CITY OF BOWIE STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT REPORT
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009
Prepared by the Department of Planning and Economic Development November 2009
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Table of Contents
Introduction ...... 5 Executive Summary ...... 6 Key Community Data...... 7 Analysis of Community Data...... 9 Accomplishments ...... 11 Indicator Framework ...... 15 LAND...... 17 A. Bowie’s Current Open Space Network ...... 23 1. EI Plan Performance Indicators for Open Space Network...... 24 2. City Documented Measures ...... 26 B. Bowie’s Current Green Infrastructure Network...... 28 1. EI Plan Performance Indicators for Green Infrastructure Network: ...... 29 2. City Documented Measures ...... 30 C. Bowie’s Current Waste Management Program...... 31 1. EI Plan Performance Indicators for Waste Management ...... 31 2. City Documented Measures ...... 32 AIR ...... 33 A. Air Quality in Bowie ...... 33 1. EI Plan Performance Indicators...... 39 2. City Documented Measures ...... 39 WATER...... 42 A. Bowie’s Current Water Quality...... 51 1. EI Plan Performance Indicators...... 54 2. City Documented Measures ...... 55 Findings...... 57 Conclusion...... 60 List of References...... 61 Appendices ...... 63
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Introduction
The 2009 City of Bowie State of the Environment Report is a summary of the City’s environmental actions and initiatives undertaken during Fiscal Year 2009 (July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009). The report tracks the performance measurements for environmental programs and activities identified in the City's Environmental Infrastructure Action Strategy Plan (EI Plan) approved by the City Council in September 2007, as well as other measures documented in the annual City budget. The annual report allows for a yearly reporting of progress.
The goal of the EI Plan was to establish environmental benchmarks, consolidate the City’s conservation/pollution prevention activities and define targeted geographic priorities for conducting cost effective mitigation and/or retrofit projects that preserve, enhance, conserve and restore the natural environment and its ecological functions as the basic component of a sustainable development pattern. The EI Plan gives the City a comprehensive approach to preserve, enhance, conserve and restore the remaining ecosystems native to the City, for the benefit of the natural environment, and to provide for a sustainable living and working environment for existing and future City residents and workers. The EI Plan includes actions that are important to sustainable, livable communities. Preserving ecological functions, providing for energy conservation, reducing pollution, enhancing wildlife habitat, restoring green infrastructure, and encouraging construction that uses green building techniques are essential elements of sustainable communities in the twenty-first century.
The 2009 City of Bowie State of the Environment Report is organized into several sections. The first is a listing of Key Community Data which has been obtained from the best available sources. The second section identifies Accomplishments achieved during FY 2009. The third section highlights three (3) broad categories chosen for Environmental Indicator Data analysis including: (1) Land, (2) Air, and (3) Water. The final section of the report identifies some key Findings, including some observations of the strengths, weaknesses and challenges for the City’s environmental programs, as well as an overall Conclusion.
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Executive Summary
The City of Bowie includes 18 square miles (11,840 acres) and is a mostly developed suburban community where growth has recently leveled off around 56,000 residents and 20,000 homes. Medium density single-family detached development is the dominant land use. There are 12 subwatersheds within the City, which currently supports a 46% urban tree canopy and over 2,100 acres of public parkland and open space. The City's own Green Infrastructure Network (described in Section B under "Land" on the following pages) includes 845 acres. When combined with the mapped Prince George's County Green Infrastructure Network of 5,044 acres within the City limits, the Green Infrastructure Network covers roughly 50% of all land in the City.
Specific indicators have been created to assess the City's environmental health and measure performance of some of its environmental programs. Seven (7) City Ecological Indicators were selected to help track the City's overall environmental condition over time. The approved EI Plan established elements for Land, Air and Water with corresponding goals and objectives for Waste Management, Surface Water Protection, Urban Forest Management and Environmental Restoration, Preservation and Conservation. A review of the individual EI Plan Performance Indicators associated with each of these reveals significant progress during FY 2009.
The City has already met and surpassed its goals for tree canopy coverage and street tree planting, and is well on its way to meeting its afforestation goal. Although some progress has been made in turf removal, a more aggressive, targeted program will be needed to reach the goal of 20 acres removed by 2012. Objectives for backyard habitat (67 of 150 lots registered) and rain barrels (57 of 150 barrels registered) are at 42% and 38% of completion, respectively. While 12 acres have been purchased for preservation and 17 acres of City-owned property have been placed under conservation easement, the challenge for the City in coming years will be to maintain some level of funding for stewardship acquisition. The City has made progress toward the EI Plan's waste management objectives, however, it is too early to ascertain the impact of single-stream recycling which began in FY 2009. The Stream Team program has proven very successful, exceeding the number of teams and volunteers anticipated. The two FY 2009 events involved 585 volunteers at nine (9) locations where 3,270 pounds of trash and 3,245 pounds of recyclables were collected. But there are also some objectives of the EI Plan where no progress has been documented, either because work has not yet started or because a particular objective's status may have changed. The intent of these objectives will be addressed in the coming year.
The City is poised to begin a greenhouse gas inventory and has restructured its water quality testing efforts. Both activities will provide more meaningful information about the condition of the City's environment and will be featured in future State of the Environment reports. The City's environmental programs and facilities remain in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Based on the assessment of performance contained in this report, it can be concluded that the state of the City's environment is very good, but definitely in need of further improvement in several areas, including but not limited to: wildlife habitat enhancement, water quality and stream condition improvement, completion of a greenhouse gas inventory and analysis of the City's "carbon footprint," and addressing increases in vehicle miles traveled by City government.
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Key Community Data
• Land Area(1): 18.5 square miles, or 11,840 acres
• City Population(2): 55,896 persons
• Population Density(3): 3,021 persons-per-square mile
• City Dwelling Units(4): 20,711 units
• Housing Diversity(5): 70% single-family 19% townhouse 11% multi-family
• Forest Canopy Cover(6): 46% of total land area
• Stream Miles(7): 53.5 miles
• Subwatersheds(8): 12
• Wetlands (NWI)(9): 532.5 acres
• 100-Year Floodplain(10): 455 acres
• Retail Space(11): 3,350,000 square feet
• Office Space(12): 1,820,000 square feet
• Number of Employees(13): 19,983 (zip code area)
• Number of Businesses(14): 1,531 (zip code area)
• City Employees(15): 341
• Neighborhoods (16): 80
• Metrobus routes(17): 6
• Public Schools(18): 1 high, 2 middle, 8 elementary
• Parkland(19): 1,360 acres
• Ballfields(20): 78
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• Community centers(21): 3 + 1 gymnasium + 1 senior center
• Post offices(22): 3
• Historic resources(23): 17
Footnotes:
(1) January 1989 John J. Allen City Boundary Survey, as amended by annexations through 2009 (2) Department of Planning and Economic Development estimate, January 2009 (3) Calculated (4) Department of Planning and Economic Development estimate, January 2009 (5) Department of Planning and Economic Development, "New Housing Construction – 2008" dated January 5, 2009 (6) University of Vermont Spatial Analysis Laboratory, "A Report on the City of Bowie's Existing and Possible Urban Tree Canopy" (May 2009) (7) Department of Information Technology calculation using PG Atlas data (8) Ibid. (9) Ibid. (10) Ibid. (11) City of Bowie, FY 2010 Approved Budget, Economic Development Workload and Performance Indicators, page 136 (12) Ibid. (13) US Census Bureau, 2007 estimate for 7 zip code area (20715, 20716, 20717, 20718, 20719, 20720, 20721) (14) Ibid. (15) City of Bowie FY 2010 Approved Budget, Total Personnel by Department, page 265 (16) Department of Planning and Economic Development, "City of Bowie Housing Inventory by Neighborhood", (November, 2006) (17) Transystems Corporation, "Transit System Enhancement Study Final Report", (November, 2006), page 16 (18) Department of Planning and Economic Development, "School Capacity" handout, (July 2005) (19) City of Bowie, Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2008, page 95 (20) Ibid. (21) Ibid. (22) US Postal Service (23) The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, 2006 Approved Bowie and Vicinity Master Plan, Historic Preservation List, page 62
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Analysis of Community Data
Since the last State of the Environment Report, the City's land area did not change. The City's estimated population increased insignificantly, by approximately 0.12%, or 65 persons, based on the addition of 24 new dwelling units to the housing inventory. The City's population density, measured in persons-per-square mile barely increased, from 3,017 to 3,021 persons-per-square mile. The City's housing diversity percentages did not change as a result of the small amount of new residential construction.
The City's vegetative cover is now estimated to be 46%, based on high resolution (1 meter) aerial imagery used in the 2008 Urban Tree Canopy study performed by the University of Vermont for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). An earlier estimate of the City's vegetative cover was made in 2001 using the American Forests' CityGreen software and USGS National Land Cover Data. The 2001 analysis revealed a total tree canopy estimate for the City of only 24%.
The amount of existing retail space roughly estimated by the City was updated from 3.3 million square feet to 3.5 million square feet and the amount of office space was updated from 1.7 million to 1.8 million. The figures for number of businesses and employees in the Bowie zip code areas saw growth of 1% and 6%, respectively, from last year's report. Over the past year, the number of City employees grew from 337 to 341 employees, an increase of just over 1%. Many new hires occurred in the expanding Police Department.
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Accomplishments
Land:
• More than 585 volunteers cleaned nine (9) stream segments in the City in October 2008 and April 2009, removing 3,270 pounds of trash and 3,245 pounds of recyclables. • The City designed a storm drain retrofit to address an erosion problem in a portion of the Millstream Branch subwatershed at the Public Works facility. • The number of properties designated as certified Backyard Wildlife Habitats by the National Wildlife Federation in the City increased from 41 to 66. • The City again won designation as a Tree City USA community. • The City received an Urban Tree Canopy report from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources that estimated the City's 2007 existing tree canopy to be approximately 46%. • Tree Conservation Plans were approved for two (2) forest mitigation banks on 17.64 acres of City-owned property (Gallant Fox Lane and Church Road Park). • The City planted 303 trees at the Gallant Fox Lane forest mitigation bank. • The City awarded a contract to remove invasives and afforest eight (8) acres of vacant farmland at Church Road Park. • The City planted 150 new street trees within the public right-of-way. • The City Solid Waste Division began collecting all types of plastics in August and began single-stream recycling in December. • The City issued 150 rebates for mulching lawnmowers. • A Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day was held and 16 tons of waste was collected. • A Community Shredding Day was held and 17 tons of waste collected • The City applied for a grant to conduct a recycling demonstration program in several neighborhoods using large containers and retrofitting two (2) recycling trucks with "tippers" to assist in emptying the large recycling containers. • The City Council approved Resolution R-78-08 endorsing recommendations for the Old Town Bowie Hiker-Biker Trail System (Old Town Bowie Heritage Trail).
Air:
• The City Council received a presentation from The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments staff regarding their "Climate Change Report" and considered
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adopting a Climate Change Resolution proposed by the City's Environmental Advisory Committee. (Resolution R-47-09 was approved on August 3, 2009.) • The City joined ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability, a membership association of local governments committed to advancing climate protection and sustainable development. • City staff downloaded and installed the Clean Air Climate Protection software on the City's computer network and began compiling historic data on utilities and vehicle usage to input into the model. • The Bowie Genealogy Library's standard natural gas hot water heater was replaced with a modern and efficient "tankless" natural gas hot water heater. This system heats water only when hot water is needed, eliminating the need to heat and store hot water during times when the facility is closed to the public. An annual energy saving of approximately 35% (approximately $470.00) is anticipated on heating water at this facility. • The City executed a contract with Constellation NewEnergy (CNE) to enroll three (3) City facilities in the company's "NewResponse" Demand Load Response Program.
Water:
• The City began a program to test large water meters that are 3" or greater in diameter for accuracy. A replacement schedule for 13 meters recommended for replacement was completed. • The City began work on a $9,000,000 improvement to operate the waste water plant under Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR).
Public Education, Outreach, Involvement and Participation:
• The City hired its first Watershed Manager. • The "Green Bowie" public outreach campaign was launched. • The Green Page on the City's website was reconstructed. • The City's First State of the Environment Report was completed. • The City Planning Department created brochures and web pages for the following programs: Recycling, Stream Teams, Rain Barrels and Backyard Habitats. • The City Planning Department held a Rain Barrel Workshop that attracted over 125 attendees. As a result of the workshop, 57 rain barrels were registered. • Two (2) public workshops were held by Bowie Gardens for Wildlife. • A guide to native plant species was created by the Environmental Advisory Committee to assist homeowners in making appropriate plant selections under the BGE Electric Reliability Program.
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• The City applied to The National Wildlife Federation to become a Certified Community Wildlife Habitat. • The Environmental Advisory Committee sponsored an informational display at the International Festival and Bowiefest events to promote environmental awareness. • The Environmental Advisory Committee conducted an environmental survey which was completed by 127 residents. (The survey identified congestion, loss of open space, displaced wildlife and household waste as four important environmental issues facing the City. Respondents identified recycling, use of energy efficient light bulbs, use of programmable thermostats and use of reusable tote bags for grocery shopping as some of the actions they take to be good stewards of the environment.) • The Senior Center group known as "The Green Team" meets once a month and runs an article in the Center's newsletter entitled "The News". The group has taken field trips to recycling facilities and has encouraged the Senior Center to expand its recycling. They also have speakers come to their meetings to give them "going green" information. • The City sponsored an information booth promoting "Green Bowie" at the 2009 Maryland Municipal League convention.
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Indicator Framework
The Sustainable Enterprise Fieldbook (2009) provides the following definition of indicator:
Indicator: A measure of a key attribute or characteristic considered indicative of the state of a system--a business, an economy, an ecosystem--that is, a measure of public health & safety (mortality and morbidity, nutritional status), environmental quality (air quality, energy use), economic vitality (profit, job creation), and the like. Ideally, an indicator is a simple variable that can be measured objectively, such as population, revenues, and number of events. Indicators provide a basis for measuring change over time and, thereby, for understanding the relative condition of an entity--both to itself, and to other entities and groups of entities.
Sustainable development is recognized by the World Commission on Environment and Development as "a process of change in which the exploitation of resources, the direction of investments, the orientation of technological development, and institutional change are made consistent with future as well as present needs." Simply stated, "sustainable development is about meeting today's needs without hampering future generations" (Wirtenberg, 2009).
Sustainable development is growth that ensures waste-free production, values people and maximizes profits--the process recognized as the triple bottom line. According to the Fieldbook: "Government leaders are acknowledging and facilitating the design and application of sustainable development indicators for national governments and the world at large...Corporations, too, are supporting the development of global and national sustainable development indicators and measurement systems as they see the need for policy and business leaders alike to progress from not knowing to knowing and supplying their organizations with the macro-level intelligence that inevitably will affect their businesses." The book stresses the importance of an organization creating a system of "sustainability performance indicators" that provide timely, reliable, and cost-efficient information on the current state of social, economic and environmental elements of sustainability.
The following Ecological Indicators have been created for the City and will be explained in detail on the subsequent pages of this report:
EI Plan Element Ecological Indicators LAND Land Cover, Land Use AIR Carbon Storage WATER Benthic IBI, Nutrient Runoff Dissolved Oxygen, Stream Flow & Velocity
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Each element below begins with general discussion, followed by the introduction of the relevant Ecological Indicators. Each EI Plan Performance Indicator associated with the respective element, along with a reference to the corresponding Action Plan from the EI Plan and a statement of progress and/or status, is noted. The table in Appendix A summarizes this information. A separate tracking table, not included in this report, has been created for Public Education, Outreach, Involvement and Participation performance measurement data.
EI Plan Performance Indicators for which there have been no progress or which have changed in status are not reported. These EI Plan Performance Indicators and the rationale for any changes in status are noted in the table below.
EI Plan Performance Indicator Rationale Indicator Rationale Have at least 6 trained volunteers in each Rewrote objective to state: Have one team of subwatershed by 2012 volunteers per subwatershed trained in outfall screening by 2012. Watershed Manager objective for 2010. Complete investigations of 27 trash dumping DPW monitors on an ongoing basis. sites by March 2008 Encourage installation of five (5) green roofs Watershed Manager objective for FY 2010. by 2012 Install a stream gage in at least 1 stream to Grant application for monitoring station measure water flow by 2012 submitted. Investigate 213 pipe outfall sites, 37 unusual DPW monitors on an ongoing basis. Watershed conditions, 21 exposed pipes and 13 Manager objective for FY 2010 will investigate DPW/ERM fieldwork 5/07 sites by 2012 some of these areas. Begin water quality sampling at specific DPW and Watershed Manager devising new locations in each watershed by 2010 structure for water quality sampling. Install at least 1 continuous stream monitor Grant application for monitoring station in a sub-watershed by 2012 submitted. By 2012, make one stream habitable by a Under investigation. MBSS data indicates that fish population multiple streams are already inhabited by fish. Complete investigations of 21 channel DPW monitors channel alterations on an alteration sites and 35 inadequate buffer sites ongoing basis. Watershed Manager is by December 2009 and 78 fish barriers by investigating inadequate buffer sites in December 2010. Overbrook Branch and Collington Middle. Investigation of fish barriers was determined to be not a cost-efficient use of staff time. Begin testing family-level benthic index of Recommended Ecological Indicator. Will be biotic integrity by 2009 included in future water quality monitoring. Establish new baseline of stream bank length Under investigation. with eroding banks by June 2008
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LAND
Expanding and protecting open space, enhancing green infrastructure and reducing waste all have a relationship to how land is used. Scientists agree that deforestation is one of the main causes of carbon dioxide and other Green House Gas (GHG) concentrations in the atmosphere leading to global warming. Meadows, wetlands and forest all serve as carbon sinks, which trap carbon from the atmosphere and reduce heat absorption throughout a community. In urban areas where trees and natural ground cover have been replaced with concrete, asphalt and other hard surfaces, these impervious surface areas tend to absorb and retain heat creating the heat island effect. The resulting warmer temperatures increase the demand for air conditioning, which increases energy use in a region producing more GHGs. Planning for and preserving valuable natural areas in a community reduces the heat island effect and prevents the release of carbon. Expanding our urban forest tree canopy will improve the health of citizens by protecting the watershed, removing carbon from the atmosphere, and capturing, filtering and absorbing pollution. Managing the land and how it is used is the key to achieving these goals.
Citywide Ecological Indicator - Land Cover
Land Cover – measures the proportion of the landscape occupied by each member of a set of land cover types that comprise the total area of the City.
The Urban Tree Canopy completed by the University of Vermont for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources classified land cover in Bowie study (UVT, 2009). The study used satellite imagery taken in 2007. The data for the City is represented in the pie chart below.
Due to its low-density development pattern, its location at the outer edge of urbanized Prince George's County and its proximity to the Patuxent River and other natural areas, the City enjoys a high percentage of tree canopy and grass/shrub cover (approximately 80% of land cover). The City's urban tree canopy of 46% is third among six (6) cities in Maryland where studies were recently performed. The City of Greenbelt (62%) and City of Cumberland (48%) ranked higher than the City. However, the City's urban tree canopy exceeded that of Annapolis (41%), Hyattsville (41%) and Baltimore (20%). The study identified ways the City can further increase its tree canopy cover. The study also noted that: "By ownership type, it is Bowie's residents that control the largest percentage of the City's tree canopy. Programs that educate residents on tree stewardship and incentives provided to residents that plant trees are crucial if Bowie is going to sustain its tree canopy in the long term."
