Direct Testimony of Thomas M. Hildebrand - Consumer Advocate ...

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construction thereof.” No definitive studies exist that prove EMF emissions are
not harmful to humans or livestock and this topic continues to be debated among
experts. Possible effects range from annoyance electric shocks to serious health
issues like cancer. Regardless of whether or not they cause serious health issues,
the important point is that people living and working near these high voltage lines
are threatened by them. This threat is just one consideration that must be weighed
against any justifications favoring TrAIL.
Para 9.2.1 .h states TrAILCo must provide “pertinent facts showing, what, if any
environmental impact said proposed line will have upon the area on and adjacent
to said proposed line.” I do not believe TrAILCo has met this requirement. I
offer the following personal experience. TrAILCo has requested a 2,200 foot
corridor within which to place the proposed line. Our property in Ashton Woods
is inside that boundary and we have a cabin that could be in the direct path of
TrAIL. To this day, no person from TrAILCo has so much as acknowledged the
existence of our building. Furthermore, I have never seen a TrAILCo map that
placed the location of the building despite the fact that we brought it to their
attention at a meeting with TrAILCo reps in Moorefield one year ago. This is
indicative of the poor quality of planning and communication by TrAILCo on this
project.
In order to assess the credibility of TrAILCo and its parent companies’ claims
regarding impacts, I requested copies (Hildebrand Discovery Request Question
#R16) of public complaints received by TrAILCo’s parent. Rather than providing
this information, TrAILCo stated no complaints were received by its parent when
it clearly knew the intent of the question was that “parent” was to include all such
parents, including the parents of AET. I mention this mainly because it represents
the kind of treatment and lack of transparency that have frustrated the public
potentially affected by TrAIL.
6 150-3- 10 Promotional Practices, para 10.1 Declaration of Policy states, “utility
shall not implement any practice or practices which shall have an adverse affect
upon conservation, or which cannot be justified from a ratepayer benefithtility
cost standpoint.” The TrAIL line is intended to connect coal producers in the
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