Maryland's Waterways: Strategies To Reduce Pollution

Water pollution is a pressing issue in Maryland, with the state's enforcement of water pollution laws declining over the last two decades. The presence of toxic forever chemicals known as PFAS in drinking water systems and industrial wastewater has raised concerns about potential health risks. To address water pollution, Maryland can implement several strategies, including stricter enforcement of existing laws, promoting public awareness about responsible waste disposal, and investing in clean water initiatives. Additionally, the state should prioritize reducing agricultural pollution and addressing polluted runoff to protect the health of its citizens and the environment.

Reducing agricultural pollution

Adopting Nutrient Management Techniques

Farmers can improve nutrient management practices by applying the right amount of nutrients (fertilizer and manure), at the right time of year, using the correct method, and with precise placement. This ensures that crops absorb most of the nutrients, reducing the amount that can be washed into waterways and cause eutrophication, leading to "dead zones" and harmful algal blooms.

Using Conservation Drainage Practices

Subsurface tile drainage is a common practice in the Midwest to manage water movement through soils. Conservation drainage strategies, such as modifying drainage system design, woodchip bioreactors, saturated buffers, and changes to the drainage ditch system, aim to maintain adequate drainage while reducing nutrient loads in drainage water.

Ensuring Year-Round Ground Cover

By planting cover crops or perennial species, farmers can prevent soil erosion and nutrient loss into waterways. This practice is especially important during periods when fields would otherwise be bare and more susceptible to erosion and nutrient loss.

Planting Field Buffers

Trees, shrubs, and grasses planted along field edges, especially those bordering water bodies, act as buffers that absorb or filter out nutrients before they reach water sources. These natural buffers help prevent nutrient loss from fields and improve water quality.

Implementing Conservation Tillage

Reducing the frequency and intensity of tilling improves soil health, reduces erosion, and decreases the chance of nutrients reaching waterways through runoff. Conservation tillage helps create healthier soil while also reducing the environmental impact of agricultural practices.

Managing Livestock Access to Water Sources

By fencing off streams, rivers, and lakes, farmers can restore stream banks and prevent excess nutrients from animal waste from entering the water. Providing water troughs for livestock to drink from instead of allowing them direct access to natural water sources is an important step in reducing nutrient pollution.

Engaging in Watershed Efforts

Collaboration between farmers, state governments, conservation groups, educational institutions, and community organizations is vital to reducing nutrient pollution. Farmers can play a leadership role in these partnerships, implementing practices that reduce pollution and protect water quality.

Combining Organic and Precision Farming

While organic farming alone may not be feasible due to smaller yields, combining it with precision farming can be beneficial. Precision farming uses data on moisture, temperature, and humidity to ensure crops receive the exact amount of water and nutrients they need, optimizing resource use and protecting the land from oversaturation.

Crop Rotation and Border Plants

Crop rotation, as opposed to monoculture farming, can help reduce agricultural runoff. Additionally, positioning reeds, shrubs, and other border plants can act as a natural barrier, preventing agricultural runoff and protecting the ground after the season ends.

Waste Management

Proper waste management in farms is crucial. This includes appropriate storage, processing, and disposal of manure and other waste products, as well as recycling and reusing wherever possible.

By implementing these practices, Maryland can make significant strides in reducing agricultural pollution and protecting its water sources.

Improving stormwater management

Stormwater management is key to reducing water pollution in Maryland. Stormwater, if not managed properly, can carry pollutants from the land into local waterways, contaminating them. Here are some ways Maryland can improve its stormwater management to reduce water pollution:

Implement and enforce regulations

Maryland's Department of Environment (MDE) is responsible for regulating stormwater, particularly from industrial facilities. However, reports suggest that enforcement actions have declined in recent years. Maryland should ensure that regulations are enforced consistently and that polluters are held accountable through penalty fines and litigation. This will create a culture of compliance and encourage industries to follow stormwater regulations.

