Md. Plans To Deny Conowingo Power Dam Permit
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- The Maryland Department of the Environment says it plans to deny Exelon Corp.'s application to renew its water-quality permit for the Conowingo hydroelectric dam on the Susquehanna River.
The agency said Wednesday that the Chicago-based company hasn't fully supported its contention that the dam's reduced ability to trap sediment is harming the Chesapeake Bay, about 10 miles downstream.
The agency will hold a hearing Jan. 7 before making a decision.
The dam became an issue during the governor's race. Republican Gov.-elect Larry Hogan largely blamed the dam for bay pollution. He belittled state and federal efforts to reduce sediment build-up by controlling runoff.
The Army Corps of Engineers concluded last week that dredging the river upstream could cost billions of dollars and have relatively little effect on the bay.
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