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Friday, November 14, 2014

Scientists: Conowingo Sludge Not The Sole Solution To Bay Pollution

Spending billions of dollars to dredge millions of tons of sediment behind dams near the head of the Chesapeake Bay won't significantly reduce bay pollution, according to a study released today.

The study, a combined report by state and federal groups, found most of the pollution coming from the Susquehanna River originates upstream of the Conowingo and other dams. Sediment reaching those dams contribute to bay pollution because the dams can't trap as much sediment and nutrients as in the past.

The study looked at several models to reduce sediment pollution flushing from the bay.

One scenario would be an annual maintenance dredge to remove 3 million square yards of sediment, the amount that collects behind the dam annually. The costs range from $48 to $267 million per year.

Another plan would remove 25 million tons of sediment, leaving the same amount of sediment found behind the dam in 1996. That would cost between $496 million to $3 billion, the study found. 

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4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Charge the polluters for the annual dredging - not the citizens downstream!

Governor-Elect Hogan, are you listening!

Anonymous said...

Why is it OK just because it only effects a small portion of the upper bay? Even if the study is spot on (and when are they ever?), I don't think any part of the bay should be sacrificed!

Anonymous said...

I love those estimates! As a Contractor, my bid to build you a 1,200 square foot house on your lot, 3 bedroom, 2 bath rancher will be between $48,000 ans $267,000!

Okay, sir, where do I sign?

REALLY?????

Where do I get customers like this? I'll move there!

Anonymous said...

Pennsylvania uses the Susquehanna as a dumping ground. That is where something needs to be done. EPA? Useless.