Delmarva Power and Light has entered into an agreement with the DNREC Voluntary Cleanup Program to perform remedial actions addressing the release of lead-based paint into the environment from 17 electric transmission towers located between Silverside Road and Naamans Road in Wilmington.

The Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) Agreement for the site, formally identified as Delmarva Power Silverside Naamans Transmission Line Site (DE-1884), was signed In March of 2025.

Project Overview

Delmarva Power has an electric transmission line between Silverside Road and Naamans Road that is carried by transmission towers dating back to the early 1900s.

Until 1978, lead-based paint was commonly used in and on residential and commercial structures, including on 17 Delmarva Power towers located between Silverside Road and Naamans Road. Lead-based paint was applied to the towers to prevent corrosion and rust of the metal.

Over time, the lead-based paint on the towers deteriorated and began to flake off. In 2025, Delmarva Power had a contractor apply a material to each tower to bind the remaining lead-based paint to prevent on-going flaking prior to the planned removal of the towers. 

In accordance with the cleanup plan, Delmarva Power contracted with an environmental consultant to conduct environmental investigation and clean up of the lead-based paint releases surrounding the 17 towers.

Based on the concentrations of lead as detected in the soil samples surrounding the towers, soil excavation will occur that will reduce concentrations to equal or below the following:

• Within the Delmarva Power rights-of-way: >200 mg/kg
• Outside of the Delmarva Power rights-of-way: >100 mg/kg

Initial Environmental Investigation Activities

Prior to joining the voluntary cleanup program, Delmarva Power contracted with an environmental consultant to collect samples of paint chips on the towers and soil samples surrounding each tower identified as having been painted with lead-based paint. 

Interim Action Activities and Schedule 

Additional Delineation of Lead-Based Paint Releases 

In the fall of 2025, the environmental consultant collected additional soil samples to determine the extent of soil excavations to be performed around the towers. They also collected water and sediment samples from Naamans Creek and Perkins Run.

Remedial Action

Starting in the spring of 2026, the consultant will facilitate soil excavation around the towers, based on the soil data collected during Fall 2025.

After excavation, remaining soil will be sampled to confirm that the soils impacted by lead-based paint have been removed.

Soil brought in to backfill the excavations will be sampled prior to use to confirm that the lead concentrations are below 100 mg/kg within the rights-of-way, and 200 mg/kg outside of the rights-of-way.

Site files documenting the investigation and remediation activities are available for review on the Delaware Environmental Navigator (DEN).

Related Topics:  clean-up, remediation, Voluntary Cleanup Program, waste and hazardous substances