Save the Scenic Sonoita/Elgin Grasslands

By Anonymous
Published Wednesday, December 17, 2008 2:29 PM MST

Do you enjoy driving in the Sonoita/Elgin Valley with its pristine mountain and native grassland views? Do you know that this valley contains some of the few remaining native grasslands in the U.S.? This is soon to drastically change if Sulfur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative (SSVEC) has its way. They have started bulldozing the Babocomari Ranch for a 69 kV power line.

It begins in Huachuca City then runs on the southern boundary of the Babocomari Ranch, adjacent to the Audubon Research Ranch, until it reaches Highway 83 then runs north and west over 6 miles along Hwy 83 to the new substation in Sonoita. The line of 55-and-64-foot power poles crossing over 20 miles of pristine grasslands will disrupt wildlife corridors, native grassland research, mountain views, and ultimately people’s health and lives.

If opposed to this power line or think an alternate route which is more sensitive to environmental, scientific, and community concerns is more desirable, then please email 3SEG@googlegroups.com or visit the following Group website http://groups.google.com/group/3SEG for information on how you can help or write letters on behalf of this effort. There are alternative routes!

Save the Scenic Sonoita/Elgin Grasslands (3SEG)

(Local residents trying to preserve what this area is all about, saving some of the most magnificent unspoiled vistas in Arizona)

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Comments

mark wrote on Sep 20, 2009 2:43 PM:

" Power lines go where the companies go the most direct and cheapest way, even if it is not in the publics interest. Always has been that way. The users have to fight it if they think it important. "

Marshall Magruder wrote on Jul 12, 2009 4:09 PM:

" The existing line is reaching its capacity. In 1982, the company started a ten-year court case to go through the historic Mexican Babcomari Land Grant with a large $13.5 million transmission 69 kV line. The existing line now serves Patagonia, Sonoita and Elgin. There are three opportunities to have backup power from a TEP line that crosses the existing line, if the utility really wanted more capacity. Further, many homeowners are purchasing solar electric and hot water systems to lower their electric demand. Several large business are purchasing 20 to 100 kW solar systems. At least two or three 1 to 3 megaWatt solar arrays are in the works with several MW of generated electricity from natural gas when the sun isn't shining. These backups and additional capacity all cost millions less than what the company planned in 1982. The problem, in my opinion, is that the company remains in its 1982-mindset and can't justify joining the 21st century. Maybe, just maybe, the company's CEO and staff will join in with their owners (this is a rural electric co-operative, where each ratepayers owns a share of their company) and learn how distributed renewable energy can really help those in these communities "at the end of the line". We have to wean ourselves off fossil fuel for the joys, freedom and independence that "on one's roof" power gives individuals. "

larry leslie wrote on May 9, 2009 7:12 AM:

" Perhaps the writer would prefer the power line going through his own back yard? The issue, of course, is whether the power line is needed. "

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