INTRODUCTION The Severn River Commission (SRC) was established in 1985 by Resolutions of the County Council of Anne Arundel County, Maryland, and the Annapolis City Council, and extended indefinitely in 1989. The Severn River Watershed, by definition the specific waterway of the Severn and the land which drains into it, has been specified for the purposes of the Commission to include the area from the headwaters to a line from Sandy Point to Tolly Point. The Severn River Commission, designated to “provide counsel and advice to Anne Arundel County, the City of Annapolis, and the State of Maryland on environmental and other matters within the Severn River Watershed,” focuses on study of and recommendations on policies, rules and regulations to protect the Severn River and its watershed, including comments on relevant existing State, County and City procedures. The required biennial reports, submitted to the Anne Arundel County Council and the Annapolis City Council, outline the activities and accomplishments of the Commission for 2001 and 2002. COMMISSION ACTIVITIES In its role as advisory body to State, County and City activities, the Severn River Commission has been involved in legislative, policy and regulatory procedures concerning critical and decisive issues affecting the well-being of the Severn River, its watershed and residents. As outlined in the Commission’s by-laws, the considerations in “environmental matters shall include but not be limited to natural resources, water and air quality, groundwater, noise, energy sources, wildlife, and other natural aspects of the environment, and the relationship of health to ambient environmental quality.” AGENDA 2001 – 2002 SRC Retreat At the June 2002 meeting, the Commission held a retreat to set SRC goals for the next two years. The retreat format used successfully in March 2000, was used in June to identify current Commission priorities. The retreat was facilitated by Jody Vollmar, a staff member from the Office of Planning & Zoning, Long Range Planning. After reviewing the numerous issues the Commission had addressed over the last few years, the Commission members selected five issues of concern and interest as priorities. They are: - Severn River Watershed Management Master Plan implementation
- Subdivision and zoning regulations
- Jabez
- Annapolis/Weems Creek
- Shoreline hardening
Severn River Watershed Management Master Plan (SRWMMP) During 2001 and 2002, the Severn River Watershed Management Master Plan (SRWMMP) remained the Commission's highest priority. The Commission was invited to participate in the contractor selection process. Its members attended scheduled meetings between the County and the contractor, and was briefed three times on the status of the ongoing project. On August 2001, project consultants from KCI Technologies and Ch2M Hill presented an overview of the current status of the SRWMMP study, a perspective where the study was going and a time frame for completion of the study. Of special importance were the components of the watershed management tool which would facilitate land use and infrastructure decisions by County staff and stakeholders to protect the natural resources of the Severn River watershed. Once created, the tool would be integrated into future county-wide watershed studies. With the Commission’s recommendations, the County and consultants agreed to include sensitive areas in the final report and to do a detailed analysis of the Jabez Branch. On October 2001, the County staff and SRWMMP study consultants updated the Commission on the progress of the study. With Phase I near completion, copies of the Phase II Scope of Work were distributed for comment. Discussion centered on progression of the study in a priority fashion. Of particular concern for the Commission was that legislative recommendations be included in the final report. In October 2002, staff from the Department of Public Works (DPW), consultant from KCI and model analyst Mary Searing provided an update on the SRWMMP and an overview of the entire study from Phase I through Phase III. The Commission also participated in meetings with the stakeholders (SRC being a stakeholder) and has reviewed and commented on the contractor’s Phase I report and the Phase II proposal. In order to see how the SRWMMP Geographic Information System (GIS) tool might be used, SRC members visited the County’s Department of Public Works for a demonstration of the GIS tool used by DPW for water and sewer planning and analysis. The demonstration was extremely helpful in visualizing the ultimate Watershed Management Tool. Furthermore, on May 2001, Caroline Gaulke from DPW modeling & Geographic Information Section and Ron Bowen also from DPW spoke to the Commission on the versatility of the electronic GIS tool to be developed for the SRWMMP. One of the more unique deliverables would be the GIS tool’s capability to be utilized on desktops by staff.The Commission came to understand that the tool will allow all of the known environmental conditions that exist within the Severn River watershed to be modeled and would demonstrate what the various conditions would be with land use changes. Such a tool would enhance planners’ abilities to make informed decisions on where and how to direct growth in the County. The SRC wrote letters to the County Executive expressing support to continue funding the study and creation of the desktop tool which would ultimately benefit the entire county. Policy and Regulations At the request of the Commission, Denis Canavan, Planning & Zoning Officer and Ginger Ellis, Environmental Planning Administrator for P&Z spoke to the Commission in June 2001 on the reorganization of PACE, the SRWMMP and the implementation of the GIS tool. Possibilities were raised at that time how the Commission could have a more productive interaction with Planning & Zoning in terms of environmental issues. Subsequently, a letter was written by the Commission requesting that the Land Use and Environmental Officer: - Include the Commission in the County’s legislative review process before the public comment period, and
- The Commission be notified of major subdivisions during the conceptual stages of planning prior to public notification.
