In brief
Constellation Energy announced its commitment to spend over $340 million on water quality improvements at Maryland's Conowingo Dam, an initiative that plays a crucial role in enhancing the health of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay. This funding is part of a settlement aimed at addressing sediment pollution and supporting local watershed initiatives, which includes installing pollution reduction measures and enhancing aquatic life habitats.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Constellation Energy has agreed to spend more than $340 million to improve water quality at Maryland’s Conowingo Dam, which flows into the Susquehanna River and eventually ends up in the Chesapeake Bay, the nation’s largest estuary, officials announced Thursday.
The agreement clears the way for the re-licensing and continued operation of the dam’s hydroelectric facility on the Susquehanna, which is the largest source of renewable energy in Maryland.
“This agreement will lead to real improvements in water quality in the biggest tributary of the Chesapeake Bay, while securing the future of one of our state’s largest clean energy producers,” said Maryland Governor Wes Moore.
The agreement also signifies an end to disputes regarding responsibility for pollution caused by sediment that collects in the dam and is subsequently released downstream into the bay.
The Maryland Department of the Environment had issued an initial certification for the Conowingo Dam in 2018, which sparked legal challenges leading to a waiver in 2019 and a settlement requiring Constellation Energy to invest in improvements valued at $230 million. This investment was conditional upon the facility obtaining a 50-year federal license, which faced opposition from environmental groups.
An appeals court vacated the license in 2022, siding with environmental advocates who argued for stringent mitigation measures for the dam's water quality impacts.
The recent deal, finalized in partnership with Waterkeepers Chesapeake and Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, stipulates enforceable water quality standards. The funding will allocate approximately $88 million for initiatives aimed at reducing pollution and adding resilience, which includes projects focused on shoreline restoration, forest buffers, and fish passage enhancements. Additionally, funds will be directed towards trash and debris removal efforts, further contributing to the ongoing cleanup initiatives.
The agreement also proposes improvements to navigation routes for fish and eels, plans for a new freshwater mussel hatchery, management of invasive species, and a comprehensive study evaluating the feasibility of dredging the dam to extract the trapped sediment.
A Revised Water Quality Certification will be submitted to federal authorities as part of the dam's renewed licensing process.
“Today’s announcement marks 16 years of tremendous effort and perseverance by our organization to assure Conowingo Dam is relicensed with proper conditions that protect the health of the Lower Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay,” stated Ted Evgeniadis, Executive Director of Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association.
