    [From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

                                                AN ASSESSMENT
                                 OF THE PATUXENT RIVER RESTORATION EFFORT/

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                 TC                              Prepared By
                 425              Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland
                 T38                            P.O. Box 1634
                 .M35                    Charlotte Hall, Maryland 20622
                 1987                         884-2144/870-2520

                                          ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

                     This report was prepared by Gregory Mallon, Tri-County Coun-
               cil for Southern Maryland working in cooperation with the various
               State Departments and Agencies active in the Patuxent River Res-
               toration Effort.      Particular thanks must be given to Mr.         Earl
               Bradley, Department of Natural Resources; Ms. Terri Garraty and
               Mr. David Plott, Department of State Planning who provided in-
               valuable assistance providing information needed to complete this
               report.

                     The funding for this report was provided by the Coastal
               Resources Division, Tidewater Administration, Department of
               Natural Resources through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
               Administration, Coastal Zone Management Program.

                                                       Table of Contents

                                                                                                  Page

                   Patuxent Basin     .................................................              I

                   Land Use Changes     ...............................................              6

                   Problem    ........................................................               8

                   Solutions to the Problem       .......................................          11

                   Point Source Pollution Reductions        .....................    * ........    13

                   Non-Point Source Pollution Reductions         ..........................        18

                   Water Quality     ..................................................            26

                   Conclusion   .............................      0... 0 ...................      31

                   Appendices    .....................................................             32

                         Appendix A   .................   *..0 ..........................          32

                         Appendix B   .......  o........................    4 ............         34

                         Appendix C   .........................     0..0 ...........  0 .......    38

                                                        List of Figures

                   Figure                                                                                Page

                   1.   Patuxent River Basin .... 4    ..............................     * ..........      2

                   2.   Location of Sewage Treatment Plant Discharges          .....................        3

                   3.   Population Growth by County      ......................    00 ......0 ....0 ...     5

                   4.   Diagramatic Representation of Problems Associated with Nutrient
                        Enrichment in the Patuxent River        ..................................        10

                   5.   Location of Sewage Treatment Plants in the Patuxent Basin under
                        Compliance    ........................................................            15

                   6.   Comparison of Point and Non-Point Sources of Nitrogen and
                        Phosphorus Bay Wide     ...............................................           19

                   7.   Number of Best Management Practices Installed per County in
                        the Patuxent Basin    .......................    0  ........................      21

                   8.   Total Acres of Best Management Practices Installed per County
                        in the Patuxent Basin                                      so* ... 0..*.*  .....  22

                   9.   Location of Water Quality Monitoring Stations          .....................      27

                   10.  Median Range of Water Temperature and River Flow           ..................     28

                   11.  Changes in Water Quality Parameters for the Period January 1983 -
                        December 1985    .....................................................            30

                                                        List of Tables

                   Table                                                                              Page

                   1.   Ecological Zones of the Patuxent River ... 00      ............       ......     4

                   2.   Patuxent River Basin Land Use Cover Changes        .............   o .......     7

                   3.   Nutrient Loads Discharged by Major Patuxent Sewage Treatment
                        Plants  ............................................       o .............      14

                   4.   Average Daily Discharges for Plants Meeting the Limits Set Forth
                        by the Nutrient Control Strategy .... 0..0 .... 0    ..........  0 ..... 0...   16

                   5.   Completed Best Management Practices Through Maryland Agricultural
                        Cost Share Program in the Patuxent Watershed        .....................       20

                   6.   Structural Shore Erosion Control Projects Completed in the
                        Patuxent Watershed ..   .............................................

                   7.   Stormwater Management Plans Approved in the Seven Patuxent River
                        Basin Counties for the Period from 1980-1985        ................   o.o.. 25

                                                 PATUXENT BASIN

                 The Patuxent River Basin is composed of parts of seven counties encompassing
                 ten percent of the total land area within the State. The watershed is 930
                 square miles and averages ten miles in width. The river meanders 110 miles on
                 its journey through the seven counties, from its origin at Parris Ridge (the
                 junction of Howard, Montgomery, Frederick amd Carroll counties) to its
                 terminus at the Chesapeake Bay. A map is provided (Figure 1) which indicates
                 the location of the river and the portions of the counties which make up its
                 drainage basin.

                 The river contains three distinct physiographic regions. The headwater region
                 is in the Piedmont Plateau and extends from the river's point of origin to the
                 fall line, near Laurel. The stream valley is steep with little or no flood
                 plain. Steam flow is swift in this portion of the river. Two reservoirs,
                 Triadelphia and Howard T. Duckett, are located on the mainstem, of the river in
                 this segment.

                 The middle portion of the river extends from the fall line into the upper
                 reaches of the fresh tidal zone. This segment is characterized by broad, flat,
                 low-lying swampy flood plains on both sides of the river. The river's
                 mainstem is narrow and flow is sluggish. The Little and Middle Patuxent and
                 Western Branch are important tributaries which enter the Patuxent in this
                 portion of the river. It is this portion of the river into which most of the
                 wastewater effluents are discharged. The location of sewage treatment plants
                 (STPs) in the basin is shown in Figure 2.

                 The third physiographic region of the river is composed entirely of the tidal
                 estuary. The first few miles of this segment of the river are narrow with
                 high land close to the edges of the stream. Near Waysons Corner the river's
                 path again becomes dominated by marsh lands. Below Deep Landing the estuary
                 widens to form a saline reach of the Bay. The marsh covered shores give way
                 to tall bluffs sometime 20 feet or more in height.

                 Along with these physiographic distinctions between portions of the river
                 there are other parameters which divide the basin. Zones of salinity are
                 present along the path of the river. The transition zone from saline to fresh
                 water is bounded by Benedict and Nottingham. Ecological zones and boundaries
                 can also be used to identify specific portions of the watershed. These zones
                 are summarized in Table 1 which was prepared by D'Elia and Boynton (1982).

                 The Patuxent River lies between the cities of Washington and Baltimore. Both
                 of these cities-have expanded over the past decade which have caused
                 populations in the seven basin counties to expand rapidly. As Figure 3
                 indicates, this growth pattern is anticipated to continue well into the 1990s.
                 Those counties which comprise the upper basin are becoming increasingly
                 urbanized at accelerating rates.

                 The watershed remains predominantly rural with 85 percent of its land cover in
                 agriculture and forest. The agricultural dominance of the watershed is slowly
                 eroding away. The suburban sprawl is consuming.greater and greater tracts of
                 agricultural land as housing demand in the watershed increases.

                                                    -I-

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                                       PATUXENT BASIN
                                                                                        Figure 1. Patuxent River Basin

                                           X-11 .-two.*                                      -2-

                                                                                 NORTH

                                                       SAVAGE
                                                        13.4 CFS)

                                                                     MD. HOUSE OF CORRECTION
                          PARKWAY-                                   11.0 CFS)
                          (7.8 CFS)                             FORT MEADE I Ek 2
                                  MD. CITY                      (4.0 CFS)
                                  JO.96 CFS)              I   PATUXENT
                                                            15.6 CFS)
                                         HORSEPEN
                                         (0.32 CFS)
                         BOwIE-BELAIR
                         (4.0 CFS)                         RT. 50 BRIDGE

                                WESTERN BRANCH
                                 17.7 CFS)

                                                             LOWER
                                                             MARLBORO

                                                 BENEDICT

                                                                                   CHESAPEAKE
                       SCA L f--*                                                     BAY

                   0      6 8  10
                       MILES

             A-SEWAGE THEATMENTPLANT

                                               FIGURE 2.

