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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSutton-Glennallen Public Opinion Letters, Mail, Memorandums 1996{ ] Neos Sell Walle ldltlbs at a UPR, SZ, — TONY KNOWLES, GOVERNOR aoe : Pe fe | DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND 333 WEST FOURTH AVE., SUITE 220 REGIONAL AFFAIRS ea eee DIVISION OF ENERGY ENGINEERING PAX: (907) 269-4685 Wh January 11, 1996 EGEIYE/)) Ms. Zola M. Nutgrass JAN 1 2 1§95 P.O. Box 770868 i Eagle River, Alaska 99577 Alaska Industriel Development and Export Authority Subject: Comment on Sutton-Glennallen Intertie Dear Ms. Nutgrass: Thank you for your letter regarding the Sutton-Glennallen intertie project. As you may know, Governor Knowles established an interdepartmental committee several months ago to evaluate the project. Because staff work for the committee has been provided by the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA), I am forwarding your letter to AIDEA for their consideration. Also, because one or more of the affected utilities would be responsible for project construction rather than the State, I am also forwarding your letter to Copper Valley Electric Association (CVEA). Sincerely, J a hM vm Richard Emerman Division of Energy ce with copy of letter: Mr. Randy Simmons AIDEA Mr. Clayton Hurless CVEA RECEIVED JAN 1 1 1995 DIVISION F ENERGY January 6, 1996 I would like to express my concerns regarding the Sutton-Glennallen Intertie and its impact on both private property and recognized public use trails in the specific area of Gunsight Mountain at Mile 123 of the Glenn Highway. A settlement has existed at Mile 123 of the Glenn Highway since the early 1970’s. Originally homesteaded in the 1950’s, this property was subdivided in the early 1970’s and today encompasses nearly two dozen recreational cabins, a dozen or so additional property owners, and permanent residents who call the area home 12 months of the year. Access to the cabins and homes from the Glenn Highway is via a road (approximately 2 miles in length) named, Martin Road, once marked by a highway sign - long since removed. Neither the State or the Mat-Su Borough have accepted responsibility for this road. Maintenance has always been the burden of property owners who need a passable road. Martin Road is designated as a known access route to the Intertie right-of way on maps distributed by the Division of Energy. According to studies, the road might be used to move heavy equipment to and from the Intertie right-of way. What impact this will have on the underdeveloped, muddy and sometimes flooded road is of concern to residents. AC Tne End) Of MENUS GOA Sal NISLOnINGIMInNING/InNGuSGhaal)| |Site, established in 1949 by a miner named, George Belanger. The original log cabins still) remain. Behind the site, two trails branch off the main "road", climbing toward Belanger Pass in the Syncline Mountains. Both trails intersect a network of old mining trails and sites throughout the Syncline Mountains, also providing access to currently active mining sites. The trail branching left off of the main “road” has been known as the Belanger Pass Trail since the 1950’s. The right branch ta known as Monument Trail and connects with the Crooked Creek Trail behind Eureka. Both trails eventually end at the Little Nelchina River. Both are named as known access routes to the Intertie right-of- way. These trails appear on topographic maps of the area; they are historic in nature, recognized and accepted as public use trails. Branching right from the main “road” a short distance before the mining/industrial site, is a dedicated Right-of-way known as the Old Nelchina Trail which intersects the Monument Trail, thus blending into the Crooked Creek Trail. Martin Road and the Old Nelchina Trail could have originally been one united trail off the Glenn Highway - splitting into two segments when the mining/industrial site was built in 1949. The homestead is located generally East of the historic mining/industrial site, nearly adjacent to the site. The alternative route along Squaw Creek parallels Martin Road, travels up over Belanger Pass, then either turns North along Crooked Creek or