Pursuant to the foregoing Findings of Fact and Opinion, the Connecticut Siting Council (Council) finds that the effects associated with the construction, operation, and maintenance of a 345-kV electric transmission line and reconstruction of an existing 115-kV electric transmission line as proposed in Configuration X, as modified, between Connecticut Light and Power Company's Plumtree Substation in Bethel to Norwalk Substation in Norwalk, Connecticut, including effects on the natural environment; ecological integrity and balance; forests and parks; scenic, historic, and recreational values; air and water purity; fish and wildlife; and public health and safety are not disproportionate either alone or cumulatively with other effects compared to need, are not in conflict with the policies of the State concerning such effects, and are not sufficient reasons to deny the application. Therefore, the Council directs that a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need, as provided by General Statutes § 16-50k, be issued to the Northeast Utilities Service Company, acting as agent for the Connecticut Light and Power Company, for the construction, operation, and maintenance of a 345-kV electric transmission line and reconstruction of an existing 115-kV electric transmission line as proposed in Configuration X, as modified, between Connecticut Light and Power Company's Plumtree Substation in Bethel, through the Towns of Redding, Weston, and Wilton, and to Norwalk Substation in Norwalk, Connecticut.

The facility shall be constructed, operated, and maintained substantially as specified in the Council’s record in this matter, and is subject to the following conditions:

1. The Certificate Holder shall not commence construction of Configuration X as an overhead and underground electric transmission system until it has secured Council approval of a Development and Management (D&M) Plan, consistent with the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies Section 16-50j-60 through Section 16-50j-62 and which includes the following elements:

1. A detailed site plan showing the placement of the access roads, structure foundations, equipment and material staging area for the overhead route,

2. A detailed site plan showing the underground route, splice boxes, provisions for underground cable protection, and equipment and material staging area,

3. An erosion and sediment control plan, consistent with the 2002 Connecticut Guidelines for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control as amended for both overhead and underground routes;

4. Provisions for crossing inland and wetland and watercourses for both overhead and underground routes;

5. A Plan for a pre-construction survey and sweep of endangered , threatened and species of special concern;

6. A post-construction electric and magnetic field monitoring plan; and

7. An inland wetlands restoration plan.

3. The Certificate Holder shall hire an independent environmental consultant(s), subject to Council approval, to monitor and report on the installation of the overhead and underground transmission system.

4. The Certificate Holder shall conduct a Phase II Reconnaissance Survey prior to construction for foundation locations and underground cable route or in the alternative retain a registered archeologist, subject to Council approval, for excavation operations for the protection of these archeological resources.

5. The Certificate Holder shall consult with the City of Norwalk's Zoning and Conservation Commissions on the detailed plans for the proposed installations at the Norwalk Substation. All recommendations of the Army Corps of Engineers and the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection shall be submitted with the Development and Management Plan.

6. The Certificate Holder shall obtain all Connecticut Department of Transportation permits and/or approvals for both the overhead and underground transmission lines and provide to the Council prior to construction.

7. The Certificate Holder shall provide to the Council an operating report within three months after the conclusion of the first year of operation, and annually thereafter, with information relevant to the overall condition, safety, reliability, and operation of the cable systems.

8. Unless otherwise approved by the Council, this Decision and Order shall be void if all construction authorized herein is not completed within four years of the effective date of the Decision and Order, or within four years after all appeals to this Decision and Order have been resolved.

We hereby direct that a copy of the Findings of Fact, Opinion, and Decision and Order be served on each person listed below, and notice of the Decision published in the The Hartford Courant, Norwalk Hour, Danbury News Times, Stamford Advocate/Greenwich Times, Brooks Community Newspapers, Hersam-Acorn Newspapers, Minuteman Press, and Bethel Beacon.

By this Decision and Order, the Council disposes of the legal rights, duties, and privileges of each party named or admitted to the proceeding in accordance with Section 16-50j-17 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

The Parties and Intervenors in this proceeding are: