Water Quality

WQ 1.2 Challenge: Update Septic System Designs

Solution: Designate the coastal bays watershed as an "Area of Special Concern" to better manage existing on-site sewage disposal systems.

Actions:

1. WC will revise its master water and sewer plan so that it better reflects the intent of state law to require that future development be consistent with the plan's projections.

WQ 1.2 Summary Information

WQ 1.4 Challenge: Reduce Excessive Fertilization by Turf Professionals

Solution:
Require grounds management professionals (primarily golf courses and lawn maintenance professionals) to (1) prepare and implement nutrient management plans to determine the soil's nitrogen and phosphorus needs and (2) apply nutrients only as necessary.

Actions:

3. WC will work with golf courses to establish voluntary nutrient and pesticide monitoring of groundwater and adjacent surface waters to ensure effectiveness of implemented nutrient management plans.


WQ 1.4 Summary Information

GOAL 2 Decrease Nutrient Inputs From Stormwater Runoff.

WQ 2.1 Challenge: Reduce Water Quality Impacts from Stormwater Discharges

Solution: Ensure that (1) new stormwater management devices are designed to address water quality as well as flood control needs, (2) impacts to on-site waste water treatment systems on adjacent properties are considered, and (3) the cumulative impact of runoff from many small properties is treated.

Actions:

6. MCBP will promote minimal use of impervious surfaces by: B. Promoting use of porous pavements where appropriate. 8. Ocean City, the Town of Berlin, and WC will take a unified approach to treating the cumulative stormwater runoff from small properties that meets the new state Stormwater Management Guidelines.

WQ 2.1 Summary Information

WQ 2.2 Challenge: Improve Stormwater Quality from Existing Development

Solution: Build new (or retrofit) stormwater management devices in existing developments and municipalities.

Actions:

2. MCBP and NRCS will investigate cost-effective and innovative stormwater treatment systems for addition and retrofitting in areas identified above (e.g., shallow wetland practices, filtration and infiltration practices, vegetated swales, etc.)

WQ 2.2 Summary Information

Actions Lead Agency Support Agencies Costs Start Action
2 MCBP, NRCS WER (MCBP) year 3
WQ 4.3 Challenge: Improve Management of Drainage Systems
Solution: A comprehensive approach to reducing the adverse environmental impacts of agricultural ditches is needed to minimize nutrient transport to the bays.

Actions:

5. MDA, MDE, and MCBP will encourage grant funding for demonstration projects and investigate long-term funding through other programs (EQIP, SRF).

WQ 4.3 Summary Information

Actions Lead Agency Support Agencies Costs Start Action
5 MDA MDE, MCBP TBD year 3

GOAL 6 Improve Water Clarity By Reducing Sediment Inputs.

WQ 6.2 Challenge: Reduce Shoreline Erosion Rates

Solution: Encourage limited shoreline development and make soft shoreline protection methods the preferred approach in highly erodible areas.

Actions:

MDE, ACOE, DNR, OC, and WC will give preference to soft protection of the shoreline, promote use of alternative materials when bulkheads are needed, and provide incentives to re-establish native vegetative buffers (e.g., wetlands, riparian buffers, shore grasses) where they have been removed or lost. Additional guidance will be gleaned from DNR's "Shore Erosion Control Guidelines to Waterfront Property Owners" and MDE's shore erosion manual.

B. The County workgroup will propose recommendations from the Shore Erosion Task Force Plan that are appropriate for County application as well as recommendations of their own deemed applicable.

3. MCBP will begin program for restoration of shoreline marshes in degraded areas. 5. WC will discourage development activities in areas that are considered highly erosive.

WQ 6.2 Summary Information

Actions Lead Agency Support Agencies Costs Start Action
1B WC $10,000 year 3
3 MCBP $2,000 year 3
5 WC $20,000 year 3

GOAL 7 Decrease Inputs of Toxic Contaminants

WQ 7.1 Challenge: Reduce Runoff of Toxic Chemical

Solution: Increase the use of best management practices on commercial and residential properties as well as in state-run programs to control gypsy moths and mosquitos in order to reduce negative environmental and economic impacts.

