Photo Credit: rendering courtesy of MDTA
At approximately 1:30 a.m. on March 26, 2024, a cargo ship leaving the Port of Baltimore struck the (I-695) Francis Scott Key Bridge and caused the structure to collapse.
Since that moment, state government has been focused on recovery operations, clearing the channel, re-opening the Port of Baltimore, and rebuilding the bridge. The Department of Environment serves in a support role with the primary responsibility of ensuring that our land, air and waterways are protected throughout the process.
When the cargo ship Dali first struck the bridge, our Emergency Response Division was dispatched to assess and mitigate any potential spills of fuel, oil or hazardous materials. We performed water quality sampling of the area of the Patapsco River to confirm there were no major impacts to the waterway. We assisted with establishing a transfer station to process debris and dredging materials. As the process continues to replace the structure, the Department will ensure that environmental protection rules and regulations are followed throughout construction.
“Rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge isn’t just about Maryland – it’s about the nation’s economy,” said Governor Wes Moore. “The Port of Baltimore is an essential commercial artery for the entire country, handling more cars and more farm equipment than any other port within the United States. And you cannot have a fully functioning Port of Baltimore without the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which helps us move cargo to and through the port and across the east coast and midwest. Simply put: This isn't about nostalgia – this is about necessity.”
*Project Update*
Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Francis Scott Key Bridge Rebuild Revision/Modification Request
Tidal and Nontidal Authorization Numbers: 24-WL-0757(R1)/24-NT-0163
Tracking Number: 202461017
A Public Hearing was held on August 20, 2025, and the public notice period closed on September 6, 2025. Following receipt of public comments and review of the Wetlands License Revision/Modification Request, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE or the Department) provided a Report and Recommendation to the Board of Public Works recommending the issuance of a Wetlands License 24-WL-0757(R1). Wetlands License 24-WL-0757(R1) is on the agenda for the October 1, 2025 Board of Public Works meeting. Additional details on the requested Revision/Modification and MDE’s Report and Recommendation can be found below under the Rebuild Phase. The Nontidal Wetlands and Waterways permit application is currently under review.
Demolition Phase
The Maryland Transportation Authority (MdTA) has requested a Tidal Wetlands License and Water Quality Certification for demolition of the remaining structures of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. A public hearing was held on
Thursday, Aug. 1, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m at the Baltimore County Public Library, North Point Branch, located at 1716 Merritt Blvd., Dundalk, MD 21222. Written comments were accepted until Aug. 15. Please contact Matthew Wallach at
[email protected] or 410-207-0893 with any questions.
Documents:
Demolition: Public Notices
- August 1, 2024 notice and hearing
Demolition: Section 401 WQC Request (24-WQC-0022):
- 24-WQC-0022 Water Quality Certification Request, authorized under Nationwide Permit Reissuance SPN-20-62 (20-WQC-0050) effective December 15, 2020
Demolition Emergency Tidal Wetlands License (24-WL-0607/202460906):
Demolition Tidal Wetlands License (24-WL-0653/202460906):
Rebuild Phase
The Maryland Transportation Authority (MdTA) has requested a Water Quality Certification, and applied for a Tidal Wetlands License and a Nontidal Wetlands and Waterway Permit for the construction of a new bridge to replace the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The Rebuild Project will include the construction of a new bridge, which will tie the new bridge into the existing roadway on either side of the river. The project location will be 260 feet to the east of the original bridge across the Patapsco River. The new bridge will remain within MDTA’s existing right-of-way (ROW). The status of the ongoing authorizations is below:
Please contact Matthew Wallach at [email protected] or 410-207-0893 with any questions.
Documents:
Rebuild Public Notices
- September 17, 2024 Rebuild Tidal Wetlands and Water Quality Public Notice
- REVISION to September 17, 2024 Notice for December 2, 2024 Hearing
The December 2, 2024 hearing transcript can be found HERE (PDF)
- August 20, 2025 Rebuild Tidal and Nontidal Wetlands Public Notice
Federal Consistency Determination
Rebuild Section 401 WQC Request (24-WQC-0028):
Rebuild Tidal Wetlands License (24-WL-0757/202461017)and Nontidal Wetlands & Waterway Construction Permit (24-NT-0163):
- Joint Permit Application (24-WL-0757/24-NT-0163)
- Tidal Wetlands License:
- Nontidal Wetlands & Waterway Construction Permit is pending
For information on the Key Bridge, including ongoing recovery efforts, please visit:
