SOUL Files Legal Action To
Block Transmission Line Construction
February 22, 2004
For more information please contact:
Mark Liebaert-715-398-5234
Win Erickson, 218-624-0555
Al Haugsan, 218-624-7982
Proctor, MN----Legal notice has been served to Minnesota Power (MP) and the American Transmission Company (ATC), who have announced plans to begin construction on the Arrowhead-Weston Transmission Line. While the present local load serving 115kV transmission line had received overdue brush clearing within a forty foot area in the existing right of way, plans were announced to begin boring holes 12’ in diameter by 40-60’ depth for the pouring of a concrete base, necessary to support towers whose height will vary from 120-180’.
The legal notice, prepared by Attorney James Boos, states that on approximately one quarter of the mileage needed for the transmission line, and additional right of way have not been granted for needed construction, nor have named residents of the Town of Midway signed any new easement for transmission right of way.
Construction of a new transmission line is not granted by the existing easement, nor is there enough area for the operation of the line without the additional easement. There is also language that calls the construction “premature” noting that the “ATC has not obtained permits from the Wisconsin DNR for construction of the portion of this power line in Wisconsin”, thus not satisfying the conditions under the MEQB permit. Copies of this notice were made available to counsel for MP, ATC, and the Midway Township, who had granted a permit for construction of the line in the Town of Midway, despite continued concerns and objections from town residents.
A copy was also served on the St. Louis County Sheriffs Office, as town residents will be on site Monday to observe that the legal order has been both read and observed for no construction in the Town of Midway.
SOUL’s researchers are also looking into other violations of the permitting process that was granted for construction of this transmission line. Some of the areas studied include compensation for the recently added fiber optic line, and the current operational status of the local transmission line, in accordance with new Minnesota laws regarding construction of high voltage transmission lines. SOUL, Inc. now owns an acre of right of way in the Midway Township, and would need to grant additional right of way for construction on its land.
“SOUL is a grassroots organization whose mission is promote efficient and orderly management of power,
based on the needs of Wisconsin while protecting the natural, social, and economic environments
and citizens of Wisconsin and the Midwest””