The excerpts identify several areas of growth related to energy infrastructure and environmental management in Maryland. The key areas of growth and their associated considerations are:
1. Transmission and Interconnection Facilities:
- Growth is seen in the development and installation of transmission owner interconnection facilities, customer-funded upgrades, and common use upgrades for energy projects.
- Key considerations include managing cancellation costs, sharing responsibilities for common use upgrades among project developers, and adhering to requirements under the tariff and generation interconnection agreements
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2. Renewable Energy Projects (e.g., Solar Projects):
- Expansion of solar energy projects is evident, such as the Jade Meadow III Solar Project.
- Considerations include:
- Avoiding impacts on nontidal wetlands, wetland buffers, regulated streams, and associated floodplains through field assessments, buffer implementation, and compliance with COMAR regulations.
- Ensuring no required licenses for tidal wetlands since the project is not adjacent to or impacting tidal waters.
- Addressing water quality impacts, particularly for Tier II streams, and confirming findings with state agencies
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3. Environmental Protection and Mitigation:
- Growth in environmental planning is reflected in routine wetland delineation, habitat assessment, and implementation of vegetative management plans.
- Considerations involve:
- Placing buffers around wetlands and streams that exceed minimum standards.
- Minimizing and mitigating impacts on wildlife, threatened species, and sensitive habitats through designated wildlife habitats, buffer guidelines, and special fencing.
- Managing erosion, sediment, and stormwater during construction and operation
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4. Infrastructure Siting and Geotechnical Assessment:
- Increased development of substations and related energy infrastructure in areas adjacent to or on former mining sites.
- Key considerations include conducting geotechnical risk assessments (deep organic soils, landslide potential), hydrological studies due to proximity to mines, and understanding the impact of past and current mining activities on water management and land stability
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5. Compliance with Environmental Standards:
- Growth in regulatory compliance efforts for air quality, water quality, waste handling, and floodplain management.
- Considerations include adhering to federal and state air quality standards, minimizing operational impacts on water users, handling waste responsibly during all project phases, and protecting life and property from natural disasters
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Each area of growth requires careful environmental assessment, regulatory compliance, risk management, and coordination with relevant state agencies to ensure sustainable development.