Subsequently on November 2002, Bob Walker, Land Use and Environment Officer, addressed the Commission informing that instructions will be given to staff to: - Brief the Commission on proposed major projects within the Severn River watershed as the County becomes aware of them; and
- The Commission be made aware of administrative legislation that either affects the watershed directly or the County generally, as that legislation begins to move through the approval process within the County government.
Stormwater Managment In January 2001, Stewart Comstock of Maryland Department of the Environment and one of the primary authors of the new Maryland Stormwater Management Program addressed the Commission with an overview of the requirements of the new regulations. On March 2001, the Commission received a comprehensive briefing by Merril Plait, Chief Engineer Planning & Zoning’s Development Division, on the process and details of the County Stormwater Management Ordinance update. While the update was driven by the State’s revision of its Stormwater Management laws, the County could impose stricter requirements for environmentally sensitive areas. The Commission subsequently sent a letter to Mr. Plait requesting that the revised Stormwater Ordinance address the requirement for higher standards for the Jabez Branch watershed. The Jabez Branch was recognized with the inclusion of the following words in the Ordinance: Jabez Branch is the only stream system in Anne Arundel County capable of supporting a cold water fisheries at this time. Because of this unique resource Anne Arundel County will develop a watershed management plan to address the protection of the resource. In June 2001, SRC members attended the County Council hearing on the stormwater management regulations and spoke in favor of the bill. Critical Area Legislation The Commission was requested to participate in the Critical Area Workgroup composed of people appointed by members of Council (one from each Council district) and one each from Severn River and the South County Environmental Commissions. Its purpose was to deliver a recommendation to the County Executive for the next four-year program update. Items that were addressed in the 2000 Critical Area Update included buffer exemption areas for industrial, commercial and multi-family uses; growth allocation; native planting and shore erosion. The Commission reviewed the recommendations with a positive vote. In April 2001, Ren Serey, Executive Director of the Critical Area Commission, spoke to the Commission regarding a bill before the General Assembly which would weaken the standards for approving variances. No action was taken by the Commission. Jabez Branch Of the many issues that have engaged the SRC over the years, none has consistently interested its members more than issues affecting the Jabez Branch. Three items in particular involved active participation the past two years. A. The Commission was requested to act as advisor to the Odenton Small Area Planning Committee (OSAPC) on matters affecting the Jabez Branch. Two recommendations were adopted by the OSAPC as a result of the Commission’s involvement. - The Jabez Branch be specifically recognized for its uniqueness as a Class II Stream, and
- That an Environmental Overlay District be established for the Jabez Branch watershed.