                   LOCATION OF SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT DISCHARGES

                                                      -3-

                        Table 1. Ecological Zones of the Patuxent River@

                              Kiloncter Kile         SLate         Natural                   Kwr-"e               Wological                 Emlogical
                                                    Sta ti an     LarK1tUFkO                LwArrarks             Boundaries                   Zones

                                         0.-                        rum Point                                  T-.Rlver Mouth     stratified          Estuarine
                                                                -Sandy Point
                                5                               --Sx)wn Point        -jo,'mon Brid   ge
                                                                -Point Pat ence

                                                                -1jelen's Creek
                              10

                                                  -XDE 2599     -St. beonard's
                                                                     Creek
                              15
                                       10

                                                                -Broom's Island

                              20

                                       15                       -Battle Creek
                              25                                --tiarsh Point
                                                                -Sheridan Point                                -Pill Zone         LhsFa U f i ed
                                                                                                                  (Approxinate)
                              30
                                       20                                                                                                salinity
                                                                _Long Point                                                            Transit on
                              35                  -)U)E 9401                         -senedict Bridge                                         TurbJdlty
                                                                -Buena Vista                                                                   Maxim=
                                                                -swansm Creek
                                                                --chalk Point        -Power Plant

                              40       25                       -Pott's Point
                                                                -Eagle Harbor
                                                                -Devp Landing
                              45                  -XED 4892     -11olland Cliff

                                                                                     -power Cable
                                       30

                              50

                                                                -Lower railboto                                _Z
                                                                                                                  hod Salinity                  fresh
                                                                                                                  Aro
                              55                  -XED 9490                                                           erate Flow)
                                       35

                                                                -Jones Point
                              60

                                                  -PXT 0402     -Nott-ingham
                              65       40
                                                                -Lyons Creel

                              70
                                                                                                                  Zero Sal' ity
                                       45         -PXT 0455     ---JL)g Bay                                    1-04- FlIx
                                                                                     -Western Brarch SIP          Weslern Brarr-h
                              75                                                                                   Conflumce

                                                  -PXT 0494                          -Itte. 4 Bridge
                              80       50
                                                                -Spyglass island                               -Head of Tide                          Ri Veff in e
                                                                                                                  (Approxirrate)
                              85

                                       55                 0045

                              90

                              95                                                     -Rte. 214 Bridge
                                       60         -FXT 0603

                                                                                                Bridge
                              100                                                    -Rte. 50

                    Source         D'Elia and Boynton (1982)

                                                                                                  PATUXENT RIVER BASIN
                 FIGURE 3 -                                                        POPULATION GROWTH BY COUNTY

                                                 220000    Population

                       070                       200000

                 est. 248,.2 10                  180000

                                                 MOM

                                                 140000

                 est.352,860                     20000

                                                 i00000

                                                  80000
                       1990

                 pro  477,340                     60000

                                                  40000

                                                  2000a
                                                       0          nfll                                                                                    nP1               11
                                                                 off 6DUN            HOWAFO         PMEM'S           AM ARKE              DfaS              CALYM           ST.MWIS

                                                                                                                        County
                 SOURCE: MARYLANID DEPIARTMENT OF STATE PLANNING

                                                Land Use Cbanges

                       The Maryland Department of State Planning has conducted land use change
                 analyses for the Patuxent River Watershed in 1973, 1981, and 1985. These
                 analyses showed the increasing urbanization of the watershed, although (to
                 date) it is still predominantly rural. Perhaps even more ominous is the
                 potential future change indicated by the figures in the most recent analysis.
                 Increases have been shown in both the barren and brush land categories over
                 the period from 1981 to 1985. Much of the land which has been converted from
                 other land use types such as agricultural and forested to these land use
                 categories is awaiting development. This would indicate that even greater
                 pressure will be placed on the fragile Patuxent River ecosystem. Forested
                 land categories have all declined while developed land categories have all
                 increased. Thus only those land use changes which do not provide water
                 quality benefits have increased, while those which improve the quality of run-
                 off prior to its deposition in tributaries within the watershed have declined.

                      A chart of the land use changes which have occurred in the Patuxent
                 River basin is shown in Table 2. The percent of change for each land use
                 category which have occurred over the 1981 to 1985 time period is also
                 included.

       Table 2. -  PATUXENT RIVER BASIN     1981    1985 LAND USEICOVER CHANGE

                                                               1981          1985           PERCENT CHANGE
                   TYPE OF LAND USE                            ACRES         ACRES           1981-1985

           DEVELOPED                                           75,400        81,300             + 7.B
           LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL                             25,600        2@@'ioo            + 13.7
           MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL                          22,600        23,100             + 2.2
           HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL                             49500          51000            + 11.0
           COMMERCIAL                                           59900          6,800            + 15.2
           INDUSTRIAL                                           17200          1,50D            + 25.0
           INSTITUTIONAL                                        81400          8,500            + 1.1
           EXTRACTIVE                                           2,100          2,200            + 4.7
           OPEN URBAN LAND                                      51100          5,100              0-.;0

           AGRICULTURAL                                       1957300       1899700             - 2.9
           CROPLAND                                           1689300       165,100             - 1.9
           PASTURE                                             251200        23,000             - 9.5
           ORCHARDS7VINEYARDS/HORTICULTURE                        800             500           - 40.0
           FEEDING OPERATIONS                                     100             100             0.0
           ROW AND GARDEN CROPS                                   900          1  000           + 11.0

           FOREST                                             303@300       301,800             - 0.5
           DECIDUOUS FOREST                                   179,400       177,500             - 1.1
           EVERGREEN FOREST                                     6@300          5,900            - 6.7
           MIXED FOREST                                       1121000       111,000             - 1.0
           BRUSH                                                5)600          7@400            + 32.0

           WETLANDS                                             7,800          7,800              0.0

           BARREN LAND                                            700          11900            + 170.0

           SOURCE: MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF STATE PLANNING - MAGI, 1981, 1985

                                                    PROBLEN

                 The Patuxent River has experienced a decline in water quality which became
                 apparent during the 1970s. The evidence of reduced water quality was
                 increased mortalities of both oyster and fish populations in the river.
                 Reduced water quality also was evident through visual observation.

                 The cause for the decline in water quality is multifaceted. Forested lands
                 have been cleared for development and the exposed soils washed into the river
                 and its tributaries. Without the absorptive capacity of the trees, the
                 quantity and velocity of the stormwater runoff has increased. These factors
                 increase erosion from runoff with the eventual deposition of sediment in the
                 river. The overall result is sedimentation occurring at an unnaturally
                 accelerated rate. Under forested conditions, the sediment delivered to the
                 river from all lands in the basin approximated 160,000 tons during an average
                 year; however, under current land uses, that figure has increased to 710,000
                 tons (DSP, 1986).

                 Increased sediment loading reduces the depth to which light can penetrate the
                 water column. The photic zone (the depth to which sufficient light is present
                 to support plant growth) of the river becomes much smaller and many aquatic
                 plants no longer receive sufficient levels of sunlight to survive. Beds of
                 submerged aquatic vegetation are reduced in the river. These plants are
                 important not only for shoreline stabilization but also release oxygen into
                 the 'water which enables fish and other animal life to prosper.

                 The Patuxent River basin has experienced rapid growth during the period of
                 declining water quality. Many of the problems which confront the river are a
                 direct result of the urbanization of the watershed. A principle factor
                 associated with population growth is increased sewage. Sources of the
                 nutrients which enter the river can be placed into two categories, point and
                 non-point. Point sources are those derived from specific (point) sources,
                 such as sewage treatment plants and industrial discharges. Non-point sources
                 of nutrients are those that enter waterways in the form of stormwater runoff
                 from agricultural, urban, and forested lands and base flow to streams along
                 with atmospheric deposition on land and water. The nutrients of primary
                 importance in the reduction of water quality in the river are Nitrogen (N) and
                 Phosphorus (P) because both are essential for the growth of plants, such as
                 algae. In 1963 only three million gallons of effluent per day flowed from
                 sewage treatment plants. Today, almost 38 million gallons enter the river
                 each day. This figure is expected to increase to 74 million gallons per day by
                 the year 2005. This effluent contains large quantities of both Nitrogen and
                 Phosporus. Non-point sources are much more difficult to detect and monitor but
                 they cannot be ignored, as they contribute substantially to the elevated
                 levels of Nitrogen and Phosphorus in the river. Fifty percent of the Nitrogen
                 and fifty percent of the Phosphorus deposited in the Patuxent River is derived
                 from non-point source inputs. However control of these non-point inputs is
                 both complex and difficult.

