...if they proposed to put one of these across the top of your house?
OK...well, I just found out that they won't be that big...probably more like this...
Either way...I DON'T LIKE IT!!!
Well, anyhow, that's what came in yesterday's mail for us; a letter requesting our permission to enter our property as they "...conduct an assessment of the environmental impacts associated with alternate routes being considered for an electric transmission line..."
We still can't believe it's true.
We knew that the Echanis Wind Energy Project had been approved...which in itself is surprising considering the close proximity of its location...just north (and in plain view) of the Steens Mountain...one of the most pristine wilderness areas in the State of Oregon.
Along with the letter and "Access Agreement" form was a map showing the proposed route. This intended route will plant at least 3 of these poles in a diagonal line across our alfalfa field...past the front of our house (by a couple hundred feet)...and leave our property at the end of our driveway.
Remember this video?
This is the alfalfa field in front of our house...our beautiful, serene landscape will be marred forever.
Our land value will be in the toilet.
They talk about compensation if this route is approved...right...pennies on the dollar...all of our hard work and all of our money that we've invested into this land for retirement will be devalued in an instant...as soon as some big mucky mucky chump sitting at a big desk in a big city high-rise tower signs a piece of paper to approve this route...who doesn't give a rip about anything but his big paycheck and the even bigger bonus he's going to get when the deal goes through.
When I went to this company's website, I couldn't help but notice the logo at the top of the page: "Harvesting the wind...saving family ranches...building stronger local economies as part of a greener world." LMAO (sarcastically)...how many lil' ranches are put out of business to keep one ranch in business?
Yes...I'm angry today...what would you do?
I am SO sorry this is hitting your family. Guess the first thing I would do is research lawyers and pick the best one.
ReplyDeleteWhen you say that the "Echanis Wind Energy Project had been approved", who approved it? County Commissioners, State officials, who? I would definitely start writing letters expressing your concerns and objections to those responsible for the approval of this line. If nothing else you need to get your opinion on record. Then I would try to get as much information and history on the company doing the project. Contact other property owners and see if others are upset by this project. By all means stand up for your rights as a property owner in that county, and in the state of Oregon!
ReplyDeleteWhen the developers pushed our road through to make a 22 5 acre lot subdivision, they requested a 15 foot wide utility easement across the front of our 10 acres. I agreed but only if there was compensation and the utilities were underground. There was a shorter route though so I'm in the process of having the easement vacated.
ReplyDeleteWhat are the other routes? Is there one that is shorter/less costly/less of an impact? Go to every development meeting, every planning commission meeting, make noise about the impact on you. Let the media know. There's some research out there about the effects of living under high powerlines and, while I don't remember it exactly, it wasn't a good thing.
Keep us posted.
Yikes! Fight it and fight it hard. They're trying to put one through a section of land we have east of here and we don't want it either. The electomagnetic field is harmful and that's just one of the many reasons.
ReplyDeleteOh, Karen, this just makes me sick to my stomach. For starters, I flat out would not sign the form! Then I would research this thing til my eyes popped out, trying to find out what others have done in similar situations. Knowledge is power. It doesn't sound like a done deal yet - I'll be prayin' that they find another route that won't impact you.
ReplyDeleteOh man. That's not cool! Can't believe it! Definitely don't sign the paper, and fight this one. I just hate it when they think they can just do whatever they want, doesn't matter that you've put your life, blood, sweat and tears into that place.
ReplyDeleteKeep us posted, we're in your corner on this!
Fight them every inch on it!
ReplyDeleteYou got it right about big desk jobs making big decisions based on the width of THEIR wallet, not yours!
Fight it. Contact your congressman and tell him how you feel. Talk to county representatives. I would also fight it. It makes me angry how they do this to people with no caring what it does to us healthwise or emotionally.
ReplyDeleteFight, Fight, FIGHT!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhen they brought the Mni-Wishoni water line through this country, everyone was pretty darn happy to have access to water in all of their pastures. As the water line came through...more and more reports of cattle dying of Anthrax started to surface. People couldn't figure it out. No one has had Anthrax in this country in decades. When it was all said and done...everyone who had outbreaks had just had waterlines run through their property. Of course, nothing could be "proved", but we are all pretty sure that is was because they disturbed the ground and stirred up the fungus(bacteria). Very, Very strange.
Karen do what everyone said, fight it with everything you have in you. There is always another route and they don't need to be destroying all your hard work. Start writing letters and just keep hammering them with them, don't let them forget your out there. Good Luck, I just watched your video you have a gorgeous place I hope it stays that way.
ReplyDeleteI would be angry too!
ReplyDeleteThose poles are not just ugly, having that stuff near your house and stables/pastures will influence your health as well. (And the health of your animals.)
Hope for you that you will be able to fight this so that they build that stuff somewhere else and not right in front of your nose..!
How many kV and MVA? How big is this wind project and what else is in the neighborhood? Don't sign, get yourself an Oregon attorney with transmission experience, and fight on two fronts, first, if it's needed (has that been determined by the state agency?) and then the route. There's no excuse for going that close to your home, it's bad enough they want to scar the land with lines, but to put people in harm's way, there's just no excuse. For more on transmission see www.legalectric.org (search transmission) and www.nocapx2020.info (about the Capx 2020 fight).
ReplyDeleteFor info on EMF, see www.powerlinefacts.com. This is a site put together by a former client in the SE Metro transmission fight, where we presented experts Dr. Martin Blank and Dr. Magda Havas. Dr. Blank is now testifying against the Susquehanna-Roseland line in NJ. Some of the EMF info is hard to get at because it's studies that have limited publication. Also, look for info on Henshaw effect, particulate matter mixed with corona from line = aerosol particulates which adhere to lungs. There are so many problems with transmission it's hard to know where to start...
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about this...what a tough situation. I dont know how or what you can do but I sure hope it all turns out well for you.
ReplyDeleteThe problem with these and around here they aren't allowed to have electricity wires etc going over houses etc. Stray voltage is a very big concern. See what research these people have done. For aesthetic appeal and your home value they better be offering some compensation or be gone.
ReplyDeleteGrrrrrrrrrrr!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with MJ and some of the others- research- make noise, contact your local newspapers, radio stations,neighbors.
here is a kinda relevant story- short-promise.
ONE woman here in the SF bay area didn't like the idea of killing pesky ground squirrels. ONE woman went to town on the Ag Dept, the Governor, the Councils in all the towns around here.
Now ONE woman has completely stopped a government program to get rid of pesky ground squirrels from everyone else's property.
She also went on to start PETA.
Point- the power of ONE angry woman can be immense! FIGHT!
First thing I would do is make sure all my neighbors are aware of what is being proposed and see if I can't get an attorney to represent me and my interests. I wouldn't buy a place underneath powerlines. Hopefully, you will be able to get them to put them somewhere else. As for the windmills, Mick and I went down to see your part of the country a few years back. The Steens are beautiful. I wouldn't want windmills everywhere either. Did you see all of them dotting the Columbia River gorge when you went to Pendleton? We need green energy, but we need places that are wild and free too. Visual pollution, noise pollution, it's all enough to drive a person crazy. Keep us informed of what you find out. I hope you can do something to stop it.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry. I have nothing more to add to the solid ideas you've been given. Yopu're in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteMake lots of noise! The more you fight out loud the more community support you will get. Do your research, and don't back down. We've got your back!
ReplyDeleteOH NO. NO NO NO NO NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really hope this does not happen. You have a gorgeuos spot and the view and your health need to be preserved.
ReplyDelete