conowingo dam generation schedule
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An area of land that drains into a particular river, lake, bay or other body of water. Period of Record (used in flood Because power is often lost during severe storms, foods that do not require cooking should be kept on hand. That's why in October 2019, the State of Maryland and Constellation reached a historic agreement that will help protect the Chesapeake Bay for decades to come. While the effects of sediment essentially cease once it settles to the bottom, nutrients attached to sediment continue to harm the Bay. When do the Conowingo Dams floodgates open? Should the emergency warrant an evacuation, you would be allowed to return to your homes as soon as emergency personnel have determined that no hazards exist. Only travel if necessary. 
How does Constellation do its part to support the Chesapeake Bay? They lay 1-3 eggs per year and both parents help to incubate the eggs and care for the young. 
Suspended sediment pushed into the water by erosion is one of the biggest impairments to water quality in the Chesapeake Bay. WebConowingo Hydroelectric Generating Station and Muddy Run Pumped Storage Facility provide more than 1,600 megawatts of low-carbon power generation, as well as Delivery of the most recent time-series data will be interrupted during the maintenance period, but will be processed following system restoration. Moreover, 300 American bald eagles gather at the Conowingo Dam annually by Thanksgiving, which they use as a major breeding, nesting, and foraging ground. However, the team concluded that these efforts on their own, in addition to being less cost effective, do not provide sufficient benefits to offset the adverse impact of the dam in the long-term. Constructed in 1928, the Conowingo Dam originally produced 252 megawatts (MW) of power, becoming the second-largest hydroelectric project in the United States after Niagara Falls. The general plant configuration remains the same as the original construction; however, the turbines and generators have been recently refurbished. 1750 Forest Drive Suite 130Annapolis, MD 21401, Tel: (800) YOUR-BAY (968-7229)Fax: (410) 267-5777, 2023 Chesapeake Bay Program All Rights Reserved, reservoir behind the dam had reached 92% capacity. Please park on one side only to provide ample space for emergency vehicles and equipment. 
201860797/18-NT-0152 - May 8, 2018. The hydroelectric power plant is owned and operated by Exelon Corporation and overseen by the Federal Energy Regulatory Chemicals that plants and animals need to grow and survive but, in excess amounts, can harm aquatic environments. The client was also interested in understanding the impact of alternative flow regimes at When nutrients enter rivers and streams from urban, suburban and agricultural runoff, they can attach to particles of sediment. After a major disaster, local resources and emergency personnel may not be able to reach you right away. All Constellation generation facilities employ sophisticated emergency response plans to protect public health and safety. This is especially true during flood conditions, as seen during the summer of 2018 when the Susquehanna River swelled to 10 times its normal level. Emergency preparation can reduce the fear, inconvenience, and loss from a disaster. Please review the information below and take every precaution to keep you and your family safe. Southwestern provides a current day schedule online using the links to the left and by telephone at 866-494-1993 to keep the public informed about estimated generation at the projects from which we schedule power. As a major tourist site in eastern Maryland, the Conowingo Dam and recreation area contribute to Cecil and Harford Counties $21.7 million in tax revenue from tourism in 2018. A lock ( 
They are also known to scavenge carrion (dead animals). In October 2019, the State of Maryland and Constellation reached a historic agreement that will help protect the Chesapeake Bay for decades to come. We all live in a watershed: some are large (like the Chesapeake), while others are small (like your local creek, stream or river). 
Conowingo Hydroelectric Project - Public Comment Period Extended to January 15, 2018. The plan, known as the Conowingo Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP), will detail specific steps each of the seven Bay watershed jurisdictionsDelaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginiawill take in order to offset nutrient and sediment pollution from the dam and restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. Habitat: Bald eagles are found all over North America, but they are most common near large bodies of water, like lakes and rivers.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'ecosystemgardening_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_8',111,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-ecosystemgardening_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'ecosystemgardening_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_9',111,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-ecosystemgardening_com-medrectangle-3-0_1'); .medrectangle-3-multi-111{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:15px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:15px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. Constellations culture and business practices put safety first. Large storm events are predicted to occur every three to four years in the Chesapeake Bay region. WebUnlike intermittent wind and solar generation, Conowingos power is 24/7 and can respond to changes in demand and supply extra energy to the grid within 10 minutes. This marks the third straight year of increasing eel numbers at the dam. If there is a If you have any questions please call 410-378-2121. To comply with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) requirements, we open the dam's crest gates when river conditions require. ;U%GqC As of August 31, 2021, 537,182 American eels have been captured at the Conowingo Dam for transport upstream in 2021. Diet: Bald eagles are carnivores and feed on a variety of prey, including fish, small mammals, and birds. Our employees proudly participate in a variety of charitable activities, such as donations to the local United Way chapters, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Cecil and Harford Counties, the Harford Family House, the Stroud Water Research Center, and the Plumpton Park Zoological Gardens, Inc., among others. Exelon has gone to court to fight the clean-up requirements imposed by Maryland. Elevated levels of the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorous are the main cause of poor water quality in the Chesapeake Bay. