In brief
Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced that Constellation Energy will invest over $340 million to improve water quality at the Conowingo Dam, which feeds into the Chesapeake Bay. The investment includes initiatives for pollution reduction, shoreline restoration, and enhancing fish and eel passages. This agreement follows prior legal challenges and aims to secure the dam’s operation as a key renewable energy source while supporting ecological health.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — In a significant move towards enhancing environmental preservation, Constellation Energy has committed to over $340 million to improve water quality at Maryland’s Conowingo Dam. This dam feeds into the Susquehanna River and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay, recognized as the largest estuary in the United States.
The agreement, announced by Governor Wes Moore, facilitates the necessary re-licensing and continued operation of the dam's hydroelectric facility, which is also Maryland's largest renewable energy source. 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 Moore.
This settlement resolves ongoing disputes regarding the responsibility for pollution in sediment trapped at the dam and released downstream into the bay. Previous legal challenges had halted the dam's re-certification, requiring a revised approach to address mitigation requirements linked to its operation.
The Maryland Department of the Environment had initially certified the Conowingo Dam in 2018, but ensuing legal battles led to the need for new negotiations, ultimately resulting in the current agreement. Key partners including Waterkeepers Chesapeake and the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association facilitated the framework of this deal to align with enforceable water quality standards.
The investment breakdown includes $88 million dedicated to pollution reduction and resiliency initiatives—such as shoreline restoration, forest buffers, and fish passage enhancements—as well as $78 million aimed at trash and debris removal, augmenting the existing efforts that already clear over 600 tons annually. Additionally, funding will be allocated towards improving fish and eel passages and developing a freshwater mussel hatchery, alongside managing invasive species.
The agreement also paves the way for a Revised Water Quality Certification to be submitted for the dam’s license renewal. Ted Evgeniadis, Executive Director of the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, remarked, 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.”
