Chesapeake Bay Foundation Points Out Devastating Environmental Impact of Piedmont Project

Maryland Power Line Project Sparks Environmental Concerns

A proposed transmission line, known as the Piedmont Reliability Project, is drawing significant opposition from Maryland landowners and environmental groups. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) has released a detailed analysis highlighting the potential environmental impact of the planned 70-mile power line.

The proposed route would traverse Baltimore, Carroll, and Frederick Counties, potentially disrupting critical ecological areas. According to CBF’s analysis, the project could negatively affect:

• 514 acres of protected lands, including agricultural preservation areas and Gunpowder Falls State Park
• 483 acres of high-quality watershed
• 377 acres of forest cover
• 47 acres of wetlands
• 125 acres of riparian buffer zones

Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG), the project developer, acknowledges the environmental challenges. While admitting the proposed route is not the most environmentally friendly option, the company argues it minimizes impact on residential and business properties.

Gussie Maguire, CBF Maryland Staff Scientist, emphasized the potential environmental consequences: “If done thoughtlessly, this project would be a huge backslide on Maryland’s robust environmental investments.”

The project aims to receive final approval by June 2027, with the Maryland Public Service Commission making the ultimate decision. Environmental advocates are calling for strict regulations to mitigate potential ecological damage.

CBF stressed the importance of the affected areas, noting that these forests and wetlands are critical for water filtration, climate change mitigation, and wildlife habitat preservation.

The controversy underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing infrastructure development with environmental conservation.