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Please prepare. If you live on the water, install living shorelines to stabilize waterfront property without damaging underwater grass beds and other nearshore habitats. Although Constellation voluntarily removes debris from the river, it is not possible to remove all debris flowing toward the dam from the upstream watershed. Bald eagles are some pretty amazing birds, and if youre lucky enough to see one in the wild, its definitely a special moment. The eight-unit power station provides 1,070 megawatts (MW) of electricity Please note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting public health emergency, the public informational hearing previously scheduled for April 2, 2020 was CANCELED. Today, the dam includes 11 turbines and can generate up to 572 1800 Washington Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21230, Conowingo Hydroelectric Project - Second Comment Period - Public Comments Received, Conowingo Hydroelectric Project - Initial Comment Period - Public Comments Received (Post-, Wetlands and Waterways Permits Interactive Search Portal, Clean Water Act Section 401 Certification for the Conowingo Hydroelectric Project/FERC Project No. Friday was good day with quite a few sitting along the nature trail below the boat ramp. More than $12 million to Maryland to support staff resources for oversight and protection of the Chesapeake Bay. Because the reservoir behind the dam is essentially full, it is only trapping sediment in the short term. And every winter I make at least one trip to Conowingo Dam to enjoy observing the many Bald Eagles perched in the trees, on the rocky shore, and in the electric towers that line the Susquehanna River right below the dam. Symbolism: Bald eagles are a symbol of freedom and power in the United States and appear on the countrys seal and currency. If you have any questions please call 410-378-2121. These recreational activities include birdwatching, picnics, photography and more. Every year, the Conowingo Dam provides $273 million in economic benefits to Maryland and its local communities. Located on the lower Susquehanna River in northern Maryland, Conowingo has served as Marylands largest source of clean energy since it began operation in 1928. During a major storm event, 20% to 30% of the sediment that flows into the Bay from the Susquehanna River is from material stored behind Conowingo Dam. Constellation received a 50-year license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on March 19, 2021 to continue operating the Conowingo Dam. The Conowingo Dam continues to play an instrumental role in wildlife conservation. If you have a lawn to take care of, use fertilizers properly: do not use more than needed, and do not apply to dormant lawns or frozen ground. Sediment enters rivers and streams when land, stream banks and shorelines erode. Documents include: 09/17/2012 - Impact of Plant Operations on Migratory Fish Reproduction 2012 Ichthyoplankton Sampling Conowingo RSP 3.21. While the reservoir behind the dam Does the dam contribute to water quality/pollution? Be cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers. The Conowingo Pond, which is created by the dam holding back the water of the Susquehanna River, is used as a public water supply source for the City of Baltimore and Chester Water Authority (CWA). 28.5: Notification level At the time, it was the largest pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant in the world. We live here too, and were good neighbors. During strong storms and severe floods, particles of sediment can be pushed downstream, or scoured from behind the Conowingo Dam. Constellation has a safety behavior observation program and focused initiatives on areas of high risk. WebConowingo Dam Visitor's Center 4948 Conowingo Rd Darlington MD 21034 (410) 457-5011 Claim this business (410) 457-5011 Website More Directions Advertisement Photos Website Well this place is beautiful. Exelon-MD Conowingo Hydroelectric Project Water Quality Certification Application Conowingo Settlement Agreement (PDF) Clean Water Act Section 401 Notification level 9 with 43 to 53 gates open at Conowingo dam. In general, nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous reach the Chesapeake Bay from three sources: wastewater treatment plants; urban, suburban and agricultural runoff; and air pollution. The river flows downstream from New York and Pennsylvania to Maryland, where the Conowingo Dam is located. During busy times, the area can become quite crowded and parking is limited as observers hope to see the eagles grabbing fish from the river. 