B. The Commission was instrumental in bringing together the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Division with the County subdivision review department, the owner/developer, and the engineer in the review process for Holladay Park which is planned directly on the reproducing arm of the Left and Right Forks of the Jabez. Site visits by the SRC, DNR, Maryland Environmental Trust, and Anne Arundel County resulted in recommendations made by DNR on how best to handle stormwater runoff. The review process is still ongoing. C. Commission representatives met with the State Highway Administration (SHA) and DNR officials to discuss approximately 70 acres of excess SHA land in the Jabez watershed east of Burns Crossing Road and south of Route 32. SRC is interested to have the land preserved through an easement or some other mechanism. Discussions are continuing how best to protect the land. Annapolis Two Commission members were on the City of Annapolis’ Environmental Transition Team for the new Mayor. Among the team’s goals were: (1) to develop individual restoration packages for each of the four creeks and watersheds in Annapolis; and (2) to investigate grant funding opportunities. The Commission prepared a letter of support for the brownfields grant proposal request. The final report of the transition team was presented to the Commission and opportunities were discussed for the SRC to work with the City. These opportunities are taken as they present themselves. The Commission is represented on the City’s Interdisciplinary Team (a workgroup consisting of representatives from City DPW, P&Z, Parks and Recreation, Annapolis Environmental Committee, environmental staff members and a consultant). Commission representatives jointly met with AACo. DPW and City staff to discuss Weems/Cowhide Branch mitigation and joint venture projects. In September 2001, Frank Biba of the City of Annapolis Planning and Zoning Department spoke to the Commission on how the City addresses environmental issues. Concerns were expressed by the Commission about the City’s lack of involvement with the SRWMMP despite that the City is in the Severn River watershed. The lack of funds to finance their portion of the study was the obstacle. Weems Creek Watershed Weems Creek has the distinction of being located half in the City and half in the County. Numerous activities in the Weems Creek watershed include ongoing sedimentation problems, the crossing of Cowhide Branch at Hospital Drive, the seeding of an oyster bar project between DNR and the Oyster Recovery Partnership, and a recent grant from SHA to do a watershed study. Several federal, state, and local agencies are involved with the projects in the watershed and the possibilities of available resources to carry out the projects. Because Weems Creek is the only specific part of the Severn that is mentioned in the Commission’s Charter, the Commission has historically given attention to activities in the Creek. Current efforts to enhance Weems Creek will be a model for the other creeks. Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) - 2000 Agreement The SRC was requested to comment on the CBP’s Draft 2000 Agreement. A considerable amount of review time was dedicated by all non-paid volunteer Commission members especially on the topics of land use and water quality. A letter was written to the CBP with a number of recommendations, two of which were: (a) the broad goals outlined in the draft document should be broken down by jurisdiction in order to be able to measure each jurisdiction’s achieved results, and (b) efforts be made to periodically assess the Bay’s eco-system to see whether the efforts made are meeting the restoration goals. The final Agreement incorporated elements of both (a) and (b). Living Shoreline Initiatives (LSI) The SRC continues to be concerned with the rate tidal areas are being “hardened” with bulkheads or rip-rap. The Commission expressed support and is participating with the LSI sponsored by local conservation groups in cooperation with Anne Arundel County Tributary Strategy Teams. The intent of the LSI is to raise the consciousness of waterfront property owners and government concerning responsible shoreline erosion control planning. Route 3 Task Force In March 2001, the State Highway Administration (SHA) created a task force of community representatives and SHA experts to participate in Project Planning Studies for MD Route 3. The Commission requested representation on the task force, as work on the northern terminus would occur within the sensitive Jabez watershed. A Commission representative was included on the task force and the Commission has been an active participant at scheduled meetings. In December 2001, Chris Weber, Project Manager for the Route 3 task force briefed the Commission on the Route 3 Study. The sensitivity of the Jabez Branch and past negative impacts of previous road construction along the Jabez were emphasized by the Commission. Bog Legislation The Commission reviewed and commented on proposed Bog legislation. Deep Ditch, Gum Bottom, and Sullivan’s Cove are the bogs located in the Severn River watershed. The Commission recommended minor changes to the Bog legislation and spoke before the County Council in support of the legislation. Odenton Town Center (OTC) The Commission continues to have concerns regarding the potential impact on non-tidal wetlands of the proposed Odenton Town Center (OTC). In November 2001, the Commission was briefed by County staff and the consultant for OTC on the master plan that was