MARYLAND TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (MDTA) has submitted the Joint Federal/State Application for the alteration of any Floodplain Waterway or Tidal Wetland in Maryland, with associated plans and forms, to obtain authorization for construction of pier protections at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. In addition, a Water Quality Certification (WQC) request was submitted to the Department. Two public informational hearings will be held for this project. Enclosed is a description of the proposed work, associated plans, and notice for Public Hearings to provide oral testimony.
Project Details:
The project will include construction of a protection system to the piers closest to the main navigation spans that accommodate inbound and outbound vessel traffic in the federal navigation channel. The protection structures are designed to protect the Chesapeake Bay Bridge against vessel impacts, mainly the four towers supporting the main spans of the Eastbound and Westbound Bay Bridges adjacent to the federal navigation channel. The total proposed permanent impacts are 147,280 square feet of fill (3.38 acres) within State tidal waters. Mitigation for impacts to the Chesapeake Bay resulting in loss of open water may be assessed.
Below are the proposed project plans:
Project information can be found at MDTA’s Project Page: https://mdta.maryland.gov/BayBridgeProtection
Hearing Details:
Two public informational hearings will be held to gather testimony and information to assist the MDE in its evaluation of applications for a Tidal Wetlands License.
Testimony and Comments: Statements in support of or in opposition to this project may be presented orally during the hearing (either in person or virtually) or submitted in writing. For instructions on written testimony, please refer to the "How to Submit Comments" section below.
Accessibility and Accommodations: The physical meeting location is accessible to individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require a reasonable accommodation or a language interpreter to participate in either the in-person or virtual session, please contact MDE at
[email protected] or call 410-537-3152 (MD Relay TTY: 7-1-1). Requests should be made at least five (5) business days prior to the meeting date.
Anne Arundel County Hearing Schedule
Date: Monday, April 20, 2026
Location: Anne Arundel Community College, Arnold Campus, 101 College Pkwy, Arnold, MD 21012
Poster Session: 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Hearing: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM (hearing may be extended past 8:00 PM if members of the public are still present who have not provided oral testimony and are interested in providing oral testimony)
Public Comment Closing Date: April 30, 2026
Queen Anne's County Hearing Schedule
Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026
Location: Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department, 1610 Main St., Chester, MD 21619
Poster Session: Chester, MD 21619
Hearing: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM (hearing may be extended past 8:00 PM if members of the public are still present who have not provided oral testimony and are interested in providing oral testimony)
Public Comment Closing Date: April 30, 2026
How to Submit Comments:
If you cannot attend the hearing or prefer to submit your comments in writing, please do so by April 30, 2026. In order for your comments to be considered they need to be submitted prior to the end of the comment period. Please be sure to include the Tracking Number (202561639) on any correspondence. Please direct your comments to the appropriate project manager based on your topic.
- By Email or Phone: Send to [email protected] or Call (410) 537-3745
- By Mail: Send to the address below:
Maryland Department of the EnvironmentAttention: Ed Tinney / T#: 202561639
1800 Washington Boulevard, Suite 430
Baltimore, MD 21230
Your comments, those of other interested parties, and resource agencies will be considered by MDE to determine whether to issue, modify, or deny the State authorizations. Anyone who submits a comment will be added to the interested persons list and will receive mailed or emailed updates regarding the final permit decisions.
