McEachin Statement on Sediment Level at Conowingo Dam

RICHMOND – Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) issued this statement following reports that the Conowingo Dam, which blocks sediment in the Susquehanna River from entering the Bay, has used up 95 percent of its capacity to trap dangerous chemicals and excessive nutrients:

“Now more than ever, we know that Chesapeake Bay cleanup efforts must be fully funded in the Environmental Protection Agency’s fiscal year 2018 budget. Thanks to updated technology, scientists discovered that the reservoir behind the Conowingo Dam will cease to effectively trap sediment 15 years sooner than previously estimated. Virginia and neighboring states have invested significant sums to support the Bay’s cleanup efforts because a clean and healthy Bay is critical to our economy, public health, and quality of life. If we fail to address this problem, that progress will be undone — at terrible cost to our fisheries, tourism and recreation, and countless other industries that depend on the Bay.

“The federal government must remain committed to a clean Bay. That means continuing to adequately fund existing cleanup efforts, and it means devoting new resources and setting more aggressive goals in the face of unexpected challenges like the silt-up at Conowingo. The states that share ownership of the treasured Bay need a willing, proactive, and adequately-resourced federal partner. Though this news is discouraging, our existing Chesapeake Bay cleanup efforts have already shown that progress is possible. For us here in Virginia and in the 4th Congressional District, a healthy Chesapeake Bay keeps our families and economy strong. I will continue to champion funding and programming that will lead to a cleaner, safer, and healthier Bay now and in the future.”

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Contact: Jamitress Bowden
(202) 225-6365