                                                    -8-

                 The result of incresed nutrient loading is a rapid acceleration of algal
                 growth commonly referred to as "blooms." These are principally due to an
                 excess of an otherwise limiting nutrient. Blooms choke off the surface water,
                 preventing light from penetrating into the water column and inhibit submerged
                 and rooted vegetation from receiving essential sunlight. As the "bloom" dies
                 off the algal cells sink to the bottom and begin to decompose. The process of
                 decomposition consumes oxygen from the water resulting in oxygen deprivation
                 in the deeper waters of the Patuxent River. Fish, oysters and other aquatic
                 animal life is unable to survive in waters with dissolved oxygen levels below
                 4 mg/l. This phenomenon is occurring in portions of the river and is
                 diagramed in Figure 4. The low dissolved oxygen conditions are found during
                 the summer months when the river is poorly mixed. The overall result of
                 nutrient enrichment has been a significant decline in the productivity of the
                 river.

                Figure 4. - Diagramatic Representation of the Problem� Associated with
                Nutrient Enrichment in the Patuxent River.

                       NUTRIENT ENRICHMENT

                    Nutrients(poiw@ Ar4d
                              mop- ft;pt)

                                 "Al
                                     9@ e.ove@@rqwth in nutrient-enriched w

                                                     Dead algae settle and
                                                    .,decompose, consurnin

                                                                           f

                                                     10-

                                            SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBIMf

                 The concerted effort to restore the river to prior levels of water quality, as
                 indicated by measurements of dissolved oxygen, secchi. depth, and chlorophyll
                 "A", began with the "Charrette" held in December 1981. The Charrette was
                 selected as a unique method to resolve the differences between upstream and
                 downstream counties regarding use and restoration of not only the river but
                 its entire drainage basin. The goal of the meeting was accomplished as the
                 Charrette produced a united strategy for addressing the river's water quality
                 problems in the future. The goals established by the Charrette are outlined
                 in Appendix A.

                 A second document which is devoted to the implementation of a strategy aimed
                 at restoring water quality in the Patuxent is the 208 Water Quality Management
                 Plan. This plan contains an assessment of water quality conditions in the
                 basin. The plan outlines a nutrient control strategy which includes both
                 point and non-point sources of pollution. Governor Hughes certified the plan
                 by making it a legal State document in 1983. A summary of the plan is
                 provided in Appendix B.

                 The third and most recent plan devised to improve water quality in the river
                 is the Patuxent River Policy Plan developed by the Department of State
                 Planning. The Policy Plan was conceived to improve upon the many local, state
                 and federal policies and programs which relate to the protection of the
                 rivet's fragile ecosystem. Some of these policies and programs are intended
                 for the specific protection of our aquatic resources while others only improve
                 the quality of the river as a side benefit. The plan is an integrated
                 approach with a clear goal of water quality protection and restoration using a
                 whole watershed management approach. The plan was required as part of the
                 State's Patuxent River Watershed Act and has been approved by the General
                 Assembly. In addition the plan has been approved and endorsed by the elected
                 officials in each of the basin's seven counties. The plan is summarized in
                 Appendix C.

                 With these three documents serving as a guide for the improvement of water
                 quality in the river, many of the participating agencies have set forth on
                 their application. A significant level of commitment has been shown not only
                 through the number of projects conducted but also in the fiscal support
                 provided by the State.

                 Assessment Goals

                 This assessment will attempt to gather information concerning projects
                 implemented by the many participating agencies in a condensed format.
                 Projects which have been conducted will be divided among point and non-point
                 source controls. This report will summarize those projects which have been
                 completed through fiscal year 1986 with the specific intention of following
                 those strategies set forth by the plans. Water quality data from the

                 Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DIIIIII) Office of Environmental
                 Program's Patuxent River Monitoring Program (1983-1985) will be reviewed to
                 determine if these projects are improving the condition of the river as
                 indicated by measurements of dissolved oxygen, turbidity and chlorophyll "A".
                 Water quality will be determined from the trend analysis plots provided by
                 OEP. Values will not be quantitative but rather qualitative in nature. This
                 is due to the limited "snapshot" of water quality data produced to date by the
                 monitoring programs which limits its use in precise water quality
                 determination.

                 The assessment will also evaluate the collection of information concerning
                 improvements in the watershed to facilitate future program reviews to
                 determine effectiveness of the restoration strategy.

                                                   -12-

                 Point Source Pollution Reductions

                 The Nutrient Control Strategy embarked upon by the Maryland Office of
                 Environmental Programs outlined a five year program for the Patuxent Basin to
                 reduce source inputs of both phosphorus and nitrogen. Based on a discussion
                 taking into account scientific as well as economic criteria, the agreed upon
                 limits for these two nutrients were 1.0 mg/1 phosphorus and 3.0 mg/1 nitrogen.
                 Total basin discharge of phosphorus should be limited to 320 lb./day and
                 limited to 2,000 lb./day for nitrogen from point sources. Federal support for
                 nutrient removal is currently directed only at phosphorus. The State of
                 Maryland, backed with scientific evidence showing nitrogen limitation in the
                 Patuxent River has recognized the unique aquatic habitat represented by
                 estuaries and supported the need for nitrogen removal to restore the Patuxent
                 River.

                 The implementation of this nutrient strategy has through 1986 produced some
                 progress, but the five year time frame developed in 1981 has been increased to
                 seven years. Thus all of the STPs (sewage treatment plants) in the basin with
                 a flow greater than 0.5 MGD will not be under compliance until 1988. The
                 initial five year period has seen reduced effluent discharge of both
                 phosphorus and nitrogen. By the end of 1986 OEP estimates that 42% (14.4 MGD)
                 of effluent discharged into the Patuxent from the major STPs will comply with
                 the standards for phosphorus set forth by the strategy. By the end of 1987
                 the percentage will increase to approximately 56%. Construction is underway
                 at specific facilities in the basin to meet the nitrogen removal standards
                 although none are currently on line.

                 Through 1985 cumulative phosphorus loading into the river from major STPs has
                 been reduced from 1981 levels by approximately 24% while cumulative nitrogen
                 loadings have been reduced by 10%. Phosphorus reduction has accrued
                 principally due to upgrading of two STPs and through improved use of existing
                 equipment at    throughout the basin. Nitrogen reduction has been achieved to
                 date solely by a tightening of existing procedures and equipment utilization
                 at STPs in the basin. The reductions in phosphorus and nitrogen plant by
                 plant from 1981 to 1984-85 is shown in Table 3.

                 Water quality data summaries are only available from the Patuxent River
                 Monitoring Program for the years 1983, 1984, 1985; thus only point source
                 reduction of phosphorus and nitrogen which were in effect during this time
                 frame can be used to assess improvements in water quality. Those plants which
                 would be included under this provision are identified in Figure 5. They are
                 all in the upper portion of the Patuxent River, Little Patuxent (savage),
                 Horsepen and Fort Meade. The reduction in phosphorus and nitrogen inputs at
                 these facilities has been extracted from OEP's basin with nitrogen and
                 phosphorus reduction summary (Table 1) and summarized in Table 4.

                 The figures shown in Table 3 represent the actual reduction in point source
                 loading at STPs which have been upgraded prior to 1986. It must be noted that
                 nitrogen removal was not included at any of these facilities and thus reduced
                 nitrogen levels is due to improved techniques at the facilities.

                 The direct impact of the improvements at these facilities on water quality in
                 the river is thought to be small and directed to the upper reaches. The
                 impact on water quality in the lower portions of the river would be indirect.

