In a strong effort to reduce harmful polluted runoff from entering the Chesapeake Bay, Gunpowder Riverkeeper has filed a ‘Notice of Intent’ to sue the new Ridgley’s Reserve housing development in Joppatowne, Maryland under the Clean Water Act.
In 2022, more than 100 acres were cleared for the Ridgley’s Reserve development. All trees and vegetation were removed simultaneously, exposing its soil to the elements and making sediment extremely susceptible to runoff. Noticeably muddy water and a decline in underwater grasses in the nearby Foster Branch and Gunpowder River sparked major community and water quality concerns.
Despite repeated stormwater management violations, and multiple complaints and citations, corrective actions have been unsuccessful at stopping the pollution. Enforcement from both Harford County and the Maryland Department of the Environment has fallen short.
Gunpowder Riverkeeper is represented by Chesapeake Legal Alliance (CLA). Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is extremely supportive of the action.
Paul Smail, CBF’s Vice President for Litigation, issued the following statement:
“We need severe economic consequences for polluters. That seems to be the only way to enforce compliance with our laws.
“Stormwater runoff is one of the fastest growing sources of pollution in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Not only do we need to better enforce current stormwater management rules, but we need to enhance them. Maryland’s regulations are not keeping pace with the rapid pressures of development, nor the effects of climate change and increased rainfall.
“CBF applauds the Gunpowder Riverkeeper and CLA’s legal action against Ridgley’s Reserve, for it demonstrates our collective intent to hold polluters accountable for their harm on communities and our shared natural resources.”
