Potomac Health Grade Lowered to 'D'
In 2010, the health of the Potomac River dropped from a 'C' to a 'D', according to a joint study by NOAA and the University of Maryland
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If rivers went to school, the Potomac would be a step away from flunking out.
The river fell from a 'C' to a 'D' in overall health, according to a report released by EcoCheck, a partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and University of Maryland's Center for Environmental Science.
"This region had the second largest decline of all [Chesapeake] regions, from a 45% in 2009 to a 34% in 2010," the EcoCheck report said. "Four of the six indicators dropped in score."
The study looked at six factors, comprised of both water quality and biotic indicators.
The poor report card comes at a time when politicians around the country seek to cut costs across the board. In Virginia's case, funding for the Potomac River basin could suffer as early as this fiscal year.
Gov. Bob McDonnell proposed an amendment in this year's General Assembly session to cut $150,000 in funding to the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin, according to the Washington Times.
Established over 70 years ago, the commission unites the District, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania with the federal government in order to care for the Potomac River and its tributaries. Its annual budget is $2.5 million, and local jurisdictions contribute about $450,000, the Washington Times reported.
Del. Scott Surovell (D-Mount Vernon) shared his thoughts on his The Dixie Pig blog.
"Sooner or later we need to get serious about controlling water pollution or the Potomac River will continue to suffer," Surovell wrote.
According to Surovell, while the entire Potomac River basin probably takes in one-third of the General Assembly, the 44th district actually borders the Potomac River. Therefore, it is on "the receiving end of everyone else," he said.
Kim
8:27 pm on Thursday, August 18, 2011
I've seen much worse than in in your photo. After high tide you can literally walk on the trash left behind as tide goes out at Belle Haven Park. Plastic, fishing line, pieces and parts of stuff ... you name it. The wildlife in the area survives despite all the car and foot traffic, jets, boats and everything else. It's a slice of heaven. We are destroying it.
Andrea Jeanmenne Huston
9:06 am on Sunday, August 21, 2011
Mount Vernon! It's time for all of us to take a look at what we can do to reverse this trend. To clean up and maintain the river is everyone's responsibility. Every time we drive by the river and enjoy its picturesque view, or walk or bike the GW parkway, or see an egret or heron or eagle in flight, we should remember that the river belongs to us, and the responsibility of protecting it from harm must also belong to us.