Actions:

MCBP and UMCE will encourage all farms, golf courses, recreation areas, and community organizations to have integrated pest management plans (IPM) and will sponsor a demonstration site (golf course) and awards program for IPM.

MCBP will target cemeteries, parks, highway rights of way, and private homes for natural plantings (e.g. bayscapes).

WQ 7.1 Summary Information
Actions Lead Agency Support Agencies Costs Start Action
1 MCBP $10,000 year 3
2 MCBP $17,000 year 3

Fish & Wildlife

GOAL 1: Increase fish and shellfish species.

FW 1.7 Challenge: Improve Water Quality in Dead End Canals

Solution: Investigate options for environmental enhancement in dead-end canals.

Actions:

1. Retrofit all drainage into canals. Options include installing stormwater management facilities and devices (especially systems containing tiles or ditches) and other methods to slow storm water flow. Alternative bulkhead materials should be promoted.

Table FW 1.7 Summary Information

Action Lead Agency Support Agencies Costs Start Action
1 OC $250,000 year 3

FW 1.9 Challenge: Reduce Loss of Shoreline Habitat

Solution: Protect and enhance natural shoreline in order to preserve habitat for fish and other bay life.

Actions:

1. DNR and MDE will encourage use of alternative shoreline stabilization methods (e.g. non-structural), both for new and retrofitted shoreline stabilization applications; provide information and technical support to decision makers to ensure permit applications for new shoreline stabilization promote essential wildlife and fish habitat through alternative designs which favor the environment.
2. DNR will identify and encourage retrofits through incentives for existing structures that have deteriorated and promote the use of salt marsh, artificial habitat features (e.g. planter box, Spartina) or riprap where appropriate.
3. DNR will provide incentives for use of more environmentally sensitive practices.
4. WC will identify situations where sensitive habitats are not protected by the existing zoning and subdivision laws and consider implementing incentives for activities that protect these areas. For example, maintenance of allowable density on a parcel where a developer agrees to preserve a vegetated shoreline buffer that exceeds the legal requirement. The county may begin by reviewing the criteria and checklist accounting system developed by the American Planning Association.

6. WC will investigate the use of 'rolling easements' in other jurisdictions that are highly susceptible to sea level rise and investigate the feasibility of purchase of 'rolling easements' from tidal shoreline developers on a voluntary basis.

Table FW 1.9 Summary Information

Action Lead Agency Support Agencies Costs Start Action
1 DNR, MDE MCBP, ACOE, USFWS $45,000 (for #'s 1 & 2) year 3
2 DNR MDE add. funds to retrofit structures year 3
3 DNR *see above info under costs year 3
4 WC $10,000 year 3
6 WC LSLT, DNR $50,000 (WC) year 3

FW 2.2 Challenge: Conservation of Forests

Solution: Develop a comprehensive county forest conservation strategy to enhance forests and other critical habitats in order to protect water quality, wildlife populations and improve the stability of the forest products industry.

Actions:

4. WC will adjust forest mitigation rate fees to cover actual costs (at least 10 cents/ square foot) to encourage efficient and appropriate private mitigation.

7. WC will use the Forest Conservation fund that has accumulated to mitigate loss of forest to development.

Table FW 2.2 Summary Information

Action Lead Agency Support Agencies Costs Start Action
4 WC Worcester Forestry Board WER year 3
7 WC $15,000 year 3

FW 2.5 Challenge: Enhance Agricultural Habitats

Solution: Increase or enhance habitat on agricultural lands to protect wildlife and provide economic benefits to landowners.

Actions:

1. DNR will identify wildlife and plant species which may benefit from enhancements on agricultural lands.

Table FW 2.5 Summary Information

Action Lead Agency Support Agencies Costs Start Action
5 DNR NRCS WER year 3

FW 2.6 Challenge: Conversion and Use of Forested Land

Solution: Promote forest products industry by providing economic incentives and improving management strategies that decrease conversion of forest land to other land uses.

Actions:
1. WC and DNR will work with the Maryland Forestry Task Force to examine potential incentives to facilitate development or retention of selected forest types and/or selected management practices.

