The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) educates and improves public awareness about the importance of stormwater management for reducing pollution entering Maryland waters. See the information below about ways you can help reduce or prevent pollution entering local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay.
Proper Erosion and Sediment Control
Erosion occurs when soil, also known as ‘sediment’, is removed by water or wind and then settles somewhere new. When erosion occurs, the eroded soil can pollute nearby streams and the Chesapeake Bay. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) offers a
Responsible Personnel Certification Course to individuals interested in learning about Maryland’s erosion and sediment control program and how it protects local water resources and the Chesapeake Bay. You can help reduce sediment pollution to the Bay by better understanding best practices for erosion and sediment control and by reporting violations to your local city or county government or to
MDE.
Proper Disposal of Vehicle Fluids
Used motor oil, diesel fuel, kerosene, transmission fluid and hydraulic oil can be properly disposed for FREE at locations across Maryland. These substances contain toxins that can harm humans and the environment..
Storm Drain Stenciling
Storm drains often lead directly to our local waters and the Chesapeake Bay without any further treatment or filtering. Writing "Drains Directly to Local Stream and the Bay" on storm drains in your area can remind or inform neighbors of this fact. Check with your local city or county government for prior authorization and any applicable laws, ordinance or other restrictions for your area before performing any storm drain stenciling or writing/painting on storm drains you do not personally own.
Photo from USDA webpage:
Stormwater Stenciling : USDA ARS
Stop Roadside Dumping!
Dumping waste or other materials along the side of the road is illegal and harmful to the environment. It can lead to hazardous conditions for Maryland commuters. It also results in avoidable clean-up costs for Maryland taxpayers and unattractive roadways. See links below for more information and how you can report illegal dumping along SHA roadways.
Proper Litter and Trash Disposal
Litter collection along SHA roadways costs millions of Maryland taxpayer dollars each year. This money would otherwise be spent by SHA to provide even better services to Maryland residents and commuters, such as roadway improvements and cleaner water draining to the Chesapeake Bay. Please cover materials when transporting them in open-air vehicles (e.g., truck beds, trailers) and cover your trash and recycling containers to reduce the amount of trash that ends up in local streams and the Bay each year. The SHA
Sponsor-A-Highway and
Adopt-A-Highway programs are a great way for community members and businesses to contribute if they want to take a more active role in reducing trash in the Bay.
Decrease Vehicle Idling
The term ‘idling’ refers to leaving a vehicle engine running while not moving and typically occurs in public places such as schools, malls, restaurants and other places where people congregate. In Maryland, there are ‘anti-idling’ laws that regulate time limits for idling vehicles. The MDE prohibits passenger vehicles from idling for more than five consecutive minutes and commercial vehicles are not allowed to idle for more than 30 minutes in any 60-minute period. These time limits are enforced by environmental agencies, police and public reporting to promote better air quality and protect public health. Violating these limits can result in fines and penalties for drivers and vehicle owners.
Utilize Alternative Modes of Transportation
Using alternative modes of transportation reduces fuel consumption, air pollution and traffic. To support more regular use of alternative modes of transportation, SHA encourages alternate work schedules and carpooling for employees and establishes High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes and park-and-ride facilities along major roadways. SHA also observes and promotes National Bike to Work Day, National Bike to School Week, and International Walk to School Day to encourage use of alternative modes of transportation and reduce the impacts to Maryland air and water quality from pollution commonly associated with motor vehicles.
Car Care and Washing
Performing regular car maintenance, including tune-ups, oil changes, air filter maintenance and proper tire inflation, reduces gas consumption and pollutes less. Car washing can waste water and negatively impact the quality of water going to the Chesapeake Bay but you can reduce these impacts if you follow the best practices detailed in the link below.
Proper Pet Waste Disposal
Pet waste contains bacteria and parasites that can harm humans and the environment. During storms, pet waste washes into storm drains and ends up in streams, in waterways and on public beaches, even leading to beach closures in some cases. By picking up after your pet, you can improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay and local waterways.
Bay Restoration Documents and Reports
Learn more about efforts to reduce pollution in the Chesapeake Bay.