ARE THE WICOMICO ENVIRO-NIMBYS FIGHTING THE POWER SYSTEM UPGRADE?

For many months, Delmarva Power has been planning the installation of a major power transmission line – called the Mid-Atlantic Power Pathway, or “MAPP” -- that would run through the Chesapeake Bay and the Eastern Shore to near Millsboro Delaware, It would pass through Wicomico County, crossing the Nanticoke River near Vienna. This line would allow for power to be supplied to the area from generating facilities located across the Bay, thereby increasing the load capacity on the Shore, and assuring better reliability in the case of some glitch in the local power facilities, such as that at Vienna. Various environmental activist groups have been fighting to block this line.

Now, it appears that two of Wicomico County’s groups, including the “Wicomico Environmental Trust,” that regularly oppose development have gotten involved, with Michael Pretl as their mouthpiece, in the pending proceedings at the Maryland Public Service Commission. We can’t tell you if they are truly concerned because of some real issue – Delmarva Power has gone to great lengths to protect the environment – or whether these groups see a chance to shake down some money to finance their publicity and lawsuits against development in Wicomico County.

By the way, the proposed route of the MAPP power line runs across the Nanticoke River not far from Mr. Pretl’s waterfront estate at Riverton. Yes, his home is in the very same area that WET and the “Friends of the Nanticoke” say should be off-limits to residential use. Can you say NIMBY?