Ecosystem

The Future of Solar in Maryland with Nature Conservancy’s Josh Kurtz

September 14, 2019 by The Spy Leave a Comment

The Nature Conservancy’s Maryland chapter has just finished new report on the future of solar deployment in the state. And that was the reason we asked TNC”s Josh Kurtz, who helped direct the study, to share with the Spy some of these important findings.

The Conservancy had convened a series of listening sessions with stakeholders and community members across the state to figure what the prevailing attitudes are around the future of solar in Maryland and what the hurdles are to accelerating deployment enough to meet the new 50% renewable energy by 2030 goal.

You can also read the big takeaways from the report and download it here.

This video is approximately five minutes in length. For more information about the Nature Conservancy’s work in Maryland, please go here

Federal Funds Aimed at Boosting Chesapeake Bay Oyster Population

September 12, 2019 by Capital News Service Leave a Comment

Efforts to increase Chesapeake Bay’s oyster population – a key indicator of the bay’s health – have received $800,000 in federal funding.

“This money will allow us and our partners – including the Maryland Department of Natural Resources – to finish up (habitat) restoration work,” Mike Roman, director of the Horn Point Laboratory at the University of Maryland’s Center for Environmental Studies in Cambridge, told Capital News Service.

The restoration work is on the Little Choptank, Tred Avon, St. Mary’s and Manokin Rivers, and Harris Creek, Roman said.

The funding arrives in tandem with a state proposal to reduce this year’s oyster harvest by 30%. The reduction is aimed at helping to achieve the goal of a sustainable supply of oysters in eight to 10 years, state officials said.

Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources estimated there were 300 million mature oysters in the state’s portion of the Bay in 2018 – down from 600 million in 1999.

The five waterways are tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay, where scientists are working toward a goal of 50 oysters per square meter.

Harris Creek and the Little Choptank, Tred-Avon, and Manokin Rivers are on Maryland’s Eastern Shore south of Kent Island, while the St. Mary’s River is in southern Maryland.

The funding was announced Aug. 27 by Sens. Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin, both D-Maryland, and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Mechanicsville. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, based in Silver Spring, Maryland, provided the funds.

Van Hollen told Capital News Service the oyster habitat funds are part of a larger program that includes an annual federal investment of $73 million to protect the Bay, and the designation of Mallows Bay-Potomac River in Charles County as a National Marine Sanctuary.

“Oysters are a key part of cleaning up the bay,” Van Hollen said. “A strong oyster population also equals a strong oystering industry.”

He also said he was working to increase the $73 million in future spending.

Hoyer said in a statement that he was “confident these funds will benefit our watermen. I will continue to work in Congress to advocate for resources to clean up the Chesapeake Bay.”

Cardin’s office did not respond to a request for comment.

The lawmakers aren’t overstating oyster populations’ importance to the health of the Bay, according to Roman.

“An oyster will filter 50 gallons of water per day,” he said. “All those oysters filter particles and algae out of water, make water clearer, get more (marine) life for sea grasses and promote a healthier Bay.”

Roman added that both commercial and sport fishermen benefit from clear waters with greater biodiversity promoted by oysters.

Oyster habitat restoration efforts have been underway for four years, following a 2012 report by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers finding the selected waterways suitable for the project, according to Maryland Department of Natural Resources spokesman Gregg Bortz.

“These five rivers are areas with good water quality suitable for oyster recruitment and survival, and historically always had oyster populations,” he said. His agency has conducted an annual fall survey since 1939 measuring oyster populations in some 200-400 oyster bars throughout the Bay, according to Bortz.

A total of 773.5 acres of oyster habitat have been restored in the Bay since 2011, according to the department.

Roman said oyster populations can differ significantly from year to year, with high rainfall in the past two years as well as drought and water diseases in previous years both adversely affecting growth.

He expects the overall project will be complete within the next three years, with the state continuing to survey populations to determine if their numbers are satisfactory.

“If not, we’ll reseed,” Roman said, referring to the process of releasing oyster larvae into reefs to attach themselves to shells. He called restoration efforts “something Marylanders should be very proud of.”

Cardboard Boat Race on September 21

September 4, 2019 by Washington College News Service Leave a Comment

It wouldn’t be Fall Family Weekend at Washington College without the annual Cardboard Boat Race, which is set to take place Sept. 21 during the Center for Environment & Society’s “CES at 20: Celebration on the Waterfront.”

