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2009.05.21--Maryland Improves Regulation of Construction Sites, Thanks to Environmentalists' Challen PDF Print E-mail
MAY 21, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ed Merrifield
Potomac Riverkeeper
Phone: 301-POTOMAC (768-6622)
Fax: 202-783-0444
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.potomacriverkeeper.org

Maryland Improves Regulation of Construction Sites, Thanks to Environmentalists' Challenge
Pollution Controls to be Updated and Public Participation Increased

The State of Maryland will change the way it requires developers to prevent pollution at construction sites from running into local rivers and streams, thanks to a coalition of environmental groups represented by the University of Maryland Environmental Law Clinic.

The coalition, which includes Potomac Riverkeeper as well as 11 other Maryland Waterkeeper organizations and the Waterkeeper Alliance, announced today that it has reached an agreement with Maryland's Department of the Environment over its challenge to Maryland's general stormwater permit for construction sites.

Ed Merrifield, the Potomac Riverkeeper, says the settlement proves that ordinary citizens—and groups like Potomac Riverkeeper that represent them—can take a stand and improve their local water quality.

“These types of improvements don't just happen” Merrifield said. “Ordinary citizens hold governments accountable—it's the best way to make a difference.”

Today's settlement will mitigate polluted runoff (known as “stormwater”) at construction sites in three ways:
  • it requires MDE to update the measures that must be taken on construction sites to prevent water pollution
  • it requires MDE to ensure expanded opportunities for the public to review and comment upon planning documents for construction sites
  • it improves protections for water bodies that are already overwhelmed by polluted runoff
Polluted runoff usually leaves construction sites in the form of mud and sludge during periods of heavy rain and runs into storm drains or directly into water bodies. In some locations, such as Cumberland and Washington DC, the mud and sludge drains into combined sewers (that hold both rainwater and raw sewage) and, if it rains (in some areas more than 1/10 of 1”), overwhelm the combined sewers and flow directly into the Potomac River and its tributaries without first being treated.

Polluted runoff is a serious problem across our nation. It sends an estimated 80 million tons of sediment to our waterways each year. Construction and land development activities are some of the main reasons why the Chesapeake Bay is choking on sediment and other pollutants. In Maryland alone, 90 rivers and streams have been officially designated as “impaired” due to excessive sediment.

“Polluted runoff is one of the biggest threats to the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay,” Merrifield added. “This settlement today is one more step toward restoring these national treasures.”