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Bare Earth Transportation <1% 7% Wate r 0% Buildings 8%
Pavement 5%
Tree Canopy 47%
Grass/Shrub 33%
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Citywide Ecological Indicator - Land Use
Land Use – measures sub-areas of the community based on actual land use
The Urban Tree Canopy study (UVT, 2009) divided the City into numerous generalized land use categories, represented in the table below:
Area Land Use Percentage Square Feet Acres of total Culture and recreation 12,494,952 286.84 3% Government services and institutional 855,074 19.63 0% Housing 298,717,340 6857.61 62% Office buildings and selected services 5,316,844 122.06 1% Resource production 2,775,119 63.71 1% Retail trade 9,763,986 224.15 2% Transportation, communication, and 4,449,779 102.15 1% utilities Vacant land 67,107,298 1540.57 14% Warehousing and wholesale 2,221,456 51.00 0% Rights of Way 7,4813,052 1717.47 16%
The vast majority of land within the City (62%) is devoted to residential land use. According to the study, 14% of land in the City is considered "vacant". This percentage is largely made up of parks, open space and land in public ownership, such as Tanglewood Park, Whitemarsh Park, Pope's Creek Park, Collington Branch floodplain, etc. Because of the extensive network of suburban streets within the City, as well as numerous regional roadways operated by the State and County, the City's land use includes 16% of land considered to be "right of way".
Land Use data available from MNCPPC for 2000 and 2007, shown in Appendix B, is summarized in the pie charts below.
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2000 Developed Land by Type
0.0% Ag Building 0.0% Commercial 5.3% High Density Residential 4.0% Highways/Transportation/Railroad 0.5% Industrial 3.1% 71.9% Institutional 9.0% Low Density Residential 5.0% Large Lot Subdivision (ag)
Large Lot Subdivision (forest) 0.0% Medium Density Residential 1.2% Open Urban Land
0.82% 2007 Breakdown of Developed Land by Type
0.37%
Ag Building 9.10% Commercial 0.82% High Density Residential 5.55% 0.97% Highways/Transportation/Railroad
62.70% Industrial 8.38% Institutional Low Density Residential Large Lot Subdivision (ag) 7.77% Large Lot Subdivision (forest) 3.52% Medium Density Residential Open Urban Land 0.01%
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2000 Undeveloped Land by Type
5.07% Bare Ground
Brush
Cropland 22.04% Deciduous Forest 44.68% Evergreen Forest 5.32% 0.09% Mixed Forest
Pasture 2.98% 18.06% Urban Herbaceous 0.54% 1.23% Water 0.00% Wetlands
2007 Breakdown2007 Breakdown of Undeveloped of Undeveloped Land by Land Type by Type
1.43% 0.00%
0.00% 0.67% 1.95% Bare Ground Brush Cropland 7.83% 5.88% 11.81% Deciduous Forest Evergreen Forest 1.13% Mixed Forest Pasture Urban Herbaceous 69.30% Water Wetlands
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Land Use Changes, 2000-2007
Overall, the City was much more developed in 2007 compared to the Year 2000. In 2000, about 58% of land u se was considered "Developed". By 2007, this percentage had risen to more than 75% of the City's total land area, reflecting an increase of 49% more land in the "Developed" category. Conversely, the percentage of land use considered "Undeveloped", including forest, cropland, brush, etc. declined from about 41% of the total land use in 2000 to approximately 24% in 2007. This represents a reduction of approximately 32% of the "Undeveloped" acreage between 2000 and 2007.
The "Developed" land use categories showing the greatest amount of growth include Institutional (105%), Commercial/Industrial (133%) and Low-Density Residential (191%). However, the amount of Open Urban Land (e.g. parks and urban open space) increased the most of any category, by approximately 322%.
Medium Density Residential continues to be the most dominant land use in the City, comprising 47% of all land use in 2007. Total land area in this category grew by about 30%. In 2000, Medium Density Residential acreage was also the most dominant land use in the City and represented 42% of all land use. Commercial and industrial land use, combined, made up 3.2% of all land use in 2000. By 2007, this grouping increased to approximately 6.5% of all land use in the City, reflecting the continuing development of properties such as Bowie Town Center and Melford/Maryland Science and Technology Center. The large increase in Open Urban Land between 2000 and 2007 is likely a result of parkland dedications or other open space within commercial development (such as stormwater management ponds) or residential cluster development.
High Density Residential land use acreage grew by approximately 38%, increasing from 5.3% of total land use in 2000 to 6.3% in 2007. The most dramatic land use change (other than Open Urban Land) was observed in Low Density Residential, where the amount of acreage devoted to this use increased 191% between 2000 and 2007. In 2000, Low Density Residential comprised 3.1% of all land use. By 2007, this percentage increased to 7.7% of all land use.
"Undeveloped" land use categories saw some changes between 2000 and 2007. The amount of acreage classified as forest comprised 72% of "Undeveloped" land use in 2000 and made up 30% of all land use within the City. (If Urban Herbaceous land use is included, the total amount of vegetated land in the City in 2000 increases to over 37%. Likewise, the amount of vegetated land use acreage within the "Undeveloped" component increases to 90%.) By 2007, the amount of forest acreage as a proportion of "Undeveloped" land use increased to over 82%, but the forest category as a whole dropped to about 20% of all land in the City. The amount of land classified as pasture and cropland, respectively, increased from less than 1% each in 2000 to 7.8% and 1.9% in 2007.
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A. Bowie’s Current Open Space Network
There are more than 2,100 acres of publicly owned parks and open space throughout the City, including over 1,400 acres owned by the City. Studies have shown that parks and open space increase the value of nearby properties. Therefore, investing in open space is an investment in the local economy.
A recent analysis conducted by City staff concluded that there are 37.87 acres/1,000 population of total parkland in the City, including 20.49 acres/1,000 population of developed parkland and 17.49 acres/1,000 population of passive open space parkland. These ratios meet and exceed the Maryland Department of Natural Resources' goal of 35 acres/1,000 population of parkland in local communities. The map in Appendix C shows the distribution of this parkland in the City.
North of US 50, the City owns approximately 625 acres of active parkland and approximately 207 acres of open space. If M-NCPPC land is included, the total acreage increases to approximately 724 acres of active parkland and approximately 516 acres of open space. South of US 50, the City owns approximately 357 acres of active parkland and approximately 240 acres of open space. If M-NCPPC land is included, the total acreage increases to approximately 419 acres of active parkland and approximately 694 acres of open space.
There is a higher proportion of active parkland per 1,000 population north of US 50 than south of US 50 (North = 24.78 acres/1,000 vs. South = 15.78 acres/1,000). However, due to the presence of large and more extensive M-NCPPC landholdings such as the Collington Branch Stream Valley Park south of US 50, there is a higher proportion of open space per 1,000 population south of US 50 than north of US 50 (South = 26.12 acres/1,000 vs. North = 17.66 acres/1,000 population).
The quality of active parkland in the City is very good. Both the City and M-NCPPC maintain parkland and recreation facilities to a high standard. Most parkland is located close to the population served and all parks have good accessibility. Jericho Park, Whitemarsh Park and Church Road Park are located on the edges of the City, although each has access from a major roadway. North of US 50, the largest tracts of City-owned active recreation land include Jericho Park, Tanglewood Park, Bowie Golf Course, Pope's Creek Park and Whitemarsh Park. South of US 50, the largest tracts of City-owned recreation land include Allen Pond, Black Sox Park and Church Road Park. The City maintains lighted ballfields at Jericho Park, Whitemarsh Park, Allen Pond, Black Sox Park and Church Road Park.
The quality of passive open space parkland is generally good. M-NCPPC owns a series of parcels comprising the Patuxent River Park along the Patuxent River, and other properties that include streams and natural floodplain. Much of the MNCPPC parkland is part of the County's Green Infrastructure Network. Similarly, the City owns many natural drainageways, especially in the Levitt portion of the City, which convey stormwater and include utilities such as sanitary sewer lines. Many of the open space parcels in City ownership are scattered and discontiguous, especially north of US 50. With the exception of
23 State of the Environment Report (2009) open space land situated in highly visible locations, much of the passive open space in the City is maintained very infrequently or only on an as-needed basis.
The City currently maintains over 23 miles of hiker-biker trails. There are approximately 50 miles of trails located within the City limits, including all public and homeowners association trails. Per the 2002 City of Bowie Trails Master Plan, over 111 miles of trail facilities will ultimately be available in the system serving City residents.
1. EI Plan Performance Indicators for Open Space Network
Urban Forest Management: • Objective: Strive for 40% tree canopy coverage in 20 years (Action Plan 5). Progress--Latest recorded canopy coverage is 46%. • Objective: Afforest 20 acres of City property by 2012 (Action Plan 9). Progress--0.98 acres afforested with 303 trees in Gallant Fox Park. Tree Mitigation Bank approved, conservation easement recorded and bond posted for 16.66 acres of afforestation at Church Road Park, and contract signed with vendor to plant 4,000 trees on 8-acre portion of approved Forest Mitigation Bank. • Objective: Plant a minimum of 150 street trees annually (Action Plan 6). Progress--The recorded 3-year average is 163 trees planted within City rights-of-way.
Environmental Restoration, Preservation and Conservation: • Objective: Complete Land Preservation Plan by December 31, 2009 (Action Plan 8). Progress--Deferred due to lack of funding in Approved FY 2010 City Budget. • Objective: Decrease areas mowed Citywide by at least 10% by 2012 (Action Plan 12). Progress--In the past five years, the City has removed from the mowing inventory turf areas at Gateway Center pond (replaced 2,500 square feet with wildflowers), at Town Center pond (replaced 2,000 square feet with wildflowers and native trees), and at Rolling Hills Pond #2 (replaced 3,000 square feet with native trees and shrubs), for a total of 7,500 square feet.
The EI Plan's objectives have provided a valid direction and established a framework for tracking the City's progress and reporting successes. A remarkable 46% urban tree canopy was observed in the Urban Tree Canopy study (UVT, 2009). The City Council is expected to establish an Urban Tree Canopy goal in FY 2010. Staff evaluation of the City's property inventory for potential afforestation opportunities is ongoing. During FY 2009, the City obtained approval of forest mitigation banks at Gallant Fox Lane (0.98 acres) and Church Road Park (16.66 acres). The plan for Church Road Park includes invasive removal over three (3) planting seasons followed by installation of 8,000 new trees.
The City's Street Tree Program is also a component of the Urban Forest Management Plan. The City embarked on an update of its Street Tree Inventory, which contains over 17,500 trees. During the summer of 2009, a student intern inventoried over 4,600 street trees in the neighborhoods located between US 50 and MD 450. Upon completion of the update,
24 State of the Environment Report (2009) the US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, software (iTree-Streets) will be used to compile Citywide statistics on Annual Benefits, Management Costs, and Net Annual Benefits. Reports are available to document the following benefits of the City's Street Tree Inventory:
Energy: The Energy report presents the contribution of the urban forest toward conserving energy in terms of reduced natural gas use in winter (measured in therms or gigajoules) and reduced electricity use for air conditioning in summer (measured in kilowatt-hours or gigajoules).
Stormwater: The Stormwater report presents the reductions in annual stormwater runoff due to rainfall interception by trees (measured in gallons or cubic meters).
Air quality: The Air Quality report quantifies the air pollutants (O3, NO2, SO2, PM- 10) deposited on tree surfaces and reduced emissions from power plants (NO2, PM-10, VOCs, SO2) due to reduced electricity use (measured in pounds or kilograms). Also reported are the potential negative effects of trees on air quality due to Biogenic Volatile Organic Compound emissions.
Carbon dioxide: The Carbon Dioxide report presents reductions in atmospheric CO2 due to sequestration by trees and reduced emissions from power plants due to reduced energy use (in pounds or kilograms). The model accounts for CO2 released as trees die and decompose and CO2 released during the care and maintenance of trees.
Carbon stored: Whereas the above report quantifies CO2 reductions for the year, the Carbon Stored report tallies all of the carbon dioxide stored in the urban forest as a result of sequestration (in pounds or kilograms).
Aesthetic/other: The Aesthetic/Other report presents the tangible and intangible benefits of trees reflected in increases in property values (in dollars).
Summary: The Summary report presents the annual total of energy, stormwater, air quality, carbon dioxide, and aesthetic/other benefits. Values are dollars per tree or total dollars.
In addition, there are 14 basic Resource Structural reports that present a snapshot in time of the urban forest and provide information necessary for management planning. Using the Resource Structural reports along with the Benefit-Cost Analysis reports provides information for short- and long-term resource management. The data reported will help the City anticipate future trends and management challenges that will need to be met to achieve urban forest sustainability.
The software also calculates replacement values, which are estimates of the full cost of replacing trees in their current condition, should they be removed for some reason. Species ratings, replacement costs, and basic prices were obtained for each species in each reference city from regional appraisal guides. Because of the approximations used in these calculations, replacement values are first-order estimates for the population and are not intended to be
25 State of the Environment Report (2009)
definitive on a tree-by-tree basis. Replacement values reports can be displayed by diameter at breast height (DBH) class for every species in the inventory or by DBH class for each zone.
Unfortunately, due to budgetary constraints, the City could not fund consulting services for the anticipated Land Preservation Plan in FY 2010. The purpose of a Land Preservation Plan would be to depict protected lands in the City and provide a strategy for future environmental stewardship actions. The City receives an annual allocation of Program Open Space (POS) funding from the State of Maryland for property acquisition. The FY 2009 balance allocated to the City was $2,229,692. During the past year, the City acquired the McLaughlin property on MD 197, north of the Rockledge section of the City, leaving $1,715,842 in POS funding for property acquisition. The City also receives an allocation of POS funding for park development. The FY 2009 balance was $1,057,023, however, synthetic turf installation at Allen Pond reduced this amount by $512,150, leaving a balance of $544,873. In FY 2010, the City will receive an allocation of $59,500 in total POS funding, resulting in an anticipated budget of $2,320,215. Earlier this year, MNCPPC decided to allow the City to use 100% of its POS funding allocation for park development, rather than retain the 50% acquisition/50% development split required in the past. Given the dubious future of the national economy, the challenge in the coming years will be to maintain some level of funding for necessary stewardship acquisitions. In lieu of hiring a consultant, City staff may undertake an effort to create an inventory of protected lands and draft a land preservation strategy for City Council consideration.
The Department of Community Services Parks and Grounds Division have made some progress in the area of turf removal. A more aggressive, targeted program will have to be devised if the City intends to satisfy the objective of removing 20 acres by 2012, as recommended in the EI Plan. The Parks and Grounds Division's current goal is to have a turf removal project in every future stormwater management budget and, in the short term, concentrating on the drainage channels that have green space adjacent to City streets.
2. City Documented Measures
The Parks and Grounds division of the Department of Community Services maintains all City ballfields, parks, bike trails, fences, play areas, play equipment and flower beds as well as all trees, shrubs, and lawns on City property and the fencing along Route 197.
26 State of the Environment Report (2009)
FY05 FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 Number of acres of grass 196 196 198 202 202 202 maintained Average number of times mowed 32 32 32 24 32 32 per year Acres of R.O.W. and Parkland 66 66 66 72 72 72 maintained Acres of athletic field turf 130 130 130 130 130 130 maintained Number of fields maintained 78 78 78 78 78 78 Number of fields irrigated 26 26 26 26 26 27 Number of fields lighted 21 21 21 21 21 21 Miles of trail maintained 22.5 22.5 23.5 23.5 23.5 23.75 Number of trees in right of way 17,000 17,000 17,500 17,500 17,500 17,650 inventoried Number of trees maintained 5,000 5,000 3,000 3,500 3,500 3,500 (pruned) Number of trees planted in right of 125 125 140 200 150 200 way Number of annual/color planted 5,000 5,000 5,000 3,500 5,000 3,500
The City documented measures noted above reflected a sustained effort to keep the City's parkland facilities and open space amenities maintained at the high level desired by the community. With the exception of street trees planted and right-of-way/parkland acres maintained (which experienced a 9% increase between FY 2007 and FY 2008), almost every documented measure reflects a continuation, rather than an expansion or intensification, of efforts over the past five (5) fiscal years. As noted in the 2008 Urban Tree Canopy study, there is strong potential for the City to increase its tree canopy by exploiting opportunities to plant additional street trees. The study noted that "a 'street trees' initiative should be employed to increase tree canopy" in public rights-of-way. The Street Tree Inventory is being updated and will provide a basis for strategic recommendations, should the City choose to ramp up a street tree initiative. Another related effort of value would be to document the City's park trees by conducting tree inventories or forest stand delineations on City parkland. Using City park properties to highlight environmental enhancement efforts and increase public awareness should be further explored, as well. Natural resource management plans for each of the City's major open space holdings should also be considered, both to sequence park development and guide property maintenance.
In FY 2009, the City Council approved Resolution R-78-08 endorsing recommendations for the Old Town Bowie Hiker-Biker Trail System (Old Town Bowie Heritage Trail). This trail system, which is centered around the City's Railroad Museum, will eventually link the WB & A trail to the MARC train station at Bowie State University. When completed, the trail system will add at least one (1) mile to the current City trail inventory and will offer opportunities to include environmental enhancements during construction.
27 State of the Environment Report (2009)
B. Bowie’s Current Green Infrastructure Network
Prince George's County's approved Green Infrastructure Network is comprised of the following three (3) categories:
1. Regulated areas contain environmentally sensitive features, such as streams, wetlands, buffers, the 100-year floodplain and steep slopes that are currently regulated (i.e. protected) during the land development process.
2. Evaluation areas contain environmentally sensitive features, such as interior forests, colonial waterbird nesting sites and unique habitats, that are not currently regulated (i.e. not protected) during the development review process.
3. Network gaps are comprised of` areas that are critical to the connection of the regulated and evaluation areas and are targeted for restoration to support the overall functioning and connectivity of the green infrastructure network.
Green Infrastructure (GI) is the core of the City’s overall Environmental Infrastructure. In an effort to connect and enhance existing greenway corridors, protect biological diversity in the City and encourage the retention of wildlife habitat on sites at the predevelopment stage, the City created the Green Infrastructure (GI) Strategy Plan and Network Map in 2003. The Bowie GI Network Map combines all of the private and public forested open space in the City with the City-owned stormwater channels and streams in addition to the City-maintained stormwater management ponds.
In 2007, the City revised the Bowie GI Strategy Plan. The result was the City’s current Environmental Infrastructure (EI) Action Strategy Plan containing an updated GI Network Map and individual Action Plans, which provide a step-by-step approach for achieving the City’s policy goals regarding the environment. The current Bowie GI Network Map is shown in Appendix D.
The GI Network is critical to the environmental health of the local area. As woodland is protected and enhanced and as streams are restored, air quality, water quality and habitat for local fauna and flora improve. The City's GI Network is an extrapolation of the Prince George's County Green Infrastructure Network and identifies environmental hubs and corridors at the local sub-watershed level. This provides the impetus for the City's approach to watershed management at the sub-watershed level. The City's GI Network also identifies network "gaps" that could be acquired to preserve and improve the integrity of the Network.
