In brief
Constellation Energy has agreed to invest over $340 million in improving water quality at the Conowingo Dam, a key hydroelectric facility in Maryland. This agreement, which follows years of negotiations, will address pollution issues at the dam and ensure the continued operation of this major renewable energy source. The deal includes various initiatives aimed at enhancing environmental conditions in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
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 ultimately the Chesapeake Bay, America's largest estuary, officials announced on Thursday.
The agreement paves the way for the re-licensing and continued operation of the dam’s hydroelectric facility on the Susquehanna, the largest source of renewable energy in Maryland.
Governor Wes Moore remarked, “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.”
The deal concludes prolonged disputes over accountability for addressing pollution caused by sediment trapped in the dam, which is eventually released downstream into the bay.
The Maryland Department of the Environment initially certified the Conowingo Dam in 2018, but legal challenges prompted a waiver in 2019 that required Constellation Energy to invest $230 million in improvements, reliant on obtaining a 50-year federal license. This license faced opposition from environmental groups.
An appeals court recently vacated that license in 2022, siding with environmentalists who argued that the company must mitigate the dam’s water quality impacts.
The newly announced agreement was negotiated in collaboration with Waterkeepers Chesapeake and the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, aiming to meet enforceable water quality standards.
Included in the investment is about $88 million allocated for pollution reduction initiatives out of which $78 million will target trash and debris removal efforts that already clear about 600 tons of debris annually.
Moreover, this investment will enhance fish passages, establish a freshwater mussel hatchery, manage invasive species, and conduct research into the feasibility of dredging to eliminate trapped sediment.
With this agreement, a Revised Water Quality Certification will be submitted to the federal government, facilitating the dam’s license renewal. Ted Evgeniadis, Executive Director of the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, noted, “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.”
