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.
Related Articles This Week - Watersheds:
-- Coalition For The Delaware River Watershed Celebrates $17.3 Million In National Fish & Wildlife Foundation Grants To Improve The Health Of The Delaware River Watershed [PaEN]
-- Southwestern PA Water Network Hosts Sept. 28 Confluence At Mingo Creek - A Celebration Of Watersheds In PA's Ohio River Watershed [PaEN]
-- 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]
-- Interfaith Partners For The Chesapeake Bay Hosts 3-Part Online Faithfull Green Leaders Training Program Starting Oct. 14 [PaEN]
-- Lancaster Clean Water Partners Host Oct. 21 MS4 Stormwater Forum In Manheim [PaEN]
-- Middle Susquehanna RiverKeeper Special Report: Local Experts All Agree, Hellbenders Need Better Protection - Sign The Petition To Protect The Hellbender [PaEN]
-- National Museum Of Industrial History Hosts Immersive VR Experiences On Industrial History For Lehigh Watershed Explorers Starting Sept. 21 [PaEN]
NewsClips:
-- Communications Earth & Environment Journal: Treating Abandoned Mine Drainage Can Protect Streams Cost Effectively And Benefit Vulnerable Communities [Pennsylvania Program] - By University of Pittsburgh, Kenyon College
-- Kleinfelder: Morris Run Active Abandoned Mine Drainage Treatment Facility To Benefit Water Quality In Tioga River
-- Save The Date! Shamokin Creek Restoration Alliance, Bucknell University To Host Abandoned Mine Pools As Beneficial Resource Conference June 4 - 5, 2025
-- Schuylkill Action Network Newsletter Highlights Work Group Updates; Upcoming Events; Partner Resources; Healthy Lands Week; Grant Opportunities
-- Positive Energy Hub: CNX Resources & EIP Offer Environmental Credits Through Blacksville Stream And Wetland Mitigation Bank
[Posted: September 18, 2024] PA Environment Digest
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