Results from a two-month survey of Maryland waters indicate that the Chesapeake Bay's oyster population may be recovering from a two-decade long battle with parasitic diseases.  The survey conducted by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) found an average of 80 spat (baby oysters) in each bushel of shells dredged up from 260 locations throughout the bay and its tributaries.  As the highest count on record since 1997, it appears that Dermo and MSX, the…

A February 4 Baltimore Sun opinion piece argues in support of Governor Martin O'Malley's proposed ban on septic systems in large scale developments. Gov. Martin O’Malley’s call last week to limit the creation of large subdivisions with traditional septic systems was easily the highlight of his State of the State address. It is a bold, if necessary step, in preserving Maryland’s water quality. But it will not be easily accomplished. Rural lawmakers, developers and contractors are already…

MACo Associate Director Les Knapp addressed the Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee of the Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) on February 7.  Mr. Knapp was invited by the Subcommittee to discuss the challenges faced by counties relating to implementation of new stormwater regulations and the Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs). Mr. Knapp discussed MACo's concerns with the original 2009 stormwater regulations, including the lack of adequate grandfathering provisions and the need for clarification about when local governments may grant waivers or allow…

In today's State of the State address, Governor O'Malley cited progress on the Bay clean up and restoration effort and the help of local governments in this progress, however, he called for a ban on the installation of septic systems in "major Maryland housing developments."  There is no Statewide definition of what constitutes a "major Maryland housing development" but typical usage applies to subdivisions with as few as five or six homes.  Here is a relevant excerpt…

In consultation with MACo, MML and other key stakeholders, the Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology, Inc. is offering a series of five workshops to county elected and non-elected officials on the challenges of creating and implementing the Phase II Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP).  Workshops have already been held in Western Maryland on January 19 and Central Maryland on January 21.  The remaining workshops are scheduled for the following dates and locations: Phase II WIP Workshop-Lower…

MACo President and Howard County Executive Ken Ulman was the keynote speaker at the 17th Annual Environmental Legislative Summit on January 25.  The Summit is sponsored by a consortium of environmental groups and introduces the environmental community's legislative agenda for the current Session.  In addition, key elected and appointed officials are invited to offer their opinions on key environmental issues.  This event marked the first time a MACo President had been invited to speak. The Summit, which has…