While parts of the upper Paint Branch are in better condition as a result of these protective measures, much remains to be done. Recent data from the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission predicts significant increases in impervious surface area in the Right Fork, Left Fork, and Main Stem sub-watersheds when all of the projects that have already been approved are built. The current imperviousness of the Columbia tributary in the Right Fork is estimated to be about 18 percent, and the stream is showing signs of degradation.
This drastic rise in imperviousness since 1995 is attributable to several factors. First, the imposition of a 10 percent impervious limit beginning in 1997 has not been effective (or sufficient) in limiting the cumulative impervious cover at the sub-watershed level. Second, Council chose not to include acquisition of land in the Right Fork and Left Fork sub-watersheds as part of the Limited Master Plan Amendment. Third, although private development has been held to a 10 percent imperviousness cap, the Planning Board has not held to the strict 10 percent impervious limit for projects that have significant community benefits; this has occurred notably with the sidewalks along Old Columbia Pike, Cloverly Safeway, and the Good Hope Church.
Several proposed road projects also threaten these resources. The expansion of the Briggs Chaney Road - Old Columbia Pike intersection presents an important compliance issue. The proposed widening of Route 198 to 4 lanes would add roughly 17 acres of new impervious surface to the SPA, and require a pervious reserve, such as the Peach Orchard-Allnut property already owned by the State but reserved for transportation use, for compliance. The ill-conceived Inter-County Connector would cut through the heart of the spawning and nursery area and result in irreparable damage according to federal agencies.
It is imperative that the Special Protection Area and Environmental Overlay Zone laws and regulations be consistently and uniformly enforced for all activities and development in the watershed, including government projects. Additional parkland is needed to protect critical areas, particularly in the Right and Left Fork sub-watersheds. Concerned individuals need to impress upon their elected and appointed officials the importance of protecting this unique and highly valued resource.
For more specific information on what you can do to help, contact Robert Ferraro at 301-890-1998 or ptbrnchbob@eopb.org, or David Dunmire at 301-576-2363 or ddunmire@eopb.org. Also see the Action Alert section of our Web site for the latest information. |
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