Editor’s note: This letter, concerning SouthCoast Wind’s proposal to run transmission cables through the Sakonnet River and over a section of Portsmouth, was addressed to Ronald Gagnon of the Office of Customer & Technical Assistance at R.I. Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM)  in advance of the Feb. 22 hearing at Portsmouth High School.

To the editor:

My name is Arthur Palmer owner of AP Enterprise, LLC and the former Portsmouth town landfill. The RIDEM landfill closure program is fully aware who I am.

I would like to purpose an addendum to any final agreement with SouthCoast Wind.

As far back as the early 1900s the Sakonnet River was connected to the marsh along Boyds Lane via Park Ave. Today that connection has been filled in and the marsh flow is only to the Old Orchard Cove.

I would strongly suggest that as part of the negotiations with SouthCoast Wind you request the restoration of the Sakonnet River connection. If you will notice by the attached pictures (not included here) that the sediment over the years have built up as part of the blockage. It is my opinion this area is now the breeding ground for extensive mosquito population. Reopening the connection would alleviate the problem, keeping the water moving. (A justification for this suggestion.)

The only issue from the state point of view is that the corner lot (Map 25, Lot 1) is privately owned by an estate. But if the state really wants to pursue this proposal, I’m sure the state could figure out a way to acquire or gain access to this property. Or, the connection could be moved to go around the private property.

Arthur Palmer

Wakefield