Mitigating for Impacts on Federal Land

Although the project would be constructed within the footprint of the existing transmission lines, new, taller towers would be needed to accommodate the higher voltage line. Through its analysis of the project, the National Park Service (NPS) determined the replacement of the original transmission towers would have signifi cant impacts on the views and character of the three impacted National Park Service Units.

The Conservation Solution

By constructing the project in an existing transmission line corridor, PPL and PSE&G reduced impacts that would have otherwise resulted from routing the project through previously undisturbed areas. Recognizing that even with impact minimization efforts, the Susquehanna-Roseland Project would have unavoidable adverse impacts on NPS resources, PPL and PSE&G established the $66 million Middle Delaware Mitigation Fund.The Conservation Fund was engaged to administer this fund to preserve, restore, and enhance NPS scenic, cultural, and recreational resources, along with habitat for fish and wildlife and lands that help protect and improve water quality in the Delaware River and associated tributaries. In partnership with NPS and in coordination with PPL and PSE&G, The Conservation Fund administers the mitigation fund to facilitate stewardship, cultural resource protection, historic property restoration and land acquisitions that will be managed for conservation and recreation purposes in perpetuity.

outcome Highlights

Conservation

To date, The Conservation Fund has utilized the Middle Delaware Mitigation Fund to help add 1,992 acres of land to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, 166 acres to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, and 1,291 acres to the Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

Economic

Electric reliability was bolstered for 61 million consumers spread across 13 states and Washington, D.C.