County Receives National Recognition for Stream Monitoring Program

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Contact: Esther Bowring, 240-777-6530
Joe Keyser, 240-777-7700

For Immediate Release: December 20, 2000

County Receives National Recognition for Stream Monitoring Program

The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection's watershed-based stream monitoring program was featured as a case study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Water and the Office of Science and Technology on their new website about biological monitoring and biocriteria. Information about the program can be found at EPA's website at http://www.epa.gov/ost/biocriteria. The County's case study write-up is highlighted at http://www.epa.gov/ost/biocriteria/casestudies/npdesmaryland.html.

The County has developed a comprehensive, cost-effective approach to stream protection and restoration by integrating information from biological and stream habitat monitoring. As a result of education and outreach about the monitoring program, the County has built public support for its efforts to protect and improve stream quality.

EPA recommends the use of biological assessments to measure a stream's health. Their selected case studies illustrate the value of such information for a variety of management and scientific uses.

EPA's long-term strategy is to provide better assessment tools, to promote the adoption of more effective and meaningful indicators of ecological condition, and to foster the public's informed involvement in setting goals for their resources.

For more information about the County's stream monitoring program check the County's website at: www.askdep.com, or contact Keith Van Ness at 240-777-7707.

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