Press Statement
This Week’s Rain Could Cause Rapid Runoff of Built-up Road Salt
Maryland waterways should prepare for an influx of road salt in the coming days. Last week’s snowfall and abundant road salt application, combined with this week’s rain will be a perfect storm for excess salt entering streams and rivers.
Rapid increases in salinity levels from road treatment can harm or kill freshwater aquatic species and contaminate our region’s drinking water sources.
Maryland Department of the Environment has been working to implement a new training program meant to reduce road salt usage. The program would benefit the state’s streams, drinking water reservoirs, and wildlife. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation has encouraged more conscious usage of salt and chemical de-icers across the watershed, especially in Pennsylvania, which typically experiences more snowfall.
With less predictable weather in the face of climate change, Maryland must remain vigilant.
Gussie Maguire, Maryland Staff Scientist at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, said in a statement:
“Maryland streams are about to get a lot saltier. As temperatures rise and rain falls, all the salt that’s been built up on roadways, sidewalks, and industrial lots will be flushed into the nearest waterway.
“Some de-icing chemicals include nitrates which can feed harmful algal blooms that lead to dead zones. Salt can kill vegetation on the side of roads and harm wildlife. Many of our region’s iconic freshwater species like native brook trout need healthy, clean groundwater to thrive. Too much salinity could cause a major disturbance.
“Climate change has completely altered how we experience winter weather. We urge Maryland residents to exercise caution when applying salt, to avoid overapplying, and to consider salt alternatives such as calcium magnesium acetate (CMA)-based products or even sand, whenever possible. Your local rivers, streams, and the Bay will thank you.”
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) filed comments this week stressing the importance of involving environmental justice communities early in the rulemaking process and considering the cumulative impact of climate change and multiple sources of pollution. CBF’s comments, submitted January 15, address EPA’s draft guidelines for how federal agencies assess environmental justice concerns when writing regulations.
CBF expressed support for EPA’s efforts to update the federal agency guidelines and outlined ways EPA can strengthen the final version. CBF based its comments on its work fighting environmental injustices together with watershed communities disproportionately burdened by environmental harm, lack of green space, and vulnerability to excess heat, intense storms, regular flooding, and other hazards exacerbated by climate change.
To foster early and meaningful engagement with affected communities, CBF recommended extending comment periods, actively advertising public meetings, and providing adequate resources, such as fact sheets in multiple languages and formats, to make it easier for community members to participate in the regulatory process.
CBF cited its work with local partners in Petersburg, Va., opposing a proposed natural gas compressor station as an example of learning directly from residents about their specific concerns and needs.
CBF emphasized the value of addressing the cumulative and local environmental stressors that communities like Portsmouth, Va., face. Portsmouth is a majority Black, low-income community exposed to extreme concentrations of toxic waste and hazardous air pollutants from nine Superfund sites within a 15-mile radius.
CBF applauded EPA for pushing federal agencies to analyze the uneven distribution of climate change impacts. A 2019 federal government study found that the hottest neighborhoods in Richmond, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., were the same neighborhoods once redlined under the racially discriminatory home-lending practices of the mid-20th century.
Another EPA proposal CBF supported calls for agencies to assess the varied effects of a regulation on different populations within an affected community, rather than only looking at the average effects. Dirty air does the most damage to people’s health in areas, such as the District of Columbia’s Anacostia neighborhood, located closest to roads, industrial facilities, and other sources of harmful emissions, according to a recent University of Maryland study.
CBF encouraged EPA to lean on CBF and other partners to connect with communities without access to federal decision-makers. CBF also urged EPA to include a framework for holding the federal government accountable for how its regulatory decisions affect environmental justice communities.
CBF Environmental Justice Staff Attorney Taylor Lilley issued the following statement:
“It is long past time for federal agencies to meaningfully engage marginalized communities when making decisions that affect them. Communities like Portsmouth, Va., and Washington, D.C.’s, Anacostia neighborhood have waited too long for agencies to consider the cumulative effect of multiple environmental and climate stressors they disproportionately bear.
“CBF supports EPA’s efforts to improve how the federal government assesses the impact of regulations on environmental justice communities. It is essential that these guidelines reduce the barriers to participation communities face and ensure the government thoroughly analyzes the varied and cumulative effects of regulations on overburdened communities.
“Clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment are rights we share, regardless of our ethnicity, identity, economic status and race. CBF looks forward to continuing to work with the Biden administration to advance equity, inclusion, and justice in the Bay watershed.”
The Chesapeake Bay Commission this week announced that it has elected Virginia Delegate David Bulova as its next chair. Bulova takes over from the outgoing chair, Pennsylvania Senator Scott Martin.
The Chesapeake Bay Commission is a tri-state legislative body that works with state legislatures in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia on Chesapeake Bay restoration policy.
Del. Bulova represents parts of Fairfax County and Fairfax City in the Virginia General Assembly. As a leader on environmental issues, he has worked closely with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) during his tenure. In 2019, CBF named him Virginia Legislator of the Year.
The Bay Commission also announced this week that it elected Pennsylvania Senator Gene Yaw to chair the Pennsylvania Delegation and Maryland Del. Dana Stein to chair the Maryland Delegation of the Commission.
CBF President and CEO Hilary Harp Falk issued the following statement.
“As we approach the next phase of Bay restoration, strong leadership, fruitful partnerships across states, and innovative approaches will be more important than ever.
“We congratulate Delegate Bulova, Delegate Stein, and Senator Yaw, and look forward to working closely with them to ensure a Chesapeake Bay that can be enjoyed by all. Their leadership and experience will be invaluable to the Bay Commission.”
Today, communities across the Chesapeake Bay watershed are experiencing severe coastal flooding. Strong onshore flow, mixed with heavy rainfall and high winds, is resulting in significant flooding and erosion along the coast, streams, and creeks in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. School delays and road closures have followed.
We must take action to protect people, homes, businesses, and livelihoods from severe storms. Extreme flooding demonstrates the need for long-term sustainable solutions for tidal flooding across the Bay watershed, including strategic initiatives like increasing resiliency funding for flood preparedness and implementing living shorelines and stormwater volume controls wherever possible.
Natural solutions like living shorelines, which consist of native wetland plants, grasses, shrubs, and trees along the tidal water line, allow water to slowly, naturally rise and mitigate intense flooding events.
Reducing impervious surfaces directly inland from the shoreline reduces the amount of runoff the shoreline must absorb, store, and treat, which alleviates floodwaters and protects critical infrastructure until the tide goes down.
General Assembly sessions in both Maryland and Virginia begin this week. Legislation is expected to be introduced in both states regarding flooding concerns—specifically regarding living shorelines in Maryland and an overhaul of Maryland’s Critical Area Program to better incorporate climate preparedness. Resiliency funding is being considered in Virginia, including investment in the Community Flood Preparedness Fund.
Allison Colden, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Maryland Executive Director said in a statement:
“This event exposes the fallacy that floodwalls are a solution to sea level rise. We can’t pave our way out of flooding. Once waters rise over a floodwall or hard barrier, everything behind it becomes flooded. The magnitude of tidal flooding we’re seeing will overwhelm stormwater systems in low lying areas and prevent any rainfall from draining for several hours.
“Climate change is leading to more frequent severe storms. Our new flooding reality should make us question existing mitigation plans that rely heavily on seawalls and bulkheads.
“These are not sustainable solutions that will last against climate change and sea level rise in the long-term. Prioritizing living shorelines, planting trees, and removing excess impervious surfaces are proven and future-thinking approaches to protecting communities from flooding and sea level rise.”
Chris Moore, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Virginia Executive Director said in a statement:
“Today’s weather underscores the need for permanent investment to ensure Virginia’s resilience against sea level rise and climate change. In this upcoming legislative session, lawmakers should invest in the Community Flood Preparedness Fund, ensuring support for community-scale and nature-based projects already underway across the state.”
“Hampton Roads has the highest rate of sea level rise on the East Coast, but Tuesday’s weather demonstrates how climate change is affecting communities, schools, and businesses across Virginia. This severe flooding comes on the eve of the start of the Virginia General Assembly, and continuing to protect Virginians from these flooding events in the long-term with dedicated funding should be a priority for legislators.”
“The impacts of today’s weather show that climate change is only becoming a more and more pressing issue. It is critical Virginia rejoin the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and important for Virginia lawmakers to dedicate funding to the Community Flood Preparedness Fund, which prioritizes nature-based, sustainable resiliency solutions.”
