Pegasus Project Historical Information
A Canadian company named Pegasus Transmission Limited began, we are told, with a few entrepreneurs who “recognized an opportunity” in building a high-voltage (500 HVDC) power line to deliver electricity to a substation in Manhattan. Construction is to begin in 2008.
The power line is to run 360 miles from Utica, N.Y. to New York City, on tall towers above ground until reaching the Upper Delaware. From there it is supposed to be buried underground in deference to environmental concerns. Or not. The $1 billion projected cost of this 18-month engineering feat, besides an assault to the terrain, may likely prove an engineering impossibility, resulting in numerous towers along parts of the river—a visual blight.
Either way–above ground or buried underground—the Pegasus Power Line Project contradicts both The Upper Delaware River Management Plan as well as the spirit and letter of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Collectively, we aim to stop it.
At Odds With A Federal Agency: The National Park Service.
The Upper Delaware Council, which is a federal watchdog (of The National Park Service) over local conservation issues, has filed its disapproval of the Pegasus Project. The UDC sent a letter to the President of Pegasus Power Systems, Richard A. Muddiman of Toronto, Canada. The UDC findings explained that the power line is “incompatible within the Upper Delaware river corridor”…and “counter to one or more of the principles and objectives set out in the River Management Plan and the Land and Water Use Guidelines."
But these findings will have no effect toward halting the project. The Upper Delaware Council is not invested with powers of its own, other than to observe and advise. Pegasus has obtained leasing rights from Norfolk-Southern Railroad, whose tracks parallel the river.
Pegasus & The ESS Group: A Fox In The Henhouse.
Now Pegasus embarks on its own environmental studies, in accordance with guidelines established by The New York Public Service Commission, The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, and the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
The ESS Group is one company hired by Pegasus along with Teshmont Consultants LP. Together, they are making environmental impact studies, as required by law. However, they will conduct their studies in collaboration with Pegasus’s own “Project Team.” In other words, these are companies in the pay of Pegasus, working with Pegasus in order to arrive at conclusions decisively in favor of the objectives of the Pegasus Power Line.
Pegasus Propaganda.
A man from Toronto, Canada is the Project Manager for Pegasus, also their “Community Outreach Person.” He is basically a point man for the project and purveyor of upbeat public relations for the project. Although the Pegasus representative assures the UDC that the power line will definitely be buried underground, there is no geological reason to believe it and no guarantees that it will be so. Especially in view of the comparative cost. Underground costs of construction are much greater than above-ground tower construction.
While Pegasus curries favor with Town Boards and Zoning Code Enforcement Officers, the company points out local economic “incentives” the project may offer. Nobody should be coerced by temporary economic incentives for the sake of a permanent power line.
In September of 2004, Pegasus issued a presentation of the power line’s “Strategic Overview.” It cites many benefits accruing to those living elsewhere, but virtually none to those of us living here. It states: “We believe that sensitive planning and innovative engineering will satisfy environmental concerns.” Their belief contradicts the evidence of a potential environmental catastrophe.
Pegasus: Our Opportunity to Exercise Home Rule.
New York State offers every town the power to control all land use practices, as determined by each town’s government. This is called “Home Rule.” Pegasus gives us a golden opportunity to voice our collective opposition to the power line project, community by community. To do so, we must make ourselves heard at Town Board meetings. Remember, Pegasus must gain the approval of every affected town in the River Corridor before the power line can be built. Zoning Enforcement Code Officers must become informed of the negative impact of the Pegasus Project.
The Pegasus High Voltage Transmission power line (500HVDC) could begin construction as early as 2008. This insult to The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and violation of The River Management Plan must be stopped at all costs.
Pegasus Informational Links |
