Latest news with #MarylandDNR
CBS News
18-07-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Oxygen levels in Maryland's Chesapeake Bay decline after heavy rain in May, data shows
The Chesapeake Bay saw historically low oxygen levels in June, after heavy rain in May, according to data from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). According to a DNR report, the low oxygen levels led to hypoxia in the bay, which happens when the water has less than 2 mg/l of oxygen. An increase in hypoxia levels can impact fish and crabs that live in the water. The hypoxia increase in the Chesapeake Bay was reported between early and late June. However, no hypoxia was recorded in May. In the past 41 years, there were only nine times when hypoxia was not seen in May, according to the DNR. Data shows hypoxia increased from below average levels in early June to above average in late June. It comes after heavy rainfall in Maryland and Pennsylvania during May and hot temperatures during June. According to the DNR, heavy rainfall can lead to lower oxygen levels as runoff pushes excess nutrients into the Chesapeake Bay. This can impact algal blooms and reduce the clarity of the water. The regional weather patterns fueled algal blooms and resulted in less oxygen consumption. Temperatures also impact hypoxia levels as warmer water holds less oxygen. Data shows hypoxia in the Bay was triple the normal average in late June, the largest volume of hypoxia seen in Maryland since the monitoring program began. The increase in hypoxia levels can impact wildlife in the Chesapeake Bay, as crabs, fish, oysters and other animals need the dissolved oxygen to live. According to the DNR, some watermen reported finding dead crabs in shallow water in early July. An analysis found that winds between July 1 and July 4 likely pushed water east, allowing low oxygen levels to come closer to the surface in some locations. The DNR is studying the level and duration of hypoxia in the Bay to determine specific impacts to wildlife. DNR officials also emphasized that reducing phosphorus pollution from industrial and wastewater runoff, farms and cities could reduce hypoxia conditions in the Bay.
USA Today
05-02-2025
- Business
- USA Today
What will Maryland's new Francis Scott Key Bridge look like? See the design here
Jack Bowman Capital News Service Gov. Wes Moore unveiled the design for the new Francis Scott Key Bridge on Tuesday. Maryland is the bridge between America and the rest of the world,' Moore said at an event announcing the new design. Gov. Wes Moore unveiled the design for the new Francis Scott Key Bridge on Tuesday, predicting full funding from the federal government for a project he says is 'not about nostalgia' but rather necessity. The new design of the bridge, which would be taller than the previous iteration, comes less than a year after its devastating collapse last March. "Maryland is the bridge between America and the rest of the world," Moore said at an event announcing the new design. "This will be the place that the country will remember not just what resilience looks like, but what economic growth looks like." New guidelines for hunters:As bird flu spreads on Eastern Shore, Maryland DNR issues guidelines to hunters Is funding for Francis Scott Key Bridge project in peril? Moore and his administration are confident the federal government will remain committed to funding the project, even as President Donald Trump's administration rolls back countless initiatives put forth by former President Joe Biden. In the waning days of Biden's presidency, Congress passed a spending bill that included full funding of the Key Bridge rebuild. "We were able to get full funding from the federal government, 100% cost share, because there was both Democrat and Republican support in order to make that happen," Moore said. "We expect the continued bipartisan support in order to complete the project." Perdue Stadium improvements:Wicomico County, Delmarva Shorebirds break ground on Perdue Stadium improvements When is new Francis Scott Key Bridge expected to be completed? According to Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller, pre-construction work has already begun, with demolition of the remains of the old bridge set for the spring. "A road is never just a road," Miller said. "A bridge is never just a bridge. Transportation is a force of freedom." The new bridge is projected to be finished in 2028. State of the County for Washington:Washington County highlights road projects, foreign trade zones and emergency services
