Severe thunderstorms were not enough to deter concerned foothills residents from making an appearance at Duke Energy’s second public meeting, which took place at Landrum Middle School on Tuesday, July 21.

According to Duke Energy Spokesman Ryan Mosier, approximately 500 were in attendance.

“It was a good crowd,” said Mosier, “the kind we expected and hoped for.”

The meeting’s purpose to inform Western Carolina residents of Duke Energy’s plans to build a new 500- kilovolt substation in Campobello, S.C. and connect it to their existing Asheville plant using 230-kilovolt lines was fulfilled through different avenues.

The new 40-mile transmission line is just one aspect of Duke Energy’s $1.1 billion Western Carolinas Modernization Project and is by far creating the most buzz.

Duke Energy provided many types of maps with project experts answering questions presented by those in attendance.

The most popular information source was the geographic information system (GIS). The GIS stations provided satellite images to land owners who previously received letters informing them that their property fell within 500 feet of any of the project’s potential lines.

The GIS stations appeared to be the most interactive way for landowners to voice their opinions. Duke Energy officials manning the stations described the owner’s property in the program for future reference.

“As we move forward in the next months we will analyze data collected at the meetings and come up with the least impactful route that satisfies the growth of the Western Carolinas going forward,” Mosier said.

According to Duke Energy officials, the goal is staying ahead of the increasing demand. Duke Energy estimates a growth of 15 percent or greater in the foothills area over the next decade.

“We need the elements of this project to get started now so it is in place before the demand hits,” said Mosier.  “We don’t want to have to catch up.”

Meeting attendees had, for the most part, three major concerns. These included the effects on area aesthetics, equestrian activities and health.

All proposed lines bypass cities such as Landrum, Tryon and Saluda, and in turn find their way through rural country.

“From a city perspective we don’t have a dog in the fight but it would be devastating to what we love about this area, such as the country setting, horse farms and natural beauty,” said Landrum Mayor Bob Briggs.

The general consensus between opponents of the modernization project is an undoubted appreciation of the beauty and rural aspects of the area.

“Scenery is what we have in Polk County,” said Polk County resident Ron Robbins. “This will have a direct impact on why people come here, as well as our equestrian tradition.”

Robbins and many others urged Duke representatives to consider the many equestrian entities that would be affected by some of the current routes.

Those who do not completely oppose the project said they view it as a necessary evil.

“It’s a difficult situation, but not many people at this meeting could say they don’t need Duke Energy,” said Spartanburg City Council member Bob Walker. “ I’m asking people to be realistic and not be too impatient, and when the time comes to voice your disagreement we’ll see what we have.”

Polk County School Superintendent Bill Miller said he was in agreement with the need but he does not want the line touching Polk Middle School property.

“It has to go somewhere, so not everyone will win, but in my selfishness I don’t want a line touching Polk County Middle School property,” said Miller.

While many did not agree with the meeting’s format, which lacked the ability to publicly make comments, Duke Energy received a large amount of comments in written form.

There was rarely an empty seat the tables designated for use by those completing surveys or submitting comments.

“The high turnout shows that we have a lot of people that care about our area,” said Caitlin Martin, Landrum’s City Administrator. “Nobody wants to see a 200-foot tower in the foothills.”

The final informational meeting will take place at Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock on Thursday, July 23 from 4-7 p.m.

The proposed line will be selected and unveiled by the end of the year, according to Mosier, and will kick-start a new series of public hearings as Duke Energy begins to apply for permits.

For more information, or to electronically leave a comment, visit the Western Carolinas Modernization Project website at www.duke-energy.com/western-carolinas-modernization.

 

 

 

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