BWB Statement on FSK Bridge Collapse

We at Blue Water Baltimore would like to express our gratitude to the first responders and local, state, and federal agencies for their ongoing work at the Francis Scott Key Bridge. We also want to thank everyone who has kept us updated on the situation on the ground and in the water by using our Waterkeeper Pollution Reporting Hotline. Over the past week, we have been working with MDE and EPA to share information about what we’re seeing and relay community members’ concerns. Together, we are staying vigilant as the recovery and salvage efforts continue.

Next week we plan to resume our routine water quality monitoring program throughout the tidal Patapsco River and its tributaries. In addition to concerns directly related to the ship and its cargo, we will be watching other parameters of water health that will help us understand the ongoing impacts of the bridge collapse and recovery efforts. The long-term data we’ve been collecting for 11 years sets the baseline for the health of the river, and as the cleanup of the site continues, we will be watching for any changes and speaking up on behalf of the Patapsco and our fellow Baltimore residents.

Our thoughts continue to be with the families and loved ones of the people who died in this tragedy. The most up-to-date official information and resources can be found at www.keybridgeresponse2024.com.