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List of State Officials - Robert Ehrlich, Governor; Michael Steele, Lt. Governor; Robert Summers, MDE Secretary 

Volume 1, Number 4

August 2005

eMDE is a monthly publication of the Maryland Department of the Environment. It covers articles on current environmental issues and events in the state. Additional monthly features include: MDE public meetings and hearings schedule, enforcement and compliance notes, and permitting activity. 

Watershed Study Will Assess Deer Creek’s Usage, Availability

By Matt Pajerowski

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MDE is partnering with the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) to help determine the amount of ground and surface water available to users. To assess how much of Deer Creek in the southern Pennsylvania and northern Maryland watershed is available, SRBC will assign a qualified contractor to evaluate its availability.

“MDE’s role in providing guidance, data and methodology resources to this project shows our commitment to the public in maintaining safe and sustainable water levels for our state now, and for future generations,” said MDE Secretary Kendl P. Philbrick, who is also the SRBC Chairman.

"Sustainable water resource assessments help communities plan for the future," said Paul Swartz, SRBC executive director. “Watershed assessments like this one are important because they determine the amount of water that is available for water users, including agriculture, public water suppliers and various businesses and industries.” The watershed study involves a professional assessment and evaluation of the anticipated water demand projected 10 to 25 years into the future. The qualified contractor will then also help develop a list of stakeholders. Findings from this interstate effort will guide regulatory and planning decisions affecting the Deer Creek Watershed, in cooperation with the State of Maryland and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The selected contractor will focus their review on the following:

  • Inventory and assess key water resources of the Deer Creek Watershed
  • Establish a sustainable yield from the watershed
  • Describe and inventory current water uses
  • Project demands for different use sectors
  • Evaluate potential issues and problems related to future water availability

For more information about the request for proposal, project and study details, scope of work and expected deliverables, please visit SRBC’s home page at http://www.srbc.net and click on "Deer Creek Watershed Availability Study" in the lower right corner.

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©2005 Copyright MDE

 
Editorial Board
Maryland Department of the Environment
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http://mde.maryland.gov/
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