Table FW 2.6 Summary Information

Action Lead Agency Support Agencies Costs Start Action
1 DNR WC, MD Forestry Task Force WER years 1-3

RECREATION AND NAVIGATION

GOAL 4 Improve boating safety in the coastal bays.

RN 4.2 Challenge: Reduce conflicts between water-based activities and user groups

Solution: Identify and resolve recurring user conflicts and problem areas to improve boater safety and quality of recreational experience.

Actions:

2. MCBP will produce educational materials describing user conflict issues, areas to avoid, boating courtesy, and other targeted information to address existing problems. Educational media include fact sheets, newspaper articles, and television "infomercials" for local markets (e.g., hotel channels, public service channels).

3. DNR will encourage development of alternative fishing opportunities (offshore reefs, beneficial dredging) to reduce use of existing channels.

Table RN 4.2 Summary Information

Action Lead Agency Support Agencies Costs Start Action
2 MCBP $7,000 year 3
3 DNR WER year 3
RN 4.3 Challenge: Increase public awareness of boating rules and regulations

Solution: Enhance public awareness of boating rules and regulations to improve boating safety and protect natural resources.

Action:

3. MCBP will explore the potential for development of on-the-water boater

education programs by local businesses.

Table RN 4.3 Summary Information

Action Lead Agency Support Agencies Costs Start Action
3 MCBP WER year 3

RN 4.4 Challenge: Increase compliance with safe boating and resource protection rules

Solution: Develop additional law enforcement capability to protect sensitive resources and promote boating safety in the coastal bays.

Actions:

1. DNR will evaluate existing law enforcement capabilities, needs, problems, emphasis, and direction.
2. DNR will implement and MCBP will promote the "Bay Watch" program to enhance existing enforcement efforts.
3. DNR will identify and evaluate alternative methods of enhancing enforcement (e.g. troopers in residence, marina watch programs).
4. DNR and MCBP will develop local/state political support for additional funding for enforcement.
5. DNR and WC will conduct a study to determine how boat registration fees are distributed among counties and used. The study will examine how fees from locally derived activities could be used for boating enhancements and additional law enforcement in Ocean City and Worcester County.

Table RN 4.4 Summary Information

Action Lead Agency Support Agencies Costs Start Action
1 DNR MCBP, USCG WER year 3
2 MCBP DNR WER year 3
3 DNR MCBP WER year 3
4 DNR, MCBP WC, OC WER year 3
5 WC DNR, MCBP $20,000 (WC) year 3

GOAL 7 Implement sustainable management practices at harbors and marinas.

RN 7.1 Challenge: Reduce water pollution from marina operations and practices

Solution: Identify, evaluate, and improve best management practices and pollution control infrastructure and practices at harbors and marinas to improve water quality, pollution prevention efforts, and public education.

Action: 4. MCBP will investigate the status of alternative hull construction materials that reduce the need for anti-fouling treatment.

5. MCBP will investigate the benefits associated with use of alternative materials for bulkheading (e.g. vinyl).

11. MDE will evaluate the adequacy of existing regulations and enforcement capability pertaining to harbors and marinas to address point and nonpoint source pollution by:

1. Contacting responsible agencies (e.g., NRP and USCG) and local marinas to obtain status information about regulatory requirements and enforcement capabilities.
2. Reviewing marinas to evaluate compliance with permit requirements.
3. Researching, evaluating, and reporting on the adequacy of federal, state, and local permit/policy requirements for harbors and marinas.

RN 7.1 Summary Information

Action Lead Agency Support Agencies Costs Start Action
4 MCBP WER year 3
5 MCBP WER year 3
11 MDE WER year 3
11A MDE DNR-NRP, USCG, MCBP WER year 3
11B MDE WER year 3
11C MDE MCBP WER year 3

RN 7.2 Challenge: Reduce resource damage from oil and hazardous material spills

Solution: Evaluate existing pollution response capabilities including public vs. private responsibilities, availability of equipment and staff, and need for new policy and permit requirements.

Actions:

4. USCG and Mid-Atlantic Coastal Area Committee members will implement recommended changes.

RN 7.2 Summary Information

Action Lead Agency Support Agencies Costs Start Action
4 USCG MACAC WER year 3

COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

GOAL 1 Educate and inform the population so it can make knowledgeable decisions about what it wants for its community and future.

