County Releases Stream Protection Strategy; Presents Environmental Awards

ba/earth.pr 97-120 Contact: Jim Caldwell, 301-217-2355

COUNTY RELEASES
STREAM PROTECTION STRATEGY;
PRESENTS ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS For Immediate Release: April 21, 1997

A comprehensive, innovative assessment of the conditions of Montgomery County's
1,170 miles of streams was released today by County officials as part of an Earth Day
ceremony by the banks of Little Falls in Bethesda.
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) released a draft of the
Countywide Stream Protection Strategy (CSPS), developed at the request of County Executive
Douglas M. Duncan, in cooperation with the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning
Commission.
In addition to providing an overall assessment of stream conditions, the CSPS:
-- identifies management tools that can target resources to protect the streams most in
need; and
--provides information that agencies, businesses and the public can use to develop
partnerships which can address stream problems on a smaller, workable level.
The last Countywide assessment of stream water quality was conducted in 1980, but
this is the first such study that was based upon assessment of aquatic life and stream channel
indicators, as well as the usual chemistry measurements.
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Commending the work of DEP and its Division of Watershed Management, Duncan
said he was proud of the document. "First, because I believe we are the first County to ever
compile this type of report, but also because of the tremendous effort by DEP which produced
the report in just 15 months."
Summary of findings:
Rankings: Based on biological assessment of more than 200 subwatersheds, 7% of County
stream miles were rated in excellent condition, 41%, good condition, 24%, fair condition, and
9%, poor condition. There was insufficient data to ranks the remaining 19% of County
streams.
Cause of impacts: Stream erosion and sedimentation were the dominant impacts to stream
habitat conditions and aquatic life. There were also isolated instances where other pollutants
were a primary cause of biological impairment.
Nature of impaired subwatersheds: Generally, the most impaired streams were located in the
older downcounty areas which developed to urban and suburban densities before stormwater
controls were required to manage increased runoff. Biological impairment was also found in
some predominantly agricultural subwatersheds.
Effectiveness of stormwater controls: For the most part, modern, on-site stormwater controls
seem to be effective in mitigating, although not eliminating, the impacts of increased
stormwater runoff.
Costs of stream restoration: In developed watersheds, the number of stream habitats needing
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COUNTY RELEASES STREAM PROTECTION STRATEGY . 3-3-3-3

restoration exceeds the resources set aside by the County for stream restoration projects.
Information in the Strategy helps target available resources for stream restoration to their best
use.
Next steps: The County will hold public discussions from May through July to solicit
comments on the proposed watershed management categories and tools and to identify
priority areas for watershed protection. Written comments should be sent to Pam Rowe,
Division of Watershed Management, Montgomery County Department of Environmental
Protection, 250 Hungerford Dr. Rockville, MD 20850.
A reference copy of the draft Countywide Stream Protection Strategy is available in each
County public library. For more information about CSPS, call 301-6350.

Environmental Awards
As part of the Earth Day celebration,The Department of Environmental Protection also
recognized Clean Water Partners, local businesses that have participated in the Clean Water
Partners Program designed to prevent pollutants from washing into the streets and storm
drains, which helps restore water quality to local streams which feed into area rivers and,
ultimately, the Chesapeake Bay.
The 1996 Outstanding Partner Award was presented to Betco Block and Products, Inc.
of Bethesda, which is located along Little Falls. Last November, Betco employees donated 33
hours of labor to cleaning up Little Falls. During the cleanup, 35 bags of solid waste and 300
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pounds of metal were removed from the stream. Betco is also using model practices to
prevent sand and other debris from leaving their site and polluting Little Falls.
Merchants Tire, Inc. was also honored for their continued support and membership in
the Clean Water Program.
Four new Clean Water Partners were also recognized: Shemin Nurseries of
Burtonsville; Pepsi-Cola Company, Montgomery County (Burtonsville); Wheaton Dodge; and
Wheaton Transmission.
Two County-owned industrial sites received special recognition for their innovative
methods of and commitment to reducing stormwater pollution: The Bethesda Vehicle
Maintenance Division -- Most Improved and The Colesville Dept -- Outstanding Performer.
DEP conducts monthly inspections of eight sites to help the facilities develop and implement
stormwater pollution control practices.
A student Stream Team from Westbrook Elementary School in Bethesda demonstrated
how they monitor stream conditions and spoke about their involvement in helping to maintain
stream quality.

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