This year CES is marking its 20th anniversary, and we encourage the community to come celebrate with us during a laid-back afternoon on the Chester River. From 12-4 p.m. at Wilmer Park you can enjoy food, beer, wine, live music and the always-entertaining Cardboard Boat Race. There will be some activities and raffles, along with river cruises aboard the 46-foot Callinectes ($5 per person), kayaking, and paddle boarding.

The Cardboard Boat Race is open to individuals, businesses, schools, civic groups, and non-profit entities in Kent or Queen Anne’s counties. Over $650 in prizes will be awarded for the winners of categories including First Around the Course, Best Construction, Most Team Spirit, and the ever-popular People’s Choice. College President Kurt Landgraf and his wife, Rita, will be on hand to help with the judging.

The deadline for registration is Sept. 21 at 2:30 p.m., and participants must be at least 12 years old. All boats go on display at 12:30 p.m. on race day. Captains and crew meet at 2:45 p.m., the popular boat parade begins at 2:50, and the race starts at 3:00 sharp along the Pavilion in Wilmer Park.

Registration is at https://cvent.me/vQWWe and costs $15 per team. For boatbuilding tips, go to https://www.washcoll.edu/centers/ces/chestertown-riverfest/cardboard-boat-building-tips.php.

In case of foul weather, activities may be cancelled. For information contact Marisa Atkins at 410-810-7162, matkins2@washcoll.edu or visit https://www.washcoll.edu/centers/ces/chestertown-riverfest/cardboard-boat-regatta.php. Events are organized by the Center for Environment & Society at Washington College for Fall Family Weekend.

SWMS Outreach Event for Young Women at Horn Point Laboratory

September 1, 2019 by University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Leave a Comment

Horn Point Lab SWMS co-chairs: Anna Windle, Hannah Morrissette, Lexy McCarty.

The Society for Women in Marine Science (SWMS) chapter at Horn Point Laboratory (HPL) invite young women in grades 6^th-12^th to join us for SWMS Saturday: Supporting Future Women Scientists. Participants will be exposed to STEM resources, role models, and inspiring activities. SWMS Saturday is a free 3 ½ hour event at Horn Point Laboratory (2020 Horns Point Rd, Cambridge, MD 21613) on Saturday, September 14 from 8:30-12pm. Girls will rotate through activities led by local researchers throughout the morning, with each activity representing a different STEM field. The event will be an opportunity to develop mentorships with female scientists and help prepare girls for futures in STEM.

STEM activities will include a mini bio blitz where participants will learn about biodiversity in our region and learn how to use a variety of tools and techniques to positively identify species. Participants will also conduct an oyster dissection to understand the internal components of an oyster and how they interrelate. Students will also learn how wind drives surface currents and how water moves throughout a system through a current modeling and ecosystem connectivity activity.

The SWMS Saturday event is a component of a larger SWMS symposium occurring on Friday, September 13^th. This is the first Delmarva SWMS Symposium and is hosted by graduate students at the Horn Point Lab, University of Delaware, and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Its purpose is to connect future leaders in the marine science field, to learn from established scientists via mentoring opportunities and panel discussions, and to disseminate research happening in the Delmarva region.

For more information and to register for the FREE SWMS Saturday outreach event on September 14th: https://science.umces.edu/swms-hpl/events/delmarva-symposium-2019/swms-saturday-supporting-future-women-scientists/

More information on the Delmarva SWMS symposium on September 13^th can be found on the Horn Point Lab SWMS website: https://science.umces.edu/swms-hpl/events/delmarva-symposium-2019/

Questions can also be addressed to Anna Windle (443-907-0498 or hplswms@umces.edu)

QA Commissioners Criminalize Intentional Release of Non-Biodegradable Helium Balloons

August 29, 2019 by Spy Desk 2 Comments

Effective October 13, 2019, it will be illegal to release “non-biodegradable helium balloons” in Queen Anne’s County pursuant to an ordinance passed unanimously by the Queen Anne’s County Board of County Commissioners during its legislative session on August 27.

Queen Anne’s County Commissioners (left to right) Top Row: Stephen Wilson, Christopher M. Corchiarino, Philip L. Dumenil Bottom Row: James J. Moran, Jack N. Wilson, Jr.

In the ordinance’s preamble, the Commissioners determined that “the release into the atmosphere of large numbers of balloons inflated with lighter than-air gases poses a danger and nuisance to the environment, agricultural industry, wildlife and marine animals.”

