| 4. Notice to landowners; transmission line or gas pipeline. |
Any person making application under this article, for approval |
for a transmission line or gas pipeline shall, prior to filing a |
notification pursuant to this article, provide notice to each |
owner of real property upon whose land the applicant proposes to |
locate a gas pipeline or transmission line. Notice must be sent |
by certified mail, postage prepaid, to the landowner's last known |
address contained in the applicable tax assessor's records. The |
applicant shall file a map with the town clerk of each |
municipality through which the pipeline or transmission line is |
proposed to be located, indicating the intended approximate |
location of the pipeline or transmission line within the |
municipality. The applicant is not required to provide notice of |
intent to construct a gas pipeline or transmission line other |
than as set forth in this subsection. The department shall |
receive evidence regarding the location, character and impact on |
the environment of the proposed transmission line or pipeline. |
In addition to finding that the requirements of section 484 have |
been met, the department, in the case of the transmission line or |
pipeline, shall consider whether any proposed alternatives to the |
proposed location and character of the transmission line or |
pipeline may lessen its impact on the environment or the risks it |
would engender to the public health or safety, without |
unreasonably increasing its cost. In addition to finding that |
the requirements of section 484 have been met, the department, in |
the case of the transmission towers associated with a |
transmission line, shall consider the visual impact on view |
corridors and the aesthetic impact of the towers in the context |
of existing uses. The department may approve or disapprove all |
or portions of the proposed transmission line and its associated |
transmission towers or pipeline and shall make such orders |
regarding its location, character, width and appearance as will |
lessen its impact on the environment, having regard for any |
increased costs to the applicant. |