BUSHKILL - Park managers announced release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Susquehanna-Roseland high voltage electric transmission line. This DEIS is in response to the construction and right-of-way permits requested by Pennsylvania Power and Light Electric Utilities (PPL) and Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G). The proposed line would cross the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River, and Appalachian National Scenic Trail, in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

With this announcement, the DEIS is now available for download through the project website at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/DEWA. A desk copy is also available for viewing at Park Headquarters located at 1 River Road (off U.S. 209) Bushkill, Pennsylvania. Additionally, hardcopies will be available at local libraries in the next few days.

In addition to the National Park Service announcement, the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Notice of Availability for the DEIS is expected to be released in the Federal Register on December 2, 2011. Public comment is extremely important and will be accepted through January 31, 2012. A CD or hardcopy of the document will be provided to those who requested one and will be mailed when the EPA notice is published.