TRAHVOL/Power Line Update
As you are aware on March 17th, The British Columbia Transmission
Corporation announced that they would not proceed with plans to upgrade
the overhead power lines in the existing Hydro right-of-way and will
pursue alternate options. They also stated in the media that the
existing lines will likely remain in place until 2018.
Since that announcement, TRAHVOL has been actively lobbying government,
city and school board officials to unite the community and advocate for
removal of the existing 138 kV lines by 2008 during the first phase of
the Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project. Residents
remain concerned about the potential harmful health effects of EMF from
the current power lines, given their close proximity to our homes, parks
and schools.
To date TRAHVOL has undertaken the following activities, which we hope
will result in a successful outcome for the residents of Tsawwassen:
* We have met with our local MLA, Val Roddick and received her
commitment to provide ongoing support of our efforts and to assist us in
working with BCTC, The Ministry of Energy and Mines and Delta City
Council. Val has written a letter to Jane Peverett, the CEO of BCTC,
strongly urging them to consider removal of the existing lines.
* We are working with Delta City Council and are having ongoing dialogue
with their administrative staff and engineers who are actively working
to develop viable route solutions.
* The Delta School Board has passed a motion to support our efforts and
have put this request in writing to BCTC.
* We have support of the Parent Advisory Council (PAC) at the High
School who have also put their concerns in writing to BCTC.
* We have developed engineering proposals, which have been shared with
BCTC that would allow for removal of the existing lines during the first
phase of the project.
* We are planning a meeting with Jane Peverett, President and CEO of BCTC
and key staff to
express our concerns directly and further discuss these engineering
proposals.
* We are actively monitoring the Environmental Assessment Review Process
to insure that the residents concerns and well-being are being
considered and that the effects of the existing power line configuration
is part of that assessment.
TRAHVOL will continue to keep the residents informed during the next
phase of the project. BCTC has promised to present their proposal for
alternate route solutions to the community prior to taking any plans to
the BC Utilities Commission late June.
We greatly appreciate the support of the community as we continue to
advocate for the removal of the existing overhead power lines and for a
solution that works for all parties.
We encourage you to visit the website at www.trahvol.com for up-to-date
information on our progress.
Maureen Broadfoot
273 Murphy Drive W
Delta, British Columbia
V4M 3P1
Tel. 604-943-1656