                                                     -13-

                     Table 3. - NUTRIENT LOADS DISCHARGED BY MAJOR PATUXENT SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS

                                                                        TOTAL PHOSPHORUS

                                                   Flow             Concentration        Pound Loading           1981 Base Year Averages
                       STP Name                 Average  MGO        Average mg/I          Average/Day              MGO           lbs./Day

                       Little Patuxent              9.1                    0.4                  30                                  370

                       Parkway                      4.5                    3.4                 130                 5.6              150
                       Western Branch              10.@                    3.3                 290                 9.9              190
                       Horsepen _                   Q.36                   4.8                  14                773-77             10

                       Maryland City                0.65                   5.5                  30                 0.6               50

                       Patuxent (A.A.)              4.0                    6.2                 210                 3.6              100-

                       Bowie                        2.43                   5.1                 100                 2.5              200
                       Fort Meade-                  1.86                   0.4                    6                2,4               80
                       Md. House of                 1.11                   5.02                 50                 0.7
                          Correction

                       So omons     sland
                       TOTALS                      34.5                    NA                  860                33.5             J'70

                                                                        TOTAL NITROGEN
                                                   Flow             Concentration        Pound Loading           1981 Base Year Averages
                       STP Name                 Average  MGD        Average mg1I           Average/Day             MGD           lbs./Day
                       Little,Patuxent              9.1                                       1590                _L9  ... ....   _147n

                       Parkway                      4.5                   19                   710                 5.6              870

                       Western Branch              10.5                   15                  1310                 9.9             1650

                       Horsepen                     0.36                  18                    50                 0.3               50

                       Maryland   City              0.65                  24                   130                 0.6              130

                       Patuxent    (A.A.)           4.0                   22                   730                 3.6              750

                       Bowie                        2.43                  24                   490                 2.5              580

                       Fort Meade                   1.86                  12                   190                 2A               490
                       Md. House of                 1.11                  202                  190                 0.7               50
                          Correction

                       Solomons island

                       TOTALS                      34.5                   NA                  5390                33.5             6040

                       ]Tables are summaries of 1984-1985 self-monitoring data and OEP compliance monitoring data.
                       Though Solomons Island is considered a major Patuxent STP in this plan update, its use of land
                       treatment prevents its-inclusion in these tables.

                       211aryland House of Correction nutrient concentrations are estimates extrapolated from very
                       limited monitoring.

                       Source : Patuxent River Basin Update, 1986 - Maryland Office of Environmental
                       Programs.                                               _14-

                                                                                                        NORTH
                                                                          SAVAGE         k9.1 MGD)

                                                                                          MD. HOUSE OF CORRECTION (1987
                          (1988         PARKWAY                       AE                                           1.11 I1GD)
                               4 5 MGD)
                                                  11). C IT Y          A            FORT MEA        (1 .86 HGD)
                                 1986 0. 65 MGD)                                PATUXENT(19117 4.0 MGD)

                                           (0-36 MGD          SEPEN
                          (1986        BOWIE-DELAIR                            RT. 50 BRIDGE
                               2. 43 MGD)

                          (1988 10.5 MGD)       WESTERN BRANCIf

                                                                                 LOWER
                                                                                 MARLBORO

                                                                   BENEDICT

                                                                                                           CHESAPEAKE
                                    SC/It C,                                                                  BAY

                                     4  6     10
                                     MILES

                          A-3E*AGE TREATMENT PLANT

                                                                                                                      __j

               Figure 5: Map indicates the location of STPs in the Patuxent River Basin.
                               Numbers in parentheses are the average daily flow in millions
                                                          lion

                               of gallons per day (MGD) and date the plant will comply with the
                               Nutrient Control Strategy. Those STPs circled were under compliance
                               prior to 1986.

                                                                       -15-

                                                     TOTAL PHOSPHORUS
                 STP NAME 1981 DISCHARGE AVERAGESl1984-85 DISCHARGE AVERAGES            CHA14GE
                                 MGD         lbs./day       MGD            lbs./day        1981-1985

                 Little
                  Patuxent       7.9          370           9.1               30
                                                                                        Change MGD
                 Horsepen        0.3           10           0.36              14            +0-72

                 Fort                                                                   Change lbs./day
                  Meade          2.4           80           1.86               6            -.41 o

                                                     TOTAL NITROGEN
                 STP NAME    981 DISCHARGE AVERAGES 1984-85 DISCHARGE AVERAGES          CHANGE
                                 MGD         lbs./day         MGD           lbs./day      1981-1985

                 Little
                  Patuxent       7.9          1470            9.1             1590
                                                                                        Change MGD
                 Horsepen        0.3            50            0.36               50         +0-72

                 Fort                                                                   Change lbs./da@
                  Meade          2.4           490            1.86             190          -18o

               SOURCE - Patuxent River Basin Update, Maryland Off ice of Environmental Programs
                          January, 1986.

              Table 4. : Average daily discharge changes between 1981 and 1985 for
                           those plants meeting the effluent limits set forth by the Nutrient
                           Control Strategy.

                                                          -16-

                 Decreases in algal biomass, as a result of reduced nutrient levels, would
                 reduce the amount of detrital material being received by the lower estuary.
                 This detrital material, derived from the decomposition of algae, is
                 transported by currents to the sediments of the lower river where it may act
                 as a nutrient "sink." Nutrients from this "sink" would be released during
                 periods of low dissolved oxygen and moderate stratification. This pool of
                 nutrients could promote blooms in the lower estuary reducing water quality.
                 Reduced nutrients entering the upper portions of the river can be linked to
                 change in water quality throughout the river.

                 Non-Point Source Pollution Reductions

                 Specific reductions in non-point source nutrients are difficult to set and
                 quantify due to the diffuse nature of the inputs. In addition, the extent of
                 non-point source pollution is dependent on the amount of rainfall in a given
                 year. Dry years will reduce nutrient loading while wet years will increase
                 loadings. This dependency on rainfall produces pulses of nutrients entering
                 the system following each storm event. These pulses can result in dramatic
                 localized water quality changes. Even in an average rainfall year non-point
                 sources are significant contributors of nutrients bay wide. Figure 6 is a
                 comparison of point and non-point sources for both nitrogen and phosphorus
                 throughout the bay system. Phosphorus loading is dominated by point sources
                 while non-point sources contribute more nitrogen to the Bay system. This
                 underscores the need to control both of these sources of pollution entering
                 the Patuxent River.

                 The State of Maryland has recognized the need for the control of non-point
                 source pollution and has incorporated such a program into the Chesapeake Bay
                 Initiatives. Many State agencies are actively involved in controlling non-
                 point source inputs into the Bay as a whole and specifically the Patuxent
                 River. Programs include installation of best management practices,
                 retrofitting existing development, structural and non-structural shoreline
                 erosion control, and stormwater management.

                 Agricultural Best Management Practices

                 The cost share program implemented by the Maryland Department of Agriculture
                 is aimed at assisting farmers in the installation of best management
                 practices. This is one of the most important components in the State's
                 overall non-point source control program. Cropland generates the largest
                 share of the non-point source nutrient loadings to the Bay (US EPA 1983). The
                 program has been in effect since 1983 and to date 129 practices have been
                 installed which serves 1,132 acres in the Patuxent River Basin.

                 The number of projects and acreage served is listed by county on Table 5. In
                 addition this table includes the cost share earned by each county along with
                 the total cost of the practices installed. The level of participation by each
                 county is presented graphically in Figures 7 and 8. (Note: the amount of
                 acreage which lies in the watershed varies greatly among the seven counties.)

                 Retrofitting Existing_Development

                 Several projects are planned for the Patuxent River watershed:

                      A. Lewis Creek, St. Mary's County
                      B. Fox Hill Park, Prince George's County
                      C. Towsers Branch, Anne Arundel County

                 While these projects will have a definite impact on water quality, they have
                 not been completed. This would preclude them from having any impact on water
                 quality in the Patuxent River to date.

                                                    -18-

                  Figure 6.

