Maryland strikes deal with Exelon to improve water quality in Susquehanna River, Chesapeake Bay

The State of Maryland has struck an agreement with Exelon Generation to improve water quality in the Lower Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay.

Through the agreement, Exelon will invest more than $200 million in environmental projects and operational enhancements for those two bodies of water. It settles Exelon’s legal challenges to the water quality certification issued in 2018 by Maryland under the Clean Water Act. It removes the prospect of years of litigation and delay and sets the stage for immediate water quality benefits.

“Our administration has committed an historic $5 billion toward wide-ranging bay initiatives and taken bold and aggressive steps to address the challenges posed by pollution, sediment, and debris at the Conowingo Dam,” Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said. “This settlement is a significant and positive step in the right direction, and with the cooperation of Exelon and upstream states, we can continue making progress in our efforts to preserve and protect this great national treasure.”

Of that $200 million, $52 million will be used to implement new requirements for flow control in the Lower Susquehanna River, which will result in enhancements to aquatic life. Another $47 million will be allocated for climate resiliency projects, including submerged aquatic vegetation, clams, oysters, and restoration of living shorelines. Additionally, $41 million will be deployed to remove trash and debris flowing down the Susquehanna River, while $25 million will be used to restore the population of water-filtering mussels in the Susquehanna River. Part of that will go toward the contribution of land to construct a 40,000 square foot hatchery.

Also, $19 million will be used to improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay, $12 million will be allocated to support the Department of Natural Resources in overseeing and implementing the agreement, and $11 million will be deployed⁠ to help improve the passage of migrating fish and eels.

“This agreement charts a bold course for clean water and climate resiliency in the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay,” Maryland Environment Secretary Ben Grumbles said. “This comprehensive, enforceable commitment by Exelon is part of Maryland’s holistic strategy to improve water quality and accelerate the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay.”