Reduce polluted runoff

Maryland should focus on reducing polluted runoff, which occurs when rainwater washes pollutants from the land into nearby waterways. This can be achieved by educating residents on responsible waste disposal, such as proper trash disposal, pet waste management, and vehicle maintenance. Implementing and enforcing regulations on industrial facilities, construction sites, and agricultural practices can also help reduce contaminated runoff.

Improve stormwater treatment

Maryland should invest in improving stormwater treatment infrastructure. This includes ensuring that commercial car wash facilities properly treat wash water before releasing it into waterways. Additionally, the state should promote the use of permeable surfaces, such as porous pavements or green infrastructure, which allow stormwater to soak into the ground and be naturally filtered, reducing the amount of contaminated runoff.

Address specific pollutants

Maryland has detected toxic "forever chemicals," known as PFAS, in its drinking water systems. These chemicals, used in various industrial and consumer products, do not break down easily and can build up in the environment and living organisms. Maryland should prioritize restricting PFAS discharge from industries into waterways and wastewater treatment plants. The state should also support the development and implementation of modern technology to effectively filter out PFAS from wastewater.

Enhance public awareness and participation

Educating the public about the impacts of water pollution and providing guidance on pollution prevention are crucial. Organizations like Clean Water Action are working to involve Maryland residents in building a clean water future through outreach, education, and advocacy. By empowering communities to take action and make changes at the local level, Maryland can foster a collective sense of responsibility for protecting its water resources.

Increasing funding and staffing for the Maryland Department of the Environment

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) plays a crucial role in ensuring safe and clean water for the state's residents and ecosystems. However, in recent years, there has been a decline in its enforcement of water pollution laws and a decrease in funding and staffing. To enhance MDE's capacity and effectiveness, increasing funding and staffing is essential. Here are some paragraphs outlining how this can be achieved:

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The MDE's ability to enforce water pollution regulations and protect Maryland's water sources has been hampered by a decrease in funding over the years. To reverse this trend, it is imperative that the state government allocates a larger portion of its budget to the MDE. This increase in funding will enable the department to enhance its operations, conduct more frequent inspections, and enforce water pollution laws more rigorously. A well-funded MDE will have the resources necessary to invest in advanced technology, equipment, and additional staff, ensuring more effective pollution detection and reduction.

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The additional funding can be utilized to expand the MDE's workforce, attracting highly qualified professionals in fields such as environmental science, engineering, and chemistry. With a larger team of experts, the MDE can increase the frequency and scope of water quality inspections, particularly in areas with a high risk of pollution. This includes regular monitoring of industrial facilities, wastewater treatment plants, and agricultural sites to prevent harmful chemicals and pollutants from contaminating local waterways. By increasing staffing, the MDE can also improve its compliance and enforcement capabilities, ensuring that polluters are held accountable and that water pollution laws are strictly adhered to.

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To make positions within the MDE more competitive and attractive to top talent, the state should prioritize offering competitive salaries and benefits. This includes providing additional incentives, such as career development opportunities, training programs, and a supportive work environment. By investing in its employees, the MDE can foster a highly skilled and dedicated workforce, enhancing the overall effectiveness of its operations. Additionally, increasing staffing will enable the department to distribute the workload more evenly, reducing the risk of employee burnout and ensuring that each task is carried out with attention to detail and efficiency.

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The MDE can also explore partnerships with local universities and research institutions to collaborate on projects aimed at improving water quality and developing innovative solutions to combat water pollution. By leveraging the expertise and resources of these institutions, the MDE can gain access to cutting-edge research and technologies that can aid in their efforts to protect Maryland's water sources. These partnerships can also create opportunities for knowledge-sharing and the development of best practices, ensuring that the MDE remains at the forefront of environmental protection and sustainability.

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Increasing funding for the MDE will also enable the department to invest in advanced laboratory equipment and testing facilities. This will enhance their capacity to conduct thorough analyses of water samples, detect pollutants, and identify sources of contamination. By utilizing state-of-the-art technology, the MDE can improve the accuracy and efficiency of their testing processes, leading to more informed decision-making and targeted interventions to reduce water pollution.

