Targeted aerial spraying to continue in Back River after promising midge control results

MIDDLE RIVER, MD—County Executive Johnny Olszewski on Tuesday announced that the level of nuisance midges in upper Back River declined significantly last summer thanks to an aerial spraying effort conducted by Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability (DEPS) with financial support from the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA). “We are committed to ensuring those who visit, live and […]

Sewage overflow prompts temporary closure to shellfish harvesting of portion of Chesapeake Bay

BALTIMORE, MD—As a precaution due to a sewage overflow, the Maryland Department of the Environment on Thursday issued an order temporarily closing a small portion of the Chesapeake Bay to shellfish harvesting. About 10,400 acres of the bay directly off of Baltimore City and Baltimore and Anne Arundel counties is being temporarily reclassified to restrict shellfish harvesting in the area. […]

Water Quality Advisory issued for part of Back River

TOWSON, MD—The Baltimore County Department of Health has issued a water quality advisory for tidal Back River in the vicinity of Cox Park. Recent sampling in that area indicates high levels of bacteria that could prove harmful with direct contact. “In response to recent public health concerns around water quality in sections of Back River, County Executive Johnny Olszewski directed […]

Baltimore County conducts enhanced bacterial monitoring, provides update on Back River

TOWSON, MD—In response to recent public health concerns about water quality in sections of Back River, County Executive Johnny Olszewski has directed Baltimore County’s environmental health specialists and natural resource specialists to coordinate enhanced bacterial monitoring of Back River in the areas adjacent to and downstream from Baltimore City’s Back River Wastewater Treatment plant. In addition to routine seasonal sampling […]

HEALTH ALERT: Residents advised to avoid contact with water in Back River

BALTIMORE, MD—Due to contaminants in Back River that can cause illness, the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Maryland Department of Health on Friday issued an alert advising residents to avoid contact with the water. The advisory contains the following recommendations: Avoid contact with Back River water Do not drink stream water Do not swim or wade in the […]

Olszewski announces remediation of nuisance midges in Back River

NOTTINGHAM, MD—County Executive Johnny Olszewski on Monday announced a joint effort with the Maryland Department of Agriculture to reduce the nuisance midge population on Back River. From early April through the fall of 2022, the Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability (DEPS) will conduct aerial midge suppression treatments on a 1200-acre section of upper Back River. “We are […]

Maryland Department of the Environment issues statement after solid material seen floating in Back River [VIDEO]

UPDATE: A Health Alert has been issued advising residents to avoid contact with the water in the Back River. Original story below… —— ESSEX, MD—The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a statement indicating that it has has begun to take steps toward improving operations at the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant after solid materials were spotted floating in […]