Residents press Eversource over planned Falmouth Tap upgrade as utility argues location minimizes new clearing

Eversource representatives presented plans March 23 to upgrade the Falmouth Tap switching station on Sam Turner Road into a distribution substation intended to shorten distribution circuits and add capacity for the upper Cape. Eversource said the site already connects four major transmission lines, so upgrading there would avoid clearing new transmission corridors and would shorten distribution feeders that, the utility argued, are long and vulnerable.

Utility presenters described the technical work — temporary switching equipment during construction, new breaker yards, and new tie switches — and called the upgrade a regional reliability investment. Project managers said much of the work would occur within an existing right-of-way and that the plan reduced the need for new corridor construction.

Multiple neighbors and Select Board members pushed back, citing concerns raised at the utility’s public open house: estimated tree removal and site clearing (residents cited figures near 2.7 acres), visual impacts along Sam Turner Road, community disruption from staging and temporary facilities, and the risk the site could be expanded again in the future. Residents asked whether alternate locations had been studied; Eversource responded that alternatives would require upgrades to other substations (Otis, Hatchville) and new lengthy feeders and would not deliver the same reliability benefits without additional, costly work.

Eversource said it is conducting a feasibility study to see whether equipment can be pushed back farther into the right-of-way to reduce neighbor impacts and that it will complete that work in the coming weeks — ideally before the Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) holds a public hearing in May. The utility’s representatives said the EFSB process includes an open evidentiary phase and that no construction will begin until regulatory approval is granted.

Neighbors asked whether the town could participate in the EFSB process; town counsel said the town has standing and could provide input. The Select Board and town staff urged Eversource to complete the feasibility study and provide clearer site plans and tree‑clearing mitigation before the EFSB hearing. The board also asked that Eversource share any alternative site analyses and keep neighbors informed during the EFSB timetable.

Representative quotes: "Because these four lines already meet there, staying at this site avoids extensive construction and land disturbance that we would create if we tried to build the station somewhere else," said Lisa Palone, Eversource project manager. Resident Nathan Miller said the neighborhood has borne long-term construction impacts and urged the company to consider alternative locations further from homes.

Next steps: Eversource said it will finish a feasibility study in the coming weeks and expects the EFSB to hold a public comment hearing in mid‑May; the Select Board encouraged the company to explore further minimization of tree removal and staging impacts and to consider alternative siting if feasible.