On behalf of Tucson Electric Power, I’d like to clarify a few matters regarding a transmission-line project referenced in a recent Tucson Weekly article (“Inner-City Blues,” Jan. 28) about the Dunbar/Spring neighborhood.
It’s unfortunate that TEP’s viewpoints weren’t included in the story, even though we provided them to another Weekly writer in advance of publication. While we’ve gladly discussed this project and many other topics with other Tucson Weekly reporters, the writer of this particular story has consistently disparaged TEP—even leveling personal attacks on our employees—while disregarding relevant facts and misstating our positions on numerous issues.
We decided long ago to stop answering questions from this writer, and we remain hopeful that the Weekly will recognize that his clear bias against TEP compromises his ability to fairly cover any issue that involves our company.
As the story noted, TEP is making plans for a new 138-kilovolt (kV) line (the story said 138 volts, an error since corrected) that would link a substation near East Grant Road and Interstate 10 to our Tucson substation in the Dunbar/Spring neighborhood. The line, expected to be complete by the end of 2011, is needed to maintain reliable service amid rising energy demands.
TEP develops new transmission lines through a process that includes extensive participation from area residents, government officials and other stakeholders. The input we receive plays a significant role in determining the proposed routes and other aspects of these projects.
In this case, TEP’s project team has met throughout the design process with residents from the Dunbar/Spring neighborhood and other areas where the line might be located. We’ve gathered input, shared information and addressed concerns as we’ve developed potential routes for the new transmission line. We’ve also distributed updates through several newsletters and posted route maps and other details on the Transmission Line Projects area of TEP’s Web site (www.tep.com).
Still, it’s easy to see how some misunderstandings about a project of this scope might persist. If the new line is built along 11th Avenue, the conductors would typically be more than 25 feet away from any homes and would not be closer than 16 feet to any building—despite concerns expressed by one resident in the Weekly‘s story that the line could approach within 8 feet of homes. And while some Dunbar/Spring residents might feel their situation is unique, TEP actually operates 138-kV lines in similar proximity to homes in other locations around town.
As the story notes, residents have expressed concern about the health effects of electric and magnetic fields, or EMFs, associated with electric transmission lines. Although research into possible impacts is ongoing, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and other government agencies do not consider EMFs a proven health hazard. Information on relevant government research is available on Web sites for the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (niehs.nih.gov) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov).
In addition to potential routes that would follow the path of an existing 46-kV line along 11th Avenue, TEP is considering a route developed in partnership with Dunbar/Spring residents that would avoid 11th Avenue entirely. That alternative is not without complications, however. It would cost more than twice as much as other alternatives—a cost that ultimately would be borne by TEP customers across the city. That route also would require the use of three 170-foot-tall transmission towers and four 155-foot-tall poles—taller than any other utility poles in our city—to carry the line away from the Tucson substation and over Interstate 10.
That said, TEP is still considering that route along with a number of viable alternatives. After gathering additional feedback, we’ll identify a preferred route and at least one alternative. Our application will be reviewed in a public hearing by the Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee, and that group’s decision will be subject to review by the Arizona Corporation Commission.
A map of the proposed routes and other information about the line will be available for review during a public open house scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., in the cafeteria of Richey Elementary School, 2209 N. 15th Ave.
Joe Salkowski is the director of corporate communications for Tucson Electric Power.
This article appears in Feb 11-17, 2010.
By the way, I’m the writer often noted but somehow never named in this guest editorial.
-Tim Vanderpool
I would urge anyone seeking further clarification of the neighbors’ views to look at the website the coalition has put together: http://www.safepowerlines.org , which will provide further details on the points below.
I want to respond to a few things here:
1. TEP doesn’t like to talk to reporters who don’t make them look good?
2. The process they call civic participation is fundamentally flawed and is designed to prevent any coherent response on the part of citizens. Moreover, we have yet to see any of the feedback collected through official channels so we just have to take their word for its content.
3. TEP has posted results of meetings — often months after the fact and on a single page on their website. Furthermore, they’ve had a remarkable string of bad luck scheduling meetings during major religious holidays that has suppressed attendance despite being urged to consider their timing more carefully.
4. When Joe Salkowski says the conductors will be no closer than 25 feet, he’s talking about the live, electrified wires — not about poles. There is no physically possible way poles could be run down 11th without their footprints being much, much closer than 25 feet — 8 feet in some cases.
5. Mr. Salkowski is right — research in to the effects of EMF is ongoing and results now are mixed — some studies say there are leukemia links, some say there aren’t. But most European countries and several US states practice “prudent avoidance” — if it’s possible that these things cause health effects, but you’re not absolutely sure, you take some common sense steps to minimize exposure.
6. This is not just a Dunbar/Spring issue — Blue Moon, Barrio Anita, and Old Pasqua neighborhood residents have been actively involved throughout the process of working with TEP to encourage them to consider a route that doesn’t take this powerline within 100 feet of over 200 homes.
7. Warning us that our bills will increase makes sense — until you remember that their are an awful lot of rate payers in Tucson, and spreading this cost out among everyone results in a trivial rate increase — $1/year for 3 years? As opposed to the immediate and drastic financial impact of property value decreases for the residents along the residential route.
I appreciate Mr. Salkowski taking the time to respond to the article. I wish that TEP was as responsive throughout the process to the people actually being impacted and the volunteers who have dedicated hundreds of hours to working on this issue with very little meaningful response from TEP. We’re looking forward to taking our case to the ACC if it comes down to that, and we encourage anyone interested in this issue to attend those public hearings.
Ian Johnson
safepowerlines.org
I realize TEP is good at passing the buck, how about stopping the buck.
Would the board of TEP vote that their 3 month old grandbaby “Chelsea” spend a lifetime growing up within the footage you refer to in your opinion.
Construction cost are low to reasonable right now and if you choose the best bid, you will save our future IF you vote for a safe route.
Sincerely,
Susan Hutzler aka Grandma Suzy
I imagine, Salkowski, that you would not be singing quite the same tune if this project had been proposed for your street. I live one house from 11th Avenue and, frankly, don’t find my position swayed by wishy-washy speculation on whether or not electric and magnetic fields are likely to harm my health. Even my novice research efforts have revealed a history of U.S. institutions and industries claiming to be healthy and safe on the basis that risks have yet to be “statistically” established. (Operative word: yet.) If you and others supporting this project would approach our neighborhood concerns the same way you’d surely do your own, I feel confident this proposed route would have been canned long ago.
Hurray for public debate! This is exactly how freedom of the press is supposed to work. Opinions get stated and then people who disagree state different opinions. Everybody gets heard. I live on 11th Ave and I don’t want any more giant transmission lines running 20 feet from my bedroom window (we already have 46 kilovolt power lines running down both sides of the street). I don’t care how safe you tell me they are for my health – I don’t believe you.
Joe, I just hope you listen to residents the way you wish the Tucson Weekly would listen to you when it comes time to decide on a route for the transmission lines…
Hopefully the Weekly will keep everyone informed on what happens so everyone gets to monitor TEP’s corporate behavior. Then readers can decide for themselves if TEP values input from the public over their bottom line.