Stormwater Partners Network

Here is a case study of poor erosion and sediment control in Montgomery County.  The site is Leesborough (Centex construction), the former Good Counsel site (bordered by Georgia Ave., Amherst Ave., Arcola Ave. and Elkin St.) in Wheaton, Maryland.  The result was sediment laden runoff from the construction site.  The photos below are from May 25, 2009 (after many similar overflows for months).

 Uncontrolled erosion on-site above basin

Flow from containment basin, across sidewalk,
into Amherst Ave

Flow into street leading to storm drain at Amherst and Elkin

The headwaters of Sligo Creek at Channing and Blueridge Ave. — the sediment laden runoff from the Leesborough/Centex site merging with the clear runoff from neighborhood streets.

Sligo Creek about half a mile down stream showing the sediment laden flow from the construction site.

A full report about the incident can be found here on the Friends of Sligo Creek web site.

I am speaking on behalf of Neighbors of the Northwest Branch, a citizen-based nonprofit dedicated to the restoration of the Northwest Branch of the Anacostia River. We experience first hand the results of current “best management practices” for stormwater: deeply eroded stream channels, exposed and vulnerable sewer pipes, and pollution and nutrients from streets and yards carried down the Northwest Branch to the Anacostia River to be deposited in a dying Bay. 

The Stormwater Management Act of 2007 opened a new chapter, setting Environmental Site Design (ESD) as the new standard for development. Bill 40-10 begins the process of writing the new standards into existing county code. Kudos to the County Exec for continuing to apply thesame stormwater volume standards to both new development and redevelopment projects. But some other parts of the code revision must be strengthened—now, before approval. 

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Today, June 5 is National Trails Day.  So it was appropriate to have the ribbon cutting for the Northwood Chesapeake Bay Trail today. This was the culmination of an effort that began about a year ago. Today, VIPs were on hand to make opening remarks. The public was invited to participate in either a 5K fun run or hike. Community groups like Friends of Sligo Creek and Neighbors of the Northwest Branch had information tables about their organizations. About 100 to 200 people participated in the event.

Representatives from all the partnership organizations cutting the red ribbon officially opening the Northwood Chesapeake Bay Trail.

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The Neighbors of the Northwest Branch recently purchased signage for their demonstration rain gardens.  These signs are a valuable tool in reaching out to the community. In order to see significant water quality improvements, we will need to see a significant percentage of homeowners sustainably manage stormwater on their properties.

New Rain Garden Sign Used By Neighbors of the Northwest Branch

New Sign in Rain Garden of NNWB Member Jim Fary

What a difference a year makes when the County, watershed groups and the communities work together to protect our natural areas. A year ago Matthew Henson Park and Turkey Branch, a tributary of Rock Creek, were trashed. The County had spent millions of dollars in restoring Turkey Branch (see write up), but the stream and park was full of tires, car batteries, construction debris and litter (link to Spring 2009 Update) . Last spring we pulled tons of trash from the park and stream. Follow up clean ups were organized in the fall and during Volunteer Day on January 20th.

Community organizers, supported by Friends of Rock Creek Environment (FORCE) and the Parks Volunteer Office (Lynn Vismara!) have started turning the Park around. Challenges remain, but steady progress is being made.

Tania Gerich (community organizer), Eric Durland (FORCE). and Lynn Vismara (Parks Volunteer Coordinator)

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