Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utilities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Engineer warns council about planned 230 kV transmission line near Battle Ground; urges lower voltage option
Summary
During citizen comment a registered civil and electrical engineer told the council that PPL proposes a 230 kV line along Battle Ground’s eastern boundary and recommended switching to 115 kV to reduce EMF exposure; the council did not take action on the comment tonight.
John Polos, a registered civil and electrical engineer, used his citizen comment time to warn the council about a proposed high‑voltage transmission line planned just outside Battle Ground’s eastern boundary. Polos said his background includes 28 years at Bonneville Power and that PPL proposes a 230 kV route adjacent to the city. He described voltage as the driving pressure for electrical current, explained EMF differences across voltage levels and recommended the utility consider a 115 kV design to reduce electromagnetic field exposure.
Polos left contact cards for city staff and residents seeking more information and flagged construction could start next year. The council did not take formal action on the comment; staff did not present a response at this meeting beyond thanking him for speaking.
