People pored over maps and traced their fingers over potential power-line routes yesterday as they learned more about Duke Energy's plans for a new substation and transmission line in their neighborhood.
Their reactions tended to vary depending on how close they live to one of the broad lines marking the general routes that the new 100,000-volt transmission line may take.
"We were wondering if it would affect property values and how close it would be to our home, said Reginald Muse, who looked over the maps with Arthemis Muse, his wife. The Muses said they had moved here from New Jersey hoping to get away from some of the big-city congestion, only to find some of it following them.
One route had the line within sight of their house, but others went to the south and avoided them. Duke Energy hasn't picked which of the nine routes would be the preferred one. That decision will come in May, after the company has studied the routes for environmental and human effects.
The new substation would be built off Kerwin Circle, a small street near the intersection of Old Hollow Road and West Mountain Street.
What isn't yet known is the route that the transmission line will take as it links the new substation to existing transmission lines running north and south to the west of Walkertown-Guthrie Road.
Wayne Newkirk, who is planning to build a new house near the substation, said he is worried about the potential effects of electromagnetic fields created by the transmission lines. Newkirk said that Duke Energy has failed to sufficiently tell people about potential problems.
"If there is the slightest chance, why hasn't there been disclosure?" Newkirk asked.
At the meeting, Duke Energy officials did provide information about power-line risks. James T. Flythe Jr., a district manager for Duke Energy, said the company's position is that "the data is inconclusive" about whether electromagnetic fields pose health risks. At any rate, he said, people standing near the power-line right-of-way wouldn't get exposed more than they would in their homes from other sources of electricity.
Mitch Shore said he has land along one of the proposed routes.
"I have strong feelings about it, but I understand we have to have electric power," he said.
Duke Energy officials said that the new substation and transmission line is needed because of growth in the area.
JoRene Cooke said she was glad Duke Energy had scheduled the drop-in forum. Almost 100 people attended.
"I really think they are doing a good job showing us these diagrams," Cooke said.
wyoung@wsjournal.com
727-7369
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement