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Transmission Line Relocation

The current route of high-voltage transmission lines servicing power distribution in our community has caused significant and lasting harm to Ardencroft and its forest ecosystem. When Delmarva Power announced plans to install new towers in soil already contaminated with high concentrations of lead from their existing infrastructure, Ardencroft and its sister village, Ardentown—where the impact is even greater—mobilized to propose a new route for these transmission lines. Together, we stand firmly against their destructive plans, which ignore community opposition and environmental concerns.

Feasibility Study Request

For decades, 16 miles of transmission lines have run alongside the CSX railroad corridor just south of the Ardens. This established route causes minimal disruption to nearby communities and uses already-cleared forestland originally designed for the historic B&O passenger railway.

When the Ardens suggested rerouting transmission lines further up this corridor to avoid further harm to residential and forested areas, Delmarva Power dismissed the idea outright in meetings and discussions. In response, the Ardencroft Village Assembly passed a unanimous resolution in September 2024 authorizing the Village Chair to formally request a feasibility study from Delmarva Power. The Village of Ardentown gave a similar endorsement of the request.

This request included a detailed interactive StoryMap featuring:

  • Mapping and graphics of the proposed reroute.
  • Land use impact analysis highlighting the benefits of the alternative.
  • Narrative text outlining the rationale for this sensible and community-focused solution.

Despite the resolution and supporting materials, Delmarva Power has continued to reject the feasibility study request, pressing forward with their multimillion-dollar investment in a harmful, outdated route. This plan threatens to double the environmental and social harm to the Ardens and surrounding communities for the next century.

However, several local elected officials have spoken out in defense of the Ardens, supporting our call for a thorough exploration of alternative routes. We remain committed to working with Delmarva and our allies to ensure our voices are heard.

Ardencroft sent a reply to Delmarva’s rejection of our feasibility study request and the work to seek reasonble actions to seek avoidable harm is ongoing.

New Infrastructure Ban and Impact Fee

Recognizing that our efforts might face resistance, Ardencroft took proactive steps to protect our community. At the November 18, 2024 Village Assembly Meeting, our legislative body, comprised of all residents 18 years or older, unanimously approved an ordinance with the following measures:

  1. Ban on New Transmission Infrastructure:
    A municipal ordinance prohibits the construction of any new high-voltage transmission infrastructure within Ardencroft’s limits.
  2. Annual Impact Fee:
    The same ordinance establishes a recurring fee to compensate the Village for the harm caused by existing transmission infrastructure. These funds will be used to address environmental and community impacts.

The ordinance, along with other governance documents, can be found here.

Looking Ahead

Ardencroft remains committed to working with Delmarva Power, local officials, our sister villages, and wider community to push for a resolution that respects community needs and prioritizes environmental stewardship. With continued advocacy and the support of our community and allies, we aim to achieve a future where critical infrastructure and ecological preservation coexist harmoniously.

For more information or to support our efforts, please contact the Ardencroft Village Chair, Ben Gruswitz, at chair@ardencroft.delaware.gov. Our friends in Ardentown are also actively working on these efforts. Their lead contact is Ardentown Trustee, Lisa Wilson Riblett, who can be reached at lisa.wilson.riblett@gmail.com.