Planning Board finalizes Transco decision, grants permit

DOVER —  In a long  meeting on Monday, Feb. 6, the Planning Board of the Town of Dover voted on granting a special permit/site plan with erosion and sediment control to New York Transco LLC’s Dover electric substation at 2238 Route 22, Wingdale.

The public hearing on Transco was opened Sept. 19, 2022, and closed on Jan. 23, 2023, with written comments allowed until Feb. 1.

Going over the application and answers to concerns, the final vote was taken at the Feb. 6 meeting, with five in favor of granting the permit, one against, and one member absent. New York State Fish and Wildlife sent an email citing concerns over possible contamination of the site caused by tires and metals. It was discussed and deemed that these matters had been addressed by applicant Transco and were well in hand.

Some concerns about the site being near the Great Swamp, and possible impact on wildlife and especially endangered species, had also been addressed, even as far as no blasting from Oct. 1 through March 31 so as not to disturb hibernating bog turtles. It was stated that that area is not a designated Environmental Justice Area.

It was also noted that after initial construction, weekly maintenance visits would probably be topped at three to four hours per week; lighting during day and night hours would not exceed approved Town limits except in emergencies, and the same would be true for noise.   

It was also deemed that poles and equipment would not be out of character of what is already in place in that area, that tires and metal waste will be removed properly and without adding contaminants to soil or water, and if any contaminants were discovered, the Town would immediately be notified.  More than 250 plantings, including trees, will be added to existing landscaping to minimize visual impact.