                                                         Or POINT AND NFIN-POINT
                                                         HIII-OGEN AND PHOSPHORUSS
                                                           P L-i U IF - TV;l

                                                   !.BET

                                                                                             :-E 4

                                              s- n

                                            En v Y, o n i e na
                      roe   Un; lej@ S*@-@@4-es
                                         Ac-fenc,

            Table 5.                        PATUXENT RIVER WATERSHED

                                      COMPLETED BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
                               THROUGH MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL COST-SHARE PROGRAM

                                                  June 30, 1986

                                 NO.             TOTAL                COST SHARE            COST
             COUNTY           OF BMPIS       ACREAGE SERVED             EARNED          OF PRACTICES

         Anne Arundel           18                231                $ 25,192            $ 44,567

         Calvert                57                367                  87,074              205,601

         Charles                 6                  37                 12,726               18,068

         Howard                 22                189                  33,699               69,282

         Montgomery              2                 0                     3,685               4,094

         Prince George          18                233                  44,573              107,801

        .St. Mary's              6                  75                 23,399               43,626

              TOTALS            129              1,132               $230,548             $493,339

                                                        -20-

                       Figure 7.

                                                                    M A m-  G     E N T   PR 6 C T    C- E'S.         A   T -'P-
                                                                     E      lm@4 EM ..L                                       tl

                                                                                                                        TE   E
                                                                                                                          LZ

                                                                                                          Z;@

                                                                  AO

                                                                                                                                             REM
                                                                                                                MOM

                                                                                                                     L-Z

                                                                                                                     j2-Z

                                                                                                   J- A.

                                                       DEE-AF-TWENT
                                                           CLONSERVATFIGN rr-'MMTTTEE
                                                                             @ . -@-% ==.- I I

             Figure 8.

                                                                                    P.
                                    Bx E ST sh"A r- E-K E t-

                                                              hi           p;j -I--

                     lb.V
                          L

                                     1@ jl- la

                     6 V;mfi
                          L

                          Lgt@@     Wgi@@

                                                                       f4

                         SS A TSCSIL

                Shoreline Erosion Control

                      1. Non-Structural - These shoreline stabilization projects involve
                grading and/or planting of vegetation along the bank to reduce erosion and
                resultant sedimentation of the river. These projects will have an impact on
                water quality in the future by reducing turbidity. This is a new program and
                few of the projects have progressed beyond the planning stage. A few projects
                are nearing the construction phase. They are:

                             A.  Mechanicsville, St. Mary's County - Trent Hall Farm
                                 Installation of 500 feet of intertidal marsh grass.

                             B.  St. Leonard, Calvert County - Jefferson Patterson
                                 Park - Installation of offshore stone breakwater with
                                 700 feet of intertidal marsh grass

                             C.  Pieds Property, Prince George's County - (1500 feet)
                                 bank grading and stabilization with installation of
                                 intertidal grass and a 100 foot wide forested buffer

                      2. Structural  '- These erosion projects involve the use of rip-rap,
                bulkheading or other permanent structures to reduce shoreline erosion. A
                summary of the projects which have been conducted in the Patuxent Basin is
                shown in Table 6. Information provided includes location, shore length,
                structure length, type construction and date completed.

                Stormwater Management

                Many projects are currently being installed throughout the State to reduce the
                impa ct of stormwater upon receiving water bodies. As indicated by Table 7 the
                number of approved projects in each of the seven Patuxent River Basin counties
                has risen steadily. However these figures are for the entire county as the
                Water Resources Division does not currently maintain their computer files by
                watershed.

                                                     -23-

           Table 6.-

                 Structural Shore Erosion Control Projects Completed in the Patuxent River Watershed

                 Fiscal Year 1984

                 County           General Project         Length           Construction            Completion            Length
                                      Location               of                 Type                    Date                of
                                                          Shore                                                         Structure

                 Calvert            Back Creek             234             Timber Bulk-            6-25-84              228' Timber
                                                           L.F.            head & Rip Rap                                401 Stone

                 Fiscal Year 1985
                 St. Mary's         Esperanza              464             Stone                   9-18-84              464'
                                    Farms                  L.F.            Revetment

                 Calvert            Prison                 430             Stone
                                    Point                  L.F.            Revetment               12-11-84             4301

                 St. Mary's         Greenwell             1134             Stone
                                    State Park             L.F.            Revetment               4-17-85              1134,

                 St. Mary's         Greenwell              150             Stone
                                    State Park             L.F.            Revetment               5-27-85              162'

                 Fiscal Year 1986

                 Calvert            Drum Point           930.5             Timber Bulk-
                                                          L.F.             head w/ Drain           11-2.5-85           1032-51

                 Calvert            Ships Point           735              Timber
                                                          L.F.             Bulkhead                12-2o-85           782'

          Table 7. -

                Stormwater Management Plans Approved in the Seven Patuxent River Basin
                Counties During the Period From 1980 - 1985. (Note: figures are for
                entire county)

                County        1980         1981         1982        1983         1984         1985   Cum.

                Ann Arundel     11           17           12          16          16           42     114

                Calvert          2            3           3            3           3             7    21

                Charles          1            2           9            7           2             7    28

                Howard           8            6           10           6           8           13     51

                Montgomery       7            5           8           11           7           19     57

                Prince Georges   12          16           3            7          12           39     95

                St. Mary's       3            2           8            9          11             9    42

                TOTAL           44           51          59           59          59           136    4o8

          Source   Maryland Department of Natural Resources      Water Resources Division

                                                       -25-

                 Water Quality

                 The information used to assess water quality parameters was taken from the
                 Office of Environmental Programs Patuxent River Water Quality Monitoring
                 Program over the period of January 1983 to December 1985. The location
                 distance from mouth and identification number is provided for each sampling
                 station in Figure 9. The interpretation of changes in water quality over this
                 period is a qualitative assessment of the data and is not intended topoKLra_X
                 a quantitative difference in the parameter over the period.

                 When using such a brief time span to identify trends, variances in
                 environmental conditions will exist over the period. Two significant
                 environmental factors which may produce changes would be fluctuations in
                 temperature and water flow. The temperature pattern has remained stable as
                 shown in Figure 10 . The mean daily flow has changed over the period of
                 January 1983 to December 1985. The flow has declined each year with very low
                 flows recorded during 1985. The overall pattern of changes in flow is
                 presented in Figure to . Reduced flow in the river could lower dissolved
                 oxygen levels as well as reduce turbidity in the river.

                 The change which has occurred in the parameters is presented for each
                 ecological zone of the river. Values are shown to have increased, decreased
                 or remained constant over the three year period. The water quality parameters
                 selected, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll "as" and turbidity were those
                 identified by the Charrette as indicators to monitor improvement in water
                 quality.

                 Dissolved oxygen can vary greatly depending on the specific environment
                 conditions at the time of sampling. Both water temperature and flow would
                 have,an effect on the amount of oxygen able to be held by the water. Because
                 1985 was a particularly low flow year, it would be anticipated that dissolved
                 oxygen measurements made during this time frame would be lower than during a
                 normal flow condition. Two data points were selected to be used in this
                 assessment, the change observed in the maximum and minimum dissolved oxygen
                 values for each year based on median plots prepared by CEP. The yearly
                 maximum occurs during the winter, as low temperatures increase the oxygen
                 holding capacity of the water. Biota in the river can become stressed when
                 dissolved oxygen levels fall below 4 mg/l. During the summer months the lower
                 portion of the river becomes stratified and increased water temperatures cause
                 dissolved oxygen levels to decline. These levels can fall below the critical
                 value of 4.0 mg/l from 0 to 30 km above the river's mouth.

                 Chlorophyll "a" is used to determine the amount of algae present in a water
                 sample. Chlorophyll "a" is a component of algae cells and its concentration
                 is directly related to the amount of algae present in the river, High
                 chlorophyll "a" readings would indicate nutrient enrichment of the water body
                 which has promoted increased algal growth. Chlorophyll "a" can be used to
                 determine if excessive amounts of nutrients are entering the river from
                 sources in the watershed.

                 Turbidity is used to determine the photic zone of a river. This is the depth
                 to which enough light is able to penetrate to support plant growth, either for
                 free floating algae or submerged aquatic vegetation along the shoreline.
                 Turbidity is an indicator of the extent of sedimentation occurring within a

                                                    -26-

           Figure 9.

