I am writing to you today as a member of Mad About Mud, a passionate collective of concerned citizens from Baltimore and Harford counties deeply committed to the well-being of our environment, specifically the Bird and Gunpowder Rivers
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We are witnessing a severe environmental crisis unfold as the Bird and Gunpowder Rivers continue to be marred by sediment runoff from the raw 120-acre building site, Ridgely's Reserve in Harford County. Despite a staggering 86 failed inspections by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), there has been an alarming lack of accountability for the developer, D.R. Horton, by MDE and Harford County officials.

This negligence turns the Bird and Gunpowder Rivers entirely orange and inflicts devastating consequences. Water quality is significantly impacted by each rain event, affecting fish, crabs, and submerged aquatic vegetation and posing a threat to human health due to elevated bacteria levels. A recent Bay Journal stated, "Submerged grasses gained ground or held steady last year almost everywhere in the Chesapeake Bay, except around the mouth of the Gunpowder River north of Baltimore. The once lush underwater meadows there shrank by 30%, leading scientists to speculate that some “localized event” caused the decline." The “event” is the runoff from D.R. Horton’s site.

We urgently seek your support in holding MDE and Harford County accountable for enforcing Maryland state law. Both Harford County and MDE must act decisively to compel compliance from D.R. Horton, including the imposition of maximum fines as outlined by state law. (See below for specific action items).

I understand the numerous challenges and urgent matters that cross your desk daily, but time is of the essence in addressing this critical issue. Each rain event exacerbates the pollution in the river, further compromising its water quality and the livelihoods of those who depend on it.

We implore you to join us in getting "Mad About Mud." Please consider connecting with those listed at the bottom of this email to resolve this environmental emergency swiftly.

For more information on the situation, please refer to the article linked here: https://www.bayjournal.com/news/growth_conservation/a-maryland-river-turns-orange-bay-grasses-disappear/article_0eb7fdfc-5eeb-11ee-b0d3-07364673369e.html

Your support in this matter is crucial, and we are grateful for your attention to this urgent call for action.
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ACTIONS NEEDED

A. Rethink Permit Plan and Implement Effective Solutions: It's evident that the current permit plan is insufficient, especially given the altered landscape devoid of natural sediment barriers. A thorough review of the permit plan is essential, considering the inadequacy of existing sediment ponds to handle heavy rainfall. We must devise a revised plan that addresses these challenges effectively, ensuring it can mitigate runoff and protect the Gunpowder River.

B. Establish Clear Protocols for Ongoing Monitoring and Maintenance Responsibility: We need a well-defined, written plan for ongoing monitoring and maintenance responsibilities, which is crucial for the long-term health of our environment. Presently, shifting responsibility to the HOA after just one year absolves the developer of accountability. This approach may surpass typical HOAs' capabilities and jeopardize our environmental efforts' integrity.

C. Restore Natural Sediment Controls Below the Project Site: The land below the project, now owned by Harford County, requires urgent restoration of natural sediment controls. The current grassy terrain falls short of providing adequate protection against sediment runoff. Rebuilding natural barriers in this area is imperative to prevent further environmental degradation.

D. Implement Effective Clay Removal and Water Clarification Measures: Immediate action is needed to monitor and remove floating clays downstream. The effectiveness of anti-flocculants remains uncertain, but clarity in the water is essential for the growth of aquatic vegetation. Only with transparent waters can we hope to restore the ecosystem to its former health.

E. Prioritize Dredging as Necessary: Dredging becomes necessary given the evident siltation in Foster Branch and potentially other areas. Addressing silt accumulation is crucial for maintaining the river's ecological balance and preventing further deterioration of aquatic habitats.

F. Restore Sub-Aquatic Vegetation: Replacing sub-aquatic vegetation is paramount to the restoration efforts. This vegetation plays a vital role in stabilizing riverbanks, improving water quality, and providing habitat for various aquatic species. Reestablishing these crucial components of the ecosystem is essential for its long-term health.

G. Hold D.R. Horton Accountable for Comprehensive Remediation Efforts: D.R. Horton must bear full responsibility for financing all remediation efforts outlined above. Given their role in environmental degradation, they must be held accountable for restoring the Gunpowder River ecosystem.