ACLT Concerns about PEPCO's MAPP Project

[Updates: March 3, 2011 - March 25, 2011 - October 24, 2011]

PEPCO has filed an application with the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) to construct the Mid-Atlantic Power Pathway (MAPP). This new high-voltage electric transmission line will begin at Possom Point, Virginia, and cross Charles, Prince George's and Calvert Counties before crossing under the Chesapeake Bay and Choptank River in Dorchester and Wicomico Counties terminating at Indian River, Delaware. Within Calvert County, PEPCO plans to add a new 500 kV line over existing rights of way to Port Republic, Maryland, where they plan to construct a massive "Chestnut Converter Station" to convert the electricity from AC to DC current. From that point, two new underground 640 DC kV lines would be buried underground to Western Shores. From Western Shores the transmission lines would cross under the Chesapeake Bay.

ACLT is concerned about the impact of construction of approximately 35 acres of structures associated with the converter station at the Port Republic site in the headwaters of Parkers Creek and about associated right of way environmental impacts throughout the Parkers Creek watershed. ACLT voiced these concerns in a letter to the Board of County Commissioners of Calvert County, dated December 17, 2010. Attached to this letter was supporting information about the unique environmental attributes and preservation history of the Parkers Creek and Governors Run watersheds, a letter from Dr. Lora Harris and Dr. Margaret Palmer of the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory describing recently awarded research contract work on the tributaries of Parkers Creek, and a countywide and close-up view of the proposed Chestnut Converter Station. ACLT was joined by the Calvert Citizens for Safe Energy. See http://ccsechestnut.blogspot.com/.

The Board of County Commissioners of Calvert County is concerned about impacts of MAPP within Calvert County and has filed a BOCC Petition to Intervene in the PSC proceedings. ACLT is also considering a petition to intervene in the PSC proceedings in order to protect the Parkers Creek watershed.

Update: March 3, 2011

ACLT filed a petition on March 1 with the Maryland Public Service Commission requesting that it be permitted to intervene in the Commission's review of PEPCO's Mid-Atlantic Power Pathway Project (MAPP), particularly the utility company's proposal to construct a large power converter station at the headwaters of Parkers Creek. Construction of the power facilities in that location "completely undermines long-standing efforts to protect Parkers Creek," according to ACLT's petition to the state commission.

ACLT's action to file a petition to intervene in the Public Service Commission's consideration of PEPCO's proposed power pathway project comes just weeks after the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) for Calvert County took the same action, also citing their concern about the adverse impact that the large power conversion facilities would have on the Parkers Creek watershed. The County Commissioners have offered to work with PEPCO to find a more suitable location in the county for their purposes.

Filing our petition with the Public Service Commission this week seeks to ensure that ACLT will have a strong voice as PEPCO's proposal is considered in the months ahead. ACLT plans to do everything we can to protect the lands in the Parkers Creek headwaters from inappropriate industrial use and to support the County's efforts to work with all parties to identify the best possible alternatives.

Update: March 25, 2011

The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners Comments and ACLT's Comments concerning issues to be addressed in an Environmental Impact Statement to be prepared concerning the MAPP Project were delivered to the US Department of Energy on March 22, 2011.

Update: October 24, 2011

The Mid-Atlantic Power Pathway (MAPP) project has been delayed but not abandoned. Read more about the current status of the project.

If you would like to receive future email updates about the MAPP project, please email info@acltweb.org. including "MAPP Updates" in the subject line. Contributions in support of ACLT's ongoing protection of the Parkers Creek and Governors Run watersheds, including its monitoring of the MAPP Project, can be made online or by mail to ACLT, P.O.Box 2363, Prince Frederick, MD 20678.