downhill a short distance toward the Glenn Highway and Startup Lakes, then East toward Eureka. This route places the Intertie in very close proximity, to the homestead, nearly surrounding the homestead on both the East and West flank. Cabin residents are concerned about the possibility of land condemnation and acquisition by the State. Squaw Creek Trail was built by miners in the late 1970’s or early 1980’s - still used by currently active miners to access their claims along Squaw Creek and Caribou Creek from Martin Road. This trail was once designated by BLM with large wooden trail-head signs at the beginning of Martin Road and at Mile 106 of the Glenn Highway, inviting recreationalists to use it. In fact, there is still a picnic area with tables at one point along the trail, after it descends from the Glenn Highway at Mile 106. Using this particular access route for the Intertie would be a tragedy. Squaw Creek is the ultimate wildlife sanctuary. Moose, caribou, wolves, bears and red foxes share habitat in this valley. Squaw Creek is also a prime nesting area for varied species of ducks and waterfowl. Geese and swans are also seen nesting in the abundant small lakes and potholes. Mature spruce trees provide cover for a population of spruce grouse. Eagles also nest in the valley; they are frequently visible in densely forested sections of birch and cottonwood trees along the creek. Squaw Creek borders the Sheep Mountain Closed Area, forming a natural drainage between Sheep Mountain/Gunsight Mountair and the Syncline Mountains. Dall sheep are seen on the slopes of both ranges and probably cross between them. Although the proposed Route D follows Alfred Creek to Pass Creek, crosses Belanger Pass, then either diverts north following the Crooked Creek Trail, or east toward Eureka, it also is a threat to private property. Both routes will certainly decrease land values because the towers will be highly visible from each parcel in the homestead. The studies I have reviewed do not address the environmental impact, the health hazards of electro magnetic fields (EMF’s), or the impact on private land ownership due to construction of the Intertie. Another issue not addressed is the danger of lightening strikes on the Intertie towers - projected to be 65’ to 80’ tall steel structures which could act at lightening rods in the otherwise barren terrain. Although the structures will supposedly be grounded that is not necessarily a guarantee that they are not at risk. A recent fire in Delta is suspected to have been caused by lightening striking transmission towers. The Syncline Mountains are frequently subjected to dry thunder and lightening storms. Since the homestead lands sit at the base of these mountains we are at high risk if lightening should strike the towers and cause smoldering tundra or open fires. The area was once devastated by such fires in the 1950’s or early 19360’s; burned skeletons of large spruce trees still remain. Squaw Creek is heavily timbered with spruce, an excellent fire conductor. At the top of Belanger Pass, the line will be the highest point in the terrain. If struck by lightening, prevailing winds could very well spread ground fires so fast that emergency fire equipment would not reach us in time to save the nearly two dozen wooden residential structures. Fires in tundra often smolder underground, undetected, for long periods before erupting, uncontrollably - I am certain State agencies and utilities are aware of this. The aforementioned trails are heavily used all year. Outdoor recreationalists include: hikers, backpackers, bicyclists, fishermen, hunters, snowmachiners, cross-country skiers. Several outdoor groups from Alaska and the Lower 48 have used the trails for nature studies. Some of these groups take up to 30 days to camp and backpack the area. One of the studies I reviewed stated that few people used the back country trails - suggesting that nearly everyone traveled the Glenn Highway exclusively. This is absolutely not true! Contrary to statements in the same study, the Intertie will be very visible from the Glenn Highway at Mile 123. mau \4 inne hes (New Zola’ M. Nutgrass ) P.O/ Box 770868 ; Eagle River, Alaska 