DNR to Host Public Meetings on Proposed No Discharge Zone for Chester River

The State is accepting public comment on possibly designating the Chester River and its tributaries as a No Discharge Zone (NDZ) ─ an area where both treated and untreated sewage discharges from vessels are prohibited. The Maryland Departments of Natural Resources and the Environment, in cooperation with the Chester River Association, are planning to apply to the Environmental Protection Agency for the designation.

Located near Chestertown, the Chester River is very important to the region, providing jobs and revenue through boating, tourism, and commercial and recreational fishing. Under the Total Daily Maximum Load qualifications, 100 percent of the Chester River is considered impaired because of low dissolved oxygen related to excess nutrients. Designating the river a NDZ will help improve water quality and protect important ecological, economical and cultural resources.

It is already illegal to discharge raw/untreated sewage within three miles of the nation’s coast. However within a NDZ, all boat sewage ─ even treated ─ is prohibited. With this, boat operators must hold their sewage onboard for disposal at a pumpout facility or out at sea, beyond the three miles. If approved, the NDZ for Chester River may take effect during the 2015 boating season.

The State invites interested members of the public to learn more about the proposal, ask questions and provide comments at the following public meetings:

September 23 at 6 p.m., Chestertown Town Hall

118 N. Cross Street, Chestertown, MD 21620

 

October 2 at 6 p.m., Rock Hall Town Hall

5585 N. Main Street, Rock Hall, MD 21661

The public may also direct comments or questions to Albert Leavell of the Chester River Association at: aleavell@chesterriverassociation.org; by mail to Chester River Association, 400 S. Cross St., Suite 2, Chestertown, MD 21620; or via phone at 410-810-7556. The Association is accepting comments now through October 31.

For more information on no discharge zones, visit water.epa.gov/polwaste/vwd/index.cfm. Maryland vessel sewage laws and pumpout locations are located at dnr.maryland.gov/boating/pumpout.