From: J Nicholas To: Topalian, Alan (DPU); Efiling, DPU (DPU) Subject: D.P.U. 18-64, 18-65 and 18-66 New England Clean Energy Connect project Date: Wednesday, September 4, 2019 12:45:40 PM

Iam sending this e-mail to express my opposition to the New England Clean Energy Connect project in which the Central Power Company (CMP) proposes to build a 145 mile hydro transmission corridor to bring hydro power from Hydro Quebec to Massachusetts. I own land in Upper enchanted Township that would be approximately two miles from the proposed transmission corridor.

The Maine Public Utilities Commission, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and the Maine Land Use Planning Commission record includes well documented evidence of the harm this project will bring to the environment, natural resources, tourism economy and scenic character in the area proposed for 53.8 miles of new corridor in the Unorganized Territory of Maine.

A recent poll showed that 65% of Maine people are opposed to this transmission corridor. In the areas directly affected by the proposed transmission corridor, the polls show even greater opposition: 90% opposed in Somerset County; and 85% opposed in Franklin County. Twelve towns along the proposed path of the transmission corridor have voted to oppose the corridor even though CMP has enticed them with promises of significant real estate property tax, as well as commitments of funding for various local initiatives by means of a signed stipulation agreement (e.g., Farmington).

The impact on scenic character is easily documented and is incontrovertible.

With regard to the environment and natural resources impacts, reports from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the Maine Natural Areas Program and testimony from Janet S. McMahon, consulting ecologist, have documented significant damage to wildlife habitats, cold water fisheries (native brook trout), endangered wildlife and sensitive ecological systems should the new 53.8 miles of transmission corridor be built as planned by CMP.

The transmission line is planned to cross approximately two miles over the north slope of Coburn Mountain, the highest mountain in the Jackman, West Forks and Forks area at 3,717 feet. The transmission line would also traverse approximately three miles over the east slope of Coburn Mountain.

Coburn Mountain ranks #21 among northeast US peaks with 2000 feet of prominence (source: peakbagger.com), which may explain why it is able to hold storm clouds and act as a water source for the surrounding area. Coburn Mountain is the water source for Grace Pond, a native brook trout resource. Coburn Mountain also drains into , a large native brook trout resource, Parlin Pond, the dead River and the . It also supplies water from its extensive bedrock aquifers to approximately 40 families on the western side of the mountain. Any disruption or herbicide contamination of this water flow from the proposed transmission corridor and towers on Colburn Mountain would forever destroy Grace Pond and Enchanted Pond, and their native brook trout fishery, as well as other fishery resources and the families whose water supply comes from Coburn Mountain.

CMP has not investigated the alternative of placing the transmission cables underground and underwater. If this application is fully approved as an aboveground HVDC transmission line, it would be the first transmission line that exclusively will transmit DC power (see the pre-filed testimony of Christopher Russo). Underground and underwater transmission is financially feasible when such an approach is evaluated on a life cycle cost basis. More importantly, underground and underwater transmission of DC power would substantially reduce the negative effects of aboveground transmission and provide additional benefits. The advantages include the following:

Reduces significantly the negative environmental and natural resource impacts of overhead transmission lines by substantially narrowing the path of the proposed transmission corridor from 150-feet-wide to between one meter and 10 meters wide, also requiring less herbicide and deforestation; Avoids negative effects on important scenic views and scenic character; Eliminates probable reductions in property values for families near and around the new 53.8 miles of proposed transmission corridor; Minimizes effects on wildlife from electromagnetic fields; Eliminates threats to low flying aircraft; Minimizes damage from wind and severe weather conditions; Decreases the risk of wildfires; Increases the useful life of the transmission lines by twice that of overhead transmission lines (e.g., 25 v. 50 years or 20 v. 40 years); and, Reduces maintenance costs compared to overhead transmission lines.

Thank you for the opportunity to communicate my concerns about the proposed NECEC project. Please do not hesitate to contact me, if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Jack Nicholas

208 Gayton Lane Winthrop, Maine 04364 Contact: Phone: 207-377-6352 or 207-462-4049 E-mail: [email protected]