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the results of its fall oyster survey, recording another strong year for juvenile oysters in Maryland. The survey measures the population status of oysters in the Chesapeake Bay, specifically spatfall intensity and reproductive success. This marks the fourth consecutive year of above-average results for oysters in Maryland.
The 2023 survey found spat was broadly distributed, including in parts of the Bay that are typically too brackish for strong oyster reproduction. This is likely due to the year’s below average rainfall.
Allison Colden, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF)’s Maryland Executive Director, said in a statement:
“CBF is encouraged by this year’s above average spat set, especially given this is the fourth year in a row.
“The trend in recovery is likely linked to below average rainfall, which is associated with higher salinity and better oyster reproduction. However, long-term, extensive restoration efforts by state and federal partners can also contribute to cleaner water and increased oyster reproduction throughout the state.
“While optimistic, we urge the state to continue closely monitoring disease-related mortality in oysters, which can increase with higher salinity. We also encourage responsible management of the oyster fishery, including ensuring these population gains are not undermined by overfishing, particularly in areas of the Bay where chronic overfishing is rampant.”
The U.S. Department of Commerce denied a request by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore for the declaration of a federal fisheries disaster due to the harm caused by invasive catfish and snakeheads, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced in a press release yesterday. The disaster declaration, which Gov. Moore requested in March, would have led to federal funding to address the threat of these invasive species to Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay fisheries, environment, and economy.
Invasive blue catfish are voracious predators that feed on native species, including menhaden, striped bass, eel, shad, river herring, and blue crabs. In some Chesapeake Bay tributaries, they make up approximately 75 percent of the total weight of all fish inhabiting the river.
Maryland DNR has taken additional steps in recent months to control invasive fish species, including hiring a dedicated program manager, increasing blue catfish research and monitoring, and encouraging commercial and recreational anglers to catch and eat blue catfish.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) Maryland Executive Director Allison Colden issued the following statement:
“Blue catfish are threatening the Chesapeake Bay’s ecological balance. While the denial of the fisheries disaster declaration is a setback, many other efforts are underway to increase the harvest of blue catfish and mitigate their harm. We applaud the Moore administration for its leadership on invasive species.
“On the federal level, it is absolutely crucial that Congress act to remove burdensome catfish processing requirements that have held back growing the commercial harvest of blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay.”
Public opinion sought on plan to aid in iconic species’ comeback
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) is asking the public to comment on changes to the fisheries management plan intended to help the struggling striped bass population.
The plan to rebuild the striped bass population isn’t likely to meet a 2029 target. The public comment period that closes on December 22 seeks input on new changes to the coastwide management plan that follow an ASMFC emergency action enacted earlier this year. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) urges those who care about striped bass and the health of the Chesapeake Bay to make their voices heard.
A variety of factors including low reproduction, water quality challenges, recreational fishing pressure, and climate change have all contributed to the striped bass population decline. While the population has not reached the low point of the 1980s that led to a fishery moratorium, the decline in striped bass numbers continues to spark widespread concern here in the Chesapeake Bay region.
The ASMFC must take strong action to rebuild the striped bass population. Earlier this year, the ASMFC voted to implement an emergency action to decrease the maximum size limit for most striped bass fisheries to 31 inches.
The fisheries management plan up for public comment, known as Draft Addendum II, proposes new recreational bag and size limit options, includes a quota reduction for commercial fisheries, and gives decision makers the ability to respond faster to striped bass assessments. Citizens can send public comments through CBF’s action alert.
Public comments will be accepted until 11:59 PM EST on December 22 and can also be sent to Emilie Franke, FMP Coordinator, at 1050 N. Highland St., Suite 200 A-N, Arlington, Virginia 22201; or at comments@asmfc.org (Subject line: Striped Bass Draft Addendum II).
More information can be found at this ASMFC press release.
CBF Virginia Executive Director Chris Moore issued the following statement.
“The striped bass population continues to struggle, and we can’t ensure its comeback without strong action by the ASMFC. This public comment period is a critical opportunity for anyone with a stake in striped bass to speak out to help protect and rebuild the population.”
“Draft Addendum II includes a number of options that will help reduce fishing pressure and support goals to rebuild the striped bass population. Anyone who cares about the iconic species should weigh in during the ASMFC’s fishery plan public comment period.”