The City's GI Network is comprised of approximately 845 acres of land located within the City limits, which includes 690 acres within the Network and 145 acres identified as "gap" areas. The City's GI Network is in addition to the Countywide Green Infrastructure Network (maps available at www.pgatlas.com). The Countywide Green Infrastructure Network within
28 State of the Environment Report (2009) the City limits includes 1,623 acres of "Regulated Areas", 1,997 acres of "Evaluation Areas" and 1,424 acres of "Network Gaps". There are nine (9) specific network gaps identified on the City's GI Network Map (see inset maps in Appendix E):
1. Colt's Neck - 53 acres proposed for a subdivision of eight (8) single family lots, placed into reservation by the Prince George's County Planning Board for future parkland acquisition. 2. Bowie Race Track - Low density O-S zoning will allow only minimal development (31 lots) on this 156 acre property. 3. Whitehall Swimming Pool and Racquet Club - Undeveloped portion of the site is unprotected and includes the headwaters of Saddlebrook Branch subwatershed. 4. Forest Drive lots - Very minor potential for preservation due to development of existing properties. 5. McNamara's Barn property, 7802 Chestnut Avenue - Existing nonconforming use of private club is located adjacent to the Newstop Branch tributary to Horsepen Branch. 6. Fairview Manor open space (outside of City) - Part of developing subdivision on Church Road. 7. Mill Branch Crossing tributary to Green Branch - Land along stream will be preserved under Preliminary Subdivision Plan submitted for commercial shopping center on east side of US 301, south of Rip's restaurant. 8. Glen Allen open space and private lot adjacent to undeveloped former Bowie Nissan parcel (partially outside of City) - Part of tributary to Mill Branch subwatershed; private lot is developed with a single-family home. 9. Ashleigh Cluster, Phase 2 (former A-44 parcel, currently outside of City but will be annexed) - Connects existing lake with A-44 Greenway parcel owned by MNCPPC.
The City GI Network includes 12 subwatersheds (see Appendix F). The City's current watershed management efforts have been focused on the Overbrook Branch subwatershed and Collington Middle subwatershed. Potential projects are now being assessed. Outreach activities have begun in the Overbrook Branch subwatershed.
1. EI Plan Performance Indicators for Green Infrastructure Network:
Environmental Restoration, Preservation and Conservation: • Objective: Increase the number of registered lots with certified backyard habitats to a minimum of 150 lots by 2012 (Action Plan 3). Progress--Number of certified lots increased 54%. The current list includes one (1) place of worship, one (1) school, and 64 homes. There were 31 attendees at the Bowie Gardens for Wildlife Backyard Invitational held in April 2009. Bowie Gardens for Wildlife Habitat Team staffed a booth at the Bowie-Crofton Garden Club Plant Sale and assisted with the Environmental Advisory Committee/Bowie Gardens for Wildlife Habitat Team booth at Bowiefest in June 2009. A total of 180 informational notices
29 State of the Environment Report (2009)
about backyard habitats were mailed to residents living adjacent to the Green Infrastructure Network. • Objective: Convert at least seven (7) acres of publicly-owned turf to native landscaping by 2010 (Action Plan 12). Progress--3,000 square feet (0.07 acres) were converted to native trees and shrubs in FY 2009 (Marne Lane). • Objective: Increase the number of acres of protected land (Action Plan 8). Progress--12 acres of new passive parkland acquired (McLaughlin Property) under Program Open Space. Woodland Conservation Easements were established at Gallant Fox Park (0.98 acres) and Church Road Park (16.66 acres).
Alternative Means of Stormwater Management: • Objective: Encourage three (3) stormwater management retrofits by 2012 (Action Plan 11). Progress--The Department of Public Works designed a storm drain retrofit to address an erosion problem in a portion of the Millstream Branch subwatershed at the Public Works facility. This project will be implemented in FY 2011.
The City's efforts in improving the Green Infrastructure Network are beginning to take shape, although progress toward the EI Plan's objectives has been very modest. The Bowie Gardens for Wildlife volunteer group is working toward a Community Wildlife Certification by the National Wildlife Federation and an application was submitted. Potential property acquisitions to expand the GI Network are under review and several new activities, such as promotion of Bayscaping and tree canopy expansion on lots adjacent to the GI Network, are being devised. As of this writing, 12 of 63 registered backyard habitats located within the City limits lie adjacent to the GI Network. In addition, the Environmental Advisory Committee is investigating the formation of a Land Conservancy in the City.
2. City Documented Measures
The Animal Control division of the Department of Community Services is responsible for wildlife complaints and general animal control in the city. This includes capturing any reported wild animals and pets that are ‘running-at-large’, or are not leashed, in the neighborhood.
FY05 FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 Number of running-at-large calls 476 420 418 358 316 364 Number of wildlife complaints 300 452 516 423 306 352
The number of wildlife complaints received by the Animal Control office has fluctuated over the past five (5) fiscal years, from a low of 300 complaints in FY 2005 to a peak of 516 complaints in FY 2007.
Despite attempts by some to try to correlate increases in number of wildlife complaints with increases in new development, it is clear that no such correlation can be made. The number of building permits for new residential construction has decreased substantially since
30 State of the Environment Report (2009) about 2001, and the number of residential permits issued was at its all time low of 24 permits in 2008. Commercial square footage increased by approximately 34% between FY 2005 and FY 2009, however, much of that growth occurred in projects where development has been ongoing for many years. As identified in the 2009 UTC study's Land Use table, the percentage of land use devoted to office and retail uses is only 3% of total land use. Preservation and expansion of the Green Infrastructure Network will promote wildlife habitat.
C. Bowie’s Current Waste Management Program
Waste management is one way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve cost efficiencies. Preventing waste at the source through thoughtful purchasing can decrease the need for raw materials and energy during manufacturing, disposal, and transportation. Procuring cost-competitive products made from recycled materials results in less demand for virgin materials.
Waste reduction and recycling mean fewer materials entering the landfill. This reduces emissions in methane, a landfill and greenhouse gas. Reducing waste also means more efficient trash collection services, long term cost savings, extended landfill life, and greater recycling rates and revenues. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that simply increasing our national recycling rate from its current level of 30 percent to 35 percent would reduce GHG emissions by another 10 million metric tons of carbon equivalent (MTCE). That amount is equal to the average annual emissions from the electricity consumed by roughly 4.6 million households.
1. EI Plan Performance Indicators for Waste Management
Waste Management: • Objective: Decrease tonnage of material landfilled from 1.3 tons-per-person to 1 ton-per-person by 2012 (Action Plan 2). Progress--A decrease was recorded from 1.24 tons-per-person to 1.16 tons-per-person (a 7% decrease). • Objective: Increase tonnage of recyclables from FY 2007's percentage (24%) to 50% by 2012 (Action Plan 2). (NOTE: The passage of the City Council's Climate Change Resolution established a more limited benchmark of 2% per year over the next five years, which results in the new goal of 35% by 2014.) Progress--An increase of 1% was recorded over the previous year. • Objective: Increase tonnage of yard waste recycling (Action Plan 2). Progress--An increase of 9.7% was recorded over the previous year.
• Objective: Increase number of mulching mower rebates from 30 to 60 by 2012 (Action Plan 2). Progress--A 150% increase was recorded over the 2007 figure. The City distributed 150 rebates for mulching lawnmowers to City residents in FY 2009: o City increased the rebate amount from $25 to $50 as of April 2008.
31 State of the Environment Report (2009)
o City advertised the rebate in the City newsletter in 2006 and distributed 60 rebates in comparison with only 19 rebates in 2005 when it was not advertised. The number of rebates peaked at 225 in FY 2008.
The City has made progress toward the EI Plan's Waste Management objectives. While it is still too early to tell, the decision to go to single-stream recycling should have a significant impact on the City's recycling volumes.
2. City Documented Measures
The Solid Waste division of the Department of Public Works is responsible for the collection and disposal of the City's solid waste. This includes bulk trash pickup, glass, cans, newspaper, magazines, junk mail and yard waste pickup for recycling, twice weekly household refuse pickup, weekly pickup of special metals and tires, and processing of plastics.
FY05 FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 Number of households 20,250 20,350 20,554 20,711 20,800 20,900 served Total number of tons 37,527 37,517 35,717 33,896 32,653 32,800 collected Number of tons landfilled 28,027 28,348 27,041 25,583 24,253 24,300 Number of tons recycled 9,500 9,169 8,676 8,313 8,400 8,500 Percent of solid waste 25% 24% 24% 25% 26% 26% stream recycled Sales Revenues from $121,09 $99,44 $98,46 $53,66 $45,00 $30,00 Recyclables 3 5 4 5 0 0 Number of tons of white metal collected 200 301 270 177 180 190
While the number of households served has remained relatively constant over the last five (5) fiscal years, there is a trend toward collecting less refuse in general. Both the number of tons landfilled and the number of tons recycled have decreased. The percentage of solid waste recycled has remained around 24%-26%. The amount of white metal collected has decreased by about 40% since its peak in FY 2006, when 301 tons were collected. A detailed breakdown of City recycling totals for the period 2001-2006 is provided in Appendix G.
32 State of the Environment Report (2009)
AIR
On warm summer days, air quality in the Washington Metro area may suffer and result in Code Red Days when the most sensitive members of our population are advised to stay indoors. Code Red Days occur in metropolitan areas where exhaust emissions of nitrogen and carbon molecules from automobiles and pollution from factories are highly concentrated. Air pollution may be due to high ground-level ozone, particulate matter, mercury, lead, nitrogen dioxide, heavy metals, carbon monoxide, acid rain, and benzene, a chemical from the combustion of gasoline.
Emissions of the three most dangerous cancer-causing chemical compounds found in the air mainly come from cars and trucks, which also pour tons of carbon dioxide and particulates into the air every year. Power plants, incinerators, and industrial operations add more chemicals. Energy efficient appliances reduce the demand on energy from power plants, thus reducing the amount of air toxins emitted. Low-emission vehicles reduce air toxins and save consumers money because they are more efficient to run.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is an index used for reporting forecasted and daily air quality. The AQI uses both a color-coded and numerical scale to report how clean or polluted the air is and what associated health effects might be of concern. The AQI focuses on health effects people may experience within a few hours or days after breathing polluted air. The AQI is calculated for five major pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act: particulate matter, ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.
A. Air Quality in Bowie
The AQI is divided into several categories to help indicate what local air quality means to a person's health. Each category corresponds to a different level of health concern, as shown in the table below. An AQI value of 100 generally corresponds to the national air quality standard for the pollutant, which is the level the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set to protect public health. AQI values below 100 are generally thought of as satisfactory. When AQI values are above 100, air quality is considered to be unhealthy at first for sensitive groups of people, then for everyone as AQI values get higher. The nearest monitoring stations to Bowie are at Beltsville, Davidsonville and Upper Marlboro. Real time reports from these stations can be accessed at: www.cleanairpartners.net.
33 State of the Environment Report (2009)
Level of Numerical Color Health Value Meaning Code Concern Range Green Good 0-50 Air quality is considered good, and air pollution poses little or no risk. Yellow Moderate 51-100 Air quality may pose a moderate health risk, especially for those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. Orange Unhealthy 101-150 Members of sensitive groups, children and adults for Sensitive with respiratory and heart ailments, may experience Groups health effects and should limit time spent outside. The general public is not likely to be affected. Red Unhealthy 151-200 Everyone may experience health effects and should limit their outdoor activity; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. Purple Very 201-300 Everyone may experience more serious health Unhealthy effects and should avoid outdoor activities, especially individuals with heart and breathing ailments, children, and older adults. *Source: Clean Air Partners Website (www.cleanairpartners.net)
Annual statistics for the Metropolitan Washington region over the past three (3) full calendar years is displayed in the table below.
Washington Metro Air Quality Data 2006 2007 2008 Very Unhealthy 2 0 0 Unhealthy 5 3 4 Unhealthy (Special Groups) 32 40 17 Moderate 97 99 103 Good 229 223 242 *Source: Clean Air Partners website
The number of days between January-June 2009 where the AQI was over 100 recorded at Dulles Airport totals three (3) days. A review of a typical month (June, 2009) indicates that air quality in the Washington Region was Good on 16 days (53.3% of the time), Moderate on 11 days (36.7% of the time) and Unhealthy for Special Groups on three (3) days (10% of the time).
34 State of the Environment Report (2009)
Ozone and Particulate Matter (PM) are the most frequently tracked pollutants. Data for Metropolitan Washington Region's Number of Unhealthy Days Each Year (combined ozone and PM) from 2002-2009 are displayed below. For comparison purposes, detailed AQI Reports for the month of June (available for 2006, 2007 and 2009) are included in Appendix H.
Number of Unhealthy Days Each Year (combined ozone and PM) From: http://www.cleanairpartners.net/aqitrends.cfm (Metro Washington graph) Note: The bar height represents the total number of unhealthy days considering ozone and particulate matter combined. The colors differentiate the number of days in a year where AQI was unhealthy for sensitive groups (orange), unhealthy (red) and very unhealthy (purple).
Citywide Ecological Indicator - Carbon Storage
Carbon storage -- a direct measure of the amount of carbon sequestered or released by ecosystems
As a result of approval of The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act of 2009, the State of Maryland has committed to a Climate Action Plan. In this year's session, the Legislature adopted the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the State by 25% from 2006 levels by 2020. The new law sets this goal as State policy and directs that an inventory of Statewide greenhouse gas emissions be completed by June 1, 2011, and that a Draft Plan, including regulations and programs intended to reduce Statewide greenhouse gas emissions be prepared by December 31, 2011. According to the law, a Final Plan is due by December 31, 2012.
35 State of the Environment Report (2009)
The City is already engaged in a similar process. In late 2008, the City joined ICLEI- Local Governments for Sustainability and, using guidance provided by ICLEI, has been working to compile data for a preliminary greenhouse gas emissions inventory.
Based on the research conducted to date on City facilities, a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 25% from 2007 levels by 2020 would be prudent. Following the State's process, the City should first set an overall policy goal and then spend a period of time performing the necessary studies leading to creation of a Draft Climate Action Plan. The City submitted an application for an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) grant which includes a funding request to hire a consultant to help the City develop a Climate Action Plan and related energy efficiency strategies. This component seeks to retain technical assistance from an energy management technical consulting firm to:
• Assist the City in evaluating, assessing and inventorying its energy use. • Establish baseline years and expenditure data to begin the process of inventorying energy consumption patterns within municipal government functions to forecast and measure progress toward future reductions. The inventorying process will be conducted within five municipal sectors: Buildings, Vehicle Fleets, Streetlights (includes traffic signals, park lighting), Water/Sewage and Solid Waste. • Advise the City of Bowie on strategies to reduce energy use, reduce related expenditures and conserve resources by sector prioritization and action planning. • Conduct energy-efficiency audits of all City owned buildings and facilities. • Train City staff to conduct periodic energy-efficiency audits and implement improvements, and • Prepare a comprehensive report of findings and recommendations. This document will be submitted to the Department of Energy for approval.
Comparable Community Inventory Examples
In addition to the above, the City will undertake a Community Greenhouse Gas Analysis similar to those done by Annapolis and Takoma Park. The City anticipates receiving data to document Citywide Greenhouse Gas Emissions similar to the information contained in the report entitled "Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Inventory of the City of Annapolis in 2006" shown below:
36 State of the Environment Report (2009)
Carbon Dioxide Emissions in the Washington Region The National Capital Region Climate Change Report (2008) identifies that the metropolitan Washington region generated 74 million metric tons of CO2 in 2005. Two sectors, transportation and electricity use, contributed over 70% of regional CO2 emissions:
• Electricity 41% • Transportation 30% • RCI Fuel 25% • Others 4% Note: RCI fuel includes residential, commercial and industrial natural gas, home heating oil, non-road diesel and aviation fuel.
The National Capital Climate Change Report notes that the residential sector accounts for 33 percent of total energy demand in the metropolitan Washington region. A breakdown of energy use by sector is noted below:
• Commercial 46% • Residential 33% • Government 12% • Industrial 9%
Regional Renewable Energy Standards
The Climate Change Report states that governments in the region have adopted renewable energy portfolio standards that establish minimum percentages of electricity supply that must be derived from zero-emission renewable energy sources by 2022:
Regional Governments Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards Established for 2022 District of Columbia 11% of electricity from zero-emission renewable energy sources Maryland 20% of electricity from zero-emission renewable energy sources Virginia 12% of electricity from zero-emission renewable energy sources
37 State of the Environment Report (2009)
An example can be given to illustrate the cost to the City of achieving various municipal goals for renewable energy purchases. Assume the City uses approximately 11,737,611 kWh for City operations each year and the Maryland Renewable Portfolio Standard legislated for Maryland is 4.51%. To reach a municipal goal of 10% would require the purchase of an additional 5.49% in renewable energy credits. Assuming the previously noted annual estimate of 11,737,611 kWh for City operations, an additional 5.49% of that figure would yield 644,395 kWh. Multiplying this number by an estimated 2.5 cents/kWh for purchasing renewable energy credits would result in an additional $16,110/year in additional costs to achieve a goal of 10%. To reach a higher municipal goal of 20%, an additional $45,453/year would be required.
The table below identifies energy usage by all City facilities in FY 2007-2009:
FY07 FY08 FY09 Total Electric Cost 1,090,664.57 1,064,986.86 1,052,595.21 Total Gas Cost 161,892.10 142,537.48 119,226.74 Total Water Cost 12,859.31 29,185.59 20,982.47 Total Street Lights 318,954.58 303,751.19 325,363.65 Total Street Lights-Ind Units 2,513.88 2,379.27 2,501.56 Total Traffic Signals 2,707.98 2,611.89 2,660.59 Total Street Light R & M 474,108.45 345,486.70 302,606.86 Total Traffic Signal R & M 13,134.78 15,901.75 28,449.44 Total Other Cost 129,804.26 72,738.81 97,072.71 Total Expenditure 2,206,639.91 1,979,579.54 1,951,459.23 Total Units Of Measure-Kilowatts 11,988,763 12,035,934 11,678,175 Total Units Of Measure-Therms 88,161 10 - Total Units Of Measure-Dth - 11,677 9,329 Total Units Of Measure-Gallons 2,016,000 2,126,000 1,617,000 Total Units Of Measure-Pounds - - 822
The City Council approved a Climate Change Resolution (R-47-09) on August 3, 2009 (see Appendix I). The approved Resolution adopts a City goal of achieving 20% renewable energy purchases by 2015.
Demand Load Response Management
The City executed a contract with Constellation NewEnergy (CNE) to enroll three (3) City facilities in the company's "NewResponse" Demand Load Response Program. The City agreed to take several facilities, including City Hall, the Water Plant and one of the City's water wells, off of the electrical grid during peak times. These facilities are powered by generators during the peak load periods, as determined by daily monitoring by CNE. Because
38 State of the Environment Report (2009)
CNE pays participants for load reductions, the City's participation in the program is expected to generate over $42,000 in revenue. The City will also realize a savings as a result of lower electric bills, reflecting the time the City facilities were off the grid.
Load Response is the reduction of electrical consumption by customers in response to high wholesale electricity prices, system resource capacity needs, or system reliability events. Various Load Response programs are activated across the region to help maintain electric system stability. These programs were created to help reduce the need for additional generation resources and prevent blackouts. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Regional Independent System Operators (ISO), non-profit organizations and various state agencies helped form these programs.
Organizations and businesses participating in CNE's NewResponse Program must be able to temporarily reduce electricity usage by at least 100 kW by either curtailing electric loads or operating on-site generators. Organizations may aggregate their load reductions for multiple sites to meet this minimum requirement. By enrolling in NewResponse, an organization receives a recurring capacity payment for committing its capacity to the program. This payment is determined by measuring the difference between actual reduced load and an established baseline of typical usage. In addition, participants receive an energy payment for the reduced electricity consumption during emergency events.
The total annual revenue as a result of the City's enrollment in the CNE NewResponse Program is estimated to be $12,218.47 for City Hall, $23,316.63 for the Water Plant and $6,940.07 for the water well site. The generators at City Hall and water well each are estimated to use about 17 gallons per hour of diesel fuel and the generator at the Water Plant would use about 25 gallons per hour. Total diesel fuel would then be 59 gallons per hour for the length of time of each event.
1. EI Plan Performance Indicators
There are no Performance Indicators of this type in the EI Plan.
2. City Documented Measures
Maintaining and repairing all City vehicles and equipment is the responsibility of the Equipment Maintenance and Garage division of the Department of Public Works.
