Post Archives

The good news is that the lack of rain in recent days, means that most of the sites have low bacteria readings. The bad news is that there was a Fish Kill up near Goose Island in the upper river with several dozen fish reported killed. Some harmful to humans algae has been associated with fish kill, so we do not recommend swimming anywhere you see dead fish floating or washed up on the beach.

Readings taken on Monday, July 2nd showed the beach at South River Park continues to remain high somewhat uncharacteristically. Our problem children, Pine Whiff Outfall and the pre-restoration site at Crab Creek are also high. Everyone else had low bacteria readings. Please remember that it is not recommended to rain within 48 hours of a rain event of 1 inch or more.

Feces from geese and dogs, as well as leaky septic tanks are the top contributors to high bacteria results. The acceptable concentration of Enterococci bacteria for swimming and other direct water contact is less than 104 (cfu) colony forming units/100ml. Anne Arundel County has a 48 hour no swimming/recreational guidance of water ways after a rain event.

As always, wear protective footwear, don’t swim with an ear infection, ear drum perforation, immunodeficiency disorder or open wound.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July,

Jesse Iliff, South Riverkeeper
South River Federation, Edgewater, MD

View Treasurer’s Reports here.

March & April Board Meeting minutes found here.

March General Membership Meeting minutes found here.

Hillsmere Residents:

Admission to, or use of, the pool facilities will be granted to any Hillsmere property owner consistent with the expenditure of Special Community Benefit District funds for the maintenance, repair, and/or renovation of the pool facility.

The pool will be open to all Hillsmere property owners, regardless of pool membership status, on the last Tuesday of each month for the 2018 season:

Tuesday 6/26, 12PM-8PM

Tuesday 7/24, 12PM-8PM

Tuesday 8/28, 12PM-8PM

Hello!

Southdown Shores had high bacteria readings, on Wednesday, June 13th. Pine Whiff outfall and Crab Creek pre-restoration sites remain high despite the clear weather the last few days. All the other recreational sites had very low readings and the weather forecast looks good for this upcoming weekend.  Come swim and kayak with us at Mayo Beach this Sunday for South x West Rhode Fest . For more information, go to www.southriverfederation.net.

On Wednesday, June 13th, South River Federation staff collected water samples at the locations listed on the chart.  Feces from geese and dogs, as well as leaky septic tanks are the top contributors to high bacteria results. The acceptable concentration of Enterococci bacteria for swimming and other direct water contact is less than 104 (cfu) colony forming units/100ml.  Anne Arundel County has a 48 hour no swimming/recreational guidance of water ways after a rain event.  

Despite the torrential rains over the weekend, the sites had surprisingly low readings, except for Heritage Harbour, which had an uncharacteristically high reading at 140 cfu/100 ml. Pine Whiff remains high. Please be aware that it is forecasted to rain this weekend, which may flush more bacteria into the water.

On Wednesday, June 3rd, South River Federation staff collected water samples at the locations listed on the chart. Feces from geese and dogs, as well as leaky septic tanks are the top contributors to high bacteria results. The acceptable concentration of Enterococci bacteria for swimming and other direct water contact is less than 104 (cfu) colony forming units/100ml. Anne Arundel County has a 48 hour no swimming/recreational guidance of water ways after a rain event.

Have a safe and wonderful weekend,

Jesse Iliff, South Riverkeeper 
South River Federation, Edgewater, MD

From Jeff Popp @ The Terrapin Institute:

“Hillsmere Hatchling Update- they are ready for release! Join us at the marina on Friday June 1st and Saturday June 2nd at 10:30 AM to release the head-started terrapin hatchlings back to their beach. Students from Hillsmere Elementary and Key School who participated with The Terrapin Institute will also be there. It is sure to be a fun and rewarding experience. Hope to see you there! ?”

Hillsmere Residents –

Please note, Hillsmere will once again participate in the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Mosquito Control Program.  Regular surveillance and control of adult mosquitoes will take place from May 30 to October 2, anytime between 7:00 pm to 2:30 am. 

• Hillsmere’s assigned spray night is Monday.  Spraying will only ever occur on Mondays. 
• Spraying for adult mosquitoes will be performed only if a Maryland Department of Agriculture Employee determines it necessary. 
• Spraying will not be conducted during rain, in wind speeds exceeding 12 mph, or temperatures above 89 degrees F. 

Most residents support this program; however, if you prefer to opt-out of spraying at your property, you can elect to not participate. Please visit the MDA’s site for exemption forms and detailed information on the Mosquito Control program.

Before taking the boat out, or firing up the grill, please join us at the community beach as we remember and recognize the sacrifices made by members of all branches of the US military service. Coffee and donuts. All are welcome. 10AM