Maryland and the Exelon Corporation have recently announced a settlement that will dictate Conowingo Dam operations for the next 50 years and that falls far short of the state’s originally stated requirements. Water flowing over the dam has contributed significantly to water pollution in the Bay and to aquatic habitat destruction. This is a once in a generation decision that will affect taxpayers, watermen, homeowners, and recreational users on the Eastern Shore’s waterways.
The Conservancy sent comments citing shortfalls in the proposed settlement to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and to Governor Hogan.
For more information on the agreement, see https://www.bayjournal.com/article/exelon_agrees_to_200_million_settlement_for_impact_of_conowingo_dam. For information on the agreement’s shortcoming see www.shorerivers.org.