Possible power substation site in Herriman upsets residents

HERRIMAN — The agenda for the Herriman Planning Commission didn't call for any talk of an electric power substation Thursday, but that's what dozens of people wanted to talk about.

Residents filled the commission chambers Thursday to show their opposition to a Rocky Mountain Power substation on the northeast corner of 13400 South and 6400 West.

The power company has not finalized any plans, but Margaret Oler, a spokeswoman for the utility, said Rocky Mountain Power has been working since July to find a site for a substation in the booming southwest Salt Lake Valley city.

She said the company has considered dozens of sites in Herriman and nearby unincorporated parts of the county. The list has been winnowed to the preferred site, and the company will likely file requests for permits with the city soon. She said a number of factors, such as engineering considerations and proximity to the highest growth, go into making a site decision.

Residents are unhappy with the site, which is near neighborhoods on one side and acres of planned residential development on the other.

"It's huge. A 10-foot wall around it is not going to make it look pretty," said Ethan Chandler, a resident leading the charge against the substation. "A few trees around it is not going to make it look pretty. We should put this on the edge of our city."

He said he and the other residents spoke up at Thursday's meeting rather than waiting for a public hearing on the subject because "once they have an open meeting about it, it's already been decided."

Residents also worry about the possible health risks of living near a substation.

"This is going to be a hideous thing next to us, not to mention what it could do to my wife, who already has multiple sclerosis," said Michael Josephson, whose home is next to the site.

Web sites for the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Cancer Institute say more than 20 years of scientific research show no conclusive link between electromagnetic fields — which emanate from power sources and conduits — and cancer.

Oler said living near a substation typically turns out much better than opponents originally think it will.

"They are very quiet neighbors. You don't have to deal with parties or barking dogs with a substation," she said.

Mayor Lynn Crane offered to hold a special meeting for residents, city officials and Rocky Mountain Power representatives. It will be Wednesday at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 13011 S. Pioneer St. (6000 West).

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