Anne Arundel County's efforts to clean up its act and watershed have recently earned some well-deserved recognition. In a nod to their innovative environmental work, the County Engineers Association of Maryland (CEAM) bestowed the Mid-Sized Project of the Year award on the Department of Public Works, Bureau of Watershed Protection and Restoration (BWPR) for their Najoles Road Pond and Restoration Project, as reported by the county's press release.
Located in Millersville, it was a non-functioning stormwater pond by the east side of Najoles Road that used to silhouette the post office with its ineffective presence. It previously contributed to severe erosion by shooting high-velocity runoff into the neighboring stream. On the west side of the road, a once-nameless tributary to Severn Run stood depleted. Now, the pond and the 1,800 linear feet of tributary have been retrofitted and restored, respectively, to set a new standard for stormwater management.
The project's accolades were no small feat, considering the scope and the profound impact of the work completed. According to the county's official announcement, Karen Henry, Director of the DPW, highlighted the importance of such recognitions, stating, "Awards like these honor and recognize the skill, vision, and expertise of our staff." The project is expected to vastly improve the water quality of the Severn River and the Chesapeake Bay through a significant reduction in nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment.
Funded in part by a grant from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the total cost of the design and construction of the project ran to $3.5 million. Restored to act as a natural system, the tributary and pond should be inherently self-sustaining, demanding little upkeep, with the County having forged an agreement to allow for necessary maintenance and inspections by staff and agents.