                            MD Rt.50 100        Patuxent River Estuary
                           PXT 0603        Water Quality Monitoring Stations

                                        90

                                     so

                                    PXT 0494

                          PXT 0456   Jug Bay
                                     70

                           PXT 0402
                                      60

                        Lower Marlboro XED 9490

                                        so

                             X.ED 4892

                                         40

                              B e n a d I c t
                                         XDE 401

                                          30

                                 XDE 5339    0  20

                  KEY                       XDE 792      10     XCF 9575
                River Kilometer             XDF 0407                   0
                Station location                           on    CG 86137)
                                                             0
                                         SCALE     XCF 8747
                                      0         1'o
                                           Km.

                                        -27-

        W40  -
        A                                      Source  OEP, 1986
        T
        E                   +
        R30               + ++                 44 -@ +                     t
        T              +
        ;E                                                         + 4+
        M                 +                                          4     ++
        -P
                         +                           -4                4+
         20                                  +

        N
                                                      t

         10                                                        +
        E          +        ++   4
        G

                                                   +        t
        C

         OIJAN83      OIJUL83   01JANG4     01JUL84     01JANGS      OIJUL8S   OIJANGG

                                               (a)
        M5000
        E
        A

         4000
        D

        L3000
        y

        L
        02000
        W

        N1000

        C
        f
        s

           OIJAN83               01JAN84                01JAN8S                01JANOG
                                               (b)

           Figure IQ Median and range oF  water temperature (a) and river Flow (b)
                                             -2@-

                 river. Turbidity can also indicate the productive health of a river as turbid
                 waters tend to be unproductive due to a lack of available light.

                 Assessment of water quality in each of the zones of the river over the period
                 from January 1983 - December 1985

                 Zone 1 - Tidal Fresh

                 Dissolved oxygen levels have remained constant over the period with a slight
                 increase in the minimum dissolved oxygen level during the summer. Peak and
                 median chlorophyll "a" readings have remained stable over the period. Peaks
                 have not exceeded 60 mg/I in this portion of the river. Turbidity has also
                 remained constant. The overall stability of this portion of the river during
                 this three year period may be due to the segment's swift flow and the reduced
                 phosphorus inputs from sewage treatment plants.

                 Zone II - Transition Zone

                 Dissolved oxygen levels have remained constant in this portion of the river,
                 though they tend to be low. The extent of elevated chlorophyll "a" readings
                 increased as well as peak chlorophyll A" readings. The number of readings in
                 excess of 60 mg/l increased over the period. The mixing which occurs in this
                 portion of the river along with reduced flow during 1985 may explain the
                 slight rise in chlorophyll "a" measurements in the transition zone. Turbidity
                 remained constant over the period although it is very high due to the mixing
                 of salt and fresh water which occurs in the transition zone.

                 Zone III - Estuary

                 The summer months tend to have low dissolved oxygen recordings in the estuary
                 portion of the river. This trend is continuing although there has been a
                 slight improvement in the summer minimum over the period. The chlorophyll "a"
                 median concentrates remained stable although peaks increased which may be a
                 result of low flows causing periodic increased residence times for nutrients
                 which stimulated algae growth. Turbidity increased in this segment of the
                 river over the three-year period.

                                                    -29-

                                                              CHANGES IN SELECTED WATER                                       QUALITY PARAMETER                        'S
                                                          FOR THE PERIOD                        OF JANUARY 1983 TO DECEMBER 1985.

                                                                                                                                                                           Key
                                                                                                                                                                              p @itj- CInu,,q.I,i 11
                                                                                                                                                                              Vo.lue O_r I   o   riod

                                                                                                                                                                              N-g.ti- ch-njo
                                                                                                                                                                                           tj@c Period
                                                                                                                                                                              V.I..

                                                                                                                                                                              V@j- 11.1.ti-ly
                                                                                                                                                                              C-t-t O-r tj,. Period
                                                                                                                                                                                    wate-1-1 D-ndary

                                                              MONTGOMER

                                                                                                                                                               T,

                                             Tidal FreGI, Zone
                                               ,,I .. Ivd oxygen                                                                 C-

                                                  Winter Maximum

                                               Claorophyll -a-
                                                  Peak
                                                   di.n
                                                T-'biaity                                                                                                                    s@
                                                  IS.-Ini Depth)

                                                                                                                                           Ln

                                                          Winter ...-un.

                                                      Chl-phyll

                                                          edian
                                                          Peak
                                                          M

                                                      T
                                                          S.-M uepth)
                                                       -111diLy

                                                                                                        p, R L E S

                                                                   E.L-y Zone

                                                                               mi  i.u.x
                                                                        Wj.n r   ,ain.,,.
                                                                     cj.,!nophyll "a.
                                                                        M-1 I an

                                                                      To @bidity
                                                                        (Go-hi D141th)

                                                                                                             Bay Z-
                                                                                                               Di,s,l,ed Oxygen
                                                                                                                 summer Minimum
                                                                                                                 Winter   maximum

                                                                                                                 peak
                                                                                                                 H.di-

                                                                                                               Turbidity
                                                                                                                  Secclit Depth)    +

                            Source: Office of Eu@iro..cnt.l Prog-111n Patuxent Water Oniality
                                     ljonitoring program Data sunullary )jeports       1984, 1965,
                                     19 86.

                                                    CONCLUSION

                 Progress has been made in the effort to restore the Patuxent River to prior
                 levels of water quality. This progress has been slow and results are only now
                 beginning to be manifest.,
                 The reduction in po      t@rce nutrient inputs has not occurred in the
                                    int
                 magnitude initiall outlVaed in 1981. The reduction which has occurred has
                                    y
                 focused in the element Ph@sphorus with little or no reduction to date in
                 Nitrogen loading from the'fSTPs in the basin. The control of non-point source
                 inputs has also been dela.yed and few projects have reached the implementation
                 phase. The point and non-point source control improvements reflect the
                 inability of current State programs to be effective over a short time span
                 such as five years.

                 The current control program is making progress and conditions are slowly
                 improving in the river. The program for restoring the Patuxent River needs to
                 maintain momentum. Point source controls for both Nitrogen and Phosphorus
                 need to be implemented in a more timely fashion at all STPs in the basin.
                 Those STPs in the basin unable to meet acceptable discharge standards should
                 have stronger actions taken against them to correct the failure of current
                 program in doing this.

                 The control of non-point source nutrients loading must be made as high a
                 priority as point source control. Future progress reports should not refer to
                 11planned" improvements but to simply state what is in place at that point in
                 time.

                 In conclusion progress has been made although it has been at a significantly
                 slower pace than anticipated and the time frame for the completion of the
                 restoration effort has expanded.

                                                         APPENDIX A

                                                 PATUXE,NT RIVEIR ("11A)WHITTEA

                      The 1,11(lixellt River (I'llarrette was held oil December 2-4, 1981 to reneh a consensus
                      flifloll1r, State and local lenders oil a mitrient control strategy for the watershed. The
                      following statement of goals for the watershed, as taken from the Patuxent 208 Planj
                      was agreed upoll.
                      Water (111fility Goflls fillst"@Meflstlrcs

                      GoIll:  To restore watel-quality to the 1950's levels its defined by dissolved oxygen
                                              J @
                              (DO) and turbidi@q.

                              liedlive polliltallt loadings
                              EAmire levels to siistain biological life
                              Maintain sources! of potable water in upper river

                      mensilres:

                              DO Millillif.1111

                              5 ing/l above Sheridan Pt. (river mile 20)
                              2 ing/l fit Sheridan Pt. in deep water

                              Turbidity:

                              1.5 to 2 ineters seechi dise visibility at Sheridan Pt.

                      Itecrontiomil and Esthetic Goals and Measures

                      Restore fill(] improve the potential for recreational uses of the PatUXClit River, including
                      boating, sports fishing, swimming, mid esthetic pleasure.

