The Susquehanna River is the third most endangered river in the United States, according to the national America’s Rivers organization.

America’s Most Endangered Rivers is a list of rivers at a crossroads, where key decisions in the coming months will determine the rivers’ fates.

The American Rivers report identifies the 10 most threatened waterways in the country and highlights the urgent need for conservation, greater efficiency, and better management of water resources to prevent further harm to river health, wildlife, fish and recreation.

The report on the Susquehanna River said, “The Susquehanna River is a vital resource and economic engine for communities, and a major influence on the overall health of the Chesapeake Bay.

“The Susquehanna is threatened by pollution, but is also imperiled by the Conowingo Hydroelectric Dam, which alters river flow, blocks fish and impacts water quality. The Exelon Corporation is seeking to renew its federal license to operate Conowingo, and Maryland has the authority to require that the dam meet state water quality standards before a new license can be issued.

“However, a bill pending in Congress, H.R. 8, would take away Maryland’s authority to hold Exelon accountable for pollution, putting the Susquehanna River further at risk.”

For more information, visit the American Rivers 10 Most Endangered Rivers report.

For more information about the Pennsylvania strategy to restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay, visit Agriculture’s Strategy for the Chesapeake Bay webpage and the DEP Chesapeake Bay webpage.

For more on Chesapeake Bay-related issues in Pennsylvania, visit the CBF-PA webpage.  Click Here to sign up for Pennsylvania updates (bottom of left column).  Click Here for a copy of CBF-PA’s most recent newsletter.

NewsClips:

Crable: Susquehanna Named 3rd Most Endangered River

Susquehanna River Back On Watchdog Group’s Endangered List

Susquehanna Lands Back On Most Endangered Rivers List

Related Stories:

Dams On Susquehanna Are Undoing Progress In Reducing Pollution To Chesapeake Bay

Coalition Emerges To Support Farmers In Effort To Clean Up Chesapeake Bay

DEP Announces Settlement To Resolve Violations At York County Far+$20,000 Fine

First Annual Chesapeake Bay Watershed Awareness Week June 4-12

Chesapeake Bay Commission Gets Milestone Update, What Will PA Do?

CBF-PA: Lack Of Funding For Farmers Defeats Effort To Meet Clean Water Commitment

CBF-PA: Wolf’s Budget Proposal Lacks Adequate Funding For Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Plan

Budget Hearing: DEP: State Can’t Cut Its Way To A Better Environment

4/18/2016