The New Phone Books Are Here!

The Wisconsin Public Service Commission and DNR issued the Draft Environmental Statement (DEIS) this week and mailed a copy to lots of folks - I know because got one on Friday as a member of the Monona City Council.

The DEIS came on a compact disc and is some 464 pages. A supplemental report includes dozens of full color maps, diagrams, charts, and photos. The PSC Seeks Public Comment on Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Rockdale to West Middleton Transmission Line. Individuals may file comments. You can see the DEIS on the PSC web site. Enter docket number 137-CE-147. (As an aside the PSC's electronic filing system is a marvel of the modern world.)

The report's introduction states:

This draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) fulfills part of the requirements of the Wisconsin Environmental Policy Act (WEPA), Wis. Stat. §1.11. WEPA requires state agencies to consider environmental factors when making major decisions. The purpose of this draft EIS is to provide the decision makers, the public, and other stakeholders with an analysis of the economic, social, cultural, and environmental impacts that could result from the construction of the proposed 345 kV transmission line and its associated facilities.

***

Comments received during the comment period will be used to prepare the final EIS, which will be used by the Commission when making its final decisions on this project. At this time, the Commission decision on the proposed project is expected in summer 2009.

The City of Monona's primary interest is the impact on the city of a 345 KV line running through the city along the Beltline or Broadway. We have not and will not take a position on whether the transmission line is needed. As a starting point we would prefer to see it put underground (along Broadway) or possibly installed on the Beltline bridge structure over the wetlands and the Yahara River.

Figure 2-1C is an aerial view of the Monona segment (Segment H). Undergrounding is a lot more expensive upfront at at least. Look at Figure Vol. 2-4, page 2 of 2. But, take a look at the photos Figure 2-29 to Figure 2-33 to get an idea what a 345KV line looks like. They also have photos of undergrounding during construction. What will the real lifetime cost of overhead lines be?