Heavy Rains, Snowmelt May Affect Chesapeake Bay Health

[Crabbyd]

DNR Continuing to Monitor for Bay Impacts

Annapolis, Md. (March 21, 2011) — Early March runoff into the Susquehanna River watershed from heavy rains and snowmelt has brought a flood of nutrients and sediment-laden freshwater flowing into the Chesapeake Bay. This heavy spring runoff has resulted in record low water clarity for the month of March in many areas of Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay. Continued wet spring weather could extend these high flows that might result in less underwater grasses and an increase in algal blooms. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will continue its comprehensive Chesapeake Bay water quality habitat and living resources monitoring to assess any short- or long-term storm-related impacts.

On March 12, 2011, two days after a very heavy rain event (2+ inches) across the region, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recorded a peak “flow” of 485,000 cubic feet/second (cfs) from the Susquehanna River at Conowingo Dam. Average monthly flows at that site in March are about 75,000 cfs. This is the highest average daily flow rate observed at the dam since floodwaters from Tropical Storm Ivan passed in September 2004 (496,000 cfs on September 19; 545,000 cfs on September 20.)

A review of 26 years of water clarity data collected by the State shows that depth measurements in the Chesapeake Bay and many tributaries in March 2011 are below historic measures or set new historic lows.

A high amount of freshwater flowing into the Chesapeake Bay erodes sediments and transports polluted runoff (including nutrients and sediments) downstream towards the Bay. Generally, short-term storms will have short-term impacts on the Bay, but, if wet weather continues, there could be long-term consequences for the Bay’s water quality, and its abundant plant and animal population, as well.

The late winter/early spring season is a critical period for many aquatic species such as the underwater grasses, which are beginning to grow and the many types of fish, which are beginning to spawn. Full storm impacts may not be known until mid-summer or later.

Even with the surges in precipitation, Maryland is committed to reducing polluted runoff in order to meet Chesapeake Bay water quality goals. In May 2009, along with Pennsylvania and Virginia, Maryland agreed to aggressive 2-year milestones for assuring accountability in limiting nutrients and sediments entering the Bay. This requires citizens, businesses, and local, state and federal governments to work together in efforts to reduce polluted runoff by planting cover crops to reduce runoff from farms, reducing runoff from urban areas, restoring natural filters and conserving high priority lands.

Full story is available at http://mddnr.chesapeakebay.net/eyesonthebay/monitoring_stories.cfm

[Ronster]

Good info.

[tattoo]

good read , thanks

[phillyfireman]

Heres the 800lb Gorilla in the room.   http://www.epa.gov/reg3wapd/pdf/pdf_chesbay/FinalBayTMDL/AppendixTSusquehannaDams_final.pdf

They need to get offa der arse !!        The conowingo is nearing 100 years old.

[skiff1700]

yes it is nearly 100 and the sediment levels are creating a problem with pressure on the dam. last year it was warm and dry thats why the crabbing and fishing was so good remember a few years back it was rainy and cooler than normal and the crabbing and fishing was off. so if this weather pattern continues it will not be a good year.

[reds]

The 800 lb gorilla isn't the dam.
It's where the sediment originated.
Thank You Pennsylvania.

[jason22]

Great read, hopefully doesn't hurt the crabbing too much.  

[flounderpounder]

The 800 lb gorilla isn't the dam.
It's where the sediment originated.
Thank You Pennsylvania.

your welcome ....and now I'll be comin down in a few months to take back my reward for the sediment...lmao

[antman]

your welcome ....and now I'll be comin down in a few months to take back my reward for the sediment...lmao

MD DNR got plans for you types......enjoy it while it lasts

[capt. ron]

Cold rain and snow melt means cold water temps.  Don't know much about the area but we also have to deal with the mighty Mississippi.  As for fresh water just remember that salt water is heavier than fresh and just because the water looks murky doesn't mean that it's fresh.  Look for jellyfish on your traps and lines.  That will be an indication of your water salinity.

Ronnie

[jack1747]

funny you would mention jellyfish...  I been seeing them in the creek the last week or so.  We normally don't see them this time of year...

[Mikie]

funny you would mention jellyfish...  I been seeing them in the creek the last week or so.  We normally don't see them this time of year...
[/quot

Summer jellies or Winter jellies?

[tugcapt]

You can check the NOAA jellyfish forecast.   

http://chesapeakebay.noaa.gov/forecasting-sea-nettles

[Summertop]

You can check the NOAA jellyfish forecast.   

http://chesapeakebay.noaa.gov/forecasting-sea-nettles

Now ain't that a great way to piss tax dollars away.   The Wye will be on high jelly fish alert in August, like it is every year, year after year good thing this map can tell me that this summer.

[Crabbyd]

Now ain't that a great way to piss tax dollars away.   The Wye will be on high jelly fish alert in August, like it is every year, year after year good thing this map can tell me that this summer.

Dont worry about that.  The State of MD is only has a $1.6 billion dollars shortfall, meanwhile giving each government employee a $650 raise and raising fees and taxes for everything else.

[phillyfireman]

The 800 lb gorilla isn't the dam.
It's where the sediment originated.
Thank You Pennsylvania.

got  news  for ya.   If you read, it then you will see that based on the fresh water intake into the bay(wich the bay needs to survive) it does not supply a greater sediment load than that of the the rest of water shed.      It just supplys the greatest amount of fresh water.   Your water bill(for the bay) will be arriving shortly.  get out your check book !!!

[skiff1700]

well here in md the wonderboy gov little mick that he is thinks our checkbooks are for his use !! gotta love the land of the liberals !! clueless they are !!

[phillyfireman]

all these libs are the same