The Town Councils of Argyle and Flower Mound are pushing back against the location of a proposed Oncor transmission line project.
The Ramhorn Hill Dunham 345 Kilovolts Transmission Line Project would construct a new transmission line from a new switch outside Rhome, in Wise County, to a proposed switch southeast of the FM 1171/Hwy 377 interchange in west Flower Mound.
According to the electric company and ERCOT, the project is critical to pump more power into homes and businesses and improve electric grid reliability.
Oncor is considering many routes for this transmission line, including some that would cut through developed areas in Argyle and Northlake.
The company will select the final route after considering “the impact of power lines on property values, any environmental impacts, historical and aesthetic values, possible effects on recreational and park areas, as well as cost, engineering constraints, and potential use of existing rights-of-way,” according to an email from an Oncor spokesperson to NBC 5 DFW.
Despite Oncor’s stated commitments to mitigate any possible adverse effects, residents along the proposed routes remain worried about what impact a transmission line would have on their property values, the environment, and “prudent avoidance of EMF exposure,” the Cross Timbers Gazette reported.
The Flower Mound Town Council approved a resolution last week to express concern over the proposed transmission line and to invite Oncor representatives “to answer questions and receive input from affected residents and businesses, as well as from the Town Council.”
The resolution stated “in the strongest possible terms” that “the Town Council hereby expresses its utmost concern with the possible Project routing as well as the expedited nature of the Project.”
Oncor has confirmed representatives will attend Flower Mound’s council session scheduled for January 19.
The Argyle Town Council also approved a resolution last week stating, “in the strongest language possible, the Town of Argyle opposes the proposed alignments of the Transmission Line through the Town.”
In a statement, Oncor responded to public concern:
“The completion of this new transmission line is essential for supporting continued growth and service reliability for the area. However, any time Oncor builds a new transmission line, we follow a very thorough, carefully developed and regulated process, which includes engaging with local communities.
“We understand residents and landowners may have questions or concerns, and we take our responsibility to respond to those very seriously. Our team remains committed to listening to and communicating with the residents of Flower Mound and the surrounding areas and we encourage any resident with questions on this project to reach out to us for more information.”
To submit comments or concerns about the project, residents can contact Oncor’s project manager at [email protected] or 214-486-4918.