By increasing funding and staffing for the Maryland Department of the Environment, the state government can empower the department to more effectively protect Maryland's water sources, enforce pollution laws, and safeguard the health and well-being of its citizens and natural ecosystems.

Regulating PFAS discharge from large industries

Maryland has been facing challenges in reducing water pollution, with a decline in enforcement of water pollution laws over the last two decades. To effectively regulate PFAS discharge from large industries, Maryland can implement the following measures:

Strengthen Legislation and Enforcement

Maryland's General Assembly should pass strict laws to limit PFAS discharge from large industries, holding them accountable for any violations. The state should increase inspections and enforcement actions, ensuring that polluters are penalized and deterred from releasing PFAS into waterways.

Improve Wastewater Treatment

Maryland should mandate the use of modern technology in wastewater treatment plants to capture PFAS. Existing pollution control technology can capture up to 99% of PFAS in wastewater. By investing in advanced treatment processes, such as advanced oxidation processes and adsorption, Maryland can effectively remove PFAS from industrial wastewater before it is released into the environment.

Promote Corporate Responsibility

Maryland should work closely with industries to ensure they understand their responsibility in preventing PFAS contamination. The state can offer guidance, resources, and incentives to companies to reduce their PFAS usage and implement proper disposal methods. Maryland can also encourage the phase-out of PFAS by supporting the development and adoption of alternative, environmentally friendly chemicals and processes.

Enhance Monitoring and Testing

The state should increase monitoring efforts to detect PFAS in industrial discharges. Regular testing of both direct and indirect dischargers, including industrial facilities and wastewater treatment plants, will help identify sources of PFAS contamination. Maryland can also work with laboratories to develop and approve PFAS testing methods, ensuring accurate and reliable data to support enforcement actions.

Collaborate with Environmental Groups

Maryland can partner with environmental organizations, such as Clean Water Action and the Chesapeake Accountability Project, to address PFAS pollution. These groups can provide expertise, conduct independent testing, and advocate for stronger regulations. By collaborating with these stakeholders, Maryland can develop more effective strategies and increase public awareness about the risks of PFAS.

By implementing these measures, Maryland can make significant progress in reducing PFAS discharge from large industries, protecting its waterways, and safeguarding the health of its citizens and the environment.

Educating the public about water pollution prevention

Public Awareness Campaigns

Create and disseminate informative materials, such as brochures, posters, and social media content, to raise awareness about water pollution and its consequences. These materials can highlight the impact of water pollution on human health, the environment, and local wildlife. For example, the public should be informed about the presence of "forever chemicals" like PFAS in drinking water and the associated health risks, including cancer and thyroid issues.

Community Education Programs

Develop and offer educational programs or workshops at community centres, schools, and public events. These programs can teach people about the sources of water pollution, such as littering, illegal dumping, and improper disposal of automotive fluids. By providing knowledge and tools for preventing pollution, communities can take collective action to protect their local waterways.

Collaboration with Local Organisations

Partner with local environmental organisations, such as Clean Water Action, to amplify educational efforts. These organisations often have established networks and expertise in outreach and advocacy. Collaborating with them can help spread consistent and effective messages about water pollution prevention to a wider audience.

Media Engagement

Utilise media platforms, including local news outlets, radio stations, and podcasts, to share information about water pollution prevention. Invite experts and community leaders to participate in interviews and discussions, providing a clear call to action for listeners. This helps to reinforce the importance of individual and collective efforts in reducing water pollution.

School Curriculum Integration

Work with educational institutions to incorporate water pollution prevention into school curricula. By teaching students about the causes and impacts of water pollution at a young age, they can develop a sense of environmental stewardship and carry that knowledge into their adulthood.

Incentivising Behaviour Change

Encourage the public to take action by offering incentives for those who actively prevent water pollution. For instance, recognising and rewarding individuals or communities who implement sustainable practices, such as proper waste disposal or the use of eco-friendly products, can motivate others to follow suit.

By implementing these strategies, Maryland can empower its residents to take an active role in reducing water pollution, protecting both human health and the environment for future generations.

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