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The streams, creeks, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay are polluted by nutrients and sediments from a number of sources, but in Anne Arundel County which is largely suburban, the largest sources of sediment are open construction sites and eroding stream banks. The Federation works to address the former by monitoring construction sites and making sure that all of the appropriate sediment and erosion controls are in place and by working with State and County staff to ensure that law is enforced. The Federation also works with local landowners and other interested parties in undertaking restoration projects that keep water on the landscape, allowing it to infiltrate and take pressure off our streams and creeks, or in some cases, carrying out restorations of the damaged streams and wetlands themselves.
Aside from sediment, nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus run off into our rivers and the Bay from sources such as wastewater treatment plants, septic systems, fertilized yards, and pet waste. Each of us can take steps at our own home ranging from upgrading our septic system, to properly disposing of pet waste, and using soaps and detergents that don't contain phosphates.
Just what is a watershed? Maryland Department of Natural Resources has some great information on the Chesapeake Bay watershed, which includes the South River watershed.
The South River Watershed is the land area outlined in light blue. All of the water that falls onto this land drains into South River. All water not absorbed by porous surfaces or slowed and cleaned by rain gardens, rain barrels, marshes, etc, washes contaminants and sediments with it when it drains into South River.
Members and interested individuals are invited to attend our winter quarterly meeting. Riverkeeper Diana Muller will be presenting the 4th Annual South River Scorecard. Executive Director, Erik Michelsen, will be presenting on "legacy sediments" and the health of the River.
The South River Federation works closely with the regulatory agencies in the watershed (i.e. Anne Arundel County Department of Inspections and Permitting, MD Department of the Environment, and MD Department of Natural Resources) to keep sediment-laden water out of the river and to prevent inappropriate clearing within the Critical Area (within 1,000 feet of tidewater). If you are uncomfortable contacting the agencies below yourself, or you would like clarification on something you think may be a violation of the laws protecting the river, please contact the South Riverkeeper at the South River Federation office: 410-224-3802.
Our IM Rivers site provides a place where
you can access an interactive, map-based display of the river that includes not only data on each of the South River’s creeks but also detailed information on a number of other sites of interest throughout the watershed.
The streams, creeks, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay are polluted by nutrients and sediments from a number of sources, but in Anne Arundel County which is largely suburban, the largest sources of sediment are open construction sites and eroding stream banks. The Federation works to address the former by monitoring construction sites and making sure that all of the appropriate sediment and erosion controls are in place and by working with State and County staff to ensure that law is enforced. The Federation also works with local landowners and other interested parties in 
