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Nov 29
2010
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On November 8, West/Rhode Riverkeeper submitted comments on Maryland's Watershed Implementation Plan, or WIP. The WIP details how Maryland intends to meet its pollution reduction goals as outlined in the federal TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load).
We believe that the TMDL/WIP process presents the best opportunity in a generation to bring about significant positive change in the health of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. However, this is true only if state and local governments will be held accountable for meeting their pollution reduction goals. Over the last three decades, there have been numerous Chesapeake Bay cleanup agreements, goals, plans, and initiatives. As 2010 comes to end, one thing is clear: our Bay is still polluted. What will make this newest initiative any different from the others that did not achieve success?
You can see our comments here.
Snowmaggedon, Snowpocalypse, SnOMG... call it what you will, but the double blizzard definitely affected us all over the last couple weeks. Now, as the snow starts to melt and make it's way into our rivers, it's important to remember what might be in that snow. As you drive to work or to the grocery store, no doubt you have noticed that the once fluffy white snow piles on the side of the roads are now brown, gray, or even black. Dirt, oil, grease, and other nasty stuff which comes from our roadways becomes quite evident when superimposed over the blank canvas of snow. All that pollution makes its way to our rivers and streams. That is one reason we are fighting so hard to fund for solutions to stormwater runoff pollution. Stormwater runoff is the only major source of pollution to the Bay which is actually increasing. It's time to do something about it. Stay tuned to West/Rhode Riverkeeper to find out about state legislation you can support to help us treat this polluted runoff.
