higher home values,
purer air,
cleaner rivers & streams,
cleaner rivers & streams,
assured water supply,
cherished rural character,
healthier Mattawoman Creek!
When a majority of Charles County commissioners--Peter Murphy, Amanda Stewart, and Ken Robinson--adopted the WCD, they reflected the public sentiment for less sprawl and more conservation that led to the 2016 comprehensive land-use plan. This means the Mattawoman Creek watershed and headwaters of the Port Tobacco River will be spared 17,000 new housing units as computed by pro-growth real-estate lobby.
But there is still work to do!
Unfortunately, hundreds of acres around the Maryland airport are still being considered for industrial development, even though this is contrary to the comprehensive plan, the environment there is exceptionally sensitive, and taxpayers would be asked to spend millions for new sewer. This makes no sense, since market studies find the area to be uncompetitive with the surrounding region, which already has infrastructure.
Further, there is a large
“pipeline” of previously approved projects. And previous zoning for new commercial development
is exempted from the WCD, even though some is right in the Mattawoman Stream Valley. Future projects need close monitoring.
-New Comprehensive Plan brightens prognosis for Mattawoman's future health. The Watershed Conservation District is key. Learn more here.
NewsClick each title for more information
|  Appeal of prelim-inary subdivision plan The Board of Appeals will render a decision on Tues., Sept. 12, 7 PM Charles County Government Bldg. 200 Baltimore St. La Plata This major subdivision deep in the forests of Nanjemoy was approved with little regard to the inadequate public facilities. Prior to approval, no mention was made of the fact that for some destinations, residents would use Hancock Run Rd, barely wide enough for one vehicle (pictured). And the Planning Commission was unaware that Adams Willet Rd, on which the subdivision would be located, did not meet county standards until a member of the public pointed it out at the 11th hour. Not only is the safety of motorists jeopardized, but these roads are often used by bicyclists drawn by local and nationally advertised scenic bike routes. Special Exception Hearing Natural gas compressor station Tues., September 12th, 7 PM Board of Appeals (Continuation of hearing of July 11, 2017.)Charles County Government Bldg. 200 Baltimore St. La Plata This huge natural-gas compressor station would be located next to Piscataway National Park near Bryans Road. It is part of a large infrastructure project in Maryland and Virginia being pursued by Dominion Power. The project, called Eastern Market Access, is intended to move and use natural gas, much of which originates from fracking. The compressor station requires a special zoning exception from the Charles County Board of Appeals. It involves twin compressors rated at over 24,000 horsepower (~18 megawatts) and will require two 50-foot stacks to exhaust combustion products. The station is located in the Pomonkey Creek watershed (which is adjacent to the Mattawoman watershed), is in the Mount Vernon viewshed, is next to Piscataway National Park, and is surrounded by wetlands. Dominion wants the compressor station in order to fuel the gigawatt Mattawoman Energy generating plant in the Mattawoman Creek watershed in Brandywine. This power plant can't go forward without the compressor station. The Mattawoman Energy plant would: lead to more atmospheric nitrogen deposition; pollute a hiqh-quality Tier II segment of Mattawoman with antiquated stormwater treatment, and has 17 miles of utility pipelines crossing streams and wetlands.  An event co-sponsored by MWS Sept. 13, 7:30 PM Huntley Meadows Park Norma Hoffman Visitor Center 3701 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria VA Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), sometimes called underwater "weeds" or "grass" is a key habitat component for many creatures, from tiny snails to largemouth bass. Dr. Nancy Rybicki, of the USGS, will speak on "Aqauatic Plant Abundance and Diversity in the Potomac River." We expect to have a table showing MWS research that found unexpected low dissolved oxygen in SAV beds. |