FY05 FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 Number of vehicles in service 144 145 161 181 194 205 Total number of vehicle miles 1,211,963 1,265,000 1,412,910 1,597,810 1,718,000 1,819,680 driven Number of Police Vehicles - - 16 36 49 52 Gallons of gasoline used in all 56,237 58,134 82,514 97,305 108,624 118,000 vehicles Gallons of diesel used in all 100,240 102,300 103,000 101,070 111,320 111,000 vehicles
39 State of the Environment Report (2009)
The responsibilities of the Streets division of the Department of Public Works include all street and sidewalk maintenance as well as street and traffic signs, posts, snow removal and ice control on approximately 185 miles of City streets.
FY05 FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 Miles of street maintained 180 180 180 183 185 188 by City Square Yards of Streets 150,000 145,000 147,840 163,932 152,869 155,935 Resurfaced Miles of street resurfaced 7 8.6 9.06 9.31 8.91 9.7 Curb-miles of street swept 1,450 1,450 1,457 1,830 1,850 1,880 by City Miles of sidewalks 122 124 124 124 124 125 maintained by City Number of street lights 4,910 5,100 5,263 5,348 5,433 5,519 maintained by City
The Public Buildings and Grounds division of the Department of Community Services is responsible for the maintenance at all City owned buildings and facilities.
FY05 FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 Square feet of buildings 107,932 107,932 110,732 110,732 111,422 111,422 cleaned/maintained
The above City documented measures reveal several trends. The number of vehicles maintained by the Maintenance and Garage Division of the Department of Public Works has increased by almost 35% over the last five (5) Fiscal Years. This growth is projected to continue into FY 2010. The number of vehicle miles driven increased by almost 42% in the same time period.
Consistent with the addition of more vehicles, gallons of gas consumed increased appreciably between FY 2005 and FY 2009, where the recorded consumption in FY 2009 was over 93% greater than in FY 2005. The largest jump in gasoline consumption was between FY 2007 and FY 2008, when almost 18% more gas consumption occurred. Gallons of diesel fuel consumed increased more modestly (by about 11%) between FY 2005 and FY 2009, with the greatest jump occurring between FY 2008 and FY 2009, when a 10% increase in consumption occurred. The City's vehicle pool includes three (3) hybrid vehicles. The additional purchase of hybrid vehicles/alternative fuel vehicles or vehicles with improved fuel economy would reduce the amount of fuel consumed by City vehicles and related air pollution.
The number of miles of street maintained by the City increased by about 3% since FY 2005, from 180 miles to 185 miles. The City maintained 5,433 street lights in FY 2009, an increase of more than 10% above the number maintained in FY 2005 (4,910). Utility records show electricity consumption for street lights for the past three (3) fiscal years as follows:
40 State of the Environment Report (2009)
FY 2007 FY 2008 FY 2009 Kilowatts Used 2,707,905 2,735,599 2,774,649
The Maryland State Highway Administration, Prince George's County and the City all have replaced traffic signal lighting with LED lighting. LED bulbs reduce the amount of energy consumed. However, replacing the City's street lights with LED bulbs is not a cost- effective option at this time.
The square footage of City facilities maintained has increased by only 3% in the past five (5) fiscal years. The City is ready to begin construction on a new 79,950 square foot City Hall. The new building will be a LEED-certified energy efficient building, which will deliver savings to the City on both maintenance and energy costs.
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WATER
The biggest threat to the Chesapeake Bay and the waters that drain into it is excessive nitrogen and phosphorus. Agriculture delivers the most nitrogen and phosphorus to the Bay, mainly from excess manure. Phosphorus and nitrogen lead to algae blooms on the water that cloud and starve the water of oxygen. The result is large areas of the Bay that cannot support healthy plant and animal communities. Soil erosion, largely from excessive stormwater runoff, compounds the problem by clouding the water and cutting out light needed by Bay grasses to survive. Too much water entering our streams and rivers, at too fast a rate, results in heavier particles of soil which cover spawning grounds and smother shellfish beds.
The biggest threats to Bowie’s streams are nitrogen and phosphorus, soil erosion, and toxic compounds. Nitrogen and phosphorus can come from sewage, pet waste, fertilizers, and burning fossil fuels. The excess soil derives from land clearing and erosion associated with development. Toxic compounds enter streams from home use, urban runoff, and burning fossil fuels—in our cars and power plants.
The July-August 2009 edition of the Alliance for the Chesapeake's Bay Journal provided a revealing explanation about the relationship of a watershed's location to its impact on nutrient loadings:
“Generally, the vast majority of nutrients that enter a waterway below the fall line make it into the Bay or its tidal tributaries, largely because they don't have far to travel before reaching tidal waters.
The fall line, which parallels Interstate 95 around the Bay, is the geological boundary where the Coastal Plain meets the Piedmont, an area usually marked by rapids or falls, where it gets its name. In many Bay tributaries, the fall line is near the upper extent of the Chesapeake's tidal influence, where water is pushed upstream during high tides.
The Susquehanna and Maryland's Western and Eastern shores, have the greatest impact on chronic low-oxygen levels in the Middle Bay...In many tributaries, the relative amount of nutrients reaching the Chesapeake's "mainstem" (the Bay minus its tidal tributaries) from above the fall line is much smaller than from below the fall line.
That's because a portion of the nutrients from above the fall line are used up in the tidal portion of the river--either by growing algae or being removed from the system by biological processes. Nutrients originating below the fall line are more rapidly swept into the Chesapeake by outgoing tides. In the Patuxent River, for instance, each pound of nutrients originating below the fall line has twice the impact on the Bay as a pound from above the fall line.” (emphasis added)
In an effort to ensure that good water quality levels are maintained in the City, the Department of Public Works has conducted a number of water quality tests within the water column of various streams, storm channels and storm water management facilities in Bowie. The collection of data was to develop a sample library as to the general health of the City's
42 State of the Environment Report (2009) streams and drainage facilities. It is important to note that the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has not imposed any requirements upon the City of Bowie to regulate any water quality standards for nutrients, sediments, bacteria, etc. Second and third order stream channels are not being targeted by MDE for further analysis.
The numerous bio-chemical and bacteriological tests performed were voluntary in nature, and not mandated by the NPDES -MS4 Permit issued to the City of Bowie by MDE. Collected samples were sent to a MDE-registered lab for analysis. In the event that higher than expected levels of pollutants were identified, new samples were drawn by a certified technician and analyzed. The results from water quality lab testing in 2007-2008 are included in Appendix J.
The Chesapeake Bay Program (www.chesapeakebay.net) maintains a wealth of data on water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. In addition, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) maintains on-line monitoring information on their "Eyes on the Bay" website at: http://mddnr.chesapeakebay.net/eyesonthebay/index.cfm. The following data is the only data available for locations on the Patuxent River near Bowie:
Water Quality Data Collected in and around Bowie Station Type Monitoring Location Information Available Monthly Fixed Patuxent River/US 50 Dissolved Oxygen, Temperature, Station Salinity, pH Monthly Fixed Western Branch Dissolved Oxygen, Temperature, Station Upper Marlboro Salinity, pH Monthly Fixed Jackson Landing Dissolved Oxygen, Temperature, Station Upper Marlboro Salinity, pH Monthly Fixed Nottingham Dissolved Oxygen, Temperature, Station Salinity, pH Continuous Iron Pot Landing Dissolved Oxygen, Temperature, Monitoring Western Branch Salinity, pH, Turbidity, Chlorophyll, Upper Marlboro Depth Continuous Jug Bay Dissolved Oxygen, Temperature, Monitoring Upper Marlboro Salinity, pH, Turbidity, Chlorophyll, Depth Note: Some of these stations also monitor for many other types of data (e.g. nutrients, flow).
The largest point discharge source in the City is the Bowie Wastewater Treatment Plant. Non-point sources such as pesticides from stormwater run-off are much harder to track and are found throughout the Chesapeake Bay in concentrations that exceed national water quality standards for aquatic life and wildlife. The National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit required by the State to run the Bowie Wastewater Treatment Plant includes quantified limits on the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus that can be delivered to the Patuxent River from the plant. The City is further limiting the amount of point pollution
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produced from the plant by implementing Nutrient Removal Technology (NTR) measures, such as Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR).
Citywide Ecological Indicator - Benthic IBI Sampling
Benthic IBI - Index of Biological Integrity is a method standardized by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources of assessing the health of streams in Maryland. Benthic macroinvertebrates (i.e., "small bugs") are sampled from the stream and the composition of the species present to provide information on the overall health of the system based on their sensitivity to pollution.
Prince George's County The Prince George's County Approved Countywide Green Infrastructure Plan (2004) established an objective to improve the water quality in each major watershed to elevate the Benthic IBI rating of the watershed by at least one category using as a baseline the Approved Countywide Green Infrastructure Plan's assessment of the streams and watersheds of Prince George's County completed by the Department of Environmental Resources. The referenced plan illustrates three (3) subwatersheds in the Bowie area and their B-IBI conditions, which are summarized below:
Subwatershed Condition Horsepen Branch Poor Collington Branch Poor Middle Patuxent River Poor
State of Maryland Benthic IBI is a metric used by the Maryland Biological Stream Survey (MBSS), which has conducted water quality and habitat sampling in the State for many years (see MBSS website at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/streams/mbss/what_is.html). Three (3) rounds of stream sampling have been conducted by the State since 1995. There are nine (9) metrics typically calculated for Benthic IBI samples. The benthic metrics were selected and calibrated by the MBSS (Barbour et al., 1999) for Maryland non-Coastal plain streams. In this sampling approach, each individual metric was scored on a scaling of 1-5 (5 being the best, 1 being the worst) according to stream health. Corresponding narrative categories were then developed. The score ranges are identified as follows:
44 State of the Environment Report (2009)
Benthic IBI Narrative Description Score Range Biological Rating 4.0 - 5.0 Good Comparable to reference streams considered to be minimally impacted. Fall within the upper 50% of reference site conditions. 3.0 - 3.9 Fair Comparable to reference conditions, but some aspects of biological integrity may not resemble the qualities of these minimally impacted streams. Fall within the lower portion of the range of reference sites (10th to 50th percentile) 2.0 - 2.9 Poor Significant deviation from reference conditions, with may aspects of biological integrity not resembling the qualities of these minimally impacted streams, indicating some degradation. 1.0 - 1.9 Very Poor Strong deviation from reference conditions, with most aspects of biological integrity not resembling the qualities of these minimally impacted streams, indicating severe degradation. Source: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/streams/pubs/md-streams.pdf
Sampling for B-IBI was one of the higher priority recommendations of the EI Plan. Individual metric scores for each subwatershed (identified in Appendix F), as compiled in the WRAS reports, are as follows:
Subwatershed IBI Rating* Collington Branch Middle -- Collington Branch Upper -- Mill Branch 2.29 Horsepen Branch 2.26 Whitemarsh Branch -- Tributary 2 -- Tributary 1 -- Tributary 4 -- Tributary 3 1.29 Green Branch 2.14 Black Branch -- Collington Branch Lower -- *Raw data is not available for some subwatersheds.
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The ratings for three (3) of the four (4) streams sampled for IBI in the WRAS (Mill Branch, Horsepen Branch and Green Branch) were "Poor," while the remaining rating (Tributary 3- Millstream Branch) was "Very Poor". None of the area's streams sampled by either Prince George's County or the WRAS scored better than "Poor" for Benthic IBI. As part of a reorienting of the City's water quality testing strategy, data on Benthic IBI will be collected in future sampling.
Why sample for Benthic IBI?
• Macroinvertebrate assemblages are good indicators of localized conditions. Because many benthic macroinvertebrates have limited migration patterns or a sessile mode of life, they are particularly well-suited for assessing site-specific impacts (upstream- downstream studies). • Macroinvertebrates integrate the effects of short-term environmental variations. Most species have a complex life cycle of approximately one year or more. Sensitive life stages will respond quickly to stress; the overall community will respond more slowly. • Degraded conditions can often be detected by an experienced biologist with only a cursory examination of the benthic macroinvertebrate assemblage. Macro- invertebrates are relatively easy to identify to family; many "intolerant" taxa can be identified to lower taxonomic levels with ease. • Benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages are made up of species that constitute a broad range of trophic levels and pollution tolerances, thus providing strong information for interpreting cumulative effects. • Sampling is relatively easy, requires few people and inexpensive gear, and has minimal detrimental effect on the resident biota. • Benthic macroinvertebrates serve as a primary food source for fish, including many recreationally and commercially important species. • Benthic macroinvertebrates are abundant in most streams. Many small streams (1st and 2nd order), which naturally support a diverse macroinvertebrate fauna, only support a limited fish fauna. • Most state water quality agencies that routinely collect biosurvey data focus on macroinvertebrates. Many states already have background macroinvertebrate data. Most state water quality agencies have more expertise with invertebrates than fish. Source: Barbour, M.T., J. Gerritsen, B.D. Snyder, and J.B. Stribling. 1999. Rapid Bioassessment Protocols for Use in Streams and Wadeable Rivers: Periphyton, Benthic Macroinvertebrates and Fish, Second Edition. EPA 841-B-99-002. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Office of Water; Washington, D.C.
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Citywide Ecological Indicator - Nutrient Runoff
Nutrient Runoff – Nutrient runoff occurs when chemicals that are necessary for aquatic life (specifically nitrogen and phosphorus) are delivered to streams in stormwater runoff, which generally occurs from over-fertilizing of crops and grass, or are attached to sediments that are washed into streams.
Although not directly related to threatening human health, elevated nutrient levels in a waterway are a concern as they can indicate the presence of point and nonpoint source runoff and imbalances within the aquatic ecosystem. Nitrogen and phosphorus impact plant growth, oxygen concentrations, water clarity and sedimentation rates. Various sources of these nutrients are found in the atmosphere, surface water and groundwater and levels fluctuate based on season, geology in the watershed, precipitation, runoff, fertilizer application, water temperature, and biological activity in the area. Levels of these nutrients tend to peak in late spring and early summer as well as during any period of low flow. In small amounts these nutrients are important for the aquatic ecosystem, however, in excess they can cause an imbalance that leads to poor water quality conditions. (Source: Preliminary Water Quality Investigation Report dated May 21, 2009 prepared by Angler Environmental)
A summary of the City's 2008 water quality sampling for total nitrogen and total phosphorus is presented in the table below.
Nitrogen Runoff Phosphorus Runoff Date Location Results (mg/L) Results (mg/L) 4/19/08 Across from PS at Culvert <0.5 <0.6 4/19/08 Korvale and Kavanaugh 0.6 <0.6 4/19/08 Longridge 1.5 <0.6 4/19/08 Buckingham Twin Culvert 1.6 <0.6 4/19/08 Idlewild and Ivy Hill 0.7 <0.6 4/19/08 Moylan Dr 2nd TPP 1.8 <0.6 4/19/08 Freestate Behind Bowling 1.9 <0.6 4/19/08 Freestate Behind Giant <0.5 <0.6 10/18/08 15528 Peachwalker 0.6 <0.6 10/18/08 Heather Hills Pump Station 0.7 <0.6 10/18/08 Church Outfall @Fair Lane 0.5 <0.6 10/18/08 Heather Hills Pump Station <0.5 <0.6 10/18/08 Buckingham Dr. Culvert 1.1 <0.6 10/18/08 Rambling Lane Pump Sta. 3.6 <0.6 10/18/08 Freestate Rear Lot 0.6 <0.6 10/18.08 Idlewild at Ivy Hill 0.5 <0.6
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Although the data shown in Appendix J is important baseline data, it is not sufficient to draw definitive conclusions about the streams being sampled. Of the nutrient levels tested, none are higher than expected in streams in an urban environment with substantial storm flows and impervious surfaces. Every sample tested for total phosphorus was below the detection level of 0.6 mg/L. Total nitrogen values ranged from below the detection level of 0.5 mg/L to 3.6 mg/L, with most samples having less than 1 mg/L. Sampling for sediment and toxic compounds in the City's streams showed results within acceptable ranges. Total suspended solids (TSS) levels ranged from 1 mg/L to 135 mg/L, with the majority of samples having less than 10 mg/L. Ammonia levels for each sampling event were 0.2 mg/L or less, and most were below the detection level of 0.1 mg/L.
The City is responsible for sediment control inspections within the City limits. Data for sediment control inspections, number of violations and stop work orders is included below. The amount of disturbed area under permit in Fiscal Year 2009 totaled approximately 48 acres.
Number of Number of Number of Stop Fiscal Year Inspection Reports Violations Work Orders 2007 70 2 2 2008 68 1 2 2009 81 2 0
Citywide Ecological Indicator - Dissolved Oxygen
Dissolved Oxygen – an indicator of the ecological functioning of flowing-water ecosystems that captures the balance between in-stream primary production and respiration
When oxygen is in water, it is in a dissolved form. The Chesapeake Bay’s fish and shellfish need certain levels of oxygen to survive and thrive. The necessary amount of dissolved oxygen varies by species, season and location in the Bay. Generally, higher levels of oxygen are needed in shallow waters during the spring, when aquatic animals spawn. Slightly lower levels of oxygen are acceptable at other times of the year, particularly in deeper waters. The goal is for 100 percent of the tidal tributaries and the Chesapeake Bay to meet Clean Water Act standards for dissolved oxygen. When assessing water quality, regulators examine conditions from the past three years to adjust for annual weather-driven fluctuations. Data gathered from 2006 to 2008 indicate that about 16 percent of the combined volume of open-water, deep-water and deep-channel water of the Bay and its tidal tributaries met dissolved oxygen standards during the summer months. This is an increase of 4 percent from last year’s assessment. (Source: www.chesapeakebay.net)
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Results of Chesapeake Bay Annual Assessments for Dissolved Oxygen Year % attainment DO Year % attainment DO standards standards 1985 17.15 1997 33.61 1986 11.25 1998 28.57 1987 28.27 1999 20.79 1988 18.98 2000 27.05 1989 10.68 2001 18.40 1990 15.37 2002 34.34 1991 11.39 2003 9.45 1992 32.33 2004 34.55 1993 21.26 2005 8.36 1994 26.04 2006 36.17 1995 12.72 2007 14.83 1996 29.34 2008 15.18 Source: www.chesapeakebay.net
The Chesapeake Bay Program selected Dissolved Oxygen, which is measured during the summer months, as one of its key indicators for water quality performance measurement in the Chesapeake Bay. Dissolved Oxygen is measured in units of milligrams per liter (mg/L). Scientists generally agree that Dissolved Oxygen concentrations of 5.0 mg/L or greater will allow the Chesapeake Bay's aquatic creatures to live and thrive. However, oxygen requirements vary from species to species based on where an animal lives and how complex an animal is. Areas with less than 0.2 mg/L of dissolved oxygen are called anoxic and are unable to support most forms of life. Monthly data from a Fixed Monitoring Station on the Patuxent River at US 50 are available online. Results for Dissolved Oxygen are available for 2008 and the first half of 2009 are found at: http://mddnr.chesapeakebay.net/bay_cond/bay_cond.cfm?param=bdo&station=TF10
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Legend: Range (1985- 2008) 2009 Mean
2009 Surface Water Dissolved Oxygen Patuxent River / US Rte 50 Bridge (TF1.0)
Surface Water Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Patuxent River / US Rte 50 Bridge (TF1.0) Month Minimum Mean Maximum 2008 2009 January 9.70 11.68 12.98 10.10 12.00 February 9.80 12.07 13.90 9.80 13.00 March 9.70 11.31 12.30 12.10 9.90 April 6.70 9.11 10.79 8.65 8.85 May 5.60 8.17 9.79 8.25 7.95 June 5.19 7.08 8.19 7.30 7.20 July 4.09 6.54 7.49 6.65 7.25 August 5.39 6.75 7.59 7.00 6.60 September 5.39 7.19 8.20 6.70 October 5.40 7.99 9.40 6.20 November 7.20 9.22 10.09 9.50 December 7.10 10.71 13.38 11.00
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All of the data shown in the above table indicates Dissolved Oxygen levels in the Patuxent River at US 50 are better than the minimum criteria noted above.
