In brief
Maryland's Constellation Energy has formalized an agreement to spend more than $340 million on water quality improvements at the Conowingo Dam, which affects the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay. Governor Wes Moore hailed the deal as vital for both clean energy and water quality, concluding lengthy disputes over environmental responsibilities. This investment includes initiatives for pollution reduction, habitat restoration, and improving aquatic passageways, further securing the dam's operational license and environmental standards.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Constellation Energy has agreed to invest over $340 million to enhance water quality at Maryland's Conowingo Dam, which discharges into the Susquehanna River and subsequently into the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States, as officials announced Thursday.
This agreement facilitates the renewal of the dam’s hydroelectric facility license on the Susquehanna, which represents a significant 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, stated Governor Wes Moore.
The development signifies a resolution to ongoing discussions regarding accountability for the pollution caused by sediment accumulation at the dam, which was previously contested legally.
The Maryland Department of the Environment's initial certification for the Conowingo Dam was issued in 2018, but had to be waived in 2019 due to legal challenges requiring a settlement that necessitated a prior investment of $230 million by Constellation. This agreement hinged on the company gaining a 50-year federal operational license, which was contested by environmental groups.
In 2022, an appeals court vacated the license following a ruling favoring environmental groups advocating for additional mitigative actions regarding the dam's water quality impacts. The recent deal was forged in collaboration with Waterkeepers Chesapeake and the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association to establish enforceable water quality standards, ensuring future compliance.
The allocation of funds includes around $88 million for pollution reduction strategies and resiliency measures like restoring shorelines, creating forest buffers, enhancing fish passageways, and planting underwater grasses that serve various ecological purposes. Another $78 million is designated for the removal of trash and debris, augmenting efforts to clear roughly 600 tons of debris annually from the river.
Additionally, plans include improvements for aquatic species access, providing a new freshwater mussel hatchery, managing invasive species, and conducting a feasibility study about potentially dredging sediments trapped by the dam.
Governor's office confirmed that a revised Water Quality Certification will be submitted to the federal government in pursuit of the dam's renewed license.
“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,” expressed Ted Evgeniadis, Executive Director of the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association.
