Published: October 31, 2007 11:53 am      

Power line project gains no support at public hearing

MOOREFIELD - Citing health, environmental and private property issues, residents from Jefferson, Hardy, Grant, Mineral and Hampshire counties testified against Allegheny Power's proposed Trans-Allegheny Interstate Line project Tuesday at a public hearing held by the West Virginia Public Service Commission.

The project proposed to be routed through those and other counties in northern West Virginia is currently before the PSC with the utility seeking permission to construct the 500-volt power line that will run some 240 miles across the state.

Ralph Wojtowice, a young professional who lives in Virginia, with plans to build his dream home in West Virginia, was the first to address Administrative Law Judge Keith A. George of the PSC, who was conducting the hearing and taking testimony.

Wojtowice said that the couple had sunk their entire life savings into their dream home project with an eye toward raising their family - twin boys born prematurely in February - in the picturesque setting that was to be their residence.

He said that he realized his family's entire future could be jeopardized by this project in terms of their health and their finances.

"It is apparent that Allegheny Energy is more interested in profit than public service," he said.

Wojtowice also pointed out that the project will boost the output of the oldest and dirtiest coal-fired electric generating plants in the state and added that his children are already at risk for environmental pollution and the project would only add to that.

He said that that utility's advertising campaign that the project will be good for West Virginia and that it won't cost its residents reminds him of a time when the tobacco industry tried to convince people smoking wasn't dangerous either.

Wojtowice was one of 10 people who provided testimony that was recorded and will be transcribed by the PSC before a decision is made on granting a permit for the project.

Craig Etchison of Fort Ashby spoke of the concern about global warming and climate change that he said has been admitted by the Pentagon to be the single biggest issue facing the world.

He said that increasing the output of coal-fired generating plants will increase the burning of coal which produces greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.

He said continuing on that course would create a potential for "catastrophe."

Etchison said that Allegheny Energy's plan to create expanding markets for coal is "insane."

He said there are choices but the utility is not considering any of those, including conservation and variable pricing.

Henry Kopple of Lahmansville said that he would rather see the emphasis on reducing the need for additional power to the east by conservation or new power sources.

He suggested that the country needs to look at Denmark, which has doubled its gross national product while decreasing its energy usage.

David Fouts of Grant County said that the utility's statement that there is no significant environmental impact to be noted from the project is "ludicrous."

He called on the utility to consider three alternatives: Conservation, improving existing networks and utilizing the existing rights of way for any new power lines.

Thomas and Kathy Hildebrand, who live in Virginia with plans to move to a subdivision near Moorefield, also addressed the issue of need and the likely damage the project would cause to West Virginians.

Kathy Hildebrand said she noticed the number of large homes and businesses in Virginia that have lights on, both on the interior and exterior 24 hours a day.

She said that education is probably the most valuable tool the opponents have in the fight against TrAIL.

Her husband added that the coming together of people against the project in such force is probably the one positive of the proposed project.

Also addressing the hearing was David Reece of Germantown, Md., speaking on behalf of the Wratchford family of Old Fields. He said the family already gave a right of way in the 1970s, losing considerable property.

Darrell Kessell also said he was affected by the first power line project that went through and not only did he lose the right of way acreage but setbacks were imposed that took even more. He also said that you can feel the energy from the power lines when you stand near them.

Nina Mason of Rio said she sees people leaving the state to get away from the power lines because they believe their health is threatened by them.

Several public hearings have been scheduled throughout the region. George said when an individual testifies at one that is their only opportunity.

About 50 people attended Tuesday's hearing in Moorefield.

Contact Mona Ridder at mridder@times-news.com.