What is the Conowingo Dam settlement dispute about?

A coalition is challenging the water quality certification for the Conowingo Dam, which is tied to a $340 million settlement with its owner, Constellation Energy.

Why is the Clean Chesapeake Coalition appealing the Conowingo Dam certification?

The coalition cites a lack of transparency in negotiations and concerns that the settlement doesn't sufficiently protect the Chesapeake Bay, particularly regarding dredging.

What are the potential consequences of appealing the Conowingo Dam deal?

Appeals could delay the dam's federal operating license, freeze environmental funding, and potentially negate negotiated improvements for the Chesapeake Bay.

Home / Environment / Dam Deal Faces Legal Challenge

Dam Deal Faces Legal Challenge

9 Dec

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Summary

A coalition has appealed the Conowingo Dam's water quality certification.
The appeal threatens a $340 million legal settlement with the dam's owners.
Concerns raised include lack of transparency and inadequate environmental protection.

A coalition representing Eastern Shore counties has administratively appealed Maryland's water quality certification for the Conowingo Dam, potentially derailing a $340 million settlement with Constellation Energy. The Clean Chesapeake Coalition contends that the negotiation process lacked transparency and excluded key stakeholders, leading to an agreement that inadequately addresses critical environmental issues like dredging.

Maryland's Department of the Environment defends the certification, emphasizing the agreement's benefits for Chesapeake Bay initiatives and Constellation's role as a major renewable energy provider. Officials state that discussions were confidential due to ongoing litigation and that public input was considered in 2023, leading to improved provisions for dredging studies.

The appeal could delay Constellation's pursuit of a 50-year operating license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. State officials warn that legal challenges risk halting crucial funding for environmental projects and could lead to the loss of negotiated improvements if federal oversight changes or if the license is issued without Maryland's conditions.