Additional explanatory material about Dissolved Oxygen in the Chesapeake Bay is included in the Appendix K. As part of a reorienting of the City's water quality testing strategy, data on dissolved oxygen will be collected in future sampling.
Citywide Ecological Indicator - Stream Flow: Volume and Velocity
Stream flow can be an erosive force and causes significant impacts to the physical habitat and biological communities in streams. It can also threaten human life and property.
As rain hits impervious surfaces, the water is quickly washed away into streets, along curbs, and into storm drains where it empties into local streams. Stormwater volume is a measure of the amount of stormwater that is converted to runoff rather than infiltrated or evaporated. High impervious cover in an area means that a large volume of stormwater, if untreated, will be delivered to a local stream. When coupled with the great speed (or velocity) at which stormwater can travel through streams, any number of impacts can result.
The biggest immediate hazard is the potential for flooding. The volume of water is so great that it can not be contained in the stream channel, and it overflows its banks. Other impacts take place over time and include stream bank erosion and water pollution. Stream bank erosion is a natural process, but the volume and velocity of runoff traveling through a stream can increase it. This sediment often clogs certain water features that fish and other critters use as habitat and to spawn. Sediment also carries with it other pollutants like nutrients and heavy metals. These cause additional impacts to stream critters in a number of different ways. Reducing the volume of untreated stormwater runoff entering streams and slowing that water down are both critical in protecting streams and their inhabitants.
As part of a reorienting of the City's water quality testing strategy, data on stream flow volume and velocity will be collected in future sampling.
A. Bowie’s Current Water Quality
Assessment of the City's water quality involves understanding of three (3) distinct components: groundwater; wastewater; and surface water.
Groundwater The City operates the largest of the community groundwater systems in the County. Six wells supply up to 5.2 million gallons per day to serve the northern portions of the City of Bowie. Beginning in 1989, the City made numerous improvements to its system of wells. One well was rehabilitated; two wells were reconstructed; two wells were re-drilled as replacement wells; and one new well was drilled. Statistics on the City's Water Treatment Plant (WTP) are:
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• Plant Design Capacity 5.2 million gallons per day (mgd) • Current Peak Capability 8.0 mgd • Average Production 2.3 mgd • Storage Capacity 4.2 mgd
As part of the City's water treatment plant system, 600,000 gallons are stored at the water treatment plant, 600,000 gallons in a water tank on Belair Drive, and three million gallons at a ground-level storage facility on Media Lane.
A Wellhead Protection Program study was conducted for the City in 1993. (Horsley & Witten, Inc., 1993) Wellhead protection areas for each of the City's six (6) water wells were identified. The study found that, in general, the aquifer and wellhead protection areas are protected from major contamination and degradation. The study also confirmed that aquifer recharge areas for the City's wells are beyond its political jurisdiction. The City has a policy of identifying and abandoning any unused wells on City owned property, because unused wells can provide a direct conduit to aquifers. The 1993 study also identified typical sources of pollution, such as gas stations, dry cleaners, etc. However, many land uses that could possibly affect groundwater have become restricted through MDE regulations and are monitored by the State.
The City issues an "Annual Drinking Water Quality Report" covering the previous calendar year by July 1st of each year. The current report, included in Appendix L, covers the period of January 1 to December 31, 2008. The City's water is tested for over 100 contaminants. Drinking water, including bottled drinking water, may be reasonably expected to contain at least some small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. The annual report includes the following summary:
Maryland Department of the Environment Source Water Summary
The Maryland Department of the Environment's (MDE) Water Supply Program has conducted a Source Water Assessment for the City of Bowie. The major Components of this report as described in Maryland's Source Water Assessment Plan (SWAP) are: 1) delineation of an area that contributed water to the source; 2) identification of potential sources of contamination; 3) determination of susceptibility of the water supply to contamination. Recommendations for management of the assessment area conclude this report. The sources of Bowie's water supply are three Coastal Plain confined aquifers--the Magothy, Patapsco and Patuxent. Six wells are currently being used to pump water out of these aquifers. The source water assessment area was delineated by the Water Supply Program using methods approved by the U.S. EPA. Potential sources of contamination within the assessment were identified based on MDE site visits, a review of MDE's databases. Well information and water quality data were also reviewed.
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The susceptibility analysis for Bowie's water supply is based on a review of the water quality data, potential sources of contamination, aquifer characteristics, and well integrity. It was determined that Bowie's water supply is not susceptible to contaminants originating at the land surface due to the protected nature of confined aquifers. The water supply is susceptible to naturally occurring iron in the aquifers. The system has installed treatment to remove iron from the raw water.
Pursuant to the City's wellhead protection plan submitted to MDE, the City closes any abandoned wells found on property it owns. Abandoned wells are a direct conduit to existing aquifers and should be closed to prevent possible pollutants from entering the aquifers.
Wastewater The City's Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) is located north of Maryland Route 450, west of its intersection with Route 3. The drainage basin is mostly developed and there are no plans to extend the service area beyond its current limits. Statistics of the Bowie Wastewater Treatment Plant:
• Existing capacity - 3.3 mgd • Design capacity - 3.3 mgd • Existing flow - 2.2 mgd • Remaining capacity - 1.1 mgd
Capital improvements to the Bowie WWTP include the replacement of the sludge handling system, provision of ventilation systems for the existing raw wastewater and sludge pumping buildings, addition of a backup clarifier, rehabilitation of the two existing clarifiers, and other modifications to meet the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements. Construction of these enhancements was completed in July 2002. The City applied for a State Revolving Loan to fund the improvements. The biosolids process at the City of Bowie Plant consists of dewatering and lime stabilization. The biosolids are land applied on permitted agricultural properties in Virginia.
Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) is the state-of-the-art today in wastewater treatment plant design. The City of Bowie had received MDE grant funds of almost $9 million combined with an MDE low interest loan for a little more than 1 ½ million dollars to provide ENR at our plant. The construction contract began in spring and is expected to take about 18 months to complete.
Currently, our plant has an MDE limit on Phosphorus of 1 mg/l monthly average and 1 ½ mg/l weekly average. There is currently no permit limit on Nitrogen, although there is an MDE goal of 8 mg/l for both monthly and weekly averages
Once the ENR improvements are complete, nutrients in our plant effluent are expected to drop significantly. Therefore, when this project is finished and on line late next year, MDE plans to revise our plant permit to provide for a weekly and monthly effluent limit of 3 mg/l for Nitrogen, and 0.3 mg/l Phosphorus.
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According to estimates from the Department of Public Works, the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant currently generates an average Total Nitrogen volume of 39,720 pounds per year. This translates to approximately 6.6 mg/L, with an average flow of 1.977 million gallons per day (MGD). This is below the stated MDE goal of 8 mg/L. The future ENR limit is 3 mg/L at a design flow of 3.3 MGD or 40,182 pounds a year. The City will be able to achieve this goal because the current Wastewater Treatment Plan presently functions below its ultimate capacity. The average Total Phosphorous volume is 1,384 pounds per year or 0.23 mg/L. This is below what is required by ENR. Appendix M graphs the Nitrogen and Phosphorus loads and flow from the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant recorded for the years 1984-2005.
Surface Water
The May 2009 "Water Quality Investigation for Various Bowie Streams" report prepared by Angler Environmental concluded that all of the nutrient levels found in sampling of City streams were within expected ranges for the types of streams investigated, and none are of immediate concern for human health or water quality. It is important to reiterate that the numerous bio-chemical and bacteriological tests performed by the City are voluntary in nature and not mandated by the NPDES -MS4 Permit issued to the City of Bowie by MDE. Also, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has not imposed any requirements upon the City to regulate any water quality standards for nutrients, sediments, bacteria, etc., nor has MDE suggested that any 2ND and 3RD order channels be targeted for further analysis.
1. EI Plan Performance Indicators
Surface Water Protection: • Objective: Establish a minimum of five (5) active stream teams by 2012 (Action Plan 1). Progress--As of the October 2008 Stream Team event, there were nine (9) Stream Teams established.
Fall Spring (October 18, 2008) (April 18, 2009) Number of volunteers 240 345 Number of sites 9 9 Tons of trash collected 1,525 lbs 1,745 lbs Tons of recyclables 1,110 lbs 2,135 lbs collected
• Objective: Clean a minimum of 10 miles of stream annually (Action Plan 1). Progress--In April 2009, Stream Teams cleaned 6.3 miles of stream. A similar amount was cleaned in October, 2008. • Install 150 rain barrels by 2012 (Action Plan 4). Progress--57 rain barrels have been registered.
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The City's EI Plan objectives have been met and exceeded with the Stream Team program, which includes volunteer clean ups of City-owned properties in the spring and fall of each year. A core group of stream team leaders has been created to lead the Stream Teams, with assistance being provided by City staff. This organization resulted in the establishment of an effective volunteer workforce and has enabled the City to create an email communication network that has helped promote other environmental topics (e.g. rain barrels, backyard habitat). The City purchased and distributed "Green Bowie" service patches to Girl Scouts who volunteered during the Stream Team events. In addition to Stream Teams, the Rain Barrel Action Plan has been successful and very well received, with over 125 residents attending the Spring, 2009 workshop sponsored by the City. An excellent partnership has been formed with the Bowie Lions Club, which has offered their services in procuring, assembling and delivering rain barrels to interested residents. A spin-off promotional project that features rain barrels painted by local artists was started by a resident Girl Scout. The painted rain barrel initiative was advertised at Bowiefest in June, with a demonstration model on display at the Environmental Advisory Committee's Green Bowie booth. Also, in FY 2009, the City hired a Watershed Manager to implement the EI Plan's Action Plans involving Surface Water Protection.
2. City Documented Measures
The Stormwater Management division of the Department of Community Services currently provides stormwater facility management to the City's stormwater system. FY05 FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 Miles of Storm Sewers 396 396 396 396 396 396 Total acres of basins, outfalls and drainage 90 92 97 99 99 99 areas maintained Number of SWM ponds and basins 60 60 67 69 69 69 maintained Number of SWM outfalls and drainage 36 36 40 40 40 40 areas maintained
The Water division of the Public Works Department is responsible for the production and purification of the water supply for the City which meets or exceeds all State and Federal health standards. The water is fluoridated for health purposes and the iron is removed by a filtration-flocculation aeration-sedimentation process. The cost of maintaining the water distribution system is included in this division.
FY05 FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 Miles of pipeline 90 90 90 90 90 90 Million gallons treated/delivered 692 800 779 798 760 760 Number of water/sewer customers- 7,690 7,700 7,700 7,700 7,700 7,700 residential Number of water/sewer customers- 175 179 178 220 220 220 commercial Customer complaints about water quality 15 9 6 10 8 8
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The Waste Water division of the Public Works Department is responsible for the collection and treatment of raw sewage. This sewage is treated and returned to the Patuxent River in full compliance with State and EPA permit standards. The cost of maintaining the sewer collection system is included in this division. FY05 FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 Miles of collection mains in the system 85 85 85 85 85 85 Miles of collection system cleaned 46 43 34 31 42 35 Million gallons of wastewater treated 684 704 711 708 721 715 Tons of sludge produced 3,406 2,974 3,036 3,028 3,155 3,050
The total acreage of stormwater management basins, outfalls and drainage areas maintained by the City has been increasing. The acreage increased from 90 acres in FY 2005 to 99 acres in FY 2009. The number of ponds has increased 15%, while the number of outfalls increased by approximately 11%. Miles of storm sewer has remained constant at 396 miles over the past five (5) fiscal years. As noted above, there is a new emphasis on removing mowed areas from the stormwater acreage inventory, which should lessen the maintenance burden on the Stormwater Division of the Department of Community Services in future years.
The Water Division of the Department of Public Works saw an approximate 5% decrease in million gallons of water treated/delivered between Fiscal Years 2008-2009. The miles of pipeline and numbers of customers have stayed the same. Customer complaints about the water system decreased 20% from FY 2008, from ten (10) to eight (8) complaints.
Similar to the water system, the miles of collection mains in the wastewater system remained the same; gallons of wastewater treated increased only 1.8% between Fiscal Years 2008-2009. The City cleaned 42 miles of the collection system in FY 2009 vs. 31 miles in FY 2008--over a 35% increase.
56 State of the Environment Report (2009)
Findings
LAND:
¾ The City's tree canopy has been measured at 46%, exceeding the 40% objective stated in the EI Plan. Much potential exists for increasing the City's tree canopy coverage. {Editor's note: The electric utility serving the City, BGE, is conducting a large scale tree trimming project throughout the City, and many trees have been removed since the date of the tree canopy study. Some have estimated that 1% of the City's tree canopy coverage was lost. BGE is offering a tree replacement reimbursement program in an effort to minimize the net loss of trees in the community.]
¾ Medium density housing is the most dominant land use in the City.
¾ The City's open space meets and exceeds the MDNR goal of 35 acres/1,000 people, with approximately 38 acres/1,000 people. The City's recreational parkland is well distributed, of high quality and is well maintained, although some of its major parks are located on the fringes of the community. Open space, however, is scattered and discontiguous, especially north of US 50. Much of the City's passive open space is maintained very infrequently.
¾ With approximately 50 miles of hiker-biker trails existing, the City is approximately halfway toward its planned community-wide goal of 111 miles, as identified in the City's Trails Master Plan. Continued emphasis on expanding the City's hiker-biker trail network is needed to ensure that critical connections are made and the overall system enhanced to reach its planned potential.
¾ The City is making some progress in afforestation, including new forest mitigation banks at Gallant Fox Lane and Church Road Park, and is exceeding the EI Plan's objective for number of street trees planted annually. The public right-of-way presents a tremendous opportunity to expand the City's urban tree canopy.
¾ A Land Preservation Plan should be undertaken to define a strategy for future open space acquisitions and a dedicated funding source must be identified.
¾ A more aggressive, targeted program for turf removal is needed in order to accelerate progress toward meeting the objective of removing 20 acres by 2012.
¾ The City's park trees should be documented and natural resource management plans should be considered for each of the City's major open spaces.
¾ The Old Town Bowie Trail System will offer opportunities to include environmental enhancements during construction.
¾ The City's GI Network provides the impetus for the City's approach to watershed management at the subwatershed level. Of the nine (9) specific GI Network gaps in
57 State of the Environment Report (2009)
the City's GI Plan, only two (Colt's Neck and Bowie Race Track) are large enough to present opportunities for significant progress. M-NCPPC has expressed an interest in purchasing the Colt's Neck site to preserve it as public open space.
¾ Public outreach has been successful in promoting backyard habitats: 64 lots, one school and one place of worship are now registered as certified wildlife habitats.
¾ The 12-acre McLaughlin property (currently located outside the City limits) was purchased by the City for open space preservation, and conservation easements were placed on more than 17 acres of City-owned land. Continued preservation and expansion of the GI Network will promote wildlife habitat. The City's efforts to improve the GI Network in accordance with the EI Plan's objectives have been very modest.
¾ The City's Waste Management efforts have been successful, with increases in tonnage of recyclables and yard waste collected, and a corresponding decrease in tonnage of material landfilled.
¾ The percentage of solid waste recycled has improved from 24% to 26%.
¾ The mulching mower rebate program has been a success, but the number of yearly rebates appears to have peaked in FY 2008.
¾ Although the number of households served by the City's Department of Public Works refuse collection has remained relatively constant around 20,500 households, the introduction of single-stream recycling should have a significant impact on the City's recycling volumes.
AIR:
¾ Air quality in our area is considered good the majority of the time. During the period 2006-2008, air quality in the Metropolitan Washington area was "very unhealthy" on only two (2) days.
¾ The City will soon undertake a Greenhouse Gas Emissions analysis to measure the City's carbon footprint and create an action strategy to complement the Climate Change Resolution recently approved by the City Council.
¾ The City spent over $1.6 million for energy in FY 2008.
¾ The number of City vehicle miles driven increased by almost 42% over the last five (5) fiscal years.
¾ City equipment and facilities, such as the vehicle fleet, street lights and the new City Hall building, represent opportunities to apply energy efficient techniques and save on energy costs.
58 State of the Environment Report (2009)
WATER:
¾ The City conducts water quality tests to ensure that good water quality levels are maintained.
¾ The City is further limiting the amount of point pollution from its wastewater treatment plant by implementing Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR).
¾ Watersheds in the Bowie area of Prince George's County are currently rated "poor" for benthic macroinvertebrates, which provide information on the overall health of the system based on their sensitivity to pollution. However, regarding nutrient runoff, none of the City's tests revealed levels higher than expected in streams in an urban environment.
¾ The Chesapeake Bay Program uses dissolved oxygen as an indicator of water quality. The nearest monitoring station, located on the Patuxent River at US 50, shows dissolved oxygen levels better than the minimum acceptable criteria.
¾ According to the latest "Annual Drinking Water Report" the City's water plant has installed treatment to remove naturally occurring iron from water.
¾ Discharges of nitrogen and phosphorus from the City's wastewater treatment plan are well within the established standards set by MDE.
¾ The EI Plan's objective for establishing Stream Teams has been met and exceeded, with nine (9) individual Stream Teams being formed for the April 2009 event.
¾ The Rain Barrel action plan has been successful and very well received.
¾ The City hired a Watershed Manager to focus on implementation of the EI Plan. The Overbrook Branch and Collington Middle subwatersheds have been identified for future public outreach campaigns.
¾ The City continues to maintain almost 100 acres of stormwater basins, outfalls and drainage areas and 396 miles of storm sewers.
¾ Actions such as removing mowed areas from the stormwater acreage inventory and cleaning 42 miles of the wastewater collection system result in efficiencies that also work toward enhancing the City's environment.
59 State of the Environment Report (2009)
Conclusion
The City's environmental indicators and annual State of the Environment Report provide an effective means for monitoring the condition of the City's environment and the responsiveness of its environmental programs. These programs are constantly evolving and improving. The City's environmental programs and facilities remain in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. As evidenced by the information contained in this report, the state of the City's environment is very good, but could use further improvement in several areas, including but not limited to: wildlife habitat enhancement, water quality and stream condition improvement, completion of a greenhouse gas inventory and analysis of the City's "carbon footprint", and addressing increases in vehicle miles traveled by City government.
60 State of the Environment Report (2009)
List of References
Angler Environmental. 2009. Preliminary Water Quality Investigation Report.
Barbour, M.T., J. Gerritsen, B.D. Snyder, and J.B. Stribling. 1999. Rapid Bioassessment Protocols for Use in Streams and Wadeable Rivers: Periphyton, Benthic Macroinvertebrates and Fish, Second Edition. EPA 841-B-99-002. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Office of Water; Washington, D.C.
Blankenship, K. “Bay’s geography means that not every pound of pollution needs a pound of cure” in Chesapeake Bay Journal. Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore, MD. Available online: http://www.bayjournal.com/article.cfm?article=3628
City of Bowie Dept of Planning and Economic Development. 2007. Environmental Infrastructure Action Strategy Plan. Available online: http://www.cityofbowie.org/Government/Planning/docs/EI_Action_Plan_Final.pdf
City of Bowie. 2009. Annual Drinking Water Quality Report, City of Bowie, January 1- December 31, 2008. Bowie, MD. Available online: http://www.cityofbowie.org/Reports_and_Publications/docs/Water_Quality_Report_and_Wat er_Analysis08.pdf
Horsley Witten Group. 1993. Final Report Wellhead Protection Program, Bowie, MD. 30p. Sandwich, MA.