CE 1.1 Challenge: Increase Public Participation

Solution: Increase the community's understanding of growth impacts to increase involvement and foster informed decision-making.

Actions: 2. MCBP will determine stakeholders' current understanding of impacts to the bays and target public education by:

1. Creating an electronic Watershed Atlas;

C. Linking County public libraries to GIS.

5. OP will characterize the differences between expanded (i.e., growing bigger) and enhanced communities.

Table CE 1.1 Summary Information

Actions Lead Agency Support Agencies Costs Start Action
2A MCBP WER year 3
2C WC MCBP WER year 3
5 OP MCBP WER year 3

GOAL 2 Foster a community consensus on the desired future condition of the Maryland coastal bays region and a vision of how to promote the county as a vacation destination, farming region, resource protection area, and retirement community, while protecting and preserving the coastal bays.

CE 2.1 Challenge: Reduce Threat of Development to Cultural and Natural Resources

Solution: Promote the culture and character of the region by continuing to preserve, restore, and enhance wetlands, forests, and cultural resources and educating the public about available tools.

Actions:

2. WC and MCBP will identify important cultural areas and promote traditional ways of life by:

B. MCBP will educate developers and realtors about the information available from MHT regarding archaeological and cultural resources.

Table CE 2.1 Summary Information

Actions Lead Agency Support Agencies Costs Start Action
2B MCBP WC WER year 3

CE 2.3 Challenge: Enhance Natural Disaster Planning

Solution: Modify codes and policies within the county so communities are designed with safety features that protect them from coastal hazards and minimize economic loss.

Actions:

7. Local governments will cooperate in evaluating the adequacy of hurricane evacuation issues in local land use and infrastructure decision-making, and seek opportunities for improvement.

Table CE 2.3 Summary Information

Actions Lead Agency Support Agencies Costs Start Action
7 OC WC, Berlin

WER (OC)

$50,000

(WC)
year 3

CE 3.2 Challenge: Reduce Loss of Farmland

Solution: Retain strong agricultural zoning and foster other incentives to preserve farmland and forestland.

Actions:

7. WC will consider developing a strategic farmland assessment and plan for conservation.

Table CE 3.2 Summary Information

Actions Lead Agency Support Agencies Costs Start Action
7 WC WER year 3

CE 3.3 Challenge: Establish Sustainable Development Patterns

Solution: Enhance or strengthen a diversified and sustainable economic base by promoting ecotourism and eco-friendly businesses which will preserve and maintain natural resources.

Actions:

MCBP, WC, EPA, and DBED will identify and promote eco-friendly businesses and businesses with eco-friendly practices and encourage broader business participation.

D. WC, DBED, and EPA will develop incentives to promote eco-friendly business practices.

Table CE 3.3 Summary Information

Actions Lead Agency Support Agencies Costs Start Action
3D WC DBED, EPA WER year 3

CE 3.4 Challenge: Manage Groundwater Consumption

Solution: Promote water conservation.

Actions:

3. MCBP, WC, UMD Cooperative Extension Service and MDE will promote conservation of water:

B. MCBP, with assistance from WC, will develop an educational brochure to send with residential water bills;

5. MCBP will encourage hotel/motel industry to conserve water by:

B. Demonstrating retrofitting possibilities.

Identifying potential uses for old fixtures, e.g., artificial reefs, pavement substrate, flower planters.

Table CE 3.4 Summary Information

Actions Lead Agency Support Agencies Costs Start Action
3B MCBP WC, OC WER year 3
5B MCBP OC, EPA $500 year 3
5C MCBP WC, OC, EPA WER year 3

Goal 4 Enhance the level of sustainability in land use decision making.

CE 4.1 Challenge: Promote Planned Growth

Solution: Ensure growth is compatible with existing or planned services in order to maximize funding sources, while minimizing the local tax burden and impacts to natural resources.

Actions: 2. WC will promote development in designated growth areas as identified in the County comprehensive plan and promote development in priority funding areas to obtain State assistance.

Table CE 4.1 Summary Information

Actions Lead Agency Support Agencies Costs Start Action
2 WC OP $15,000 year 3