The ordinance was adopted to protect “the waters, animals and overall environment of Queen Anne’s County from the toxic impact of non-biodegradable balloons that are released within Queen Anne’s County by criminalizing the willing release of balloons within Queen Anne’s County.”

The ordinance is applicable to “any person or persons to knowingly and intentionally release, organize the release of or intentionally cause to be released into the atmosphere of Queen Anne’s County any Balloon unless such Balloon is either biodegradable or photodegradable.”

Releases by government and scientific organizations, negligent releases, and hot air balloonists are exempted.

Violators of the ordinance could be found be guilty of a civil infraction and subject to a fine of not more than Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00).

The ordinance was introduced by Commissioner Christopher M. Corchiarino, who cited the blatant littering aspect of balloon releases and the negative impact on waterways and rural landscapes.

The bill was strongly supported by Queen Anne’s Conservation Association. “Deflated mylar and latex balloons, and the ribbons attached to them, harm the environment by maiming and killing wildlife, sea creatures, and farm animals,” QACA Executive Director Jay Falstad explained in a statement. “This ordinance is a major accomplishment, and I couldn’t be more proud that Queen Anne’s County is taking the lead on this important environmental issue.”

Queen Anne’s County is the first local jurisdiction to adopt balloon release legislation in Maryland and could pose interesting legal questions when prohibited balloons are released from adjoining counties but enter Queen Anne’s air space.

ESLC Releases Statement on a New Auto-Oriented Chesapeake Bay Bridge Crossing

August 29, 2019 by Eastern Shore Land Conservancy 1 Comment

In light of the recent announcement by the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA), Eastern Shore Land Conservancy (ESLC) is releasing its revised position statement emphasizing the importance of transportation demand management strategies to mitigate traffic congestion impacts.

ESLC Statement on a New Auto-oriented Chesapeake Bay Bridge Crossing:

Instead of a new auto-oriented Chesapeake Bay Bridge crossing, ESLC strongly supports the research and implementation of a suite of aggressive corridor management strategies to travel across the current Chesapeake Bay Bridge spans.

Based on ESLC’s Annual Planning Conference “Congestion Ahead: Rerouting…” which took place in April and convened industry leaders and stakeholders, we believe the following mitigation efforts can have an immediate impact this year:

Corridor Management Suggestions:

– Real-time monitoring and management

– Additional contra flow lanes

– Increased commuter bus and regional public transit ridership

– Off-peak toll reductions

– High speed tolling

– Explore the feasibility of:

1. Commuter rideshare apps and incentives for high occupancy vehicles

2. Robust congestion predictors

3. Bay crossing reservation systems

4. Ocean City rideshare apps

Like our neighbors, ESLC supports a thriving economy in the counties and towns of the Eastern Shore. With this economic prosperity, the current Bay Bridge spans have led to intense housing sprawl and thousands of acres of habitat, farmland, and sensitive landscapes being permanently lost to development, on the Eastern Shore. While costing Maryland residents billions of dollars a new bridge crossing would dramatically degrade the working landscapes, ecological balance, and overall rural character of the region.

With an emphasis on aggressive corridor management, ESLC calls for a more future-oriented, people-centric approach to transportation planning. These approaches could be more cost-effective and environmentally-sensitive – specifically ones that: 1) makes the most out of the existing infrastructure; 2) encourages transformational improvements in transit and travel demand; and 3) considers the future consequences of new transportation investment on the communities, landscape, and climate vulnerabilities of the Eastern Shore.

For more options, check out: Where are the Eastern Shore’s Roads Taking Us? An Exploration of Cross-Bay Travel Demand Management and Regional Transportation-Land Use Solutions (2009).

Eastern Shore Land Conservancy (ESLC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit land conservation organization committed to preserving and sustaining the vibrant communities of the Eastern Shore and the lands and waters that connect them. More at www.eslc.org.

Shaw Bay Raft-Up Concert with Eastport Oyster Boys September 7

August 28, 2019 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Eastport Oyster Boys

Celebrate the end of summer with the Miles-Wye Riverkeeper, ShoreRivers, and the Eastport Oyster Boys at the Shaw Bay Raft-Up Party on Saturday, September 7, from 4-6:30 p.m. This annual on-the-water benefit concert is a must for cruisers of all persuasions. Bring your dinghy, paddle board, kayak, sailboat, or jonboat, and join the floating raft party behind the Eastport Oyster Boys concert pontoon. This free concert will be held in Shaw Bay, near the mouth of the Wye River. Donations are kindly accepted.

