Press Releases
Montgomery County Participates in the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Montgomery County will join local governments and water utilities across the metropolitan region in celebrating the week of June 4–12 as Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) and Water Resources Policy committee (CBPC) designated the week to focus on the success of local governments and water utilities in reducing pollutants entering the Bay and improving water quality.
“Montgomery County continues its commitment to preserve our County’s wildlife, natural resources and waterways. The banning of Styrofoam, promotion of the use of reusable bags and our innovative stormwater practices all have positive impacts on the Chesapeake Bay,” said County Executive Ike Leggett. “Our partnership with our neighboring jurisdictions are important collaborations to help ensure the Bay is healthy for future generations.”
County Councilmember Craig Rice, chairman for the Metropolitan Washington COG and CBPC, prepared a Bay Journal op-ed called Metropolitan Washington: Local Leaders in Chesapeake Bay Restoration Efforts, which highlighted local efforts to protect the Bay.
“The Chesapeake Bay is a regional treasure that so many of us enjoy, and our region’s greatest success story on how far we have come in our restoration efforts,” said Rice. “I have experienced firsthand the vital role that local governments play in achieving the improvements and protection of our bay and its resources.”
Efforts by the wastewater sector have resulted in significant reductions in excess nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) sent to the Bay. Documented improvements in water quality and living resources in the Potomac River, include rebounding populations of American shad fish and submerged aquatic vegetation, which serve an important role in the ecosystem of the Bay.
The region’s award-winning wastewater plants continue to protect human health and restore local water quality, while meeting strict regulations, operating state-of-the-art facilities, planning for future growth and finding new and innovative ways to become more sustainable.
“Montgomery County meets some of the strictest requirements for controlling stormwater pollution and implements innovative techniques and best practices in protecting and sustaining our watersheds which have direct connection to our greater waterways including the Anacostia and Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay,” said Department of Environmental Protection Director Lisa Feldt. “Working with our community partners and businesses is the only way we can enhance these programs and address our environmental challenges to achieve success for our County, the region and the Chesapeake Bay.”
Department of Environmental Protection activities taking place during Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week:
June 5 – Sacred Grounds RainScapes Workshop; Silver Spring United Methodist Church, 2-5:30 p.m.
June 8 – Business Recycling Seminar – Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
June 8 – RainScapes Healthy Watershed Workshop - Kensington Library, 7-8:30 p.m.
June 9 – Green Infrastructure Research and Incentives Workshop – PEPCO WaterShed Center, 9-12 p.m.
June 11- Bilingual Rain Barrel Workshop at St. Camillus Church, 1 p.m.
June 11 - Community Paper Shredding and Recycling Event at Montgomery College – Rockville Campus, 8-11 a.m.
June 12– Bike Ride for Clean Water – Sligo Creek to the Anacostia, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
June 18– Reusable Bag Campaign Event – beside a stream at the corner of Stewart Lane and Lockwood Drive, noon.
Throughout the week area officials and water utility leaders on the region’s Chesapeake Bay and Water Resources Policy Committee (CBPC), are available to comment on accomplishments and the other great strides our region has made in improving the water quality in the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers and the Bay. For more information on available experts go to http://www.mwcog.org/news/press/detail.asp?NEWS_ID=970
COG gives local governments in the metropolitan Washington region a stronger voice and input in the EPA/Chesapeake Bay Program’s technical work and policy development. The group is an independent, nonprofit association of area leaders who address regional issues, which affect suburban Maryland and Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia.
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Media Contact: Judy Stiles 240-777-6507