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University of Maryland scientists report mostly improved oxygen and modest algae levels in Calvert County tidal creeks in 2024
Summary
Researchers from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science presented 2024 water-quality monitoring results June 3 showing generally higher bottom-water dissolved oxygen in many tidal creeks, modest chlorophyll a levels and localized concerns such as an uptick in algae in Parker's Creek.
Scientists from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science’s Chesapeake Biological Laboratory presented results June 3 from Calvert County’s 2024 tidal-creek water quality monitoring program, a county-funded partnership running in Solomon’s Harbor and other tributaries since 1987 (Solomon’s Harbor) and 2009 (additional creeks).
Researchers Jeremy Testa and Laura Harris summarized summer and spring 2024 monitoring of temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), water clarity (Secchi depth), and chlorophyll a. The presentation also included coliform and non-cholera Vibrio data compiled from state and county records.
Key points presented: - Solomon’s Harbor: 2024 was ‘‘one of the better years’’ for bottom-water DO (presenters noted it was the fourth-best year on record for DO) with algae and bloom indicators near long-term averages. Much year-to-year variation is driven by precipitation patterns and freshwater flow. - Other creeks: Most Patuxent- and Chesapeake-side creeks measured had bottom-water DO concentrations at or above long-term averages for 2024. Parker’s Creek showed elevated chlorophyll a in 2024 and a statistical signal of an increasing trend that researchers said warrants continued monitoring. - Public-health metrics: County data showed no reported non-cholera Vibrio cases in Calvert County for 2024; statewide numbers were preliminary and appeared higher in the preliminary data cited.
Researchers emphasized the role of precipitation and freshwater flow in driving year-to-year variability and noted that dry years can show improved oxygen because of reduced nutrient runoff and reduced stratification. They also described ongoing work to refine models and watershed-level analyses: a higher-resolution Patuxent estuary model is in development, and a Maryland Sea Grant-funded project will analyze nutrient sources and prioritize local interventions at the watershed scale.
Presenters recommended continued investment in the monitoring program, targeted watershed analyses (including evaluation of septic systems and sewer alternatives), support for local education programs, and exploring how flood-mitigation actions intersect with water-quality restoration. Commissioners asked questions about salinity effects, road-salt signals, impacts of sewage/septic, and next steps for costed engineering analyses. Researchers said some data gaps remain and that the county’s newly updated septic GIS and planned tracer/nutrient sampling this summer will help evaluate septic contributions.
The presentation cost to the Department of Planning and Zoning was listed in the meeting packet as $17,659.50 from its contracted services account under contract 22020093. Commissioners and staff discussed use of volunteer monitoring groups and the value of the long-term dataset for tracking responsiveness to restoration efforts.
No formal vote was required; the board received the presentation and directed staff to consider the findings. Research partners encouraged continued collaboration to translate monitoring and modeling results into targeted local actions.
