Environmental Site Design
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Implementing Environmental Site Design
The Maryland Stormwater Management Act of 2007 requires that Environmental Site Design (ESD), be implemented, to the maximum extent practicable, through the use of nonstructural best management practices and other site design techniques. Title 4, Subtitle 201.1(B) of the Act defines ESD as “…using small-scale stormwater management practices, nonstructural techniques, and better site planning to mimic natural hydrologic runoff characteristics and minimize the impact of land development on water resources.” Under this definition, ESD includes:
- Optimizing conservation of natural features (e.g., drainage patterns, soil, vegetation).
- Minimizing impervious surfaces (e.g., pavement, concrete channels, roofs).
- Slowing down runoff to maintain discharge timing and to increase infiltration and evapotranspiration.
- Using other nonstructural practices or innovative technologies approved by MDE.
On May 4, 2009, changes to COMAR 26.17.02 to implement the Maryland Stormwater Management Act of 2007 became effective. Charles County is working to provide MDE its revised stormwater ordinance, reflecting the changes in COMAR, by November 11, 2009 and complete final adoption of the regulations by May 4, 2010.
How to participate:
A public kick-off meeting was held on January 29, 2009 in the Charles County Commissioner Meeting Room. To view the slide show from this meeting click here.
Three public meetings to discuss the draft documents and receive comments and feedback are being held as follows:
- June 24, 2009, 7-9 p.m. at the La Plata Town Hall
- July 15, 2009, 7-9 p.m. at the Indian Head Village Green Pavilion
- July 30, 2009, 7-9 p.m. at the Charles County Commissioners Meeting Room
To view the slide show from these meetings click here.
View Draft Documents:
Public adoption process:
The revised documents will be scheduled for briefings to the Charles County Planning Commission and the Charles County Commissioners and then for County Commissioner Public Hearing.
Contacts:
Robert Harrington
Stormwater Management Engineer
Charles County Codes, Permits and Inspections Services
harringr@charlescounty.org
301-645-0617
Karen Wiggen
Planner
Charles County Planning Division
wiggenk@charlescounty.org
301-645-0683
For more information regarding Maryland’s Stormwater Management Act of 2007, visit the Maryland Department of the Environment’s web site.