Eversource is proposing to construct a new 115-kilovolt (kV) transmission line between Sudbury and Hudson.

The new line would connect the Eversource substation in Sudbury and the Hudson Light and Power substation in Hudson, as it passes through our neighborhoods, our business district, and conservation lands of Sudbury, Marlborough, Stow, and Hudson.

The project would consist of 8.9 miles of both overhead and underground line. The 7.6-mile overhead portion would be located within an existing Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) railroad bed that runs through Sudbury neighborhoods, Hop Brook conservation area and Memorial State Forest, past the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge, the Marlboro State Forest, past wetlands that drain into the Cranberry Bog well (a source of drinking water for the town of Hudson) and past Hudson homes and forested land.

 What does this mean to me?

 The project will cause irreparable damage to our residential neighborhoods, lower property values, increase our health risks, harm conservation land and the protected species that live there, as well as cut through the heart of one of the largest un-fragmented forests in Massachusetts.

The powerline towers Eversource plans to use are anywhere from 75 to 105 feet tall. These poles need clearance in 3 dimensions:

Width:  Eversource plans to clear-cut an 82 foot wide swath along the rail bed to accommodate the poles, their anchors, and the range of swing in the wires in windy situations. All old growth trees and everything else in the path will be decimated.(Note: 82 feet wide is the length of a blue whale, or as wide as the Massachusetts Turnpike.)

Depth:  Eversource poles will be anchored into the ground.

Height:  The clear-cut affords room for the height of the poles and the accompanying swing of the wires in windy weather, as well as room should they fall.

 

The 82 foot wide clear-cut scar and poles require regular and ongoing maintenance, including applications of herbicides in order to control (kill) the vegetation below and around the poles so Eversource technicians can maintain and repair the poles. These chemical applications are known to be harmful to humans, wildlife, and of course vegetation. These herbicides would leach into wetlands which drain to the adjacent Cranberry Bog well. This well collects groundwater and is blended with 5 different wells in Hudson. This will affect the water supply for all Hudson residents.

How can I help?                Thanks for asking!           You can help us fundraise, advocate, and educate!

Educate: We know that a large portion of the community still has yet to understand the impact of this project. We need to spread the word to the community that this is a town wide issue. Consider holding a meeting at your church, school, home and let your community know what is coming down the 82 foot wide pike. We can provide you with materials –check our Facebook Page: STOP OVERHEAD POWER LINES IN HUDSON and website: www.stopoverheadpowerlinesinhudson.com OR www.protecthudsonma.com

Advocate:   

Write and call our elected officials to let them know how you feel about this proposal:

Hudson Board of Selectman http://www.townofhudson.org/public_documents/hudsonma_bcomm/selectmen
Governor Charlie Baker http://www.mass.gov/governor/constituent-services/contact-governor-office/
Gov Karyn Polito  http://www.karynpolito.com/connect
US Senator Elizabeth Warren  https://www.warren.senate.gov/?p=email_senator
US Senator Ed Markey, https://www.markey.senate.gov/contact
Kate Hogan (State Rep) 617-722-2692 State House Room 166 Boston, MA 02133, email: Kate.Hogan@mahouse.gov
Nikki Tsongas (Congresswoman) 202-225-3411 Washington, DC Office, 1714 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515, https://www.facebook.com/RepTsongas
James Eldridge (State Senator) 617-722-1120 State House Room 413-A Boston, MA 02133 email: James.Eldridge@MASenate.gov
 

Write a letter to the editor of the papers that cover our area (Hudson Sun, MetroWest Daily News, Boston Globe)

 

Contact Eversource and let them know you oppose the project: JoAnne O’Leary, Eversource Community Relations Representative (508)-305-6898   Joanne.OLeary@eversource.com