Duke Selects Spartanburg for Power Line Route Amid Resident Opposition
Spartanburg, SC – The tranquil agricultural landscape of Spartanburg’s Green Pond area is set to undergo a significant transformation as Duke Energy prepares to introduce a new power line through the region. The initiative, however, has been met with resistance from local residents determined to protect their historic lands.
Announcement Sparks Resistance
The dispute ignited in the agricultural community in early July when Duke Energy announced its plans to implement the Big Ferguson Transmission Line. This development would connect the existing Sock Hill substation on S.C. 290 to a planned substation on S.C. 101 situated between Woodruff and Reidville. Residents of Green Pond have expressed keen intentions to challenge the enterprise which threatens to alter the landscape of their hometown forever.
“It would be heartbreaking and tragic if our land is destroyed by Duke,” expressed Rhonda Drummond Cox, a resident whose property lies in the path of the proposed line. “They’re invading our property, our history, and changing it forever.”
The Proposed Impact on Green Pond
To facilitate the power line, Duke Energy plans to establish towers along a 68-foot-wide swath extending for miles across the countryside. In the coming weeks, impacted landowners will be contacted for parcel surveys before easement negotiations commence. Jeff Brooks, a Duke spokesman, anticipates the property acquisition phase will endure until 2025.
Duke Energy’s plans predominantly affect 26 property owners. Intending to limit the impact on any solitary plot of land, the 7.5-mile line mainly traces the periphery of properties. Almost half the line will trace the route of an already decommissioned power line; however, the remaining 4.4 miles are new and would disrupt private properties held by the same families for generations, with the locales even named after them.
Environmental Concerns Raised
In addition to the heritage issues, local residents have expressed concerns about environmental impacts. Kathleen Mason, a resident, is particularly concerned about the potential effects of Duke’s use of herbicides for easement maintenance and the possible damage to critical underground springs feeding local water bodies.
Duke Energy has sought to allay these worries, promising to work with each landowner to identify natural resources and assuring the safety of its herbicides. “They’re applied in ways that don’t impact livestock and other things, other crops and other items,” said Brooks.
The Battle Continues
Despite local resistance, Duke Energy has affirmed plans to negotiate easements with landowners at a fair market price. If negotiations fail, Brooks outlined that Duke may resort to eminent domain to gain access. Ultimately, residents are prepared for a legal battle if necessary.
“We’re gonna fight it to the fullest extent of the law,” emphasized Drummond Cox. “If there’s options for us to fight, we will.”