99577 Please... CRBTNG & REQUEST<> w Read To: ee [J Handle —pes Approve ACT Forward Rowen bo Shavoa Se [J Return Kévack Als (1 Keep or Toss [J Review with Me ryrom: 7 CTA pare: 3 NEW HORIZONS W October 18, 1995 OCT 20 1995 Mr. Riley Snell, Executive Director Alaska Industrial Development Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority and Export Authority 480 West Tudor Road Anchorage, AK 99503 Subject: Chugach Electric Association, Inc. (CEA) and Copper Valley Electric Association, Inc. (CVEA) Joint-Intertie Project, Sutton to Glennallen. Re: Article in the Anchorage Daily News, October 18, 1995, same subject. Dear Mr. Snell: It is my understanding that you are a member of the Governor’s Interagency Review Panel considering subject. I know this is a controversial subject and wanted to express my opinion which strongly supports approval for the following reasons: 1. The project would dramatically increase development opportunities for a large area of Alaska. 2. Electric rates for rate payers in the intertie area would decrease significantly with almost negligible impact on CEA Membership. 3. Living standards would be improved for all residents living within the scope of the project through dramatically improved access to reasonably priced power. 4. The project would give a much needed boost to the economy as a result of the construction support required over a substantial period of time. As responsible citizens I feel it our obligation to do all we can in these times of waning oil subsidies to support any effort based on sound growth. I would certainly characterize the Sutton to Glennallen Intertie Project as a sound growth opportunity that will benefit the vast majority of Alaskan families, individuals, and businesses it will support. I hope you and your associates arrive at the same conclusion. Sincerely, ennis B. Adamson Special Projects General and Electrical Contractors & Engineers P.O. BOX 2409 PALMER, ALASKA USA 99645 (907) 746-6022 FAX 907-746-6024 )) 5 ghee ted teh Ldaan 2 he Mess Bx SY8BF ~ yesnere, Ne 9 %AS E C E IV E Bex F /995- ocT 121995 © L Alaska Industrial Development Gov. iA any Kho FES and Export Authority PoE |) 6001 pred He. Neots May fyloleynollon. pile. foeject Lor Gav. Kjortes : AL 2 subscriber + Copper bfley Clec- Aosve. a LO+ Yer fon dholda one, eae A, 0) w 4 G lens ae an dap —* td Saenaee hfe ohected hot try, c Lerch, bp on pec- J, VCBAGNS PIE Avcefold. Ve soe ulin dollor Orgad ofa 15 GIES, svelele, re 6 bthe our! bend G / Js h a) belict ro) key hol This hive connay foe secormplished. tr the shfed ésfirstid cose Me ec vbrichian he Je ewhrormest /s cerfarn $s B Con €LIY) 4 address. Tareey PLS ? 20 CVEA confrocted me con~ (e struchs Jnje.e fons : roupk. oA hes wn et Ff SOV mf XC Gren (fUS mini tO- ja severated fundreds ‘About, eff- sere ryplenal é I acts ond bumon-bosk sll L4Lis the , : ; efit met deinall LD de nal open me aan t pe = sid prcth -thuc est deed oa fea uirenscls fon ‘dots. ale devel, Se owe the, Wena tivesty 4 y + pres, h (core. Couple Maar wy eo noSu hbo woth. the, 2nndun comeny by Petre S ‘ ef sles Bal ty stond-wed, : cenerode Se OUMN_. ea ee Sal 7. Gi , ~ } Wreck’ , arel EnR Caw Lonel, jah c a in Ub wrk TRE less Wh sts ds 7H vastht-¢ etth. vn (da > eben actual eee Lait Tenehuh wermenthly_ pangsvehec fails a: oe eC subsctr bees a Bun recuedts ~inshie PR CUCA ol \mveni [fos Do— pelebanin the Stele ole nmuistn peotpet. ate he usll ds worst osthi- to decom pith that als. | P lec lef (eur best OE yu de, vo doo a ete Sk aller, Ke petal, Celle deel Wel are Ades maa Wo Tewin DerA L Shively, ls Ro Re Snow, Ast) Paul Holland President Spike Gilson Vice President Pat Day Secretary , Peggy Sutton Treasurer Directors: Jim Gifford Jim Lindsey Bob Sunder Fred Williams Next Board Meetings: Wednesday, July 19 6 pm in Valdez Wednesday, Aug 16 6 pm in Glennallen | << T-Line CoOMNelL CTIOM Vol. VT Issue INo. 7 Dear Members, As you know, CVEA has for years been searching for the best resource alternative to supply power to our members. Following national trends, CVEA found that a transmission line tied into the Railbelt Grid, either in Fairbanks or Palmer, was probably the best alternative for CVEA. CVEA, with