Why did you select the Choptank Route?
Why can't the proposed route be all underground?
Why does the proposed route stay underground until the line is southeast of Rt. 16?
Will PHI pay additional taxes because of the new line?
Will the Choptank route change the cost of MAPP?
Where will the AC/DC converters be located?
How do you know the line will avoid most of the oyster repletion areas in the Choptank?
What do you mean by reforestation and wetland mitigation?
When do you expect work to begin in the Bay and Choptank River?
Where can I go for more information?
Why did you select the Choptank Route?
This route seemed the best compromise for residents of Dorchester County. By staying underwater as long as possible, we've minimized the impact to the environment, agriculture and culturally significant land in the county. We avoided the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and proposed Harriet Tubman lands completely. This route reduces the aerial portion of the line by more than 20 miles.
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Why can't the proposed route be all underground?
Aerial construction provides a better level of reliability since it is easier to inspect and/or repair the line if there's a problem. Underground cables require splicing, which are possible failure points. Underground construction is also more expensive and less environmentally friendly because it requires trenching and installing large manholes at 1,500- to 2,000-foot intervals to provide access to the line. For more information on underground and aerial construction:
Underground Electric Untility Lines by Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
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Why does the proposed route stay underground until the line is southeast of Rt. 16?
It was the most logical place. We tried to select a point for the transition from underground to aerial that would be mostly hidden from view, and at the same time be on firm upland soil. In addition, the new line will cross an existing transmission line that runs along Rt. 16. If we went aerial before Rt. 16, we would have had to cross over that line pushing the height of the poles up an additional 40 to 50 feet.
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Why are you now proposing two DC circuits in Dorchester County when the original design showed three?
Three circuits were proposed to provide the Delmarva Peninsula with enough power for the future. One of those circuits was for future use, and two are planned to carry power as soon as the project is completed. Additionally, it made sense only to cross the Chesapeake Bay once instead of again in a few years when that additional power was needed. While the future is always difficult to predict, PJM studies show that additional line will not be needed in the immediate future.
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When MAPP was first announced, it included a section extending from Indian River up through Delaware into New Jersey. Was that also part of the third circuit that was once planned through Dorchester County?
Not specifically. That section was proposed when the project was seen as a 500KV AC project. By utilizing DC technology, which is much more controllable, the need for that portion of the line into New Jersey was postponed and remains under review by PJM.
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Now that the proposed route increases the amount of line under the water, how long will it take to install the cable from the western shore of the Chesapeake up the Choptank River?
The overall time to install the cables under the Bay and River may take about 4-6 months. We hope we can install the cables in a continuous time frame, but if there is a conflict with spawning or migration times for fish and other species we may have to separate installation into two periods.
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Will PHI pay additional taxes because of the new line?
Yes. The company will pay county taxes on the property it has purchased in fee for the line as well as personal property taxes on the value of the line. The exact amount will be determined once the line is completed.
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Will the Choptank route change the cost of MAPP?
PHI does not anticipate an increase in the project cost above previous budget estimates as a result of using the Choptank route. Changes to the cost as a result of the Choptank route have been offset by adjustments to other parts of the project.
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Where will the AC/DC converters be located?
AC/DC converter stations will be located in Calvert County (Chestnut Converter), Wicomico County (Gateway Converter), and Sussex County (Mission Converter).
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Some farmers were concerned about the line interfering with their irrigation system. Will the line cross any farms?
Yes. About a third of the proposed right-of-way will cross agricultural lands. We have worked with these property owners to ensure the line will be installed so as not to interfere with farming operations. If additional farmers plan to install irrigation on lands that will be crossed, we will work with them to reduce any conflict between the poles and the planned irrigation.
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Will the owners be compensated for any damage if crops are in the fields when construction takes place?
We will coordinate with all the land owners when we work on their property. We expect to minimize any damage to crops. However, if there is crop damage, we will reimburse farmers.
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How do you know the line will avoid most of the oyster repletion areas in the Choptank?
We have done extensive sonar and other underwater studies to map where the oyster beds are located. We have established GPS coordinates for the installers to use, and we will have construction monitors to make sure the line is installed where we have planned.
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What do you mean by reforestation and wetland mitigation?
As part of our permit with the State of Maryland, PHI will be replanting trees to replace the ones that were cleared for the new line and establishing wetlands to replace the ones that were impacted due to foundation installation and tree clearing in wetlands. The State will determine the replacement ratio.
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When do you expect work to begin in the Bay and Choptank River?
We have a great deal of work to complete before a definite schedule can be developed. PHI needs to complete extensive studies and a detailed permitting/approval process prior to construction beginning; therefore, we do not expect any construction work to begin in the Bay before 2013.
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Where can I go for more information?
You can get a great deal of information from the MAPP website you are currently reading, including the following fact sheet or you can call 1-888-641-6277.