Transource Pennsylvania, LLC (“Transource”) has already submitted an application to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (“PUC”) to construct two high-voltage power transmission lines in Pennsylvania (one in York County, one in Franklin County), but that is not the only regulatory approval that will likely be needed for this project. While the PUC is required to consider environmental impacts of the project, Transource will also likely need to obtain environmental permits from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (“DEP”) before construction can proceed. The required approvals include permits to address and manage 1) stormwater associated with construction of the transmission line and 2) encroachments into wetlands and waterways in the path of the proposed transmission line.
It is anticipated that Transource will file permit applications with DEP once the final route of the transmission line is approved by the PUC. The public will have the opportunity to comment on the proposed permits. It is also likely that DEP will hold public hearings on the permits before it takes any final actions. Any action by the DEP, including approvals or disapprovals of the permits, can be appealed by impacted parties to the Environmental Hearing Board. In addition, both the PUC and DEP are required to consider the newly strengthened requirements of the Environmental Rights Amendment to Pennsylvania’s Constitution as part of their review of the Transource project.
Attorneys at Stock and Leader will be monitoring developments in the review process for the Transource project. They are available to consult with those concerned about eminent domain, land acquisition, and environmental impacts associated with this project.