On September 18, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission announced it is now accepting a second round of nutrient pollution reduction project proposals as part of the Conowingo Dam Pay-for-Success water pollution reduction program.  The deadline for proposals is December 16.

In the first round, the Commission, acting as financing authority, offered $11 million provided by the state of Maryland to seven projects that meet nutrient reduction goals of the Conowingo Watershed Implementation Plan.

The CWIP addresses nutrient loads entering the Chesapeake Bay as a result of Conowingo Dam reaching its trapping capacity.

It has been determined that the reservoir has reached dynamic equilibrium and is no longer preventing a portion of the pollutant load from flowing downstream.

“The ‘pay-for-success’ model combines innovative financial and scientific approaches to achieve Chesapeake Bay restoration goals,” said SRBC Executive Director Andrew Dehoff. “By providing funding for verified environmental outcomes only upon demonstration of successful implementation, we can be sure Maryland gets its true money’s worth, and the Bay gets real restoration results.” 

The process is a “reverse auction” where restoration projects with measured and validated nitrogen reductions propose a cost per pound in the application process.

Maryland is seeking the most cost-effective reductions. Projects anywhere in the Susquehanna River Basin are eligible, with additional prioritization given to ones located in Harford and Cecil Counties, Maryland.

The competitive process yielded impressive contemporary approaches with nitrogen reductions priced as low as $6 per pound in round one.

Through the program, Maryland is able to finance projects across state boundaries within the Susquehanna River Basin and count those nutrient reductions against its CWIP obligations.

Applicant Webinar

An informational webinar will be held for potential applicants on October 9 from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.  Click Here to register.

To apply for funding, visit SRBC’s Application Materials webpage for all the details.  Questions should be directed to: ConowingoWIP@srbc.gov.

To learn more, visit SRBC’s Conowingo Dam Pay-for-Success webpage.

Click Here for the complete announcement.

For more information on programs, training opportunities and upcoming events, visit the Susquehanna River Basin Commission website.  Click Here to sign up for SRBC’s newsletter.   Follow SRBC on Twitter, visit them on YouTube.

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-- Susquehanna River Basin Commission Invites 2nd Round Of Nutrient Pollution Reduction Proposals As Part Of Conowingo Dam 'Pay-for-Success' Program; Webinar Set For Oct. 9  [PaEN]

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-- National Museum Of Industrial History Hosts Immersive VR Experiences On Industrial History For Lehigh Watershed Explorers Starting Sept. 21  [PaEN]

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[Posted: September 18, 2024]

9/23/2024