Green 2.0 released its Seventh Annual NGO & Foundation Transparency Report Card today. The organization’s report shows diversity and inclusion data from environmental NGOs and foundations. Green 2.0 is a nonprofit organization working to increase racial and ethnic diversity among environmental organizations.
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is one of the organizations that provided data for the Green 2.0 Survey based on 2022 data.
Carmera Thomas-Wilhite, CBF’s Vice President for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice, issued the following statement.
“For too long, CBF and many other environmental organizations have not fully represented our region’s great diversity. Across the Bay watershed, pollution and climate change continue to disproportionately harm our most vulnerable communities.
“We all deserve clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment. For Bay restoration to succeed, people have to be at the center of our work. CBF is committed to working toward diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice.
“There is a continued need for diversity and inclusivity across all levels at environmental organizations to support transformational change and relevancy of organizations for future success.”
Today, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced new striped bass emergency regulations to help bolster the species’ struggling population. Striped bass are an iconic species in Maryland that support important commercial and recreational fisheries.
However, recent assessments of the striped bass population indicate trouble. This year’s juvenile index was the second lowest on record since 1957. The numbers of spawning fish have been below sustainable levels for several years and are currently under a rebuilding plan at the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC). DNR’s proposed actions, if adopted, would take effect before this year’s recreational fishing season and would close Maryland’s trophy striped bass fishery and extend spring closures intended to protect returning fish as they migrate up the Bay to spawning grounds.
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is hopeful that this emergency action by DNR, in conjunction with changes to ASMFC’s striped bass fisheries management plan currently under consideration, will ensure a better future for watermen, anglers, and the striped bass population.
Allison Colden, CBF’s Maryland Executive Director said in a statement:
“We commend DNR for taking proactive action to protect Maryland’s state fish. As the primary spawning grounds for rockfish along the entire East Coast, what Maryland does to protect spawning striped bass has cascading effects for all states that rely on this coastwide stock. DNR’s emergency actions recognize a need to reduce interactions with spawning fish, which will hopefully help address the alarming trend of continued low juvenile abundance in the Bay.
“While this action is an important step, further changes to protect striped bass, including those currently under consideration at ASMFC, will likely be necessary to help rebuild the population. Addressing high mortality in the hot summer months and reducing fishing mortality from all sectors of the fishery will be critical. Anglers and others interested in the health of the population and current management changes proposed by ASMFC can learn more and take action here.”
The dead zone in the Chesapeake Bay this year is the smallest since monitoring began in 1985, according to data released today by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Old Dominion University, and Virginia Institute of Marine Science.
The dead zone appears annually in parts of the Bay and its tidal rivers during warmer months, creating areas where oxygen levels are so low that the water cannot support fish, blue crabs, oysters, and other aquatic life. The dead zone is caused by algal blooms that are fueled by nitrogen and phosphorus pollution. These cloud the water and cause damage, mainly during the warmer months.
The extent of each year’s dead zone is dependent on several factors, including how much nitrogen and phosphorus pollution enters waterways. High precipitation can contribute to the dead zone because it leads to more polluted runoff washing into rivers and streams. Precipitation was below average for most of 2023.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation Virginia Senior Scientist Joe Wood issued the following statement.
“While the smaller dead zone this year is a promising sign, we must remember the major challenges that lie ahead. The mere existence of a dead zone in the Bay is cause for alarm, and a sign that we must still dramatically reduce pollution flowing into the Bay.
“Most of the pollution-reduction progress so far has come from wastewater treatment plants. States in the Bay watershed are still lagging far behind in reducing polluted runoff from agriculture as well as urban and suburban areas. In fact, urban and suburban pollution is increasing.
“Climate change is also making saving the Bay more challenging. The fact that 2023 is on track to be the hottest year on record globally is a red flag, since warmer water holds less oxygen. Polluted runoff from hot pavement increases water temperatures, underscoring the need to reduce runoff from both urban areas and agriculture.
“As climate change also brings heavier and more frequent rainstorms that wash more pollution into our waterways, we can’t count on drier-than-average years to temper the Chesapeake Bay’s dead zone.
“To continue the progress largely made by wastewater treatment plant upgrades, leaders must seek new solutions and invest in efforts that address climate change while reducing pollution from agriculture and stormwater.”
