Our Approach
Straughan is supporting Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SMECO) in a 69kV transmission line project spanning 7.3 miles across Charles and Prince George’s counties in Maryland. The project involves rebuilding four transmission lines from the Chalk Point Power Plant in Aquasco to the Hughesville Station, replacing existing h-structures with a single pole line. Straughan is providing access, permitting, and right-of-way services, including the design of temporary access paths and pads to navigate steep terrain during construction.
The study area includes wetlands, waterways, forests, and public right-of-way, requiring compliance with multiple regulations such as the Clean Water Act, Forest Conservation Act, and Roadside Tree Law. Straughan has streamlined fieldwork and documentation processes to meet the requirements of agencies like the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). Early coordination with regulatory reviewers and the project team has helped minimize impacts and expedite approvals.
Straughan’s responsibilities also include geometric design of access roads and pads, erosion and sediment control design, stormwater management permitting, floodplain analysis, earthwork calculations, cost estimation, and coordination with multiple agencies. By addressing the challenges of steep terrain and regulatory complexities, Straughan is ensuring safe and efficient construction of SMECO’s upgraded transmission lines.