the help of you, our members, coordinated a legislative effort to support the design and construction ofa line from Glennallen to Delta Junction--we didn’t get very far. but we tried. | The next legislative attempt succeeded and the funding for the Sutton to Glennallen transmission line project was approved in 1993. You, our members, have supported the project through the legislature which provided the funding for the project, and I thank you. CVEA then worked with the Department of Community and Regional Affairs (DCRA) to complete a feasibility study and begin the loan negotiations for the $35 million. During the feasibility study process we went through the public meetings, and again you were there supporting the project. The Board and Staff never gave up, nor did you. So here we are, two years after the funding was approved, and one year after DCRA approved the feasibility study. Today, the Governor’s Inter- Agency Review Committee is conducting research on the feasibility study as well as on the economic analysis. We were originally told that the Review Committee would have a recommendation by July 1. Now we are told that the Committee has hired CH2M Hill to conduct an engineering review and its report is due to the Committee by mid- to late-August. If that first review is not conclusive, then CH2M Hill will do a | more in-depth analysis which should be out sometime in October. While the Committee is conducting its review, I ' with your monthly July 1995 | A Message From the General Manager this newsletter, I ask that you sign each of these cards and mail them-- you will note the cards are addressed to the Govemoy and the head of two options: 1) sign the cards and put them in payment; 2) hand carry the signed cards in to Zs If you have any questions _ about this project. please & do not hesitate to call me at 822-3211 or 835-4301. Lam. as the employees of CVEA are, here to serve you. Yours truly. Clayton Hurles: General marl jen= 2) {ue Lite Member _ Member \EEE a. _ ig ASPE & NAFE 7 (Cc i WA | ANC bed Wie OCT 30 1995 Re Henry P. Lang, P.E. Alaska Industria} Development ELECTRIC POWER/FORENSIC Bnd Proor Aithorts ‘ Export Author 2117 Belair Drive y Anchorage, Alaska $9517 Tel/Fax (907) 274-7448 Gov. Toney Knowles, Oct e7, 1995 Dear Governor, I read with professional interest the Anchorage Daily News article of Oct 18 by S.J. Komarnitsky regards the Sutton/Glennallen power line intertie. AIDEA nor Chugach were able to make a copy of the report available to me since it has not yet been published. As you will be reviewing this report soon, I offer some additional parameters for your consideration. The intertie has merit since it will provide a power grid intertie for the eastern region of Alaska. Waste heat recovery by Petrostar refinery in Valdez is justifiable and the maintenance of the standby diesel electric generators at Copper River Valley Electric are also "musts". This would assure reliable stand-by power in case of line outage or waste heat recovery turbine failure. Contingency considerations are paramount in this regard. (I keep in mind the Bethel power plant fire of 1975 where I was the CofE engineer rep. to provide an emergency power plant under Federal disaster operations.) I also offer for your consideration the justification of this line for a previously studied project, the Susitna Hydroelectric Power Project. This project was considered justifiable by the Federal APA Dept. of Energy by letter dated April 2, 1979 with a B/C ratio of I.4. As a renewable energy source with a 100 year life, it would save 1.5 billion barrels of oil or 100 billion cu.ft. of natural gas for this period. This project should be given another chance for improving the longrange economic stability for the rail belt area.