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Commission on Environmental Quality Subscribe to E-News Stream Rolling Road Construction FAQ (PDF) |
Director: Jonas A. Jacobson |  |
Water Contact Alerts: None
Water Contact Advisories: None
Beach Closures: None
Notice of Hearing to Adopt an Agricultural Easement Formula Regulation
The Department of Environmental Protection and Resource Management (DEPRM), in conjunction with the Baltimore County Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board, is providing notice of the intent to edit an existing regulation regarding the Agricultural Easement Formula (PDF) as provided for in Sections 3-7-203 of the Baltimore County Code, 2003. A Public Hearing will be held on February 9 at 7 pm. at the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension, Baltimore County Office located at 1840 York Road, Suite J., Cockeysville, MD 21093. Comments will be taken at the Public Hearing or email your comments to wlippincott@baltimorecountymd.gov or send to W. Lippincott, Jr. Department of Environmental Protection & Resource Management, 105 W. Chesapeake Avenue, Suite 400, Towson, MD 21204 prior to February 9, 2010.
State of Our Watersheds 2010 Conference
Registration is open for the 2010 Conference! Join in the discussion about clean water in our streams, the harbor and ultimately the Bay. Hear from the Bay program director on new oversight from the federal government for restoring the Chesapeake Bay. Get an update on initiatives with the Baltimore Watershed Agreement and much more on climate change, stormwater and our local streams. Bring a neighbor and don't miss this exciting event!
New Storm Water Regulations to Take Effect May 4, 2010
In order to improve the control of storm water run-off, and thereby improve the quality of the Chesapeake Bay, the Maryland legislature passed the Storm Water Management (SWM) Act of 2007. This Act will significantly affect the design of storm water components for land development projects. Baltimore County has prepared and submitted a draft ordinance to the Maryland Department of the Environment. In order for a project to be grandfathered under current regulations, it must have fully approved sediment control and SWM plans by May 4, 2010. In order to be reasonably assured this deadline will be met, plans should be submitted as soon as possible.
Growing Home Campaign
The Growing Home Campaign is an innovative way homeowners can help beautify our neighborhoods and increase the tree canopy in our region by planting trees in their yards - and save $10 on each tree purchased with the Growing Home tree coupon from a participating nursery or garden center. As a public - private partnership between Baltimore and Harford Counties, Baltimore City, 50 local retail nurseries, and homeowners, the Growing Home Campaign promotes tree planting on residential property by providing comprehensive education about selecting and planting great trees for our region and a cash incentive, $10 savings on each qualifying tree with a retail value of $25 or more.
Jennifer Branch Stream Restoration
Baltimore County DEPRM has proposed stream restoration for a portion of Jennifer Branch between Northwind and Harford Roads. Jennifer Branch is experiencing common problems found in many of the County's suburban stream systems. Baltimore County responds to degraded streams with a naturally functioning self sustaining approach that will restore essential stream system processes. More information on this approach can be found in the EPA publication Baltimore County Stream Restoration Improves Quality of Life (2.1 MB PDF). Also you may download the presentation (12.7 MB PDF) from the April 22nd community meeting. If you have specific questions about this project please send an e-mail to watersheds@baltimorecountymd.gov.
Pleasure Island Dredging and Beneficial Use Project
Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection and Resource Management is proposing a project to dredge the Pleasure Island Channel (“the cut”) and place the dredged material on the south shoreline of Pleasure Island to create a beach. The beach will be protected by a series of segmented breakwaters along the south and southwest shoreline. Pleasure Island is owned and managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The State has committed $1,000,000 in State DNR funds to date. The County has applied for additional State funds from the Waterway Improvement Program and the Department of the Environment 2010 Bay Restoration Fund. See this informative Pleasure Island Presentation (2.2 MB PDF) that outlines the project in further detail. If you have additional questions or comments call Baltimore County DEPRM at 410-887-2904.
New Swimming Pool Safety Legislation
The Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection and Resource Management will enforce the provisions of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act for public swimming pools and spas located in Baltimore County. All safety measures must be in place by the opening of the swimming season in 2010.
Baltimore County Stream Restoration Improves Quality of Life
Did you know that DEPRM implements a regionally renowned stream restoration program? Read this informative publication (2.1 MB PDF), which highlights DEPRM's stream restoration accomplishments. DEPRM's program incorporates project planning and design, widespread communication and support, construction and post-restoration follow-up. The program integrates state-of-the art techniques with an environmentally sensitive approach to stabilizing streams and reducing sediment loads, in turn enhancing stream morphology ecological function, water quality, and aquatic habitat. The EPA Mid-Atlantic Integrated Assessment program (MAIA) produced this document to help share knowledge between state and local governments, regional offices, and non-governmental organizations.
Environmental Administrative Variance Postings
The Department of Environmental Protection and Resource Management periodically receives requests for environmental administrative variances. The Department publishes a list of the environmental administrative variance requests along with their status. The requests are listed by County Council District.
In Need of Environmental Assistance?
The DEPRM Function Brochure (PDF) provides phone numbers and brief descriptions of the services offered by the Department of Environmental Protection and Resource Management.
Revised February 1, 2010
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