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Maryland has 8,789 miles of streams, 77,965 acres of lakes and reservoirs, and 2,522.4 square miles of estuarine waters including tidal rivers and streams, according to the 2000 Maryland 305(b) Water Quality Report. Assuring that public health and the environment are protected and that Marylanders have clean water access requires careful management that can only take place with proper stakeholder involvement.
The Maryland State Water Quality Advisory Committee (SWQAC) is a multi-disciplinary group working to provide guidance in managing water quality issues throughout Maryland. This question and answer session with Frank Wise and Victoria Woodward, the SWQAC chair and former chair, provides an overall summary of the Committee and its functions.
Can you tell us about SWQAC and its purpose and goals?
SWQAC is Maryland's federally mandated public participation group, required as a condition of federal funding through the Clean Water Act. The primary purpose of the Committee is to provide a formal structure for water regulatory agencies to base decisions on input from the communities and stakeholders they serve. The Committee’s composition and structure ensures that our activities represent the perspectives of the multiple and divergent interests of all represented groups. All of our decisions are reached through consensus.
The emphasis of our work has statewide significance directed at issues in areas such as point and non-point source pollution, land use and growth management, preservation and conservation of the state's water resources, review of proposed regulations and planning documents, such as water and sewer plans, and the ongoing planning process.
What is the role of SWQAC in its relationship with MDE?
SWQAC studies existing and proposed water quality programs and activities that have statewide water quality significance. The committee plays an advisory role to the Secretaries of the Maryland Departments of the Environment (MDE) and Natural Resources (DNR) on a broad array of water quality issues that may affect the protection and improvement of water quality.
As part of this partnership, SWQAC establishes and maintains an open dialog with public officials on statewide water quality issues, during which SWQAC’s members receive routine updates on MDE activities. This partnership provides an opportunity for a constructive discussion between various stakeholders. This allows MDE to educate members of the broader community about specific policies and gain acceptance for them in their jurisdictions. Throughout the years, MDE has been a valuable partner, and we greatly appreciate the time that MDE's Water Management Administration staff has dedicated to assist SWQAC.
Who are the members of SWQAC and how can one become a member?
SWQAC’s 32 members serve a three-year term. We are comprised of representatives of the broader community including: private citizens, public interest (primarily non-profit groups), economic interests (representing the private industry with an interest in water quality), public officials, and two members of the Maryland General Assembly (one from the House and one from the Senate). Each member is allowed to select one individual as their alternate to represent them in their absence. In addition, the Water Management Administration provides an administrative staff support to the Committee.
At the moment, SWQAC is actively recruiting members. Individuals interested in being considered for membership should fill out and submit an application available on SWQAC’s website (www.marylandwaterquality.org/). Ideal candidates possess a passion for active involvement in water quality issues, an interest in participating in subcommittees and workgroups (which is where the bulk of our work takes place), and must keep a broad statewide perspective when working on specific issues.
Do you have to be a member to attend SWQAC’s meetings?
No, SWQAC’s general meetings and subcommittee meetings are open to the public. The general meetings are scheduled for the first Friday of every even numbered month and usually take place at the Maryland Department of the Environment’s headquarters in Baltimore. Subcommittee and workgroup meetings are held on an as-needed basis.
What types of issues have you been working on?
Recently, SWQAC is formulating advisory positions on such matters as:
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DNR’s proposal for the leasing of rights to water on and under state property
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Enhancing the outreach, notification, and advisory components of public bathing beach programs
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Participating as non-appointed members of the Governor’s Advisory Committee on the Protection and Management of Water Resources
Click here for more information about SWQAC.
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