Maryland Department of the Environment. 2006. Quality of Air for Washington DC Forecast Region. Baltimore, MD.
Maryland Department of the Environment. 2007. Quality of Air for Washington DC Forecast Region. Baltimore, MD.
Maryland Department of the Environment. 2009. Quality of Air for Washington DC Forecast Region. Baltimore, MD.
Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. 2005. Countywide Green Infrastructure Plan.
Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Board of Directors. 2008. National Capital Region Climate Change Report. Washington, D.C.
Pelletier, K and J. O’Neil-Dunne. 2009. A Report on the City of Bowie’s Existing and Possible Urban Tree Canopy. University of Vermont. Available online: http://www.fs.fed.us/nrs/utc/reports/UTC_Report_Bowie.pdf
61 State of the Environment Report (2009)
USDA Forest Service. 2009. iTree Streets User’s Manual. 42p. Available online: http://www.itreetools.org/resource_learning_center/elements/iTreeUsersManual_STREETS.pdf
Wirtenberg, Jeana. 2009. The Sustainable Enterprise Fieldbook: When it All Comes Together. American Management Association. New York, NY.
62 State of the Environment Report (2009)
Appendices
Appendix A Performance Measurement Chart
Appendix B Land Use Data 2000-2007
Appendix C Open Space Network Map
Appendix D Green Infrastructure Network Map
Appendix E Green Infrastructure Network Gaps
Appendix F Subwatersheds in the City of Bowie
Appendix G Detailed Recycling Statistics (DPW)
Appendix H AQI Reports June 2006, 2007, 2009
Appendix I City Council Climate Change Resolution
Appendix J Water Quality Lab Test Results
Appendix K Dissolved Oxygen Background
Appendix L Annual Drinking Water Report
Appendix M Wastewater Treatment Plant Data
63 State of the Environment Report (2009)
64 APPENDIX A
PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT CHART
APPENDIX B
LAND USE DATA 20002007
2007 numbers
DEVELOPED LAND USE IN ACRES Area 2007 dev land Ag Building 06 001 Commercial 69401 777 High Density Residential 74831 838 H ighwaysTransportationRailroad 8626 097 Industrial 7305 082 Institutional 49538 555 Low Density Residential 81323 910 Large Lot Subdivision ag 3309 037 Large Lot Subdivision forest 7358 082 Medium Density Residential 560066 6270 Open Urban Land 3148 352 TOTAL 893297
Of undeveloped UNDEVELOPED LAND USE IN ACRES land Area Bare Ground 17005 588 Brush 1951 067 Cropland 5645 195 Deciduous Forest 200497 6930 Evergreen Forest 3266 113 Mixed Forest 34157 1181 Pasture 22648 783 Urban Herbaceous na Water 4142 143 Wetlands na TOTAL 289311
TOTAL LAND USE IN ACRES
893297 7554 2 89311 2446 1182608
APPENDIX C
OPEN SPACE NETWORK MAP
APPENDIX D
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE MAP
APPENDIX E
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE NETWORK GAPS
APPENDIX F
SUBWATERSHEDS IN BOWIE Bowies Subwatersheds
Major roads
City of Bowie
Upper Patuxent subwatershed SADDLEBROOK BRANCH Western Branch subwatershed
0 2500 5000 Feet
I i I
MLLSTREAM BRANCH o o Road n PraP5 MARSH BRANCH
BRANCH
a m W W a
U c o u
3 u W a m m U m o a o am Z U i nm A Q m i Mount ad irf m o o v m CO o m nd a MILL BRANCH W o a Q o
COLLItVGTON BRANCH MIDDLE
HONE BRANCH
cu
YCOLLINGT BRANCHLDWER MDUNT NERD CK BRA14CHi APPENDIX G
DETAILED RECYCLING STATISTICS Draft City Recycling Statistics Compiled by Department of Public Works
2001 THROUGH RECYCLING TONNAGE 6 YEAR RECAP 2006
PRODUCT 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 TOTAL
PAPER 260096 252784 259070 227647 238879 231459 1469935 YARDWASTE 415725 348814 413655 371077 262974 340755 2153000 MULCH MOWER 25280 25280 25280 25280 25280 25280 151680 WHITE METAL 18037 16624 21502 31618 24967 30103 142851 USED OIL 7203 5399 6042 6674 6739 5716 37773
ANTIFREEZE 429 240 196 304 229 400 1798
MIXED RECYCL 97534 97887 103396 115642 92155 96753 603367 CURBSIDE LEAVES 000 000 000 122579 136526 122579 381684
TOTAL RECYCLED 824304 747028 829141 900821 787749 853045 4942088
LANDFILLED 2415580 2546362 2848186 2761429 2808484 2795093 16175134
TOTAL SOLID WASTE 3239884 3293390 3677327 3662250 3596233 3648138 21117222
RECYCLED 25 23 23 25 22 23 23
MIXED RECYLABLES SINCE THE END OF 1999 WHEN WE CEASED TO RECEIVE REVENUE FROM GLASS CANS PLASTIC WE HAVE BEEN DELIVERING THESE RECYCLABLES TO WMI COMINGLED
6 YEAR
HOUSEHOLDS 19049 19200 19500 20184 20228 20554 1978600 AVERAGE
HH RECYCLING 4762 4416 4485 5046 4450 4727 464800 AVERAGE TONS PER
HOUSEHOLD 170 172 189 181 178 177 178 AVERAGE LnE tYcx 7f1NP1At1 8 YEAR RECAP 2gC31 IE1CUtil2tlgfl
PRL7DLICT 20t9 2002 2003 2004 20105 2006 2ggT 2008
PAPER 2f700 9G 252784 259070 227G47 238879 231459 208i39 4185 YARDWASTE d15725 3488 14 413E 55 3 710 77 2629 74 343755 2840 74 314754 MULCN MOWER 252 80 252130 25280 25280 2528 25280 25280 25280 WNITE METAL 180 37 166 24 21502 31618 249 67 30103 27002 17707 USED OIL 7203 53 E9 6042 6674 Fi7 39 5716 5394 4429
ANTIFREEZE 429 2 4 196 3 04 2 29 400 24i 0 913 I MIXED RECYCL 97534 97887 103396 115G42 921 55 96753 830G4 16140 CURBSIDE LEAVES 000 0 00 000 1225 79 13G52G 1225 79 1219 9G 145175 SINGLE STREAM 35851 2G59OG
TOTAL RECYCLED 824304 747028 829141 900821 787749 8530d5 791513 831339
LANDFILLED 2415560 2546362 2848186 2761429 2808484 2795093 2600896 2451209
TOTAL SOLID WASTE 3239884 3293390 3677327 366225q 3596233 3648138 3392409 3282548 o RECYCLED 25 23I 23 25 22 23 23 25la
IN 2007 WE 3EGAN SINGL E STREAM REfsYCIINCWti lCii IS COLIECTING CLAS CANS PLASTICS AND ALI 1 YPES fF
PAPER TOGETHER iN ORCERTO fET T OTAL 1ONNAGE FLt SINGLE STR EAM AUD PAPER MIXED RECYC c SINGLE S1 REAPA MIXED RECYLABLES SINGE THE END OF 1999 lNNEN WE CEASED TORECEIVE REVENUE FROM GLASS CANS 8 PLASTIC WE tIAVE BEEN DELIVERING TIiESE RECYCLABLES TO WMI CClMlNGLED APPENDIX H
Air Quality Index AQI REPORTS JITNE 2006 2007 2009
APPENDIX I
CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION R4709 REGARDING CLIMATE CHANGE R4709
RESOLUTION
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BOWIE MARYLAND REGARDING CLIMATE CHANGE
WHEREAS the City of Bowie is committed through its actions and work in with its policies to partnership citizens businesses and schools as active and informed stewards of the environment to promote clean air water and land and protect wildlife in furtherance of the physical environmental and economic health of the community and
WHEREAS the Metropolitan Washington Region is experiencing the effects of climate with change rising temperatures drier summers and a warmer with uncertain Chesapeake Bay and possibly severe consequences to the future health and wellbeing of the citizens of Bowie and
WHEREAS both the State of Maryland and the Metropolitan of Washington Council Governments have issued reports on the status of climate in change Maryland calling for local governments to lead by example and these reports rely in part on the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change which concluded that industrialized nations need to take substantial action to stem the of and reduce early growth greenhouse gas emissions and
WHEREAS governmental bodies around the country in partnership with the private have sector adopted climate change and green fleet policies and are providing public leadership benefitting the environment operating fleets more efficiently improving public health and providing positive examples to the private sector and
WHEREAS transportation source emissions have been linked to increased incidents of asthma exposure to benzene and other harmful chemicals and the formation of ozone ground level all of which negatively impact the public health and
the WHEREAS City Council recognizes that it plays a role in local air improving quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by improving the of energy efficiency its buildings and vehicle fleet and reducing emissions from fleet operations and that encouraging participation from the public and sectors in these areas will private contribute to energy use reductions and efficiency improvements a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change and R4709
WHEREAS the City Council recognizes the City can and should reduce its contributions to these climate effects by reducing its greenhouse gas emissions thereby creating greater budgetary and operational flexibility and
the WHEREAS City Council recognizes that energy use associated with the operation of its motor vehicle fleet exacerbates local air quality problems and results in greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate the change City maintains a fleet of vehicles which are routinely and replaced by improving the energy efficiency of its fleet monetary savings will result in the long term and
WHEREAS the City Council has adopted policies in Green Infrastructure Planning Wildlife Habitat Protection and Green Building and has developed services such as recycling and composting through the Leaf Collection and other Program active environmental stewardship efforts such as growth limits bicycle trails transit studies hybrid car purchases cooperative purchases of renewable energy energy efficiency initiatives and tree planting and
WHEREAS the City Council wishes to establish a Climate Change in addition to its Green policy Infrastructure policy addressing energy efficiency consumption and alternative sources transportation recycling tree and canopy expansion land use planning and wishes to establish a Green Fleet policy addressing the management operation and procurement of fleet vehicles under the control of the of City Bowie in order to improve the energy efficiency of its fleet reduce emissions from its fleet and increase the capacity of the fleet to save municipal tax dollars and by exercise of its power as a participant in the marketplace to ensure that purchases and expenditures of monies public are made in a manner consistent with the policy of improving local air and quality reducing greenhouse gas emissions
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Bowie Maryland that the City Council commits to the following goals
1 Build on existing policies and programs to make progress toward achieving consistent reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and reducing the vulnerability of its citizens natural resources and built environment to environmental damage and other climate change impacts and
2 Inventory global warming greenhouse gas emissions from City operations and create an action to achieve plan reductions in City greenhouse gas emissions and develop alongterm goal for carbon neutrality for all government buildings and
2 R4709
3 best Identify practices to support reducing overall local government energy use by 15 by 2015 place priority on the purchase Energy Star equipment for all appropriate City uses directing staff to provide a phased plan for retrofitting city facilities with energy efficient lighting and heating systems by fall 2010 including future street lighting retrofits and urging employees to conserve energy and save on energy costs and
4 Manage the operation and procurement of fleet vehicles under the control of the City of Bowie in order to improve the energy efficiency of its fleet reduce emissions from its fleet and increase the capacity of the fleet to save municipal tax dollars and direct staff to investigate conversion of City diesel vehicles to alternative fuels and report by the next budget cycle on the cost and schedule to make such a conversion of all appropriate vehicles and
5 Establish a of municipal goal 20 renewable energy purchase by 2015 in cooperation with other local governments in the Washington Metro area through regional cooperative purchase to facilitate green power implementation and use and to encourage investments in clean low greenhouse gas emitting energy sources and
6 Continue to practice and promote sustainable building practices using the US Green Councils Building LEED program to ensure all new City facilities meet LEED Silver or higher standard and make energy efficiency a priority in site plan review and
7 Promote transportation options such as bicyclepedestrian trails commuter trip reduction programs and incentives for car pooling and public transit encourageexisting and develop new programs to enhance use of public transit and alternative transportation modes commuter connections guaranteed ride home telework programs park and ride lots and smart bike programs
8 Promote increased citizen and business participation in all areas of recycling increasing the rate of recycling waste as a percentage of total waste at a rate of at least 2 per calendar year for the next five years and
9 Maintain healthy a urban forest and street tree population through the adoption of a community canopy goal in 2009 and by adopting incentives to promote tree planting on private lands to increase shading energy savings and to absorb C02 and within one year of adoption of that goal consider the establishment of a Community Greening Fund for tree purchase reimbursement of up to 25 for trees costing over 50 for any native tree purchased and planted by a homeowner on their property outside of the BGE utility corridor and R4709
10 refine and follow landuse Adopt guidelines that reduce sprawl preserve open space and create a cooler compact and walkable community by for Bowie identifying practices that include greenhouse gas reduction energy efficiency and renewable energy as an element in the local planning review process Council directs the Environmental Advisory Committee to recommend criteria which include practices that address climate change and energy efficiency for use in the Citys Development Review Guidelines and
11 Conduct public outreach and promote current efforts through its web site staff and the Environmental Advisory Committee to educate the public schools and local businesses about the benefits of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to encourage the purchase of more efficient and alternativefueled vehicles both by public and private entities and to encourage the provision of energy audits and retrofits for individuals and businesses through regional cooperative efforts and
12 Ensure that these policies will further dictate procurement procedures and management changes to be reported to the Council within one year of of enactment this Resolution unless otherwise specified and each year in the Citys State of the Environment Report
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City shall actively pursue Federal State and other incentive and cooperative programs and grants to assist in achieving the goals and policies in this Resolution
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the City Council shall review this Resolution on a biennial basis
INTRODUCED AND PASSED by the Council of the City of Bowie Maryland at a Regular Meeting on August 3 2009
L
G Frederick Robinson Mayor
Pamela A FlFiing City Clerk
4 APPENDIX J
WATER QUALITY LAB TEST RESULTS 1 i i i s i i i i i i i i i i i
NPDES To of Bowie of Public Works Re ort 080419ABW Chesapeake Labs Inc Report City Dept Re ort Month A ri12008 1000 Butterworth Court 16500 Road Project Name Sheam Water Stevensville MD 21666 Annapolis Bowie MD 20715 410 6438745
T Phos Sodium Total N 1 Coli Enterococcus ROD TSS NOZ N03 Nitrite Ammonia MYN11111 ml MPN11111 m m 1 m L m L m L m L m 1 m l m L Collect i on 11 06 0 1 27 11 5 22 3 106 1 40 05 lllll Location Across From PS At Calvert Result 042408 042408 042408 042308 041908 041908 zed 042108 042208 042108 042208 Date 041908 Date Anal 0918 1000 1330 1330 1010 1530 1130 0900 1000 Time 0900 Time Analyzed 0830 CMM IS CMM AA A RW AA SR WII CM11 B AI Analyst
T Phos Sodium 1utal N F Coli Enterococcus ROD TSS NOZ NO Nitrite Ammonia MPN11111 ml ml m I m L m 1 h1PN1011 m L m 1 m I L m Collect i on m 1 11 2 111 0 6 96 11 3130 2 S2 05 IL01 I1 06 Location Corvar And Cavenal Result 042208 042408 042408 042308 041908 04lEi08 zed 012108 042208 042108 042408 Date 041908 Date Anal 0900 1000 0918 1000 1330 1330 Analzed 0830 1010 1530 1130 Time 11930 Time AA CMM CMM nS CMM AA Anal st RW AA SF3 WII R AF
Total N E Coli Enterococcus BOD TSS NOZ N03 Nitrite T Phos Ammonia Sodium L I ml rol m I m I m l m m A1PN11111 MPN1011 m I m I m L Collection 1780 006 01 11 15 305 4 135 05 0111 rid a Behind Rimers Result Location Lon 042308 041908 041908 042208 042108 042208 042408 042408 042408 Date 041908 Date Analyzed 042108 1130 0900 1000 0918 1000 1330 1330 zed 0830 1010 1530 Time 1000 Time Anal CMM CMM DS CMM AA AA st RW AA SB WH B AF Anal
T Phos Sodium Total N E Coli Fnterococeus BOD TSS NOZ NO Nitrite Ammonia ml mI m 1 m L m L m I M11PN1110 MPN1011 m m L m L m L Collecti on L 11 1 6 133 3 1425 71 p5 001 11 06 0 1 ham Twin Calvert Result 4 Location Buckin 141908 04190R 042208 042408 042408 042408 042308 Date Anal zed 042108 042208 042108 Date 041908 1330 1130 0900 1000 0918 1000 330 Time Anal zed 0830 1010 1530 Time 1030 AA CMM nS CMM AA RW AA SB WII CMR1 B AF Anal st
T Phos Sodium Total N E Culi Enterococcus ROD TSS NOZ NO Nitrite Ammonia m L L MPN100 ml MPN11111 ml m I m L m L m 1 m Collection m L m L 006 IL1 IS 07 934 24196 Result 1 2 05 001 Location Idolwild And h Hill 042208 042408 042408 042408 042308 041908 041908 Date Anal 042108 042208 042108 Date 041908 zed 1000 1330 1330 0830 1010 1530 1130 0910 10011 0918 Time 1100 Time Anal zed CMM CMM IS CMM AA AA Anal st RW AA SI3 WII B AF Comments seal is affixed Results are valid only when company to Sodium thiosulfate present in L coli and Enterocoocus sample prior testing
tlethods ofnalysis Nitratenitrite GPA 3532 Ammonia N113 5121145011N113 D SN1211 4500P E Nitrite NOz EPA 3541 N03 NOZ ROD SN120 521118 TSS SM20 2540D Total Phosphorus 51211 Colilert 201111 Enterococcus 92311B Sodium SiV13111B E Coli SM20 9223 idexxs Quantifray Chesapeake Labs Inc Report To City of Bowie Dept of Public Works Re ort 080419BBW NPDES 1000 Butterworth Court Re ort Month A ri12008 Stevensville MD 21666 16500 Annapolis Road Project Name Stream Water 410 6438745 Bowie MD 20715
BOD TSS NOZ NO Nitrite T Phos Ammonia Sodium Total N E Coli Enterococcus
m L L L ml Collection m L m L m L L m L m m m MPN100 MPN100 ml Location Mo lan Dr 2nd TPP 369852 Result 2 59 18 001 006 01 33 18 110 1578 Date 041908 Date Anal zed 042108 042208 042108 042208 042408 042408 042408 042308 041908 041908 Time 1125 Time Anal zed 0830 1010 1530 1130 0900 1000 0918 1000 1330 1330 WII B AF Anal st RW AA SB CMM CMM DS CMM AA AA
BOD TSS NOZ NO Nitrite T Phos Ammonia Sodium Total N E Coli Enterococcus ml Collection m L m L m L m L m L m L m L m L MPN100 MPN100 ml Location Freestate Behind Bowl Ali Result 2 190 05 OOI 006 03 109 19 1 120 041908 Date 041908 Date Anal zed 042108 042208 042108 042208 042408 042408 042408 042308 041908 Time 1145 Time Anal zed 0830 1010 1530 1130 0900 1000 0918 1000 1330 1330 AA AA B AF Anal st RW AA SB WH CMM CMM DS CMM
BOD TSS NOZ N03 Nitrite T Phos Ammonia Sodium Total N E Coli Enterococcus
m L MPN100 ml MPN100 ml Collection m L m L m L m L m L m L m L Location Freestate Behind Giant Result 1 23 05 001 006 01 16 05 204 332 Date 041908 Date Anal zed 042108 042208 042108 042208 042408 042408 042408 042308 041908 041908 Time 1200 Time Anal zed 0830 1010 1530 1130 0900 1000 0918 1000 1330 1330 DS CMM AA AA B AF Anal st RW AA SB WH CMM CMM
Comments
Results are valid only when company seal is affixed Sodium thiosulfate present in E coli and Gnterocoocus sample prior to testing
Methods of Analysis BOD SM20 5210B TSS SM20 2540D Total Phosphorus SM20 4500P E Nitrite NOZ EPA 3541NitratenitriteN03 NOZ EPA 3532Ammonia NH3 SM20 4500NH3 D Sodium SM3111B E Coli SM20 9223 IdexxsColilert QuantiTray 2000 Enterococcus SM20 92308 Re ort 080810ABowie NPDES To of of Public Worlcs Inc Report City Bowie Dept Chesapeake Labs Re ort Month October 2008 1000 Butterworth Court Vater 16500 Annapolis Road Project Name Stream Stevensville MD 21666 Bowie MD 20715 410 6438745
Enterococcus NI Sodium Total N E oli NOZ NO3 Nitrite T Phos I3 BOD TSS ml 11PN11111 ml I m L ml ms hIPN11111 m m L m m L m L L Collection 06 161 31176 05 ILO1 0116 01 46 Result 3 16 Behind 15528 Peachwalker 11 0708 101808 10 1808 Location 102008 102018 103108 103008 102408 Date zed 102208 102008 101808 Anal 1000 1400 1415 Date 1500 1630 1000 1030 1148 Analvzed 0800 1550 AA 0930 Time DS CMM AA Time AA Chill CMM Anal st RW AA SR Rv AA E Coli Enterococcus Nitrite 7Phos NII3 Sodium Tota1N BOn Tss NOZN03 ml m 1 A1PN1110 ml AIPN1110 L m L m L m L m L m L m mL 07 52 98 Collection 0 0116 01 22 Result 1 6 05 Location AeatherIlills across pu 102408 11 0708 l018os tnn8o8 102008 102008 102008 103108 103008 Date Anal zed 102208 1115 Hate 101808 1030 1148 1000 1400 1550 1500 1630 1000 Time Anal zed 0800 Time 1000 nS CMM AA AA AA CMM CMM RW AA SR n A A Analyst