developed for the Town Center. The proposed development for the 220-acre parcel included the County and two developers as joint applicants for State permits. As proposed, eight of the 55 non-tidal acres would be destroyed, infiltration patterns would be changed and extensive imperious surfaces would be created. While the Commission is not unalterably opposed to the project, it continues to be concerned with the proposal as presented. A letter was written to the County Executive outlining the Commission’s concerns among which is the observation that the SRWMMP and the GIS tool would not be finished soon enough to provide insight into the effects of the Town Center on the non-tidal wetlands lost. Also the Commission recommended that the entire 220 acres be analyzed as a single entity rather than consider individually the impacts of each of the multiple parcels. The Commission remains concerned that this will result in “piecemeal” development, which could more seriously impact the wetlands. Subsequent to the initial presentation of the plan to the SRC, the County withdrew from the wetlands permit application for the Town Center. Impact Fees At the request of the County Executive a Commission member served on the Blue Ribbon Committee to study impact fees in Anne Arundel County. This member reported back to the Commission and the following is a summary of that activity. The SRC sent a letter to the County Executive requesting that the County consider the need to create a stormwater management impact fee. After reviewing the information presented to the Impact Fee Committee, the SRC voted to support the independent consultant’s recommendations to raise impact fees across the board. (The SRC vote was a dissenting vote on the Committee.) The SRC provided the rationale behind this decision in oral testimony before the Anne Arundel County Council. SRC Website As a new avenue for public outreach, the Commission has developed a website that describes the Severn River, its natural resources and history, its environmental problems, and the role of the Commission. The website, which premiered in August 2001, is hosted by Anne Arundel County, and includes meeting minutes and biennial reports. Maryland Diamond-Back Terrapin Task Force A Commission representative participated in the Maryland Diamond-back Terrapin Task Force. The Task Force recommendations were given to the Secretary of DNR and the Governor. Since the Governor has not released comments about the recommendations, the report is not available for public distribution. Therefore, the Commission made no comment. Stewardship Initiative (SI) The Chair or a Commission representative has been invited by Planning & Zoning to participate in the Stewardship Initiative (SI) initiated by the County approximately two years ago. On September 2002, Ginger Ellis, P&Z and Ron Bowen, DPW, updated the Commission on the Initiative and its mission, that being, “To enhance our quality of life while balancing the needs for a healthy natural environment with the needs for a sustainable economy.” Also, for the County to be more sensitive to citizens and communities. The Commission continues to participate at meetings. Copper Loading While researching metal discharge levels into Picture Spring Branch (tributary to Severn Run), the Commission discovered that MDE’s records showed International Paper Company was discharging on the average 40 pounds of Total Copper annually while the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recorded an average discharge of 40,000 pounds annually. The SRC questioned the inconsistencies. It was determined that EPA had erroneously substituted micrograms with milligrams in their calculations which resulted in skewed results of 1,000 fold increase in discharge levels. EPA corrected its mistake. Parole Town Center The Chair was invited by the County to participate in the Parole Growth Management Plan Committee (PGM) charged with drafting revisions to the 1994 PGMA plan. Aside from attending regularly scheduled meetings, the Chair in partnership with former SRC member John Flood, drafted the environmental section of the report. Guest Speakers January 2002 - Sandra Parks-Trusz, Executive Director of the Severn River Land Trust (SRLT), spoke about the Trust’s activities during 2001. February 2002 - The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Service staff gave a detailed presentation on the results of their 2001-2002 finfish survey and ecosystem management in the Severn River. Being a multi-year project, the Service will provide updates upon request annually to the Commission. September 2002 - Jim Johnson and Ginger Ellis of Planning & Zoning spoke on issues of forest conservation, reforestation and shoreline hardening.
Severn River Commission Appointed Members Lina Vlavianos, Chairman (1987 - Present)
Robert C. Smith, Vice Chairman (1989 - January 31, 2003)
Grover Bussey (replaced Robert W. Biddle, February, 2002)
Charlotte Lubbert (replaced Pierre Henkart, February, 2002)
Sally G. Horner (replaced John R. Flood 2/1/00)
Steve Linhard (replaced Jay Schwarz 7/10/00)
Evan Belaga (replaced Jim Martin, August, 2001)
Glenn Gardner (replaced Noelle Richmond, February, 2001)
Jane Sinclair (February 1997 - Present) Ex Officio Members Cathleen Vitale, Anne Arundel County Council
Michael Fox, Alderman, Annapolis City Council (replaced Joe Sachs, May, 2002)
Virginia P. Clagett, Maryland House of Delegates Anne Arundel County Liaison and Staff Betty Dixon, AACo. Land Use and Environment Office
Brenda Weeks, Office of Planning and Zoning | 
