27 Sep 2016

Corps of Engineers awards contract to resume oyster restoration in Tred Avon River

The Baltimore District awarded an approximately $1-million contract Sept. 26, 2016, to Blue Forge LLC to construct oyster reefs in the Tred Avon River Oyster Sanctuary in Talbot County. Eight acres of reef are planned for construction using mixed shell with the option for an additional 10 acres. Work will occur between December 2016 and March 2017. The Oyster Advisory Committee recommended Aug. 1, 2016, that the Corps and non-federal sponsor Maryland Department of Natural Resources continue oyster restoration in the Tred Avon River after an initial delay was requested in December 2015 to review restoration progress.

19 Jul 2016

Corps of Engineers, DNR request comments on oyster restoration in shallower waters in Tred Avon River

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District (Corps), and non-federal sponsor Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MD DNR) have initiated a public review, July 19, 2016, on oyster restoration into shallower water depths than are currently allowed in the Tred Avon River Oyster Sanctuary in Talbot County. This work supports large-scale oyster restoration efforts in the Chesapeake Bay, as part of the Native Oyster Restoration Master Plan (2012) that was developed in coordination with several federal and state agencies.

29 Apr 2016

Army Corps of Engineers proposes new process improvements for oyster aquaculture in Chesapeake Bay – seeks feedback

The Regulatory Branch is requesting comments on proposed changes to the current aquaculture permitting process in Maryland. Proposed changes include allowing unlimited project acreage for qualifying aquaculture activities and a concurrent application review process with Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

10 Mar 2016

Final report released analyzing sediment and pollution flow impacts to Chesapeake Bay from Conowingo Dam

The final Lower Susquehanna River Watershed Assessment (LSRWA) report is now available. The draft report was released for public comment Nov. 13, 2014. The report concludes that following through on the blueprint to clean up the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries will have a much greater and longer-lasting effect on water quality than addressing the Conowingo Dam's reduced capacity to trap sediment. However, if the additional nutrient and sediment load impacts from the Conowingo Dam are not addressed, Bay water-quality standards will not be met by 2025 in three mid-Bay segments - even with full watershed implementation plan achievement.

2 Feb 2016

Oyster restoration delayed in the Tred Avon River

The Baltimore District announced Feb. 2, 2016, that it has delayed oyster restoration in the Tred Avon River at the request of its non-federal cost-share sponsor, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. This delay affects 8 acres of reef restoration that was part of an initial 24-acre project performed in spring 2015. Additionally, the delay will impact 20 - 30 acres of shallow-water reef restoration planned for a contract award in summer 2016 with construction taking place in winter 2016/2017. As a result of this delay, the Baltimore District plans to send a portion of its available oyster restoration funding in 2016 to the Corps’ Norfolk District for Bay restoration in Virginia.

6 May 2015

Corps of Engineers, partners start oyster restoration in the Tred Avon River, as restoration in Harris Creek nears completion

Baltimore District and partners began constructing oyster reefs in the Tred Avon River, April 30, 2015, just as restoration on 370 acres wraps up in Harris Creek. These efforts are part of the Maryland statewide oyster restoration program that identifies tributaries in the Chesapeake Bay for restoration.

13 Jan 2015

Oyster restoration efforts continue in the Chesapeake Bay

BALTIMORE - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and partners resumed oyster restoration in Harris