Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, July 27, 1994 TAG: 9408120035
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: BETTY HAYDEN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: DISMAL CREEK LENGTH: Medium
They also happen to live along one of the routes the U.S. Forest Service has proposed as an alternative route for Appalachian Power Co.'s planned 115-mile West Virginia-to-Cloverdale 765,000-volt power line.
The couple says the line isn't needed - they rely on solar energy to heat their water and light their lamps.
Apco says the line is needed to ensure reliable energy in the future.
In 1974, the Muhlys moved to their remote spot in the forest to start their life together, staying in a small, one-room house for 13 years.
Construction started in 1980 on the house in which they now live - a project they've undertaken from the ground up. The Muhlys dug the footers with a pick and shovel, laid the cinder blocks, framed the house and put on the roof.
They're still finishing the interior, including the bathroom which could have been finished five weeks ago.
That was when they heard about the Forest Service's propsals and began making phone calls, writing letters and spreading the news to their community. They say they've eaten dinner only four times over the past five weeks and they've each lost 10 pounds.
The Muhlys are convinced that if people would learn to conserve energy, the need for such a power line would be eliminated.
Apco maintains that the line is essential to provide reliable service to its customers. The utility's original projections have proven to be low, and demand and energy use is growing at a rate that makes the line necessary now, according C.A. Simmons, Apco vice president.
If the line is brought through their property, the couple worries about its effects on their health.
"It's the asbestos of the future," Donna Muhly said. "The lines are as big around as a man's arm.
"It's horrifying and frightening," she said. "We haven't had time to sit down and cry."
The couple has been frustrated with the Forest Service and the way the agency conducted its environmental impact study.
At a Forest Service meeting held in Narrows recently, the Muhlys found that the demographic study showed no people in the area where they live.
"So does that tell you they've done a study of this corridor? We've been here for 20 years," Donna Muhly said.
As required by federal law, the National Forest environmental impact statement must include the proposed route, a proposed "no action" alternative - a route that does not cross its land - as well as a reasonable range of alternatives that address public concerns.
The alternative routes were released this month.
David Muhly doesn't understand why the Forest Service won't allow the same kind of formal meetings offered to Craig County residents when Apco proposed the power line two years ago.
"They refuse to give us the same due process," he said.
Apco has said it would give people a chance to speak if the alternate routes are seriously considered. Otherwise, officials have said, more hearings would slow the process.
The couple finds it ironic that Apco would bring an overhead power line through their property now when it wouldn't 15 years ago.
At that time, they approached Apco about running a line to their property and were told the lines would have to be buried. Apco told the couple it would cost $6,000.
They decided to buy solar panels for $3,000 to save money and conserve energy. They questioned why Apco couldn't bury the proposed 765,000-volt power lines instead of mounting them on tall towers which will obstruct views of the forest.
"What's going to be left for our children and grandchildren?" Donna Muhly asked. "We're going to fight it with every ounce of our energy."
by CNB