ONCOR will be building 345kV, 12- to 15-storyhigh transmission lines (the biggest in Texas) from west of the city of Lampasas to Kempner and then Killeen. These structures require a clear-cut easement of 160 feet.

One of the options for these lines follows the roads along the Lampasas River valley. Some of these roads hug the river and are impassable in times of flood. This should be a concern to everyone who is a customer of Kempner Water Supply Corp.

The Lampasas River flows through the valley to Stillhouse Hollow Lake. Kempner Water takes this water from Stillhouse Hollow, makes it potable and then delivers it to your homes. The erosion from these clear cuts in the caliche soil of this area will result in erosion, siltation and water quality degradation.

These clear cuts, which will remain clear cuts forever, will degrade the wildlife habitat and the silt will travel to the Lampasas River and then to our reservoir, Stillhouse Hollow.

These lines will bring electricity from the Panhandle and West Texas. I do realize they are necessary, but there are paths for these transmission lines that will not have such a long-term impact on the Lampasas River environment and possibly the community water supply. ONCOR should choose not to degrade this natural resource, the Lampasas River valley.
Sandra Cole
Kempner