Resource Protection Through Maryland Licensing Requirements

Sandra Shaw Patty, John L. Magistro, and Sandra Collins

In Maryland, electric utilities must obtain a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the Maryland Public Service Commission before constructing new transmission lines greater than 69,000 volts. Maryland’s Power Plant Research Program (PPRP) within the Department of Natural Resources coordinates the interagency reviews of CPCN applications and development of conditions issued with the CPCN that minimize effects to the State’s resources. PPRP recently evaluated the effectiveness of the CPCN conditions issued in Maryland for minimizing environmental impacts associated with the construction, maintenance and operation of transmission lines. Conditions were grouped into four main categories: (1) right-of-way clearing and transmission line construction; (2) erosion and sediment control; (3) right-of-way maintenance; and (4) protection of waterways and wetlands. Many general conditions are part of the utility’s standard operating practices. Specific conditions provided additional protection to sensitive resource areas on a case-by-case basis. Results of the site inspections indicate that the conditions have effectively minimized environmental impacts associated with the construction, operation and maintenance of transmission line rights-of-way in Maryland. The utilities have also incorporated a variety of voluntary measures to restore and enhance environmental conditions within and adjacent to the transmission corridors.

Keywords: Maryland, transmission line, right-of-way, construction, maintenance, environmental protection, environmental stewardship, wildlife habitat