Environmental plan aims to transform waterways and boost ecosystems

In a recent government meeting, key discussions centered around environmental initiatives aimed at improving water quality and ecosystem health in local waterways. Douglas Selmer proposed a project to convert mudflats into flooded wetlands starting at Back River Bridal. This initiative aims to create a series of wetlands designed to filter pollutants and trash from Herring Run and Stemmers Run, incorporating an automated trash collection system.

Additionally, Selmer emphasized the importance of taking core samples from Back River to assess sediment for potential disposal at Hardin Miller Island. He outlined plans for dredging various local waterways, including Soo Creek, Back River, Muddy Gut, Hog Pen Creek, and Bear Creek. The goal of this dredging is to deepen channels to facilitate boat traffic while minimizing sediment disturbance. Furthermore, a wetland is proposed at the Back River disposal plant to capture pollutants and sediment during rain events, addressing current inadequacies in the headworks' sediment capture capabilities.

Henry Hutton also contributed to the discussion, advocating for the dredging of Sioux Creek to reduce turbidity, which is essential for enhancing water quality and supporting healthy populations of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAB) and overall ecosystem resilience.

The meeting concluded with a note from the Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability, which indicated that local dredging could be part of a community benefits agreement, potentially expanding recreational activities in the area. These discussions highlight a concerted effort to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices within the community.