Historic Conowingo Dam Agreement
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Over a decade ago, Waterkeepers Chesapeake and Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association made a commitment to local communities and other stakeholders that a certification that meets enforceable water quality standards would be included in the 50-year federal license for the operation of Conowingo Dam. On October 2, Governor Moore announced a historic agreement with the owner of the Conowingo Dam that includes commitments, valued at over $340 million, to cleaner water and continued progress in the restoration of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay.
Constellation agrees to fund and implement operational improvements and environmental projects to meet enforceable water quality standards by reducing and mitigating the impacts associated with the dam’s discharge and operation on the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The agreement – negotiated over the past year and a half in partnership with Waterkeepers Chesapeake and Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association – clears the way for the re-licensing and continued operation of the dam.
This agreement is not the end of our efforts, but rather the beginning of an important new chapter for the Susquehanna River, the Chesapeake Bay and the many rivers impacted by the surges of pollution from the dam. [Read Sassafras Riverkeeper Zack Kelleher’s take on the agreement.] Waterkeepers Chesapeake and Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper look forward to providing oversight and working in partnership with the state and Constellation on the implementation of this important agreement.
We invite you to make a donation today to keep the fight for clean water going!
Click here to read more!
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Thank you, MOM’s Organic Market!
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We’re sending a big thank you to MOM’s Organic Market for hosting the recent Watershed Cleanup Donation Day and to everyone who shopped to support it! Thanks to MOM’s generosity, 5% of the day’s sales from select locations were donated to local watershed groups (that’s us!).
Shoutout to all the eco-champions who visited the Frederick, Rockville, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, MD stores plus Van Ness in DC. Your support made a real impact, and we’re so grateful.
Together, we’re helping keep our local waterways clean and healthy.
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Protectors of the Water: Inside Tier III Water Quality Monitoring Across the Chesapeake Bay
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Dive into the hidden world of community science reaching new heights, discover how the top-tier “Tier III” water quality monitoring programs across the Chesapeake Bay watershed aren’t just collected data they are fueling policy, empowering neighborhoods, and transforming streams into big change. Meet the Waterkeeper organizations leading charge, learn how your streams, rivers and tributaries could help rewrite environmental history, and see why every drop actually does tell a story.
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Waterkeepers Condemn EPA’s Decision to Halt Rulemaking to Reduce Water Pollution from Slaughterhouses
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In September, the EPA announced the agency will abandon its effort to modernize outdated and grossly inadequate water pollution control standards for slaughterhouses and rendering facilities, letting industry pass the significant costs of their pollution onto the public. These facilities are the largest industrial source of phosphorus and second largest industrial source of nitrogen pollution, fueling toxic algal blooms, creating “dead zones” devoid of oxygen, contaminating drinking water supplies, and leaving waterways unsafe for swimming and fishing. This rule is being challenged.
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We’re Part of the 2025 Combined Federal Campaign!
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We’re thrilled to share that we’re once again participating in the 2025 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), the official workplace giving campaign for federal employees and retirees. This fall, you’ll find us in the CFC charity list under code #31891.
We also want to take a moment to acknowledge the challenges facing so many right now. We’re fully aware of the uncertainty caused by the federal government shutdown, and we deeply empathize with the difficult position it’s placed on countless individuals and families
If you’re in a position to give, we would be honored to have your support. But more than anything, we’re grateful for your continued commitment to public service and to the communities we all care about.
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Around the Watershed
Waterkeepers host events all year long — from paddling trips and river clean ups to webinars and rallies. We invite you to check out the calendar of events to sign up for something neat you!
Hybank River Supply Company has created a series of limited-edition prints featuring locally known and loved landmarks throughout the Bay inspired by travel posters of the ’60s and ’70s. Proceeds from your purchase of these beautiful posters will support us! Shop today!
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©Copyright 2025 WATERKEEPERS® Chesapeake
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