Conservationists are raising concerns with a proposed transmission line from Galesburg to Peoria.
Three routes are being suggested for Ameren’s Spoon River Transmission Line project. One of them crosses the Knox Station Prairie near East Galesburg.
The project would require a 150 foot wide easement with the transmission line running in the middle. The line will include single shaft steal poles to have the least impact on land.
All three routes would disturb the prairie and spread invasive plants.
But, Doug Franks from Peoria said Route C primarily would seriously threaten native vegetation.
“Another thing is prairie management requires periodic burning," Franks said. "And it is pretty much essential to do it between every three to five year. Well you may not burn under a transmission line like that. That’s a rule.”
Ameren must submit a suggested route and at least one alternative to the Illinois Commerce Commission by the end of July.
Ameren spokesman Leigh Morris said the company is reviewing route options.
"Our goal is to make every effort to mitigate impact," Morris said. "But mitigation does not mean avoidance. There is no way you can avoid impact but we try to mitigate that impact to the greatest extent possible.”
The commission will choose one of Ameren’s proposed routes or create one. The line is scheduled to be in service by 2018.
Public comment on the project can be submitted online.
