The proposed Northern Pass hydroelectric transmission project has been in development for a number of years, yet it seems that only in recent months have Concord residents become more aware of the project and the impact that it will have on the city, at least under its current proposed design. Residents of New Hampshire’s North Country have long been concerned about the project as a result of its visual impacts, but it is important that Concord area residents gain a true appreciation for the impacts of the project in our region as they are very significant.
Earlier this month, the Concord City Council voted to apply for intervener status with the US Department of Energy as a party in Northern Pass LLC’s application for a presidential permit, providing an opportunity for the city to be a consulting party as the project takes shape. Intervener status allows Concord city officials to have a full place at the table as important decisions are made about the project, including its route and visual impact. Protecting the interests of the city and its residents is an important and necessary role for both the city administration and the city council. Intervener status does not imply that the city is taking a position on the project at this time, but provides the standing to be party to project discussions and decisions.
Northern Pass, a corporate partnership among power companies Northeast Utilities, Public Service of New Hampshire and Hydro-Quebec, proposes to construct 1,100 towers on 180 miles of high-voltage transmission line from Canada through New Hampshire. The most likely route of the project through our area is via an existing right of way that extends 8.09 miles through the city of Concord, from the boundary with the town of Canterbury near State Route 132 (Mountain Road) to the boundary with the town of Pembroke at the Soucook River. The proposed route crosses several areas of preserved open space within the city, including areas near Broken Ground and East Concord that have been identified in the city’s master plan as priority areas for future open space protection. In addition, residents of the McKenna’s Purchase neighborhood have expressed particular concern regarding the visual impact of the projects transmission towers. The proposed route would also be sited near other residential neighborhoods such as Brookwood Drive, Farmwood Drive, Turtle Town Village, and Alton Woods.
While the city council has not yet expressed its collective opinion regarding the Northern Pass project, both the city’s planning board and conservation commission have cited several concerns, with the conservation commission stating its opposition to the project. Concord City Manager Tom Aspell echoed these concerns in June of this year to the U.S. Department of Energy, citing a study by the Appalachian Mountain Club indicating that Concord would be the municipality with the largest number of acres exposed to the project’s transmission towers, as well as the highest number of visible towers per acre. Mr. Aspell’s letter also asks that Northern Pass consider placing the transmission lines underground, especially when they are close to residential neighborhoods.
Recent attention to the project by local media outlets, particularly the Concord Monitor, no doubt has raised the profile of the project in the Concord region. This enhanced awareness is a welcome development, as Northern Pass is not simply a North Country concern, although most of the controversy surrounding the project to date stems from the widespread opposition to it in that region of the state. Concord residents should take every opportunity to more fully understand all aspects of the proposed Northern Pass project, as the city is no mere bystander to decisions that will have a significant impact on our quality of life – the project will leave its footprint in the capitol region for years to come.
The Concord Energy and Environment Committee strongly encourages Concord residents to make their perspectives about the Northern Pass project known to city officials and the city council. Gaining intervener status for the city of Concord to the project is a positive first step in enduring that our voices are heard.
This is the first installment of a monthly column submitted to the Concord Insider by the Concord Energy and Environment Committee. The members of CEEC aim to inform and engage the citizens of Concord about energy, environmental, and sustainability issues and policies. CEEC works with city administration and the Concord City Council to identify and implement sustainability programs and strategies. If you have questions or you would like to become involved in the committee, please contact us at 225-8500.
