CONCORD, N.H. — The proposed Northern Pass power transmission project could have a negative effect on tourism, wildlife, and property values in New Hampshire, but it would cost less than other alternatives, according to a long-awaited environmental report released Tuesday.  The draft report from the US Department of Energy considered the proposal, first applied for on Oct. 14, 2010, plus nine alternatives. A 90-day public comment period will be scheduled before a final study is prepared.  Northern Pass is Eversource Energy’s $1.4 billion proposal for a 187-mile line to carry 1,200 megawatts of electricity — enough to power 1.2 million homes — to southern New England. Eight miles of the line would be buried; alternative proposals bury a greater amount.  The report said the current proposal was the only one that would be inconsistent with White Mountain National Forest Plan standards. It said the overhead transmission line could be seen from ‘‘historic architectural resources and thus could adversely affect the historic context of these sites more than the underground alternatives.’’  The report said a need to clear about 40 miles of land would increase the potential that wildlife, including protected species, would be affected.  It said that because construction costs would be lower than with other alternatives, tax revenue collected along the route would be lower. But visual impacts may also result in lower property tax values.  Northern Pass project leaders said they are analyzing the report and have been considering alternatives. They said they will provide the public with an update on any changes to their proposed route before it goes before the state for review.  Governor Maggie Hassan remains opposed to the initial Northern Pass project and believes that backers must fully investigate burying more sections of the lines, said a spokesman for the Democrat, William Hinkle.  State Senator Jeb Bradley, a Wolfeboro Republican who had proposed a bill burying electric transmission lines, said, ‘‘It seems to be pretty clear from what I’ve gleaned so far is that the least environmental impact is more burial.”  Project backers say it would deliver clean hydropower from Canada. They say burying the lines would be impractical and costly in such rugged terrain.
Eversource Energy wants to construct an electrical transmission line across New Hampshire to carry electricity to southern New England markets.