Conowingo Dam no longer holding back pollution

The Conowingo Dam in northern Maryland is about five miles from the Pennsylvania border and 10 miles from the Chesapeake Bay on the Susquehanna River. . (Photo: JESSICA WILDE/CAPITAL NEWS SERVICE)

Scientists say the Conowingo Dam is no longer holding back pollution in the Susquehanna River from entering the Chesapeake Bay.

The Baltimore Sun is reporting that Gov. Larry Hogan will announce a plan to make progress at the dam, based on proposals the state has received from private industry.

Hogan told the newspaper he will seek a contractor next month to deal with the sediment and dissolved phosphorous and nitrogen pollution that erodes the health of the nation’s largest estuary.

The governor also says he’ll convene a summit to discuss the issue.

The Sun reports that a dozen companies responded to Hogan’s call for innovative ideas to save money on the project.