An increasing source of nutrient and sediment pollution into the Chesapeake Bay comes from stormwater runoff associated with development.  The State recently adopted regulations requiring treatment of runoff through environmental site design techniques, which include letting water infiltrate into the ground naturally, rather than being channeled through pipes or into storage ponds.  The regulations will require changes in how development is planned and designed and will create new infrastructure costs.  Grandfathering provisions and clarifications on when local governments may allow the use of alternative methods or waivers were added as part of a compromise agreement during the 2010 Session.  Learn more about what the regulations require, implementation challenges, and what the future holds for stormwater management in Maryland during the MACo summer conference session, Stormwater Management:  Where Do We Flow From Here?.  It will be held on Friday, August 20, from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm.  Speakers include:

 Jay G. Sakai, Director, Water Management Administration, MD Department of the Environment

Fred Tutman, Riverkeeper and CEO, Patuxent Riverkeeper

The Honorable Jamie Raskin, Maryland Senate

Thomas R. Schueler, Coordinator, Chesapeake Stormwater Network

This session is being co-sponsored by the County Engineers Association of Maryland (CEAM) and the Maryland Association of County Planning Officials.

For more information on the MACo Summer Conference program, visit MACo’s website. Registration is currently open, and the “early registration” discount remains open through July 2.