The Conowingo Dam pictured on Oct. 2, 2025, the day that Maryland and Constellation announced a revised water quality certification for the hydroelectric dam, and a $340 million legal settlement. (Photo by Christine Condon/ Maryland Matters)
A coalition representing at least two Eastern Shore counties has appealed the water quality certification Maryland issued to the Conowingo Dam in September, potentially threatening a $340 million settlement with the dam’s owners.
The Clean Chesapeake Coalition’s administrative appeal, filed Nov. 14 with the Maryland Department of the Environment, argues that the years of contentious negotiations that led to the settlement were conducted behind closed doors, freezing out groups like the coalition. That has enraged the county leaders backing Clean Chesapeake’s complaint…