Exelon Schuylkill River Watershed Restoration Program

The Exelon Schuylkill River Watershed Restoration Program resulted from the DRBC's October 27, 2004 decision to approve Exelon's application for an opportunity to demonstrate that greater operational flexibility with respect to cooling water needs at its Limerick Generating Station (LGS) would not cause negative environmental impacts to the Schuylkill River.  Moreover, less usage of Delaware River water could be realized.

"The commission believes this is a unique opportunity to not only work with a company in a regulatory program to ensure protection of our precious water resources while providing it with the flexibility to conduct its operations in a more efficient manner, but also to get critically needed funds to assist in the restoration of a watershed," DRBC Executive Director Carol R. Collier said.

According to Docket No. D-69-210 CP (FINAL) (Revision 12), Exelon's contribution to the fund is based on the amount of water that is not required to be pumped from the Delaware River for cooling purposes at its nuclear-powered LGS located in Montgomery County, Pa. during the demonstration period, which is set to expire no later than 2008.

In 2005, there was a reduction of 2.63 billion gallons of water withdrawn from the Delaware River during the first year of the demonstration project and the subsequent generation of nearly $160,000 for the Schuylkill River Watershed Restoration Program. In 2006, there was a reduction of 4.519 billion gallons of water withdrawn from the Delaware River during the second year of the demonstration project and the subsequent generation of about $270,000 for the Restoration Program.

The docket language states that Exelon will make its fund payments to a non-profit or not-for-profit organization of its choosing, which will oversee, manage, and administer the restoration program.  The restoration program monies are to be used solely for the purpose of supporting projects in the Schuylkill River Basin that are consistent with restoration and water management goals for the Schuylkill River.  

On January 17, 2006, Exelon announced that the Schuylkill River Heritage Area (SRHA) was its choice to oversee the Schuylkill River Watershed Restoration Program. SRHA is a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting communities, organizations, and citizens of the Schuylkill River region to preserve and sustain their cultural heritage and natural environment for future generations.

A committee comprised of representatives from the DRBC, Exelon, SRHA, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and Philadelphia Water Department review grant applications and select the recipients; additionally, the docket states that selected recipients are subject to the approval of DRBC's executive director prior to the distribution of funds.

In August 2006, three projects were chosen to receive grants from funds generated in 2005; the projects that were chosen focused on agricultural improvements, streambank restoration, and headwaters protection.

In August 2007, another three projects were chosen to be funded through the Restoration Program. These selected projects will help correct water quality problems resulting from agricultural runoff, eroding streambanks, and acid mine drainage. Click here to view the news release on 2007 grant announcement event.

For more information about the restoration fund, including how to apply for a grant, please review the guidelines that are now available on the SRHA's web site.

Limerick Generating Station Water Supply Modification and Wadesville Demonstration Projects Information

Docket No. D-69-210 CP (FINAL) (Revision 12)
(Adobe Reader is required to view)