While BP Alternative Energy sponsored two outdoor events this summer, some people are unhappy with the company, including Richard Ide, whose cabin in Mehoopany is near a stretch of land where transmission lines may be placed.

"They (BP) have the resources to drive me into the ground, which is what they are trying to do," Ide, of Tunkhannock, said. "I have hired two attorneys."

Ide's cabin is located on Fire Tower Road, south of Tunkhannock.

Last Tuesday, Ide brought his concerns about the transmission lines to Eaton Township Supervisors.

BP plans to build a wind park in Noxen, Eaton, Forkston and Mehoopany townships that could contain as many as 89 turbines and have a 150-megawatt capacity.

The company has an agreement with Procter & Gamble to connect transmission lines with a P&G substation located off Route 87 in Washington Township, northeast of Mehoopany.

"Our house is 100 yards from where the lines would go," Ide said. "Frankly, we don't want them."

He added that the "entire value of the property would be destroyed with the wires."

In 1967, Ide built the cabin, which continues to be used by his family.

"We poured our savings into the purchase of the property and the building of the cabin," Ide said. "We bought the property to enjoy the solitude, it was rural and rustic."

Mehoopany Township may take over a part of the road where Ide's cabin is located.

Secretary Phyllis Adams said that no action has been taken and that agreements with property owners must be reached.

BP Alternative Energy business developer Kevin Davis would not comment on Ide's remarks.

"We're in negotiations with him," Davis added. "We really appreciate his willingness to work with us."

Davis said that property along Fire Tower Road is a potential location for transmission lines.

BP must also secure subdivision approval from the county planning commission.

County planner Paul Weilage said that BP had not submitted a plan as of Thursday.

The Eaton and Monroe Township Joint Planning Committee also intends to revise a zoning ordinance to address sound produced by wind turbines.

As BP works on the wind project, it has also helped to underwrite such events as Celebrate Our River Day in July and the Vosburg Neck Festival in June.

Noting that BP provided information about alternative energy during Celebrate Our River Day, Dietrich Theater assistant program director Erica Rogler said that the company's financial support was very important.

"It helped fund the whole day," she added.

Davis noted that BP isn't trying to win public opinion.

Instead, BP wants to become a part of the community and support events that are focused on the environment, Davis said.

"We definitely want to give back to the community," Davis said. "We want to be a good corporate citizen."