Under Construction:

Attached is a digest of some of the initial comments. I apologize that in the interest of brevity they may be taken out of context.:

There were 64 comments from June 19 - July 21, but only a few responses from July 21 - Aug. 8.

"gg" evergreen026@gmail.com August 8

It might benefit every property owner to carefully examine each easement agreement to see if the BPU or utility company would be overstepping the original rights granted to them on the properties. Pay attention to exactly how that agreement is worded.

-- I'm afraid that there is no such thing as a chemical herbicide that is truly safe for humans or the environment. An agent of the NJ DEP told me that that these chemical agents are classified 'safe' until agencies are made aware by the public that they are causing health problems.
--Most easement agreements do not say that the utility company has the right to apply poisons that could taint the soil or water. It is understood that the utility company does not have the right to harm the soil or the residents in the course of carrying out their activities.

Montville Resolution - July 21

The Township of Montville takes the position that the current New Jersey BPU regulations far exceed what is necessary to accomplish the legislative and regulatory goal of the protecting our electric utilities' infrastructure.
See resolution.

Deb Nielson, dnielson@montvillenj.org, Certified Landscape Architect Mayor, Montville Township

Summary:
Ornamental landscaping has been added within the ROW to soften the industrial looking towers. This enhances not only visual appearances, but enhances property values as well.

Montville Twp. has approx. 7 miles of PSE&G transmission lines and therefore the potential for up to 127 acres of clear cutting. In 2008, 11 spans were cut. In 2009, more are scheduled for "maintenance." Altogether we have 33 spans of transmission lines.

On behalf of all our citizens, I urge you to modify the drastic maintenance measures now in effect. Modifying the woody tree height and initiating a waiver or exemption process are two potential steps that will allow for flexibility and adjustments for specific field conditions. I am sure you are fully aware of the ongoing public relations nightmare unleashed by strict adherence to the current regulations. This new policy is a stark departure from the previous practices that were successfully in place for the past 80+ years. Relaxing the current rules and implementing a common sense approach represents a win-win scenario for all parties.

Peter Kearns forwarded Barnes White Paper July 21

David Barnes letter and White Paper

Assemblywoman Karrow July 21

Letter