Riverkeeper helps major nutrient source clean up its act

A team up between the Patuxent Riverkeeper and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has produced major gains for the Patuxent. For well over a decade the largest single source of industrial nutrient pollution on the Little Patuxent has been the MD, DC Virginia Dairy Producer’s Coop. This facility located in Howard County had a history of effluent and other violations. This longstanding violator of State discharge permits was indentified through a "sweep" of compliance records maintained by the Maryland Department of the Environment. The plant operators blamed weather (freezing temperature) and problems at the plant. Patuxent Riverkeeper launched a campaign of vigorous advocacy by the Riverkeeper supported by the legal staff at "NRDC" which included dialogue with the violator, meetings with permitting officials and Patuxent Riverkeeper issuing a request for a public hearing.

In response to persistent challenges by the citizens groups the Dairy plant has cemented a deal with Howard County authorities to discharge into the County’s wastewater treatment facility instead of into the river. This pact completed in December alleviates a major nutrient sources reflected on State records as the largest single nutrient source on the tributary. Patuxent Riverkeeper wishes to commend the State regulatory agency, the Dairy Producers and the Natural Resources Defense Counsel for their assistance creating a positive outcome for the river and for the environment.