whether the lines will be constructed above-ground or buried underground. If the lines were above-ground, Goldblatt said, then the lines would require higher electromagnetic field (EMF) levels and higher towers. Due to safety concerns about high EMF levels, Goldblatt and Woodbridge First Selectman Amey Marrella have called for underground lines. In May, state legislators approved a bill that required burying the lines underground, or, if they must run above-ground, that there be adequate buffers from schools, houses of worship and residences within 300 feet of the power lines. Many residents of Orange and Woodbridge have expressed concern about the potential impact of a 300-foot buffer from the lines. According to studies, many homes might have to be removed to conform to the buffer requirement. State Sen. Win Smith Jr. (R-14) and House Majority Leader James Amann (D-118), both members of Power Lines Underground (PLUG), couldn't have been happier with the results of the independent review. "This is pure dynamite," Smith said. "What this means is that we were right all along. The power line can be buried. The technology exists to make it possible." Legislators who represent the communities most affected by the proposed power line project created PLUG earlier this year to ensure compliance with the law signed in May. Goldblatt said he was pleased with the study but believes another review is needed to ensure that burying the lines would be technologically feasible. "I hope this undergrounding will be possible," he said. "Then we can look at potential underground routes through existing streets. If it does go underground, it won't go right away." Smith said he believes further research would show that it would be technologically possible to bury even more of the lines. "As it is our intention to protect the health and safety of our constituents," he said, "as well as provide Connecticut residents with sufficient electricity, we will continue to insist that the lines be buried." Amann also expressed his enthusiasm and thanked the Siting Council for ordering the independent study.