Sodium Total N G Coli Enterococcus TSS NO Nitrite T Phos NII 13OD NO2 ml L m L 1IPN1110 ml MPN11111 m I m L m L m m I m l m L 109 73 Collection nnl 01 13 05 3 05 006 Fair Result 2 Location Below Church Outfall 102408 110708 101808 101808 102008 102008 103108 103008 Date Anal zed 1112208 102008 1115 Date 101808 1030 1148 1000 1400 1550 1500 1630 1000 Time Analyzed 0800 AA Time 1030 CMM DS C11M AA SR AA CMM Anal st RW AA B 4A
rmerucuccu T Phos Sodium Ibtal N r cm TSS NOz NO3 Nitrite NIIj BOn ml m L 1iPN11111 ml MPN11111 m L m L m L m I m l m l m I Collection 11 05 565 5794 05 001 006 01 Result 2 2 um in sta 10IROR 101808 Location Ileatherllills 02008 103108 103008 102408 110708 zed 102208 102008 102008 1111808 Date Anal 1000 1410 1415 Date 1630 1000 1030 1148 Anal zed 0800 1550 1500 1100 Time CMM AA AA Time AA CMM CMM IS RW AA SR n A A Analyst
N E oli Enterococcus Phos Sodium Total BOD TSS NO3 Nitrite T NII3 NOZ L ml m m L m MlN100 ml 11PN11111 m I m l L m l m L m L Collection 12 1 373 2x89 0 ILO1 006 112 Result 2 7 5 Location Buclein hamDrCulvert 103008 102408 110708 101808 101808 08 102008 102008 102008 103108 Date Anal zed 1022 1415 Date 1018118 1118 1000 1400 1500 1630 1000 1030 Time Analvzed 0800 1550 Time 1120 IS CMM AA AA SR AA CMM CMM Anal Est RW AA B AA
Comments seal is aftised Results are valid only when company to Sodium thiosullate present in E soli sample prior testing
of Ammonia SM20 451111NI methods Analysis EPA NitratenitriteNO3NOZ EPA 3532 N11 s SM20 4500P E Nitrite NOZ 3541 52106 ISS SM211 2540DIotal Phosphorus BOD SM20 S11120 92306 Colilert Quantifray201111 Enterococcus Sodium SM31116 E Coli SA42119223 Idexxs Chesapeake Labs nc Report To City of Bowie Dept of Public 1orks Re ort 0808116Bowie NPDES 1000 Butterworth Court Re ort Month October 2008 Stevensville MD 21666 16500 Annapolis Road Project Name Sheam Water 410 6438745 Bowie MD 20715
BOD TSS NOZ N03 Nitritc T Fhos NH3 Sodium Total N E Coli Enterococcus Collection m I m L m 1 m L m L m L m I m L MPN11111 ml MYN11111 ml
Location Behind Ramblin um Result I 2 31 IL111 006 01 25 36 1162 1246 Date 101808 llate Analyzed 102208 102008 102008 102008 103108 1013108 102408 110708 101808 101808 Time 1145 Time Anal zed 0800 1550 1500 1630 1000 1030 l 148 1000 1400 1415
B AA Anal st RW AA SB AA CMM CMM nS CMM AA AA
BOIL fSS NOZ N03 Nitrite T Phos N113 Sodium Total N E Coli Enterococcus Collection m 1 m L m L m I m I m m l m L 111N111 ml 11IPN11111 ml Location Freestate Mall Rear Lot Result 2 2 05 QLO1 006 01 14 06 2189 3x18 Date 101808 Date Anal zed 102208 102008 02008 102008 103108 103008 1024OR 110708 1111808 101808 Time 1200 Time Anal zed 0800 1550 1500 1630 1000 1030 1 148 1000 1400 1415 By AA Analyst RW AA SB AA CMM CMM DS CMM AA AA
BOD TSS NOZ N03 Nitrite T Phos NII3 Sodium Total N E Culi Enterococcus Collection m 1 m L m L m I m 11 m L m L m L 1111N1110 ml n1PN11111 ml Location Idlewild Ln at h Bill Result 2 1 05 001 006 01 13 05 16711 6188 Date 101808 Date Anal zed 102208 102008 102008 1020708 103108 103008 102408 10708 101808 101808 Time 1215 Time Anal zed 0800 1550 1500 630 1000 1030 148 1000 1400 1115 B AA Anal st RW AA SB AA CMM CMM PS CMM AA AA
Comments
Results are valid only when company seal is aftixed Sodium thiosulfate present in G coli sample prior to testing
Alethods of Analysis BUD SM20 5210B TSS SA120 2540D Total Phosphorus SM20 45110P E Nitrite NOi IPA 3541 Nitratenitrite N03 NOi EPA 3532 Ammonia NH3 SM20 4500NH3 D Sodium 8113111B E Coli SM20 9223 Idexxs Colilert QuantiTray 20011 Enterococcus SA120 9230B APPENDIX K
DISSOLVED OXYGEN BACKGROUND Dissolved Oxygen About the Bay Chesapeake Bay Program Page 1 of 3
Chesapeake Bay Program A Watershed Partnership
Home About the Water Dissolved General Info Bay Quality Oxygen
News Press Dissolved Oxygen
HowsIt Doing CRITERIA
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The amount ofdissolved oxygen an animal needs varies by species time of year and life stage
See Also
Water quality Physical Characteristics
Air and Water Pollution Nutrients
Bay Restoration Restoring Water Quality
Dissolved oxygen DO refers to the amount of oxygen that is present in the water It is measured in units of
milligrams per liter mgLor the milligrams of oxygen dissolved in a titer of water
Why Is Dissolved Oxygen Important
httpwwwchesapeakebaynetdissolvedoxygenaspxmenuitem14654 842009 Dissolved Oxygen About the Bay Chesapeake Bay Program Page 2 of3
Just like humans all of the Chesapeake Bays living creatures from the fish and crabs that swim through its
waters to the worms that bury themselves in its muddy bottom need oxygen to survive
While humans use their lungs to inhale oxygen from the air worms fish and crabs use some form of gills to get
oxygen from the water As water moves across these gills oxygen is removed and passed into the animals blood
Gills operate more efficiently as the oxygen concentration of the surrounding water increases But as dissolved
oxygen levels decrease it becomes harder for animals to get the oxygen they need to survive
How Much Dissolved Oxygen Does Life in the Chesapeake Bay Need
Scientists generally agree that dissolved oxygen concentrations of 50 mgLor greater will allow the Chesapeake
Baysaquatic creatures to live and thrive However oxygen requirements vary from species to species based on
where an animal lives and how complex an animal is
Worms and small clams living in the Bays muddy bottom where oxygen levels are naturally low only
need dissolved oxygen concentrations of at least 1 mgL
Fish crabs and oysters that live or feed along the bottom require oxygen concentrations of 3 mgLand greater
Spawning migratory fish and their eggs and larvae need up to 6 mgLduring these sensitive life stages
Areas with less than 02 mgLof dissolved oxygen are called anoxic and are unable to support most forms of life
How Does Oxygen Get Into the Chesapeake Bays Waters
Sources of dissolved oxygen to the Chesapeake Bay include
Oxygen from the atmosphere that dissolves and mixes into surface waters
Algae and underwater baygrasses which release oxygen during photosynthesis
Water flowing into the Bay from streams rivers and the ocean Ocean waters generally have higher
oxygen levels while fastmoving waters from rivers flowing into the Bay help mix in oxygen from the air
Why Do Some Parts of the Chesapeake Bay Have Low Dissolved Oxygen Levels
Most areas of the Bay that have low oxygen levels are the result of a complex interaction of several natural and manmade factors including temperature nutrient pollution how water flows in the Bay and the shape of the Bays bottom
Temperature
The amount of oxygen that can dissolve in water is very limited by the temperature of the water The colder the
water the more oxygen it can hold Therefore the Bay waters have a greater capacity to hold oxygen during the cold winter months than they do during the summer
However even at the warmest temperatures seen in the Bay around 91 degrees water is capable of having
dissolved oxygen concentrations of 6 to 7 mgLSo while high water temperatures can affect dissolved oxygen levels they are not solely responsible for the lowoxygen areas found in the Bay each summer
httpwwwchesapeakebaynetdissolvedoxygenaspxmenuitem14654 842009 Dissolved Oxygen About the Bay Chesapeake Bay Program Page 3 of 3
Nutrient Pollution
High amounts of nutrients in the water called nutrient pollution can fuel the growth of excessive algae or algae blooms A portion of the algae is consumed by filter feeders like oysters and menhaden But unconsumed or
leftover algae die and sink to the bottom of the Bay where they are decomposed by bacteria During this
process bacteria consume oxygen until there is little or no oxygen left in these bottom waters
Flow of Water
Another factor influencing dissolved oxygen levels in the Bay is the division between water flowing in from the
ocean and out of the watersheds many rivers and streams
Water flowing from the ocean is generally salty and cooler while river water is fresh and warmer Because of these differences river water weighs less than ocean water and will actually float on top of
ocean water Wind and other strong mixing forces may change this pattern
The zone or boundary where the fresher water layer on the surface meets the saltier water layer below is
called the pycnocIine The pycnocline acts as a physical barrier that prevents mixing or exchange between the two layers During warm summer months when algaeconsuming bacteria are most active the pycnocline cuts off
oxygendeprived bottom waters from oxygenrich surface waters This can cause large areas of low or no
oxygen in the Bay
Shape of the BaysBottom
The Bays bottom is not flat rather it has varying shallow and deep depths collectively referred to as the Bays batmetry The pycnocline can interact with the Bays bathymetry to isolate bottom waters from surface waters In certain bowlshaped areas of the Bays bottom the pycnocline can act as a slid that isolates
bottom waters from any source of oxygen Some areas where this takes place regularly each summer are
The middle of the Bays mainstem from the Bay Bridge south to the mouth of the Potomac River The lower Chester Potomac and Rappahannock rivers
The lower part of Eastern Bay near Kent Island
Other Sites of Interest
Breath of Life Dissolved Oxygen in Chesapeake Bayer Newsletter from Chesapeake EcoCheck on the importance of dissolved oxygen how areas of low oxygen form and what residents can do to help Dissolved Oxygen Trends Information from the US Geological Survey about the history of dissolved
oxygen levels in the Bay Eyes on the Bay Water quality monitoring data from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Virginia Estuarine andCoastal Observing System Water quality monitoring data from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science
For more information contact the Chesapeake Bay Program Office 410 Severn Avenue Suite 109 Annapolis Maryland 21403 Tel 800 YOURBAY Fax 410 2675777 Directions to the Bay Program Office Terms of Use Privacy Policy
httpwwwchesapeakebaynetdissolvedoxygenaspxmenuitem14654 842009 Dissolved Oxygen Trends Page 1 of3
lavesigaions of Alantic Esuaries
GMesapeake day
Atlantic Estuaries Home Land Use Dissolved Trends Project Overview Oxygen
Dissolved and Bibliography oxygen DO levels vary naturally in lakes estuaries oceans over different temporal and spatial scales due to many biological chemical and estuaries like freshwater inflow Data physical processes In Chesapeake Bay influencing water column stratification nutrient input and cycling physical processes such as circulation tides winds and water temperature Maps densitydriven and bacterial activity are among the most important factors These processes lead to large natural seasonal and interannual variability in oxygen levels in many parts People of Chesapeake Bay
Links Superimposed on this natural DO variability has been a progressive increase in the intensity and frequency ofhypoxia and anoxia over the past l 00 150years most notably since the 1960s due to anthropogenic nutrient influx This humaninduced eutrophication is evident from both instrumental data and geochemical and faunaUfloral proxies of dissolved oxygen obtained from the sedimentary record
The instrumental record although incomplete before the inception ofthe large monitoring program in the 1980s suggests that as early as the 1930sand especially since the 1960s summer oxygen depletion has been recorded in the bay At issue is whether or not and to what degree oxygen depletion is naturallyoccurring phenomenon in the bay Long sediment core 17 to 21 m length records indicate the bay formed about 7500 years ago Cronin et al 2000 Colman et al 2002 when rising sea level following the final stage of Pleistocene deglaciation flooded the channel The modern estuarine circulation and salinity regime probably began during the midlate Holocene about 40005000 years ago based on the appearance of precolonial benthic foraminiferal ostracode and dinoflagellate assemblages It is against this midlate Holocene baseline that we can view the postcolonial and modern oxygen regime ofthe bay
During the past decade we have recontructed the bays late Holocene record ofdissolved oxygen using several proxies from sediment cores that have been dated using the most advanced geochronological methods These paleoDO proxies place the monitoring record ofthe modern bay into alongterm perspective and permit an evaluation ofnatural variability ofDO levels in the context ofrestoration targets Several major themes emerge which can be found in the papers cited on this website and references
First the twentieth century sedimentary record confirms what limited monitoring records of DO have shown there has been a progressive decrease in DO levels including periods of complete anoxia that have been prominent during
httpgeologyerusgsgoveespteamAtlanticTask2dohtm 842009 Dissolved Oxygen Trends Page 2 of3
the last 40 years In terms of the timing ofthe development ofhypoxia most studies provide strong evidence that there was a greater frequency andor duration of seasonal anoxia beginning in the late 1930s40and again around 1970 reaching unprecedented severity in the past few decades in the bay and several tributaries This eutrophication is shown in all geochemical and paleoecological proxies yet studied and it has had a large impact on benthos and phytoplankton both diatom and dinoflagellate communities
Second extensive late 18th and 19th century land clearance also led to oxygen depletion and hypoxia which exceeded that characteristic of the prior 2000 years Best estimates for deep channel midbay seasonal oxygen minima from 1750 to 1950 are 02 to l2 ml 1 and are based on shifting to dinoflagellate cyst assemblages with species having low DO tolerances a 45fold increase in the flux ofbiogenic silica a 2fold 510 per mil increase in nitrogen isotope ratios 15N and periods ofcommon though not dominant Ammonia parkinsoniana a facultative anaerobic foraminifer These patterns are likely due to increased sediment influx and nitrogen and phosphorous runoffdue to extensive land clearance and agriculture
Third prior to the 17th century DO proxy data suggest interannual and decadal oxygen levels in the deep channel ofChesapeake Bay varied over decadal and interannual timescales Although it is difficult to quantify the extremes DO probably fell to 24ml 1 but rarely if ever fell below 12ml 1 These paleoDO reconstructions are consistent with the bays natural tendency to experience seasonal oxygen depletion due to its bathymetry freshwater driven salinity stratification high primary productivity and organic matter and nutrient regeneration
In summary the main channel ofChesapeake Bay most likely experienced oxygen depletion prior to largescale postcolonial land clearance due to natural factors such as climatedriven variability in freshwater inflow However this progressive decline in summer oxygen minima beginning in the l 8th century and accelerating during the second half ofthe 20th century is superimposed on past and present interannual and decadal patterns ofDO variability Human activity during the postcolonial period has very likely contributed to the trend towards hypoxia and most recently especially post1960s anoxia in the main channel of the bay and some ofits larger tributaries The impact ofthese patterns has been observed in largescale changes in benthos and phytoplankton communities which are manifestations ofhabitat loss and degradation
For more information
Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Chesapeake Bay Chapter III
Bratton JF Colman SMand Seal RI2003 Eutrophication and carbon sources in Chesapeake Bay over the last 2700 yr human impacts in context Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta v 67 no 18 33853402
Cronin TMand Vann CD 2003 The sedimentary record of climatic and anthropogenic influence on the Patuxent Estuary and Chesapeake Bay ecosystems Estuaries v 26 n 2A p 196209
Karlsen AW Cronin TM Ishman SE Willard DA Holmes CW
httpgeologyerusgsgoveespteamAtlanticTask2dohtm 842009 Dissolved Oxygen Trends Page 3 of 3
MarotMKerhinRT2000Historical trends in Chesapeake Bay dissolved oxygen based on benthic Foraminiferafromsedimentcores Estuaries v 23n 4 488508
US Departmentofthe Interior US Geological Survey URL httpgeologyerusgsgoveespteamAtlanticTask2dohtm Maintained by Melissa Berke Last modified 102615 Thu 25 Mar 2004 Privacy statement General disclaimer Accessibility
httpgeologyerusgsgoveespteamAtlanticTask2dohtm 842009 tt on dissolved in This newsletter describes why dissolved oxygen is an tmportant indicator of ecosystem health focuses oxygen C1esapeake Bay and its tributaries and describes the factors that affect dissolved oxygen Additionally the managerrrent decisions and actions that are being taken to reduce the amount of low dissolved oxygen in the Say are described ESSENTIAL FOR ALL ANIMAL LIFE IN CHESAPEAKE BAY
All animal life in Chesapeake Bay from the worms that inhabit its muddy bottom to the fish and crabs found in its rivers to the people that live on its land need oxygen to survive We breathe oxygen which lets us extract energy from the food we eat Our bodies use this energy to function This process is essentially the same in all species with one major difference worms fish and crabs use some form of gills instead of lungs xia to extract oxygen from the water As water moves across the Jery little or no fissolved gills dissolved oxygen is removed from the water and passed oxygen 02 f into the blood As dissolved oxygen concentrations in water mg oxia decrease the animals that inhabit the Bay struggle to extract ow dissolved oxygen the oxygen they need to survive 32mg I
Chesapeake Bay scientists generally agree that dissolved oxygen concentrations of 50 mg I milligrams of oxygen per liter of water or greater will allow the Bays aquatic creatures to thrive However the amount of dissolved oxygen needed before organisms become stressed varies from species to species Although some are more tolerant of low dissolved oxygen than others in some parts of the Bay dissolved oxygen can fall to the point where no animals can survive When the levels drop below 20 mg Ithe water is hypoxic and when it drops below 02 mg Ithe water is considered anoxic Figure 1
In an such as there are several estuary Chesapeake Bay R i5 mean sources ofdissolved oxygen The mast important is the summer solved atmosphere At sea level air contains about 21 oxygen while oxygen waters a mg I the Bays contain only a small fraction of percent This large difference between the amount of oxygen results in oxygen naturally dissolving into the water This process is it further enhanced by the wind which mixes the surface of the poxia water Two other important sources of oxygen in the water are phytoplankton and aquatic grasses Phytoplankton are singlecelledalgae and aquatic grasses are vascular plants both produce oxygen during photosynthesis Another source of dissolved oxygen in the Bay comes from water flowing into the Figure 7lris map of bottom dissolved oxygen illustrates areas that are off to due to low dssofved estuary from streams rivers and the Atlantic acean limits Bay organisrns oxygen
Less tolerant More tolerant
These organisms tolerate different levels of dissolved oxygen in the water but not al can move to a different location when dissolved oxygen levels are too low From left to right striped bass hard dams blue crab spot and bristleworm Ptiafo credits vOAA Phore library C wilsorl wwwEaxshelisor uSGS URU EXCESS NUTRIENTS AN IMPORTANT CAUSE OF L01N DISSOLVED OXYGEN