                           1.  E'iihance the scenic (Itiality of the river

                               Measures:    refuse clenimp
                                            rehabilitation und reclamation of still(] and (travel sites*
                                            turbidity reduction
                                            maintenance of traditional water uses fill(] way of life
                                            ngricultural. ]fill(] preservation
                                            park (level opm ent *

                           2.  Preserve and enhance wildlife habitats

                               mellstires:  zolling Control of water frontage
                                            return of indigenous Species

                      *Added from Charrette Action Plan

                                                          -32-

                    Productivity Goids

                    Restore the entch of I'desired" species (finfish, shellfisl i, etc.) in the entire river by
                    ninximizing the number or sticcessful yeni, classes.   milintaill research capability to
                    identify key environmental life cycle needs.

                    Itiver Sy.-;tvill (Ioals find meastire's
                                              F
                          1.  View of the rivqr as a unit including the impacts of the Chesnpelike
                              Ibly oil tile estt;",r
                                              PA Y -
                          2.  Prohibit or contr6l (regulate) uses that degrade the river.

                          3.  Niminge water quantity to preserve water quality.

                              Measures:   infiltration and inflow reduction
                                               1

                          4.  Protect the economic and social needs of both tile tipper and estuarine
                              jtirisdictions.

                              Aleitsures: preservation of diversity and quality of life

                          5.  lit accommodating growth, develop land-use patterns that protect the
                              water citiality goals.

                              Measures:   quantity mid quality of runoff same or better after
                                          development as before

                          6.  Set targets for research, prograin for open space, construetion grnilt
                              money, fuld clif orcell) CIA.

                          7.  People who  wotild generate a potential cost (environmental or economic)
                              oil the river SIIOLlld pay for the initigation or prevention measures
                              (including governinent regulation).

                    The recommedations that were agreed upon at the Chm-rette were incorpornted into
                    the Office of F"Invironmental Programs' January 14, t982 Nutrient Control Strategy
                    for the Patuxent River Basim. That strategy, in turn, forms the policy of the Patuxent
                    208 I'lan which is summarized in Appendix 11.

                                                            -33-

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                 Point soill-ces

                 In tile Patuxent River Basin, 96 percent of the effluent from sewage trentment plants
                 comes from ptiblicly owned treatment works with discharges of over 50n,000 gallons
                 per ony.    Smaller sewage treatineiiI. plaiits and indtistrial discharges linve relatively
                 in.illor effects oil basillwide water (piality.  This chapter outlines the State's strategry
                 for controllinjr, point som-ce oischm-gres to tile Ntnent River.         The recom ill enon t i oils
                 were largely oprived froi I  theyesults of a conflict resolution process (called a charrette)
                 which took I)Ill(!e ill 1!)ecegiber 1981, and incItided representatives from various
                 coliflictilitr gl,ollps.

                 The major points of the StatQ's point source control strategy are as follows:

                      1.   All facilities which  have diseharges that exceed 500,000 gallons per day
                           intist meet phosphorus effIticiii. limits of 1.0 rng/1 all(] plan for possible
                           phosphorus limits of 0.3 mg/l.

                      2.   Ali established goal of tile charrette was to redtice nitrogen loadings to
                           tile river by Point sokirces by 2,000 poillids from 1.981 levels.              To
                           nceomplish this, certain facilities will meet nitrogen linlits of 3-0 -g/1
                           cither through conventional nitrogen removal or Imid treatment.               All
                           hivilitics will plan for possible 3.0 mg/1 nitrogen limits all(] their 201
                           facilities plans will analyze the various alternatives for achieving this
                           nitrogren limitation.

                      3.   'I'll(! '201 facilities plans will be tile process through which Specific
                           oceisions for ench treatment plant affected by this strategy will be made.

                      4.   Lmid treatment is the preferred alternative (where it is shown to be
                           cos t-e f f cc t i ve).

                 Non-poifit Sources

                 In addition to point sotirces of pollution, water qtiality call also be affected to a
                 significant degree by 11011-poilit som-ces of pollutimi. These origrinate oil iii-Imn, suburban,
                 alld flgricult(Irtil Inilds throughout the Patuxent Dasin.         The State's strategy for
                 controllb.ii; non-point sources of pollution consists of tile following elements:

                      1.   A Non-point Source Technical Committee will be established to octail
                           mid coordinitte the implementation or this strategy.           The comillittee
                           will consist of representatives of key State agencies, tile seven collilties
                           withill the Pattixent 1.311sill, the Soil Conservation Districts (SCDS), the
                           scientific comintmity, mid EPA.

                      2.   Of-T will commit funds to the development and maintemince of n
                           computerized modet for the basin, which will serve to test nitenintive
                           policies till(] developmeM scenarios for their water (Itiality impacts.

                                                                  -35-

                             3.   A lIntuxent Agrictilbiral Tnsk Force will be established, comprised of
                                  representatives of the Soil Conservation Service oil(] the S(.'Ds within
                                  the basin, and members of key State ngencies.            The Task Force will
                                  detail fill(] coordinate the implementatim of the ngricultural aspects of
                                  the State's strategy.

                             4.   Locid SCI)s Should be strengthened where necessary ill order for them
                                  to provide ndc    late technical assistance to farmers for plimithig and
                                  implementing p4jlutioll controls.
                             5.   OEP wol-ked wit) other agencies to develop a State cost-slinring progrnin
                                  which was Appr-o; 'ved by the Maryland Legislature ill 1982.         Fluids will
                                  be tised to help, fariners install best manngement practices ill "critical
                                  areas" defined under the State's 208 prograin for agriculture.

                             6.   OF11 will work with local governments to strengthen their storinwilter
                                  mmingement prdgrams and is calling oil these jurisdictions to adequately
                                  stnff and implement programs for effective stormwater management.

                       The reillilinder of the chapter incitides brief Sections Oil floil-pollit SoilrCc pollution
                       from construction sites, surface inines, septic systems, and boating ill the Patuxent
                       Basill.

                       Groundmiter

                       Although     Maryland's    groundwaters     have    not   su f f ered widespread     or    serious
                       contamination, the potential for contninhiation is present.          Mary1mid is an industrial
                       state all(] prodtices significant qtiantities of toxic or ham-dous materials.           If these
                       are improperly managed, they may pose a serious threat to the qtiality of groundwater
                       supplies.   l-Werull all(] State programs have been implemented to protect groundwater
                       resources throughout the State, and water appropriations control and water supply
                       planning lielp ensure the conservation of this limited resource.

                       The plall colichides that 110 flew management programs are necessary to ensure the
                       protection of ground water quality and quantity ill the Patuxent Basin, n1thotigh carefut
                       mmingement is re(lidred ill a few localized areas to ensure ade(pinte supply. There is
                       also a need to further educate the general public regarding certain netions they may
                       take which might affect groundwater quality, such as improper disposal of toxic
                       household slibstallces.

                       The plan n1so concluded that land treatment call be an effective menns of treating
                       wastewater, btit proper site selection and design must be carefully considered to avoid
                       any adverse impact oil groundwater resouvces.

                       Itesidifills

                       The generation of residt-1111S has increased dramatically ill the past few decades as a
                       result of increased popultition, more stringent requirements for wastewater trentinciitj
                       and increases ill commercial and industrial activities.        Landfill Space is limited, and
                       improper 111111111gelliellt of- disposal of these wastes may restilt !if stirface or groundwater
                       containimition. Federal prograins, especially the Resource Conservation lind Recovery

                                                                 -36-

              Act provide for the development of prograins to regulate hind disposid of waste
              materials, fuld for Ihe development of resource recovery programs.       Mary1mid lilts
              developed regil In I i oils for the proper mmingement, utilization, mid disposal of residmils,
              including solid wilste, sewage shidge, hazardous waste, all(] resource recovery.

              The 1)1:111 conchided Vint no new laws or regulations are needed in Maryland to malinge
              residli'lls wilste disposill. Therc is- it colltillilillir need, however, to closely illollitor solid
              waste 1111111, Ige III ent flicilities fill.16 ensure the proper handling of toxic (ind linzardous
              Wastes. Stich monitoring prograiip5 shotild be coupled with strong enforcement programs.

