Patuxent 20/20

Yesterday, the Patuxent Riverkeeper released its latest report [pdf] on the health of the Patuxent River.

Among the recommendations the report makes to restore the health of the river, are:

• Implement low-impact development strategies based on the Stormwater Management Act of 2007 [pdf].
  
• Create a dedicated fund for stormwater retrofits.
  
• Increase permit staff overseeing sediment and erosion control and stormwater management.
  
• Reduce use of fertilizers.
  
• Limit the use of septic systems in new developments.
  
• Maintain full funding for Program Open Space.
  
• Increase impact fees and wetland permit fees.
  
• Ensure that major wastewater treatment plants are upgraded by 2010.
  
• Increase funding for, and use of agricultural best management practices (BMPs).
  
• Increase public transportation options.
  
• Adopt total maximum daily load limits (TMDLs) for the river and enforce them.