(see ltr. attached) I would be happy to offer more specific comments, pro bona, for your consideration upon receipt of the Intertie report. Sincerely, gy 2 Was / flee Henrg/ Lang PE. lapy Area | BAe 9 Go = VICINITY MAP QQ8IG_OELTA M HEALY ( WY, nV AS yy DEVIL \ “NS WD 230 KV CANYON ai \ i ge 7 / aaa he 2-345 Lois WATANA TRANSMISSION LINES PROJECT FEATURE SITE LOCATIONS SCALE COMites APA 12/78 viii, Department Of Energy Alaska Power Administration P.O. Box 50 : Juneau. Alaska 99802 April 2, 1979 Colonel George R. Robertson District Engineer Corps of Engineers P.O. Box 7002 Anchorage, Aldska 99510 Dear Colonel Robertson: This is Alaska Power Administration's new power market report for the Upper Susitna Project. It's an update of the previous power market analyses provided for the Corps’ 1976 Interim Feasibility report. The power market report includes: a new set of load projections for the Railbelt area through year 2025 and a review of alternative sources of power. Load/resource and total power system cost analyses were prepared for different scenarios under various assumptions to determine effects on power rates. Under the assumptions made for this report, Alaska Power Administration determines that the Upper Susitna Project is feasible from a power marketing standpoint. A draft of this report was circulated to the area utilities and con- cerned State officers for informal review and comment. Comments have been incorporated and the letters of comments are appended. Sincerely, a“ ey AL) LY C+ ¥..e¢ee2e Robert J. Cross Administrator , ; /) : lapel Oe teh lAdsan Hess By 8484 yesnan, Ne 9 Gods fe 6 E (VV F cr F / 995 OCT 12 1995 Alaska industries! Development Gov. 7s /o0 Ge and Export Authority Fo8 M1 dee yon WE. Kat Soflesy, do(glenn ae ei oject Ler Go. Ko thes! je bP svbseribit os fan Capper Ze ley Cec. Abs sac. @ ZOF Year a EL SCIN 1” hbex an, meas, ie 7 Ge, ohh “yn af Es a ofe ay “Ch sf b pon gee ard apcisf a CONS | be eel ee. ) MU, PCABMS BE ial We rk anillen 0 aller Crxfnrdr. afer. hs wwespsrelle pele ie hte aL. Di a belie g ea ley hol THis jue conniy foc ACCor beh hah eA) ov the ia esfotid caste Se hes aes bh fee ea lO pre 1s O87 tain a Con €£L1Y) ane Oi ape Gi VEA COPPTOL Heo! fe coHn~ sfpile a he We. ener Mon froup Bn, HCO aml Pani pr ja ‘sencofed al DOGG 5c7TO ve! enal eit ols and humon-losh oil ltt the woke t-progrss a: rai Aadebimall\ Dro wal orrer gat wh ec yond? mhor -thac cr rie oe Ss ioe IS o yore! CO, cera lee epee owe ithe > pe eon ‘a ot 1 Fors Couple Dye ia i ro = a Dv oil the Soa by Por IS. 0 I ek wal tl alond-nied., a senerote Phere cum elec. paver ane rere, anclane. cov borely jack cemsbinulnee 0h thee c= Lil i sta d oy mathteg atthe lui (saber Satu constr a | Leal Tenchu a manthh_ pout tol Y proree subsetibecs de si WK recuedts ~ile ¢ boc JEF\ ell went fr Ds — pelelinin the ste 4 Cou. pecipets SW tol Lhe rest S usil| ds wort onsthi- (to occom plththiert Sls. | Place lel igor bert rate guide.geu too valiand duels a cthits roller. Repecttil eeloallA dal on) Ke ARD \Aloow oc Wo Lrwin DerA TL Shiies, PINTER R. Snow, Apet Face mane SERBS , Paul Holland President Spike Gilson Vice President Pat Day Secretary , Peggy Sutton Treasurer Directors: Jim Gifford Jim Lindsey Bob Sunder Fred Williams Next Board Meetings: Wednesday, July 19 6 pm in Valdez Wednesday, Aug 16 6 pm in Glennallen T- Lt ne CoOMmmecliom A Message From the General Manager | 2 Dear Members, As you know, CVEA has for vears been searching for the best resource alternative to supply power to our members. Following national trends, CVEA found that a transmission line tied into the Railbelt Grid. either in Fairbanks or Palmer, was probably the best alternative for CVEA. CVEA, with the help of you, our members, coordinated a legislative effort to support the design and construction ofa line from Glennallen to Delta Junction--we didn't get very far. but we tried. i The next legislative attempt succeeded and the funding for the Sutton to Glennallen transmission line project was approved in 1993. You, our members, have supported the project through the legislature which provided the funding for the project, and I thank you. CVEA then worked with the Department of Community and Regional Affairs (DCRA) to complete a feasibility study and begin the loan negotiations for the $35 C Vol. VT Issue INo. 7 million. During the feasibility study process we went through the public meetings, and again you were there supporting the project. The Board and Staff never gave up, nor did you. So here we are, two years after the funding was approved, and one year after DCRA approved the feasibility study. Today, the