Low summertime dissolved 30 oxygen in the Bay mainstern is related to the quantity 25 of water flowing out of the o River v Susquehanna during G the preceding spring The 0 15 freshwater flowing out of X r0 the Susquehanna floats on 0 of the heavier top seawater Z 05 i zaoz flowing in from the ocean Organisms uowd into shallow venters ro 0 An Note 7 8 9 10 actual boundary forms escape iow dissolves oxygen the 3 4 6 and Location rblobile aav t Nutrient Index where the lighter water on bander rays the the heavier surface meets related the Figure 3 tow drssolved oxygen rn the summer rs drrectly to below This is called the and it can water boundary pycnocline amount of nutrrents that enter the 8cry in tte spring prevent dissolved oxygen from reaching the deeper waters of the Bay Figure 2 Figure 2 This situation will persist until the pycnocline is Spring flow is also important as a source of nutrients to disrupted usually by strong winds associated with storms or the Bay The large blooms of phytoplankton microalgae by cooling of surface waters during the fall that are generated from excess nutrients overwhelm the The persistent anoxia that the Chesapeake Bay Program filter feeders that eat them When the extra algae die a large monitors and quantifies each summer is a different quantity of them settle below the pycnocline There they are phenomenon than the low oxygen events that occasionally decomposed by bacteria a process which consumes dissolved trigger fish kills in the smaller creeks and embaymenrs of oxygen Figure 2 We can express the quantity of nutrients the Bay Like the persistent anoxic zone these events are entering the Bay each spring as a nutrient index The mean triggered by phytoplankton but on shorter time scales anoxic volume each summer is directly related to this index and with a slightly different chain of events These events Figure 3 As summer begins water temperatures increase generally occurjust before or at dawn when phytoplankton which enhances decomposition and the subsequent oxygen oxygen production is at its lowest As a result water column loss The pycnocline keeps the oxygen rich surface waters concentrations of dissolved oxygen are low enough to stress or from mixing with the now oxygen depleted deeper waters kill the local fish population
Extensive hypoxia and anoxia Minimal hypoxia and anoxia
z 4Y strh y ik
NP
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L r triodine y CO ycnodinrr Pfiytoplaktort sinkrocraom
SaIwaeer influx r
torn ocean
Loads phytoplankton Decomposition Temperature Wind event
Large amount Large nitrogen Elevated nutrients Hrgh oxygen Warrn water No wind event of low dissolved and phosphorus cause large conswnption by aSumrrlates decomposrtron water rolunur oxygen loads phytoplankton decaying b Stratifies water column remains stratified blooms phytoplankton c Stirnulares phytoplankton Little amount Wind destratifies Srnall nitrogen Less nutrients Low oxygen Cool water events of low dissolved and phosphorus lead to small consumption a Slow decomposition water column oxygen loads phytoplankton by decaying b Mixed water column a Bottom water aerated blooms phytoplankton c Slow phytoplankton growth b Nutrients move to surfaie
Figure 1 fihis conceptual dagram illustrates the factors t6rat affect dissolved oxygen irr Chesapeake Bay HISTORY OF LOW DISSOLVED OXYGEN IN CHESAPEAKE BAY
arld The temporal patterns of hypoxia anoxia are tightly Range and average hypoxia and anoxia linked with both typically occuning in the mainstem of the 16 Bay starting in May Figure 4 Conditions continue to worsen zcc through the summer with peak anoxia and hypoxia occurring 14 Hypowa range Nean hypoxia in or Water temperatures are July August highest during 12 these months which accelerates the processes that consume G OCS 10 1993 dissolved oxygen Anoxia is typically gone by October and hypoxia by November Cooler air temperatures at this time of 19SS year chill the surface waters while the water remains o 199C deeper v warm Cooler water is heavier it more that wind G making likely 4 with a will this cold sink and assocrated storm cause water to 0 9as qea disrupt the pycnocline 2 N1rr N ti 0 Low dissolved oxygen linked to temperature s
G
G rov 3 y b y 3 n a v 4 a T
y 0 3 Z v 2 ro
a v Z Q 0 v L T T v v CG
F Q z v v y y v Q v a 0 Z Z D figure 4 Occurrences of hypoxia acrd anoxia are higher in the summer months than Che winter months because oxygenconstnrrngprocesses Figure 5 The rnnge of and average hypoxrc and anowt volume in the increase with temperature Data from 79852005 mainstem of Chesapeake Bay 19852005
The volume of anoxic and hypowc water in the mainstem occasionally from 17001900 possibly due to the nutrients is variable from month to month during the summer with associated with sediment runoff from agricultural land clearing historical anoxic volumes ranging from 0 to 72 km Figure Kemp et al 2005 In recent years there has been no apparent 5 Typically the largest volumes occur in years with the trend in hypoxia or anoxia with changes year to year controlled highest spring flows For instance 1993 had the largest primarily by spring flow Figure 6 Recent analysis suggest that cumulative spring flow of the past 22 years and the largest the Bay is more susceptible to the oxygendepleting effects of average summer anoxic volume The summer of 1993 was nutrient loading in recent years than it was in the 1950sand the worst on record with 1960s Nagy et al 2004 This may be due to the loss of buffiering an average of i2ro of the capabilities by filter feeders and aquatic grasses mainstem becoming anoxic 2002 was a Conversely drought Mainstem low dissolved oxygen over the past 20 years year and also had the smallest rs average volume of anoxia Stressed 25 mg I j aHypoxia 02 2 I 1 Although the amount of anoxia mg rs Anoxia 02 mg I is primarily controlled by spring flow there is evidence that l2 wind on short time scales can
rnix into help oxygen deeper y r waters c Rapid population growth 67 in the Bay watershed after World War II coupled with j 31 widespread use of manmade i r t i Yi fertilizers led to increases in nrv oe e o M v r oo o N m v n ao m m 00 m c c c c c c c o c o 0 0 0 nutrient the arld f c o inputs to c c c c c c c c c c c 0 0 0 0 0 0 Bay r N N N N N N N subsequent increases in anoxia Figure 6 The amount of iypoxla and anowa over the past 21 years and However there is dJustrates hat conditions have overall Dusoiverr oxygen is r7leasrrred with hypoxia not improved oxygen sensors evidence that hypoxia occurred Data from tuneSepterrber LOW DISSOLVED OXYGEN ADDS TO HABITAT SQUEEZE In the summertime the waters of Chesapeake Bay heat up algae blooms increase and dissolved oxygen decreases The temperature increase is most pronounced in the surface 1 waters while dissolved oxygen depletion is most pronounced 1 t t i in deeper waters This results in a habitat squeeze For many species where surface waters are too hot and deep water dissolved oxygen levels are too low Figure 7 For instance striped bass require seater temperatures X25 C and a s dissolved oxygen of 30 mg IThese fish are confined to the u t r t t middle depths of the Bay during the summer The potential consequences of a habitat squeeze include increased mortality and disease and decreased habitat capacity Reducing nutrients into the will dissolved and Bay help improve oxygen lfigure High surface temperatures and low dissolved oxygen lessen the impacts of habitat squeezes on Bay organisms levels in deep waters lead to a striped bass 6iabrtat squeeze REDUCE NUTRIENTS FOR BETTER DISSOLVED OXYGEN Targeted management strategies 1 Agriculture best management practices nonpoint sources Cover crops retain nutrients and sediment in the winter TI Conservation tillage reduces sediment disturbance Nutrient management plans ensure proper fertilization and waste handling Riparian buffers filter nutrients running off land 2 Urban nutrient management Enhanced nutrient removal wastewater treatment decreases plants n W NA nutrient effluent s I Lowimpact development practices reduce nutrient and sediment loads to the Bay E r Good and infiltration reduce volume and increase of y development practices quality i stornlwater runoff y Septic system upgrades reduce nutrients entering waterway via groundwater 3 Airshed nonpoint source Cover excess sediments Federal Clean Air Act regulates all air pollutants including car emissions and crops stop frorrr rurlning into rlre Buy but are the stares during smokestacks many parts Implemented and enforced by the winter 4 Wetland resroration helps filter nutrients and sediments out of the water
Reducing your nutrient input to the Bay is critical rbile onroad 1 Reduce utilities pollution rs and trucks Reduce and down amount ofdriving by carpooling cutting 3o your commute Figure 8 Buy a low emissions efficient automobile Reduce or stop fertilizing your lawn If you must fertilize only do it when sunny and dry in autumn preferably industries rz 2 Encourage local and state legislators to enact stricter nutrient reduction laws for all industry and agriculture 3 Conserve energy by using energy efficient light bulbs and turn off Mobile offroad Planes rrainsea1 lights when not in use purchase energyefficient home appliances 4 Pick up after your pet Figure 8 Relative percent contrbutron of nitrogen oxide rNO S Use low Impact landscaping practices emissrol sources u the Chesapeake Bay Arsed
Newsletter prepared by RefercnLes Caroline Wicks EcoCheck NOAAUMCES Partnership Dennis R Atmosphenc Saences Podelmg Division NOAA NERL and M Kerschner NOAA Dave Jasinski University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science at Chesapeake Bay Program ARFEPA OARIAR HagyD Boynton 4VR Keefe CW Wood KV 2ihj Hypoxla n Ben EcoCheck NOAAUMCES Longstaff Partnership Chesapeake Bay 1950 2001 long teen dianges m relatonshir to Hornnt loading and rive flow Estuaries 276sa GSR further information located at Kemu VM 3onton 14rR AdoIFJE Boesch DE Boicourr WC Brush V Cornwell IC Fisher TR GliberPM Hagy D Intl vwchcIlcanktbtynthiviictsrslnmithhrn Harding HtsAtEAKE LW Houde Er Kimme DG Millc WD Newell RAE Roman vv c c ho k r MR Smitr EM Srcvenson IC 2005 Eurrophlcuoof r Chcsapeakr Bay historica trends and ecoloical nreraccons Contributions from 4 Manna Ecoogy Progress Seres 30 129 anx Chesapeake Bay Program CroinTM Vann CD 20031 Thy sedlmrnaryrecord of ctmanc and anthropogenic rnFucnc on me Patuxem asrcary and Chesapeake Bay ecosystems Estuaries 261 h 20 Publishing date May 2007 Chesapeake Bay Program unroersiryrMyhe on 100 rec a er Printed Y ded p P A WaMrshed Parbkvship CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE APPENDIX L
ANNUAL DRINKING WATER REPORT Annual Drinking Water Quality Report City of Bowie January 1 to December 31 2008
to to in We are pleased present you another a series of annual water reports that will keep you informed about the City of Bowiesefforts to supply quality water and services to you every day
will You receive an annual report by July 1 of each year that will keep you informed of the previous calendar yearswater quality
This Water Quality Report is for those areas that are served by the City of Bowie Water Plant and should not be confused with areas served by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission
The source waters for the Citysconsumption is ground water obtained from six wells in three major underground confined aquifers Well 1 Magothy formation Wells 2R 3 6 Patapsco formation and Wells 4R and 5 Patuxent formation These aquifers range in depth from approximately 200 feet to 1160 feet To protect this resource the City has identified potential sources of contamination through the development of a Wellhead Protection Plan The Wellhead Protection Report also contains information on delineated wellhead protection areas and aquifer recharge areas The Wellhead Protection Report is available for viewing at the Bowie Branch Library
Confined aquifers such as those used by the City of Bowie afford very good protection from surface contaminants but we are constantly monitoring our water supply to maintain high water quality standards The Maryland Department of the Environment has performed a Source Water Assessment for the City of Bowie The Summary of the assessment is included with this report The complete Source Water Assessment can be viewed at the Bowie Branch Library and on the City of Bowie website wwwcityofbowieorg
The is to inform water following report designed you of quality standards and what they mean If you have any questions regarding this report please contact John Illig City of Bowie Water Plant Superintendent 3018093060
This Water Quality Report covers the period of January 1 to December 31 2008 The City of Bowie and the Maryland Department of the Environment routinely monitor your drinking water to detect contaminants according to Federal and State laws Drinking water including bottled drinking water may be reasonably expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPAsSafe Drinking Water Hotline 18004264791
The City of Bowieswater is tested for over 100 contaminants Only regulated contaminants or unregulated contaminants that are required to be monitored that are at or above the Minimum Detection Level are required to be in the Annual Drinking Water Quality Report If you would like a copy of the complete listing of contaminants that have undergone testing there will be copies available at the reception desk or the Finance Department at City Hall The complete of tested contaminants and the Annual will be listing Drinking Water Quality Report also available on the Citys website wwwcityofbowieorg
If elevated levels of lead can cause serious health present problems especially for pregnant women and young children Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing The City of Bowie is responsible for providing high quality drinking water but cannot control the variety of used in materials plumbing components When your water has been sitting for several hours you can minimize the for lead for potential exposure by flushing your tap 30 seconds to two minutes before using water for drinking or If are concerned about lead in wish cooking you your drinking water you may to have your water tested Information on in lead drinking water testing methods and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 18004264791 or at httpwwwepagovsafewaterlead Citizens are urged to participate in all matters related to the City by attending City Council meetings This is also true with water related matters be they infrastructure or water quality City Council meetings are usually held the first and third Mondays of each month Check your local newspaper the Citys website wwwcityofbowieorg or contact City Hall at 3012626200 for scheduling All meetings are held in the Council Chambers at City Hall located at 2614 Kenhill Drive
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population Immune compromised people such as people with cancer undergoing chemotherapy people who have undergone organ transplants people with HIVAIDS or other immune system disorders some elderly and infants can be particularly at risk from infections These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care provider EPACDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline 18004264791
Our ground water has detectable amounts of radon At the present time it is still an unregulated contaminant Radon is a radioactive gas that you cannot see taste or smell Radon can enter the body by drinking water or breathing air containing radon It can be released into indoor air from tap water when showering washing dishes or other household activities Compared to radon entering the home through soil radon entering the home through the tap water will in most cases be a small source of total radon in the home If you are concerned about radon in your home contact the EPAs Radon Hotline 1800SOSRADON or 18007677236
The chart that follows in this Report contains terms and abbreviations that you may not be familiar with To help provide a better understanding of the terms used the following definitions and statements are provided
Maximum Contaminant Level MCL The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water The MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal MCLG The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health MCLGs allow for a margin of safety
Parts Per Million PPM One PPM is equal to one milligram per liter and is equivalent to one drop in 10 gallons
Parts Per Billion PPB One PPB is equal to one microgram per liter and is equivalent to one drop in 10000 gallons
picoCuries Per Liter pCiL A unit of measurement used to describe the level of activity or decay of a radioactive element
Variances and Exemptions The State or EPA grants permission not to meet a MCL or a treatment technique under certain conditions The following contaminants have been granted waivers from testing by the State of Maryland until notified otherwise Asbestos Cyanide Nitrite
Monitoring Frequency The State does not require annual monitoring for contaminants because the concentration of these contaminants does not change frequently Therefore some of our data though representative is more than one year old Annual Drinking Water Quality Report For January 1 to December 31 2008
Contaminant Test Results MCL MCLG Test Date Sources of Contamination
Fluoride 10PPM 4 PPM 4 PPM 10907 Erosion of Natural Deposits Additive to Drinking Water
Gross Alpha 1 pCiL 15 pCiL 0 1704 Erosion of Natural Deposits Radium 226 228 082 pCiL 5 pCiL 0 1704 Erosion of Natural Deposits
Total Trihalomethanes 80 PPB NA Byproduct of Drinking Water Chlorination
Minimum 3PPB 40308
Maximum 132PPB 72408
Annual Average 70PPB 2008
Haloascetic Acids 60 PBB NA Byproduct of Drinking Water Chlorination
Minimum 1 PPB 403108
Maximum 23PPB 72408
Annual Average 16 PPB 2008
Unregulated Contaminants
Contaminant Test Results MCL MCLG Test Date Sources of Contamination
Radon 20 pCiL NA NA 12699 Erosion of Natural Deposits
NA Where NAappears the MCL or MCLG have not been set by the EPA
Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring helps the EPA to determine where certain contaminants occur and whether they need to be regulated
Maryland Department of the Environment Source Water Summary
The Maryland Department of the Environments MDE Water Supply Program has conducted a Source Water Assessment for the City of Bowie The major Components of this report as described in Marylands Source Water Assessment Plan SWAP are 1 delineation of an area that contributed water to the source 2 identification of potential sources of contamination 3 determination of susceptibility of the water supply to contamination Recommendations for management of the assessment area conclude this report
The sources of Bowies water supply are three Coastal Plan confined aquifers the Magothy Patapsco and Patuxent Six wells are currently being used to pump the water out of these aquifers The source water assessment area was delineated by the Water Supply Program using methods approved by the US EPA
Potential sources of contamination within the assessment were identified based on MDE site visits a review of MDEs databases Well information and water quality data were also reviewed
The susceptibility analysis for Bowies water supply is based on a review of the water quality data potential sources of contamination aquifer characteristics and well integrity It was determined that Bowies water supply is not susceptible to contaminants originating at the land surface due to the protected nature of confined aquifers The water supply is susceptible to naturally occurring iron in the aquifers The system has installed treatment to remove iron from the raw water APPENDIX M
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT DATA Bowie Wastewater Treatment Plant Mean Daily Total Nitrogen Loads and Flow
500 25 450
400 2 m 350 C7 v 300 15 O 250 d Oa 200 1 J 150 O 100 05 50
0 0
tD f 00 Qf O r N M 1 O 1 00 Q1 O r N M 0 0 0 0 0 0 01 C1 01 O O 01 C1 01 01 0 0 0 0 0 O O 01 O 0 Q1 O 01 C1 Of W O O1 01 O Q1 01 07 O O O O O O r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r N N N N N N
STN Load Effluent Volume
Bowie Wastewater Treatment Plant Mean Daily Total Phosphorus Loads and Flow 90 25 80
70 2 a 60 m C7 J 50 15 Q 40 a 1 30
20 O 05 10
0 0 YY t0 h OD W O r N M IA p I O W O r N M of fl 0 0 0 0 0 01 0 O1 O1 Q1 Of Q1 W 01 W Of 0 0 0 0 0 0 N N N N N N
I TP Load fEffluent Volume
BNR technology was implemented at this facility in 1991 ENR technology is scheduled to be implemented by 2010
August 2007 Page A 2