A recent column in the York Sunday News ("Seeking to lessen impacts of the Conowingo Dam on the bay," July 19) by Michael Helfrich vastly understated the environmental benefits of the Conowingo Dam, and misrepresented the larger issue of sedimentation along the Susquehanna River. As the operator of the dam, we'd like to provide some clarity on these issues.
The Conowingo Dam has been a source of clean, reliable energy for thousands of residents and businesses in the region for more than 80 years, preventing 6.5 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year as an alternative to coal power - the equivalent of taking 1.2 million cars off the road. It also provides prime breeding, nesting and foraging grounds for the American Bald Eagle and helps migratory and native fish travel over the dam to spawn in the Susquehanna each year.
The dam captures two million tons of sediment annually, preventing it from entering the upper Chesapeake Bay. The dam also traps and removes 600 tons of logs and other debris from upriver every year.
Helfrich fails to mention many of these environmental benefits in his piece. However, he correctly notes that the regional sedimentation created by farm field erosion, industrial operations, construction and residents along the Susquehanna watershed would have entered the bay years ago, were the dam not in place. Contrary to Helfrich's position, the dam is preventing sediment deposition to the Bay from upstream sources, not causing it.
We also do not believe in the false choice he presents of either "doing nothing" or that taxpayers will pay for a resolution. Sedimentation is a regional issue and addressing its removal and management requires a holistic approach. The NASA satellite images of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay following recent hurricanes bolster the viewpoint that this is a regional issue that requires a regional solution.
That's why Exelon Generation has provided funding and data for a comprehensive study of the Susquehanna River's sediment flow and ways to manage the sediment behind the dams in the lower Susquehanna River, conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the state of Maryland. Working together, we believe we will achieve a comprehensive, long-term solution to the issue of sedimentation.
Further, we want to emphasize that sediment management should be based on scientific data and peer-reviewed studies. The dam is a vital, cherished resource and its continued operation is critical to providing clean energy and environmental stewardship for the region.
Vicky Will is vice president of Exelon Generation Environmental Services.