Governor’s Inter- Agency Review Committee is conducting research on the feasibility study as well as on the economic analysis. We were originally told that the Review Committee would have a recommendation by July 1. Now we are told that the Committee has hired CH2M Hill to conduct an engineering review and its report is due to the Committee by mid- to late-August. If that first review is not conclusive, then CH2M Hill will do a more in-depth analysis which should be out sometime in October. While the Committee is conducting its review, I would lice sea TO oi support one more time. We fave enclosed some preprinted postcards with HN will put postage on t Nand mail them. =, July 1995 er s iY i mR MK ;_ this newsletter, I ask that | you sign each of these | cards and mail them-- ; you will note the cards are addressed to the | Govemor and the head of |_ typ Review Conn Hrwin. If you do not wan to put postage on the cards, then we offer you two options: 1) sign the cards and put them in with your monthly payment; 2) hand carry the signed cards in to CVEA. When CVEA / receives the cards, we ; Ss . Ifyou have amy questions \\ , about this project. please do not hesitate to call me at 822-3211 or 835-4301. Iam. as the employees of ' CVEA are, here to serve i you. Yours truly, | Cl Hurl i ayton Hurles : General Manag au ! ¢ x a ee = 5 [REGE D JAN 10 1996 Alaska Industeial Development I would like to express my concerns regardingarndeéxport Authority Sutton-Glennallen Intertie and its impact on both private property and recognized public use trails in the specific area of Gunsight Mountain at Mile 123 of the Glenn Highway. A settlement has existed at Mile 123 of the Glenn Highway since the early 1970’s. Originally homesteaded in the 1950’s, this property was subdivided in the early 1970’s and today encompasses nearly two dozen recreational cabins, a dozen or so additional property owners, and permanent residents who call the area home 12 months of the year. Access to the cabins and homes from the Glenn Highway is via a road (approximately 2 miles in length) named, Martin Road, once marked by a highway sign - long since removed. Neither the State or the Mat-Su Borough have accepted responsibility for this road. Maintenance has always been the burden of property owners who need a passable road. Martin Road is designated as a known access route to the Intertie right-of way on maps distributed by the Division of Energy. According to studies, the road might be used to move heavy equipment to and from the Intertie right-of way. What impact this will have on the underdeveloped, muddy and sometimes flooded road is of concern to residents. At the end of this “road" is a historic mining/industrial site, established in 1949 by a miner named, George Belanger. The original log cabins still remain. Behind the site, two trails branch off the main “road”, climbing toward Belanger Pass in the Syncline Mountains. Both trails intersect a network of old mining trails and sites throughout the Syncline Mountains, also providing access to currently active mining sites. The trail branching left off of the main "road" has been known as the Belanger Pass Trail since the 1950’s. The right branch is known as Monument Trail and connects with the Crooked Creek Trail behind Eureka. Both trails eventually end at the Little Nelchina River. Both are named as known access routes to the Intertie right-of- way. These trails appear on topographic maps of the area; they are historic in nature, recognized and accepted as public use trails. Branching right from the main “road” a short distance before the mining/industrial site, is a dedicated Right-of-way known as the Old Nelchina Trail which intersects the Monument Trail, thus blending into the Crooked Creek Trail. Martin Road and the Old Nelchina Trail could have originally been one united trail off the Glenn Highway - splitting into two segments when the mining/industrial site was built in 1949. The homestead is located generally East of the historic mining/industrial site, nearly adjacent to the site. The alternative route along Squaw Creek parallels Martin Road, travels up over Belanger Pass, then either turns North along Crooked