On February 25, Maryland Environmental Service (MES) issued a notice of intent to award a contract to Northgate Dutra JV for a demonstration project in the Conowingo reservoir.
Key facts about the pilot project include:
The NOI was issued as a result of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Conowingo Sediment Characterization and Innovative Reuse and Beneficial Use Pilot Project that was released by MES in July 2018.
The 2019 pilot project, to be managed by MES, will include dredging up to 1,000 cubic yards of sediment, innovative or beneficial reuse of the removed material, and a sediment characterization study.
Under the pilot project, Northgate-Dutra JV will identify solutions for addressing nutrient and sediment inputs to the Chesapeake Bay, including identifying reuse options for sediment accumulated in the Maryland portion of the Conowingo reservoir.
The total cost of the pilot project is projected at approximately $3 million, and is expected to be substantially complete in 2019.
Statement from MES CEO Roy McGrath: “Under Governor Hogan, the State of Maryland has taken unprecedented steps to protect the health of the Chesapeake Bay, including the need to develop a long-term plan to address the urgent challenges of the Conowingo Dam and Reservoir. With this step today, we believe we can begin to determine the nature of the material behind the dam, point to effective ways to use or dispose of the material, and achieve solutions to a critical and urgent environmental challenge.”
