PSC demands more info for NYRI application

SHERBURNE – New York Regional Interconnect Inc. can add a few more items to an already hefty “to do list” in regards to proving its 200-mile long power line is a worthy project.

Following a recent ruling by the New York State Public Service Commission, NYRI will now have to supply several additional pieces of technical information (to its already-deficient Article VII approval application) that the company had previously hoped would be waived. Also, according to the PSC ruling, the Albany-based developer will have to partially answer a motion initiated by the Village of Sherburne and the City of Utica asking for more information in a number of areas, including alternatives for the project and its potential environmental impact.

“We are directing the applicant to perform a study of the Thruway and the Marcy-South alternate routes,” states PSC Secretary Jaclyn A. Brilling in reference to the joint request, “and to compare the environmental, economic, financial, electrical, and other pertinent benefits or detriments of these routes as proposed.” The Marcy-South route refers to the existing Marcy-South power line, that runs downstate from Marcy and bisects neighboring Otsego County.

Aside from asking NYRI to study routing alternatives, the commission asked that the company provide environmental impact studies not only for its project, but also the Millennium Natural Gas Pipeline project, along with studies of impacts on endangered species and scenic visibility. The Millennium project is scheduled to begin being constructed downstate in 2007, and NYRI plans to use it as a utility right of way to construct its power line.

“We urge the applicant to work with staff and the other parties to determine the scope of the economic impact information that should be brought to the record,” Brilling states.