Restoration Projects Restoration Projects
Restoration Projects
The MS4 permit requires permittees to implement projects that reduce the amount of pollution carried by stormwater runoff to the Chesapeake Bay. All the states in the Chesapeake Bay watershed have similar programs aimed at reducing pollution in order to meet the Chesapeake Bay total maximum daily load (TMDL). A TMDL is the maximum amount of pollutants that a body of water can receive to still be considered healthy.
Permittees can select from a wide range of project types to accomplish their restoration requirements. These are described in the MDE 2021 MS4 Accounting Guidance. Two common types of restoration projects are stormwater best management practices (BMP) and stream restoration.
Best Management Practices (BMP's)
Stormwater BMPs are depressions in the ground that capture and filter pollutants from stormwater runoff before it travels through natural waterways. Examples of BMP's include bioswales, micro-bioretention's, rain gardens, dry/wet ponds, and infiltration trenches.
Stream Restoration
Stream restoration is the process of repairing degraded stream channels, banks, and floodplains to improve water quality, restore natural hydrology, and enhance habitat for aquatic and riparian species. Degraded streams often exhibit signs such as unstable banks, excessive sediment, poor water quality, and loss of habitat. Restoration efforts use natural materials such as rocks, logs, and native vegetation to stabilize eroded banks, reduce hydraulic pressure, and provide a more resilient habitat.
Other types of projects permittees can use for credits towards the restoration requirement include tree plantings, street sweeping, and impervious area removal. So far, Smithsburg has made progress towards its restoration requirement through native tree plantings.
Beaver Creek Stream Restoration
A stream restoration at this location is currently under design.
The purpose of the project is to improve overall stream health by stabilizing eroding streambanks and establishing a healthy, functional floodplain. The proposed design realigns the stream away from severely eroding banks and nearby infrastructure and excavates a new floodplain area that will safely convey water during large storm events. This floodplain will help dissipate shear stress and stream power, reducing future erosion along the restored channel. The newly graded floodplain will be planted with native trees and vegetation, providing long‑term stabilization and a designated area for floodwaters during major storms.
Native Tree Plantings
With the help of community volunteers, 36 native trees were planted in Veterans Park and Lions Park in 2023! Some of the native trees planted include Willow Oaks, Sweetgum, and Eastern Redbuds. Big thanks to our Parks Commission and the support the Mayor and Council provides for opportunities like these. If you are curious to see the locations of the trees planted in Lions Park, check out this interactive map created by Anna Twigg!
Lions Community Park Tree Map
2025 Updates: 24 additional trees were planted in Veterans Park! This was accomplished with the help of the MD Department of Natural Resources, Parks Commission members, Boy Scouts of America Troops 14 and 108, Cub Scout Pack 14, and the St. James Outdoor Club.
Stay tuned for more exciting restoration projects in the community!
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