MDE Guests Speak to STEM Academy About Chesapeake Bay

On Thursday, October 3, Greg Sandi, Matt Stover, and Jeff White (JC Class of 2001) of the Maryland Department of the Environment spoke to the students of John Carroll’s STEM Academy about the status of the Chesapeake Bay and current restoration efforts.  Mr. Sandi, Mr. Stover, and Mr. White are all Natural Resource Planners at the MDE.  The presented information and answered questions on water quality assessment, watershed management, and the restoration and conservation of Maryland’s water resources, specifically the Chesapeake Bay.  They explained the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) and associated Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs).  One highlight of the talk was how they explained the restoration would affect the students’ lives with regards to economics and recreation.  They also discussed the status of water quality in Harford County and what affects it.  They explained some things citizens can do to help preserve the Maryland’s water quality, including picking up after pets, using rain barrels, and reducing lawn fertilizers.