It appears that Rocky Mountain Power is set on running their Mona-to-Oquirrh. Many Tooele Valley citizens are heavily opposed to this route, but RMP appears determined to have their way with no regard for the citizens who have to live with the decisions RMP makes. The article in last Thursday’s paper, “Power company won’t budge on east bench route” did not give an accurate portrayal of the dealings RMP has had with the local government officials and citizen groups that have been involved in negotiations to find an acceptable alternate route for the power lines. The environmental impact study that was conducted prior to the release of RMP’s preferred and alternative routes contains inaccurate information about the areas that were studied. A new EIS, or at least one with accurate amendments, should be obtained and studied before final route determinations are made. The meetings held by RMP with local government officials and citizen groups were not designed to come to an agreement, but to increase animosity so that they could continue with their preferred routes. RMP wanted to show they had “tried” to find a more acceptable route. They reported that the citizens could not come to an agreement on an acceptable alternative route for the lines, so they were going to continue with their preferred route. It is important to note that a route has not yet been approved by the BLM. There is still time for Rocky Mountain Power to step up and be a good citizen.

Andrea Cahoon

Tooele