ATC's way
In a letter to the editor, James Butcher calls into question American Transmission Company's designation as a Green Tier participant (2/23/07). Mr. Butcher apparently does not understand the purpose of the Green Tier program, nor does he seem to understand ATC's environmental commitments. Green Tier is not an 'award,' as Mr. Butcher suggests. It's a program that recognizes companies that are committed to protecting and improving the environment.
ATC made a commitment at all levels of our company not only to meet regulatory requirements, but also to find innovative ways to improve the environment while balancing our costs. We have accomplished these goals: by installing nesting platforms for osprey and eagles; by improving our transmission line rights-of-way for wildlife habitat and prairie restoration; by building into our construction and maintenance practices environmental protection of sensitive resources; by protecting endangered species and state natural areas; by working with environmental and conservation groups to support their projects; and by donating land to complete a portion of the Ice Age Trail.
Our staff of environmental experts are active participants on project teams and deliberately build avoidance of environmentally sensitive features into our siting process for new electric lines.
The process of identifying transmission-line routes in Dane County is particularly challenging. It is always more difficult to locate new facilities in developed areas. But siting and constructing these lines is necessary to support the rapid continued growth in Dane County.
We encourage Mr. Butcher and others to learn more about the Green Tier program by visiting the DNR's Web site, www.dnr.state.wi.us, or by contacting a member of ATC's environmental staff at greenlines@atcllc.com.
Mark Williamson Vice president, major projects American Transmission Co.
Unhappy customer
I am sick that I have stayed with WPS ('Going to the Mat for WPS,' 2/23/07). They turn many claims down. They have nothing that comes even close to preventative options, and they just raised their medical Part D beyond belief.
Virginia Pickerell
