The Eyes of Paint Branch - Spring 2001
Newsletter
Volume: 7 Issue: 1
Enforcement of Special Protection Area Regulations Remains Problematic
The legislation establishing the Upper Paint Branch Special Protection Area (SPA) is the centerpiece of all efforts to protect our watershed. The special rules and regulations that apply to this headwaters area of the watershed are essential to protect the high water quality that allows the tremendous aquatic diversity.
Enforcement of these rules and regulations has proved very problematic, however. Eyes of Paint Branch is closely monitoring many serious violations of the SPA and working with our elected officials to see if fine-tuning of this legislation is needed. In addition to the illegal forest clearing, the following problems have occurred:
- A resident of Wembrough Ct., in the upper Left Fork, dammed up the stream behind his house to water his garden during the record drought. In addition to illegally encroaching on public parkland, this dam blocked a stormwater outfall for the neighboring community.
- A landscaping business on Thompson Rd., also upper Left Fork, has applied for a special exception, after expanding the size and imperviousness of its business without permits. A show-cause hearing for revocation is scheduled for Sept. before the Board of Appeals.
- A tree Service company on Rt. 198 in Spencerville is operating without permits.
- Illegal dams have been constructed on the Left Fork at Peach Orchard Rd.
- Illegal motorized dirt bike activity in the upper Right Fork is causing severe erosion to the streambanks.
- A garden Center and Landscaping company at New Hampshire Ave. & Cape May Rd. is violating its special exception permit by expanding the area of operation and not controlling stormwater runnoff. A show-cause hearing for revocation is pending.
- Numerous construction areas in the SPA have been in violation of sediment and erosion control regulations.
EOPB needs your help in monitoring these serious violations. If you live near any of these problems or can help in any way, please contact Bob Ferraro at 301-890-1998 or ptbrnchbob@eopb.org