All donations from the concert go toward the operation of ShoreRivers’ pumpout boat based at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels. Since May 2016, the pumpout boat has pumped over 35,000 gallons of waste that would have otherwise polluted the Miles and Wye Rivers. The pumpout boat operates Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, as well as on holidays through October 7. Pumpouts may be scheduled on VHF Channel 9 or by calling Captain Jim at 410.829.4352 or emailing POBcaptainjim@gmail.com.

ShoreRivers is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, and education. The organization works collaboratively with local communities, yet maintains an uncompromising and independent voice for clean rivers and the living resources they support.

For updates about the Shaw Bay concert, visit the Eastport Oyster Boys and Miles-Wye Riverkeeper Facebook pages. Or contact Rebekah Hock at rhock@shorerivers.org or 443.385.0511 ext. 206.

Ocean City Man Guilty of Dumping Raw Sewage in QAC

August 20, 2019 by Daniel Menefee Leave a Comment

Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh announced Monday the guilty plea of an Ocean City man for discharging raw sewage in Queen Anne’s County.

On Oct. 26 a citizen called police after witnessing David C. Clazey discharge raw sewage from his sanitation truck into a storm drain at 200 Kent Landing Rd. in Stevensville.

“Mr. Clazey’s illegal dumping created an environmental hazard,” Frosh said in a press release announcing the plea in Queen Anne’s County Circuit Court. “His illegal activity was a threat to the Chesapeake Bay and the health of the community. We are grateful to all citizens who take the initiative to report environmental violations.”

According to Frosh’s statement, Clazey, former owner of Safe Harbor Sanitation, no longer held a license to hall sewage or dispose of it at wastewater treatment plants in Maryland.

Judge J. Frederick Price sentenced Clazey to three years probation and ordered him to pay $2,000 to the Maryland Clean Water Fund.

High Flows to Chesapeake Continued in July, Triggering Large Dead Zone

August 14, 2019 by Bay Journal 1 Comment

The Susquehanna exceeds its banks at Port Deposit during a high flow period in September 2018. Bay Journal photo by Dave Harp

The Bay continued to be on the receiving end of high river flows in July. The flows have been higher than normal for 13 out of the last 15 months, according to data from the U.S. Geological Survey.

The pollution carried into the Bay during that span has led to worse than normal water quality and last month triggered a large oxygen-starved “dead zone” in the Bay.

In July, the USGS reported that the estimated cumulative flow into the Bay from its nine largest rivers — which account for more than 95% of the freshwater entering the Bay — averaged 54,000 cubic feet per second. That was the 15th highest flow on record for the month since the agency began tracking river flows into the Bay in 1936.

So far this year, the flows were above normal in five of the first seven months of the year. That followed an eight-month period from May through December last year when flows were above normal every month.

The USGS considers a flow to be above normal if it is among the top 25% for a given month.

The data is available on a new USGS web page.

High freshwater flows are typically bad news for Bay water quality because they carry large amounts of water-fouling nutrients and sediments, which are flushed off the landscape and into the Chesapeake.

In the Bay, nutrients fuel algae blooms that cloud the water. As the blooms die and decompose, they are consumed by bacteria in a process that depletes water of oxygen. Sediment also clouds the water and smothers bottom habitats.

Scientists have been worried that the protracted period of high flows will lead to a decline in underwater grass beds, which need sunlight to survive. Earlier this year they predicted that the huge influx of nutrients would lead to a greatly expanded dead zone.

Indeed, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported that the area of low oxygen, or hypoxic, water was significantly worse than average during its two July water quality monitoring surveys.

In early July, the DNR reported a dead zone of 1.92 cubic miles in the Maryland portion of the Bay, compared with an average of 1.36 cubic miles. In late July, scientists found 2.01 cubic miles of low-oxygen water, compared with the late July average of 1.34 cubic miles.

Along with pollution, high flows added a surge of freshwater to the Bay that kept salinity low near the surface, causing strong stratification between the surface and higher salinity bottom waters. That essentially traps oxygen-starved water on the bottom and prevents it from mixing with the oxygen-rich surface.

DNR scientists said conditions also were aggravated by temperatures that warmed Bay waters to nearly 90 degrees. Warmer water holds less oxygen than cool water.

The department’s monitoring reports are available here.

By Karl Blankenship

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