              Additiomil cluipters of the plall" hiclude Institutional Arrangements, which describe
              existillir Io(!jII pI-ojrl-j)jIjs rellited',to various aspects of water (Imility inmingement all(]
              provide the render with contact persons and their phone numbers for various State
              all(I JOCIII proIrl-11111q.

              A cimpter oil ptiblic pirticipation is included, which describes the make-tip all(] functions
              of Variolls grollps Which have provided input to 011`1) during the development of this
              plan. The eimpter also describes the process by which the plan will be reviewed by
              the ptiblic, revised, mid stibmitted to the Governor all(.] E-PA for approval.

              Several tippendices appear at the end of the p1mi, and serve to provide more detailed
              inforintition oil vitrious stibJects dealt with in the body of the plan. These appendices
              Include it disetission of estimated sediment yields in the Patuxent, the State's water
              (11111lity Stillififirds, it glossilry, a tilble stillullarizing pop illation fill(] land Ilse, a discussion
              of silviculbire, mid descriptions of Hest Management Practices.

                                                          -37-

    APPENDIX C

    PATUXENT RIVER POLICY PLAN

    The following recommendations are the strategies of the Patuxent River Policy Plan.

    RECOMMENDATIONS

    1.	ESTABLISHING A PRIMARY MANAGEMENT AREA (PMA)

    A PRIMARY MANAGEMENT AREA, DELINEATING THE AREA ALONG THE RIVER
    AND ITS TRIBUTARIES, WILL BE ESTABLISHED TO IDENTIFY AND MANAGE
    LAND FROM WHICH POLLUTION IS MOST LIKELY TO BE TRANSPORTED INTO
    THE RIVER.

    The PMA shall be considered to be an area critical to the Chesapeake
    Bay and its tributories;

    Local governments will include the PMA in their plans and zoning
    ordinances;

    Preferred land uses in the PMA will be agriculture, forest, and
    recreation;

    Local governments will prepare plans for the PMA to minimize
    dense and intensive development and large impervious areas in the
    PMA;

    State agencies, in regulatory activities, technical assistance, and grant
    programs, will target the PMA as a priority area; and

    -38-

    State and local governments will ensure that land use practices within
    the PMA shall be of such a nature so as to have no (or at least
    minimal) adverse impact on water quality of the Patuxent River.

    2.	PROVIDING BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (BMP's) AND VEGETATIVE
    BUFFERS

    PROGRAMS FOR PROVIDING BMP's AND VEGETATIVE BUFFERS IMMEDIATELY
    ADJACENT TO THE RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES WILL BE DEVELOPED.

    State and local governments will provide BMP's on their publicly
    owned lands, including buffers where appropriate;

    The State will require BMP's on State assisted projects, including
    buffers where appropriate;

    Local governments will adopt subdivision and zoning provisions that
    require BMP's, including buffers where appropriate, in all new
    development;

    BMP's, including filter strips and filed borders, will be encouraged on
    agricultural land through education, voluntary action, incentive,
    compensation, and through implementation of the Maryland
    Agricultural Water Quality Management Plan;

    Implementation of soil conservation plans, including filter strips and
    field borders where appropriate, will be required on lands acquired in
    easements;

    The federal government will be requested to provide BMP's including
    buffers where appropriate, on its lands; and

    The State Department of Transportation will protect roadside buffers
    by eliminating its practice of broadcast spraying of herbicides along
    roadsides.

    3.	IDENTIFYING MAJOR NON-POINT POLLUTION SITES

    THE STATE, IN CONJUNCTION WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, WILL SURVEY
    THE WATERSHED AND IDENTIFY MAJOR NON-POINT POLLUTION SITES.

    Existing State regulatory and corrective programs will consider these
    sites as priority areas.

    -39-

    4.	RETROFITTING EXISTING DEVELOPMENT

    THE STATE WILL DEVELOP A COST-SHARING PROGRAM TO AID LOCAL
    GOVERNMENTS IN CORRECTING AND MANAGING STORM WATER POLLUTION
    FROM EXISTING DEVELOPED AREAS.

    Local governments will pursue a program of abating pollution in
    existing developed areas;

    State and local governments wil curtail non-point pollution coming
    from their facilities; and

    The State will establish priorites among developed areas causing non-
    point pollution and address problems in order of priority.

    5.	ACCOMMODATING FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

    FUTURE DEVELOPMENT WILL BE ACCOMMODATED IN WAYS TO MINIMIZE
    IMPACT ON WATER QUALITY AND MAXIMIZE EXISTING OPPORTUNITIES.

    Development will be concentrated where possible, outside the PMA;

    Development will optimize the use of existing facilities and utilities;

    Development will be sited to maximize use of soil infiltration capacity;

    Development will be sited away from sensitive areas, such as
    reservoirs, wetlands, steep slopes, and aquifer recharge areas;

    Sites within the watershed that offer unique opportunities for
    development and redevelopment will be identified and planned; and

    New public facilities (schools, parks, highways) will incorporate best
    management practices.

    6.	INCREASING RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE

    ADDITIONAL RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE LANDS WILL BE ACQUIRED IN
    THE PATUXENT WATERSHED BY THE STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS.

    State and local governments will review their recreation and open
    space plans for the Patuxent Watershed;

    Acquisition will be concentrated along the river and tributaries and
    in the lower portion of the watershed;

    Federal holdings in the watershed must be retained for open space
    and research; and

    An acquisition program for the lower portion of the watershed will
    be prepared.

    -40-

    7.	PROTECTING FOREST COVER

    EXISTING FOREST COVER WILL BE RETAINED AND IMPORTANT SENSITIVE
    AREAS WILL BE REFORESTED TO PROTECT WATER QUALITY.

    Existing State programs, like Program Open Space and Agricultural
    Preservation will be examined and amended for their application to
    forest protection;

    Buffering with forested strips will be encouraged; and

    The State will institute a reforestation program for developed areas.

    8.	PRESERVING AGRICULTURAL LAND

    PRIME AND PRODUCTIVE AGRICULTURRAL LAND WILL BE PRESESRVED IN THE
    PATUXENT WATERSHED.

    Easement purchases will include requirements for implementing soil
    conservation plans including buffer strips where appropriate; and

    The Agricultural Cost-Sharing program will target the Patuxent
    watershed.

    9.	EXTRACTING SAND AND GRAVEL

    SAND AND GRAVEL ACTIVITIES WILL BE MANAGED TO ALLOW EXTRACTION
    OF THE RESOURCE WITHOUT DAMAGE TO THE RIVER.

    Abandoned sand and gravel sites will be reclaimed;

    Sensitive control of active and future sites, particularly those in the
    PMA, will be requuired;

    Penalties for allowing sediment to enter the Patuxent River resulting
    from washing operations are to be increased to a minimum of $1,000
    per day for every day a violation is found to exist by the appropriate
    State agency; and

    The location of the resources will be identified, and county resource
    management strategies developed.

    10.	ADOPTING AN ANNUAL ACITON PROGRAM

    THE PATUXENT RIVER COMMISSION WILL ANNUALLY DEVELOP AND ADOPT
    AN ACTION PROGRAM TO IMPLEMENT THE STRATEGIES.

    The action program will contain a schedule and indicate responsibilities
    in carrying out specific actions to implement the plan;

    -41-

    A community education program will be an integral part of the action
    program; and

    The Commission will prepare an annual report on progress in
    implementing the plan.

    The recommendations and proposed actions in this plan are a starting point.  The Policy Plan has been approved by county governments and the General Assembly.  Approval of the plan indicates concurrence and committment to improving the Patuxent River.  The combined work of local and State governments, citizens, land owners, and private industry is required to transorm the proposals into an improved river.

    While prepared for the Patuxent, the land management recommendations contained in this plan can serve as a model for managing any watershed and the Chesapeake Bay.

    -42-

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