Kansas Farm Bureau files comments on CleanLine application Kansas Farm Bureau, the state’s largest agriculture advocacy organization, has filed comments with the Kansas Corporation Commission on the Clean Line application to site a new direct current, high-capacity transmission line in Kansas. The line will transmit electricity from Spearville north and east to the Kansas/Missouri border. “Our member adopted policy supports the development of Kansas’ wind resource,” KFB President Steve Baccus wrote. “We realize that in order to maximize the potential for wind development, transmission lines are necessary to move power to population centers across the state and the nation. There are, however, options that can and should be considered by utilities siting transmission lines in Kansas that can minimize the impact on landowners and create positive long-term relationships between agriculture and industry.” Baccus said landowners should be compensated annually and at a fair market value if their property is affected by the construction of the transmission line. The organization also recommends compensation packages include reimbursement for substantial changes in the functionality of operations impacted by the line. Farm Bureau recommended siting lines along section or property lines when possible; asked the Commission to require notice to landowners before any work is performed; and that developers be required to replace and restore damaged grasslands and to compensate landowners for crop damage. Baccus noted the line’s potential of interfering with modern agriculture technologies. “Many of these systems are very costly, provide necessary and valuable data to producers about their production practices and offer the ability to target application of inputs to minimize expense,” he said. “We would strongly suggest that before the Commission approves any route that you require studies to show potential impacts and efforts by the developer to minimize interference.” The organization expressed concerns about limitations imposed by the line’s DC nature and with possible unintended consequences of the line site. “Kansas landowners deserve a thorough examination of these issues before final approval is given,” Baccus said.
Posted on: Thu, 22 Aug 2013 20:22:09 +0000