State and Constellation Sign $340M Conowingo Dam Agreement

The State of Maryland and Constellation Energy reached a $340 million agreement to enhance water quality downstream from the Conowingo Dam. 

Conowingo DamThe State of Maryland and Constellation Energy recently cemented a historic agreement to fund and implement operational improvements and environmental projects at the Conowingo Dam. The commitments—valued at more than $340 million and negotiated in partnership with Waterkeepers Chesapeake and Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association—will meet enforceable water quality standards by mitigating the impacts associated with the dam’s operation.

According to the press release:

“The Chesapeake Bay is the keystone to Maryland’s prosperity,” said Gov. Moore. “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. By bringing everyone to the table, we have struck an agreement that is good for the environment, good for energy production, and good for Marylanders.”

 

“The Susquehanna watershed is home to one of the largest concentrations of clean energy generation in America, and Constellation is proud to build on that nearly century-old legacy, investing heavily in clean generation, protecting water quality and powering Maryland’s economy,” said Constellation President and Chief Executive Officer Joe Dominguez. “But it’s not just the scale of the investments we are making that makes us proud, it’s how we are investing. Some utility monopolies are claiming they can lower your electricity costs by building new generation, but they want you to guarantee their profits. That’s just not fair, especially now, when many families are already struggling to pay higher electricity bills. In the last decade, Constellation has invested more than $1 billion in Maryland clean energy projects, from wind and hydro to state-of-the-art nuclear energy, and we will never ask Maryland families to bear business risks that we won’t.”

The agreement clears the way for the re-licensing and continued operation of the dam’s hydroelectric facility on the Susquehanna River, which is the largest source of renewable energy in the state. The terms of the agreement include operational improvements and upfront and ongoing annual payments:

  • Water quality and resiliency: $87.6 million for pollution reduction and resiliency initiatives, including shoreline restoration, forest buffers, fish passage projects and planting underwater grasses that produce oxygen, stabilize sediments and provide habitat for countless species.
  • Trash and debris removal: $77.8 million to strengthen efforts that already clear an average of about 600 tons of debris each year, with innovative approaches like barging for removal.
  • Aquatic life passage: More than $28 million for fish and eel passage improvements and protections at the dam, helping American shad, river herring, and freshwater mussels rebound while reconnecting habitats across the Susquehanna.
  • Freshwater mussel restoration: $23.3 million to build and operate a hatchery that will seed the river with mussels, which, like oysters, are natural filters that clean the water and reduce pollution flowing into the Bay.
  • Dredging: $18.7 million to support additional studies on dredging and related activities.
  • Invasive species management: $9.4 million to control destructive species like snakeheads and blue catfish, protecting the river’s ecosystem and supporting Maryland’s fishing economy.
  • Ongoing: Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association and Waterkeepers Chesapeake have an ongoing role in aspects of the implementation of the certification and settlement agreement.

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