Deadline approaching on power line
Published on -7/2/2009, 12:19 PM
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By MIKE CORN
LA CROSSE -- Wednesday's hearing on the construction of a 345,000-volt power line from Spearville to Hays turned out to be the Reader's Digest version of a similar hearing in mid-March.
The hearing, conducted Wednesday in the La Crosse City Auditorium, was the second of its kind -- requested because the developer of the line, ITC Great Plains, determined it had failed to notify 17 landowners of the first hearing.
Only about 25 people showed up Wednesday, well short of the nearly 160 people who turned out for the first session. Regulators, developers or utility companies closely aligned with the project had nearly 20 people attending.
Only two people testified this time around, compared to about 15 last time. Both of those were repeats.
Tony Eller testified he wanted the ability to work with ITC folks to modify the route slightly to keep the line away from his rural Ellis residence, while Robert Tilford again voiced concern over electromagnetic fields the lines might produce.
As it turned out, the introductory portion of the meeting took longer than the official proceedings.
At the conclusion of the formal hearing, Kansas Corporation Commission Chairman Tom Wright, sitting alone, routinely read through a script that follows such hearings.
"The comment period remains open until July 2," he said. He stopped, laughed and said, "you have to mail it tonight."
It is indeed a tight schedule for the rest of the decision-making process.
Already, KCC has conducted its formal evidentiary hearing.
ITC now must respond to any additional comments by Wednesday, and the KCC must render a decision in the case by July 13.
I thank Robert for speaking out! Where was Senator Janice lee on this. I hear she was also at the meeting but said nothing? Is this true?
(Posted by: mellonie George)
People in danger?: 7/7/2009
Are people like Mr. Eller in any danger from Electromagnetic fields and cancer? Who should I ask, besides Mr. Tilford on this?
(Posted by: Erma Smith)
Where is the state on this?: 7/7/2009
Where is the state on this? Are they not the ones to protect the public in this?
(Posted by: Cal Franks)
Comment period should be extended: 7/7/2009
Having only one day to submit comments at a kansas corporation commission meeting is clearly not enough time for public comment on the issue Robert brought up at the meeting. Nor do I think it is a laughing matter that people had only a few hours to submit comments the night of the meeting. I found out only after the meeting and public comment period ended. And I wouldn't have heard anything if it wasn't for the hays news.
(Posted by: Tim Black)
Electromagnetic fields pose a danger: 7/7/2009
I read the news about the power line, and did some investigation on the internet - seems Mr. Tilford is spot on about the dangers of Electromagnetic fields. I think the Hays news should do a follow up on this story! I also want to thank Robert Tilford for bring this issue to light. I think the public hearing should be extended so I and others can comment on this serious issue.
(Posted by: Eddie Mc Allister)
More news would be nice: 7/6/2009
I would like to see more reporting on this important issue as well any possible health risks to myself and my family...
(Posted by: Judy M)
I am also concerned about EMF: 7/6/2009
The power line will cross my property in Ellis, the power company wants me to ground everything in my house? Only Mr. Tilford seems concerned enough to speak out publically on this issue?
(Posted by: U. P)
Robert Tilford: 7/6/2009
I was also at the meeting. I'm wondering why robert was the only one to bring forward possible health concerns isn't this the job of the Kansas Department of Health and environment? Where was the attorney general in this case. It seems robert Tilford was the only one speaking out on behalf of people's safety?
(Posted by: Wally K)
RE: Tilford: 7/6/2009
I was at the first KCC meeting in Lacrosse, Tilford was addressing concerns regarding alledged power line design flaws, and submitted documents into the official record. The second KCC meeting Tilford voiced concern over EMF (electomagnetic fields) and possible health concerns. He also submitted evidence of this in the form of two documents, one from the Conneticut Siting council on best management practices and the other on EMF and health concerns. So the reporter from the hays daily got it wrong. It was not a readers digest repeat as was suggested in the article. Read more on the official docket in question. Bad form mr. Corn - were you even there? Lets report the facts!
(Posted by: Yt)
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