Water Quality

What TRPA has documented, many residents have already guessed, the water is becoming more foul and the marshland of the Bay is dying. Presently 60 sites are monitored, taking water and bottom core samples which are analyzed by the University of Maryland. This field sampling has produced significant results, showing excessive pollutants in our impaired waters.

TRPA has documented evidence that most of the submerged aquatic vegitation (SAV) in these waters has disappeared in the last 30 years because of reduced water quality with destruction of essential fish habitat. TRPA has scientifically documented the presence of toxic organic chemicals and heavy metals in the upper Tred Avon River resulting from Easton's urban storm water run-off. The river water data provided by TRPA has accelerated the planning of the new Easton Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP). Also under review is the upgrading of the St. Michaels WWTP. These two new facilities will do much to improve the water quality of the Miles and Choptank rivers. Similar pressure is being applied to upgrade the WWTP in Oxford and in Trappe. The state of Maryland is currently drafting new, more restrictive specifications for both sewage treatment and storm water run-off.

TRPA has established a base line for the condition of our waterways and draws attention to the problem of bacterial infection. Also, newspapers report the presence of pfiesteria and cryptosporidiosis. Even if new specifications are not published in a timely fashion, TRPA's base line will tell if conditions are improving or deteriorating further. In general information gathered so far shows no improvement. TRPA's members frequently testify before the commisions and council of Talbot County and also testify at public hearings. TRPA supports growth that confirms to the county's and town's Comprehensive Plan environmental restrictions and does not harm our waters with pollution or sediment. If the conditions we monitor continue to decline below today's base line, citizens must take their concerns to responsible elected officials and demand corrective action. TRPA presents public forums, such as River Roundtable III which was held at the Avalon Theatre last fall, to make the citizens of Talbot County aware of pollution. TRPA has also created Youth Activity Programs, whereby children from Talbot County's public and private schools are made aware of and become involved in these enviornmental issues.