405, Volume 1: Initial Statement; Exhibit A November 17, 2020 The Conowingo WIP offers a sustainable, long-term solution to the Bays water quality issues by addressing the problem at its source. While it is possible to manage nutrients and sediment behind the dam, researchers have found that reducing upstream nutrient and sediment pollution would be more beneficial to the Bay. Environmental, Social & Governance Resources, Deploying crews to operate overhead cranes and grapple devices, Launching debris skimmer boats to assist with clean up, Sponsoring two major annual events: the Lower Susquehanna Heritage River Sweep and Conowingo Pond clean-up day, where we remove 600 tons of debris and refuse from the river each year, Supporting other groups also focused on bay clean-up efforts, as with our $25,000 donation in 2018 to the Chesapeake Bay Trust to support local debris clean-up efforts after a severe flooding event. $500,000 to fund a feasibility study of dredge material disposal options in and around the Conowingo pond. The Conowingo Hydroelectric Generating Station, or Conowingo Dam, is one of three dams on the lower Susquehanna River. Follow the instructions above and take the following precautions for a flood event: Move belongings from basement, first floor, garage to upper floors for flood event. Specifically, the $200 million in contributions to restore and sustain the Chesapeake Bay include the following initiatives: Restoration and Protection of the Chesapeake Bay. It is used to generate energy for peak demand, which usually occurs during the morning and early evening hours. Planning a trip in the next few weeks. In excess amounts, sediment can cloud the waters of the Bay and its tributaries, blocking sunlight for underwater grasses, covering bottom habitats (such as oyster beds) as it settles and reducing water quality for fish and other aquatic species. The current license for the Conowingo Project was issued on August 14, 1980 and expires on September 1, 2014. For information about dam operations, call 1-888-457-4076 or contact Exelon Energy (http://www.exeloncorp.com/), USGS - National Water Quality Monitoring Network, Interpolated from Digital Elevation Model. 405, Volume 1: Initial Statement; Exhibit A As of 2014, an estimated 174 million tons of sediment are trapped behind the dam with an additional 3 million tons added each year. What you do to prepare now can make a difference. The Chesapeake Bay Program is a unique regional partnership that has led and directed the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay since 1983. WebIn 2018, one of the rainiest falls on record, high water flow forced the opening of Conowingo Dam floodgates and sent large logs and debris down as far as Annapolis, making boat navigation difficult to impossible in some areas. Continued commitments valued at $41 million to address debris accumulation, including an engineering study examining additional methods to divert debris before it reaches the dam, and employment of clamming, skimming, or other equally effective means of debris removal. In addition, our safety peer group identifies successful pilot programs or new practices that can then be adopted by the entire organization. Debris originates upstream from the more than 27,500 miles of tributaries and streams in the Susquehanna River watershed, which flows across New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the Information reported to the hotline in the past has helped to eliminate certain fraudulent activities and protect State resources. Every winter well over 100 Bald Eagles gather at Conowingo Dam, along the lower Susquehanna River in northern Maryland to feast on fish which are sucked through the giant turbines as this dam generates electricity for the Baltimore area. And remember, the park can get crowded during the weekends, so consider a weekday visit. The report concluded that management and mitigation of nutrients and sediment upstream of the reservoir would be more beneficial to Bay health than attempting to manage sediment at the dam through dredging, bypassing or operational changes. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Nesting: Bald eagles build large nests, often referred to as eyries, in tall trees near water. Conowingo Hydroelectric Project - Public Hearing Announcement for December 5, 2017 (Announcement dated October 13, 2017), Conowingo Hydroelectric Project - Second Comment Period - Public Comments Received (Post-October 13, 2017), Conowingo Hydroelectric Project - Initial Comment Period - Public Comments Received (Post-July 10, 2017), Public Notice of August 8, 2017 - Conowingo Hydroelectric Project - Public Comment Period Extended through August 23, 2017, Public Notice of July 10, 2017 - Conowingo Hydroelectric Project - Exelon Application for Water Quality Certification, Cover Letter and Application Dated May 17, 2017, Final Multi-Project Environmental Impact Statement for Hydropower Projects: York Haven, Muddy Run, and Conowingo, Application for New License for Major Water Power Project - Exisiting Dam Vol 1 of 4, Final Study Report: Seasonal and Diurnal Water Quality in Conowingo Pond and Below Conowingo Dam RSP 3.1, Final Study Report: Instream Flow Habitat Assessment Below Conowingo Dam RSP 3.16, Final Study Report: Impact of Plant Operation on Migratory Fish Reproduction RSP 3.21, Analysis of the 2010 American Shad Radio Telemetry Animations RSP 3.5, Upstream Fish Passage Effectiveness Study RSP 3.5, Administrative Appeal of Final Decision to Issue Clean Water Act Section 401 Certification for the Conowingo Hydroelectric Project (6/8/2018) - Stewards of the Lower Susquehanna, d/b/a Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, and Waterkeepers Chesapeake. Whoever Said You Cant See Birds in Winter is Wrong, Bald Eagles Spend Winter at Conowingo Dam. 08/30/2012 - Application for New License for Major Water Power Project-Existing Dam: Conowingo Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. WebA water release schedule for the Conowingo Dam can be obtained by calling Exelon Energys Conowingo Generation Hotline at 888-457-4076. As energy demand decreases at night, the units are reversed and used as pumps to fill the upper reservoir for subsequent peak-demand periods. Secure propane tanks, gas jugs and oil tanks. Debris originates upstream from the more than 27,500 miles of tributaries and streams in the Susquehanna River watershed, flowing down through New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Initiatives on areas of high risk Bay since 1983 support staff resources for oversight and of... The upper reservoir for subsequent peak-demand periods identifies successful pilot programs or New practices that can then be by! 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