Eversource Offers 915K Plan to End Orleans Cormorant Problem

Cormorant spreading the wings to dry in the sun

ORLEANS – Eversource Energy has laid out a potential solution to the cormorant problem in Orleans.

The plan calls for the powerlines overhanging Cedar Pond to be moved to a nearby location but one which does not allow the birds to worsen the water quality of the pond. The town has faced difficulty with the birds since the 1990s.

The 25,000 volt distribution lines would be removed from the pond area completely, but would require updating existing electrical equipment on nearby roads.

This was one of five plans offered at a recent meeting between the energy company and the town. But Eversource spokesman Mike Durand said Eversource is so confident that this is the right move, they would be willing to pay half of the estimated $915,000 cost.

“This option is much lower cost [than burying the wires under the pond], and is our preferred option,” Durand said.

A town record of the June 21^st meeting showed that the Eversource representative did acknowledge that the roosting birds may contribute to the worsening of water quality at Cedar Pond.

Orleans selectmen have decided to meet and possibly bring in some consultants to study the offer and draft a response.

One potential roadblock the town will consider is that the plan calls for a lead through a swampy area, which might deter the birds from leaving the pond.

Eversource has consulted with federal, state and local officials on the cormorant problem since the 1990s.