Mold Remediation in Kingsville, MD

KINGSVILLE, MD—Residents and historical communities in Kingsville are rallying against BGE’s proposed Brandon Shores Mitigation Project, a plan to install a second set of high-voltage power lines through historically significant and environmentally sensitive areas in Harford County and Baltimore County. The project has drawn sharp criticism from local officials, who argue it poses a threat to the region’s character and way of life.

Senator J.B. Jennings, representing both counties, submitted his strong opposition to the Public Service Commission (PSC) on April 3rd, stating that the project represents an “existential threat” to communities deeply rooted in agriculture and tradition. Both the Baltimore County and Harford County Councils are considering resolutions opposing the project, with potential language under review this week.

Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly voiced his disapproval at the April 9th PSC hearing, highlighting concerns about the project’s impact on agricultural land. Cassilly emphasized that BGE’s lack of proper notification to landowners could result in significant damage to crops. Multiple landowners testified at the hearing, supporting Cassilly’s claims and alleging inadequate communication from BGE regarding the project.

The project also poses a potential threat to air navigation. A notification to the Fallston airport from the FAA confirmed that the proposed power poles will sit 172 feet above ground level which exceeds obstruction standards. On April 8th, the Maryland Aviation Administration documented their review of the project stating that “In accordance with COMAR 11.03.05, the eleven (11) proposals are determined to be obstructions and hazards to air navigation.”

Citing violations of the Maryland Public Utility Companies Code 7-207, Kingsville residents are preparing to testify in force at the upcoming PSC Hearing scheduled for April 23rd at the White Marsh Volunteer Fire Company.

The letter from the Maryland Aviation Administration and documentation from the FAA can be viewed below.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

Photo via Pixabay

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I strongly oppose BGE’s proposed Brandon Shores Retirement Mitigation Project, which plans to install a second set of high-voltage power lines through historic neighborhoods and environmentally sensitive areas.

As a lifelong Kingsville resident, third-generation homeowner and former assistant principal at St. Stephen School, I deeply cherish this community. My husband and I are raising our four children here, in our historic home, Jubilee (built in 1771), located near the Jericho Road Covered Bridge and Jerusalem Mill. Kingsville is a special place — rich in history, nestled alongside the Little Gunpowder Falls and the Gunpowder Falls State Park.

However, this project threatens our community’s character, safety and financial well-being. More than 200 properties within one mile of the proposed power lines are listed in the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties, and 11 are on the National Register of Historic Places. The addition of these massive power lines would scar our treasured landscape.

The project intersects the Gunpowder Falls State Park and runs through the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area. The Power Plant Research Program of the Department of Natural Resources has confirmed that soil erosion and sediment control are major concerns associated with this project. Precious habitats will be disrupted as well as the probable disturbance of invasive species that live close to the power lines. The new set of lines will also be taller than the current towers, which will highly impact the scenic landscapes and views in our rural neighborhoods.

Environmental consequences and ecosystem risks of transmission expansion include: the loss of wildlife migration corridors and fragmentation of habitats, soil erosion and degradation of water quality, permanent alteration of scenic landscapes, and reduced biodiversity and long-term ecological imbalance.

Beyond aesthetics and the impact to historic sites, the most alarming environmental risk is the potential for wildfires. Our home is less than 100 feet from Gunpowder Falls State Park, and Kingsville lacks fire hydrants due to its location outside the Urban-Rural Demarcation Line. A fire would be devastating — just as it was for our neighbors, the Von Paris family, whose historic Arcadia Farm burned to the ground despite firefighters’ best efforts. According to WildfireRisk.org, 99% of homes in Kingsville are at direct risk of ignition from wildfires. Installing outdated, above-ground power lines only increases this danger.

Furthermore, the financial burden of rising energy costs, taxes and inflation is already straining families. Policymakers should pave the way for Maryland’s energy independence and invest in diverse energy solutions, such as small nuclear reactors, to eliminate the need for new lines bringing power to us from Pennsylvania. BGE should prioritize modern, efficient alternatives instead of imposing additional costs on ratepayers by installing these lines, such as Grid-Enhancing and Advanced Transmission Technologies to maximize the existing infrastructure. Also, Maryland should follow California’s lead and install underground power lines to reduce wildfire risks. We do not want Kingsville, Maryland, to be the next Paradise, California, where tragic wildfires took place due to transmission lines that took the lives of 85 people.

I urge Marylanders to oppose Case #9748 before the Public Service Commission by attending a hearing and submitting comments before May 1, and contact the Maryland Department of the Environment and ask them to deny permits sought by BGE.

Kingsville stands united against these unnecessary power lines. We demand safer, smarter solutions. Maryland must do better — for our history, our homes and our children.

— Rachel Ullmann, Kingsville

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KINGSVILLE, MD—Members of the historical community of Kingsville in Baltimore County are leading the opposition to BGE’s proposed Brandon Shores Mitigation Project, which plans to install a second set of high-voltage power lines through historic neighborhoods and environmentally sensitive areas in Harford, Baltimore, and Anne Arundel Counties.

“This project threatens Maryland’s character, safety, and financial well-being,” reads a press release from the No More Power Lines community group. “More than 200 properties within one mile of the proposed power lines are listed in the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties, and 11 are on the National Register of Historic Places. The project intersects the Gunpowder Falls State Park, runs through the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area, and lies within one mile of the Fallston Airport. According to the PPRP report from the Department of Natural Resources, major concerns include soil erosion, sediment control, water pollution, habitat disruption and disturbance of invasive species. The new set of lines will also be taller than the current towers which will pollute the aesthetics of the scenic landscapes and views in these rural neighborhoods.”

In August 2024, one month after BGE filed the CPCN application, the Baltimore County Council unanimously passed Resolution 37-24, which encouraged BGE to lessen the impacts of the project on affected communities and residential neighborhoods, and to bury transmission lines underground where feasible, especially in park land and in rural areas that could act as wildfire corridors. “However, BGE made no effort to change the project,” the press release states. “According to WildfireRisk.org, 99% of homes in Kingsville are at direct risk of ignition from wildfires. A landmark historic home in the area was lost to a devastating fire in 2020 because Kingsville has no access to public water.”

Councilman David Marks introduced Resolution 21-25 to the Baltimore County Council on April 7th, and he stated, “I am asking that Baltimore County oppose this transmission project as it has other efforts to increase electrification in rural communities. Since the Council adopted its previous resolution on the Brandon Shores Retirement Mitigation Project, there has been little to no progress to addressing many of the concerns raised by neighborhoods affected by this proposal.”

Community leaders say the project threatens to add even more cost onto ratepayers in the midst of soaring utility prices. They say the project has doubled in price since it was first announced in 2024 totaling $1.6 billion.

“Firmly convinced that this project violates the Maryland Public Utility Companies Code Ann. 7-207, Kingsville citizens stand united against these unnecessary power lines and encourage members of the public to testify at the PSC Hearing on April 23rd at the (White Marsh Volunteer Fire Company),” states the press release. “No More Power Lines is hosting a community meeting on April 15th at 6PM at the Odd Fellows Hall (7801 Bradshaw Road) to update the local community on the project and hear updates from elected officials.”

Photo via Pixabay

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