Creek or downhill a short distance toward the Glenn Highway and Startup Lakes, then East toward Eureka. This route places the Intertie in very close proximity, to the homestead, nearly surrounding the homestead on both the East and West flank. Cabin residents are concerned about the possibility of land condemnation and acquisition by the State. Squaw Creek Trail was built by miners in the late 1970’s or early 1980’s - still used by currently active miners to access their claims along Squaw Creek and Caribou Creek from Martin Road. This trail was once designated by BLM with large wooden trail-head signs at the beginning of Martin Road and at Mile 106 of the Glenn Highway, inviting recreationalists to use it. In fact, there is still a picnic area with tables at one point along the trail, after it descends from the Glenn Highway at Mile 106. Using this particular access route for the Intertie would be a tragedy. Squaw Creek is the ultimate wildlife sanctuary. Moose, caribou, wolves, bears and red foxes share habitat in this valley. Squaw Creek is also a prime nesting area for varied species of ducks and waterfowl. Geese and swans are also seen nesting in the abundant small lakes and potholes. Mature spruce trees provide cover for a population of spruce grouse. Eagles also nest in the valley; they are frequently visible in densely forested sections of birch and cottonwood trees along the creek. Squaw Creek borders the Sheep Mountain Closed Area, forming a natural drainage between Sheep Mountain/Gunsight Mountain and the Syncline Mountains. Dall sheep are seen on the slopes of both ranges and probably cross between them. Although the proposed Route D follows Alfred Creek to Pass Creek, crosses Belanger Pass, then either diverts north following the Crooked Creek Trail, or east toward Eureka, it also is a threat to private property. Both routes will certainly decrease land values because the towers will be highly visible from each parcel in the homestead. The studies I have reviewed do not address the environmental impact, the health hazards of electro magnetic fields (EMF’s), or the impact on private land ownership due to construction of the Intertie. Another issue not addressed is the danger of lightening strikes on the Intertie towers - projected to be 65’ to 80’ tall steel structures which could act at lightening rods in the otherwise barren terrain. Although the structures will supposedly be grounded that is not necessarily a guarantee that they are not at risk. A recent fire in Delta is suspected to have been caused by lightening striking transmission towers. The Syncline Mountains are frequently subjected to dry thunder and lightening storms. Since the homestead lands sit at the base of these mountains we are at high risk if lightening should strike the towers and cause smoldering tundra or open fires. The area was once devastated by such fires in the 1950’s or early 1960’s; burned skeletons of large spruce trees still remain. Squaw Creek is heavily timbered with spruce, an excellent fire conductor. At the top of Belanger Pass, the line will be the highest point in the terrain. If struck by lightening, prevailing winds could very well spread ground fires so fast that emergency fire equipment would not reach us in time to save the nearly two dozen wooden residential structures. Fires in tundra often smolder underground, undetected, for long periods before erupting, uncontrollably - I am certain State agencies and utilities are aware of this. The aforementioned trails are heavily used all year. Outdoor recreationalists include: hikers, backpackers, bicyclists, fishermen, hunters, snowmachiners, cross-country skiers. Several outdoor groups from Alaska and the Lower 48 have used the trails for nature studies. Some of these groups take up to 30 days to camp and backpack the area. One of the studies I reviewed stated that few people used the back country trails - suggesting that nearly everyone traveled the Glenn Highway exclusively. This is absolutely not true! Contrary to statements in the same study, the Intertie will be very visible from the Glenn Highway at Mile 123. ole WV. Dal Zola M. Nutgrass i P.O0/ Box 770868 Eagle River, Alaska 99577