Join us Thursday, March 15, for a public program on funding sources such as the Bay Restoration Fund that may be available to address failing septic systems in the Port Tobacco River watershed. The program will feature speakers from the Charles County Office of Planning and Growth Management, the Town of La Plata, the Maryland Department of the Environment, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
The U.S. Geological Survey and the Port Tobacco River Conservancy conducted surface and groundwater studies several years ago, http://porttobaccoriver.org/about-the-port-tobacco-river/surface-and-ground-water-study/ Sampling and analysis of soil sediment cores, groundwater, pore water and surface water showed how septic contaminants in groundwater could move through soil layers, discharge to intermittent streams in ravines, and be transported to the Port Tobacco River. These contaminants included enterococci bacteria, nitrates, ammonium and organic wastewater compounds. Soil conditions in many areas are such that septic pumping and nitrogen removal retrofits are not long-term solutions. Many of these communities are not near sewer mains, so homeowners in those communities cannot take advantage of current programs to connect individual homes to existing sewers.
The program will take place on Thursday, March 15, from 6:30 to 9:00 pm at the Historic Port Tobacco Courthouse, 8430 Commerce St, Port Tobacco MD 20677. The program is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.