The geographic focus of the Maryland strategy is state-wide, given the rapid growth forecast to occur across the State. In 2007, the State legislature passed the landmark Stormwater Management Act (also known as HB 786) to require widespread use of Environmental Site Design practices at new and redevelopment sites. The Act directed the State to develop new stormwater regulations, revise the 2000 MDE stormwater design manual, and craft a model ordinance to require localities to review their zoning and development codes to promote greater use of ESD. A consortium of more than 40 environmental groups drafted 13 core principles to guide the implementation of the Act, which are summarized below:
- Increase Onsite Runoff Reduction Volumes
- Require an Unified Early ESD Map
- Establish Nutrient- Based Stormwater Loading Criteria
- Apply ESD Techniques to Redevelopment
- Integrate ESC and Stormwater Together at Construction Sites
- Provide Adequate Financing to Implement the Act and Reward Early Adopters
- Develop an ESD Ordinance that Changes Local Codes and Culture
- Strengthen Design Standards for ESD and Stormwater Practices
- Ensure All ESD Practices can be Adequately Maintained
- Devise an Enforceable Design Process For ESD
- Establish Turbidity Standards for Construction Sites
- Craft Special Criteria for Sensitive and Impaired Waters of the State
- Implement ESD Training, Certification and Enforcement
Maryland still needs to make greater progress in utilizing the municipal, industrial and construction stormwater permit system to increase compliance. Expanded efforts are needed to improve permit accountability in each permit program, including program reviews, compliance inspections and linking local program performance to water quality standards in Phase I permit renewals.
