Theresa Hahn <<potioncommotion>>
writes:

Duke Energy is proposing to build high tension power lines at
Glassy Mountain.

http://www.wyff4.com/news/Duke-to-seize-properties-to-install-40-miles-of-new-transmission-lines/34201088

Section 4 of the proposed lines would place high tension lines between the
launch and landing zone. The South Carolina Hang Glider Association has posted
on their Facebook page,
https://www.facebook.com/groups/schga, that they would like assistance with
trying to get Duke to reconsider the location of these lines.

An open comment period is occurring now, and comments to Duke from HG pilots
opposing the location of Section 4 of these lines could prove to be helpful. To
see a map of the Duke expansion, and to submit a comment, please go to the
following site:
http://dukeenergyfoothillsproject.power-viz.com. Click "Enter", and then
click "Submit a Comment", to offer your input on this project. (Suggested text
is available below.)

Some members of the SCHG are going to the meeting that is being held tonight in
Landrum, SC. There is another on July 23, in Flat Rock. For more information on
that meeting, and other things about this project, please see this webpage,
about half way down:
http://www.duke-energy.com/western-carolinas-modernization/foothills.asp.

Just so you know, I am not associated with their group (yet). I just wanted to
help out, and be sure that their efforts to keep this beautiful site open were
supported.

Bruno Schnedl of the SCHG group offered some text/note ideas on their Facebook
page.

"Dear Duke Energy,

I am writing this letter in response to the proposed route for your new
transmission lines. Section # 4 on the map poses a serious safety hazard to the
pilots of the South Carolina Hang Gliding Association (SCHGA) flying at Glassy
Mountain. The proposed route for section 4 would run between our take off and
landing area, virtually putting an end to flying at this site.

The likelihood of a fatality, due to trying to avoid the power lines and getting
trapped behind them, (or, God-forbid, hitting one of them!), would increase
considerably.

The hang gliding site at Glassy Mountain has been established for over 30 years
and is the only mountain flying site in South Carolina. The SCHGA is attracting
new pilots on a regular basis who join our club or others who are willing to
drive many miles to fly at this unique and beautiful site.

Residents of the Cliffs community often stop by to chat with the pilots and
enjoy our park-like launch area while we fly over the ridges. As an active pilot
and resident of the upstate of South Carolina, I urge you to please consider an
alternate route for section #4 of the transmission lines.

If you are unsure of what hang gliding is, or would like to learn more about our
site, please take a look at our website. We have some great pictures posted
there of this beautiful mountain and the valley below.

Sincerely, Your name."