About

The Stormwater Management (SWM) Division is involved in a variety of community projects and outreach efforts that promote clean water strategies in the county. Some of these efforts are described below.

In this color photo, people gather around an informational booth at GreenFest.

Recent Community Outreach Meetings for Projects Under Design

Select Capital Projects Currently in Construction Phase

Whole Watershed Act - Project Notification Table

Table is Under Construction

Project Name Project Purpose Joint Permit Application Date Joint Permit Application Joint Permit Number* 60% Community Outreach Meeting Date & Location*
           
           
           
           

* Joint Permit Number and 60% Community Outreach meeting information will be added when it is available.

Maryland Department of the Environment Whole Watershed Act and Permitting Webpage

 

Community Outreach Opportunities

Howard County encourages residents to care for their property in an environmentally friendly way. We encourage proper lawn fertilization and herbicide / pesticide application techniques, use of native plants for landscaping and replacement of lawn areas, and maintenance of stream buffers.

Doo Your Duty

Did you know? Dog waste can contain multiple harmful pathogens and 1 gram can contain up to 23 million fecal bacteria. According to the EPA, pet waste is as toxic to the environment as an oil spill. Howard County Law states owners are responsible for immediately removing pet defecation when off their own property. Violators may be issued civil citation penalties of $25-$500. Protect Howard County parks, trails, AND waterways. 

Learn more and sign the pledge to "doo your duty"! Visit the Patapsco Heritage Greenway website. 

Landscaping with Rain Barrels and Rain Gardens

Rain barrels are a great tool to reduce stormwater pollution and conserve treated tap water. The Bureau of Environmental Services and the Howard County Master Gardeners have partnered together to provide free rain barrel workshops and giveaways to Howard County residents. 

In this color photo, a white 50-gallon rain barrel stands next to a tan building's downspout.

Gardening with storm water in mind will reduce rain runoff and keep pollutants from entering our streams and the Chesapeake Bay. Watch the video below to learn how you can use storm water in rain gardens, rain barrels and other environmental projects. As a Howard County resident, you can make a big impact on stormwater pollution by increasing the amount of pervious surface that absorbs stormwater runoff on your property. 

Leaves & Grass Clippings

Do not dump leaves, grass clippings or other landscaping waste into a storm drain inlet or a stream.

This is bad for water quality and is considered an illicit discharge and a violation of County Code. Discarding landscape waste into a storm drain inlet can clog pipes and lead to flooding (even in your own yard). The decaying process of yard trim can also lead to depleted oxygen levels in our stream and water bodies.

In this color photo, a green metal rake rakes brown leaves over green grass.

GreenFest

Howard County’s Annual GreenFest in April features many commercial and non-profit vendors with information about how to live a more ecologically sound lifestyle. Vendors and exhibitors bring information about green products, ecological home cleaning and lawn care, alternative energy, water conservation and reuse, and tips for greening your everyday activities.

In this color photo at GreenFest 2019, attendees visit vendors in a conference room.

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