Power pole battle in Bucks County

SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP, Pa. - April 9, 2008 Joanne Povenski of Springfield says she represents the vast majority of locals who have a big problem with PPL Electric Utility's plan to put yet another power line through this tiny, rural town.

Springfield Township Manager, Richard Schilling, says the proposed path for the six mile power line would not only affect this community's quality of life, it would also create serious environmental concerns since the line would go right over the Tohickon Watershed.

The fourteen million dollar proposal would also extend the power line over neighboring Coopersburg.

Officials in Springfield were hoping that Coopersburg would help in the fight against the plan, but that is not going to happen.

Officials in Springfield say they would feel the same way if PPL changed its plan and erected the line along some unused train tracks near the edge of town, and further away from homes and the watershed.

PPL's proposal also goes over Richland Township and officials there have agreed to join Springfield Township in the effort to block or alter the application during the upcoming state's utility meeting in Harrisburg on May 14.