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New England Power’s line refurbishment continued; commission may seek a peer wetland review
Summary
New England Power presented a large-scale transmission-line refurbishment plan; the commission asked for clearer plans for a replication area near Kelvin Road and discussed whether it should commission a peer wetland review. The hearing was continued to April 28.
New England Power Company representatives and BSC Group consultant Tricia updated the commission on a notice of intent for large-scale transmission-line refurbishment taking place along an existing right-of-way that crosses Gardner.
Tricia said DEP’s outstanding comment about a buffer zone mapping discrepancy was resolved, and the team completed a site visit. The commission and staff discussed a proposed replication (mitigation) area near Structure 403 (off Kelton Road) and asked the proponent to provide clearer map references within the plan set. Tricia said the replication-area detail is on the replication plan and that the proponent would provide revised plans that reference the on-the-ground location.
Commissioners discussed the possibility of a peer wetland review to confirm delineations and replication-site suitability; the proponent asked the commission to identify available dates so a site visit could be scheduled. The commission agreed to continue the hearing to April 28 to allow the proponent to submit revised plans and to enable any peer-review scheduling.
Tricia said the project team is coordinating with landowners about woody material use and a wood-bank donation program for removed trees; where landowners do not take the wood, the proponent will leave material for landowners or remove it as appropriate.
