Brashears Run tributary in Takoma Park was again the conduit for pollution to Sligo. After being alerted to the tributary's discoloration by section Steward Marty Ittner, Montgomery County inspector John Kershner traced the source to Park Ritchie Apartments on Maple Ave. The building's management was sawing concrete on its deck as well as draining their pool for the spring season. Both pool water and the concrete shavings are believed to be draining directly into the storm water system that feeds Brashears. Kershner told Southern Management's Ryan Ridge to stop. Ittner also informed Daryl Braithwaite in Takoma Park's Public Works department of the problem. Ms. Braithwaite promised to follow up with the City's code inspector.
Although happy with the quick outcome, Marty expressed her desire for more education for pool owners and apartment management companies. "We'd like to take a preemptive approach rather than a reactive one. The best outcome is keeping our creek clean from the outset."
On April 3, 2009, Marty Ittner received the following in an e-mail from John Kershner of Maryland Department of Environment (MDE):
Incidentally, I don't recall whether or not I told you that we
fined Southern Management Corporation $1,000 for the swimming pool
discharge that occurred on Friday, March 13, 2009.
Brashears Run tributary in Takoma Park was again the conduit for pollution to Sligo. After being alerted to the tributary's discoloration by section Steward Marty Ittner, Montgomery County inspector John Kershner traced the source to Park Ritchie Apartments on Maple Ave. The building's management was sawing concrete on its deck as well as draining their pool for the spring season. Both pool water and the concrete shavings are believed to be draining directly into the storm water system that feeds Brashears. Kershner told Southern Management's Ryan Ridge to stop. Ittner also informed Daryl Braithwaite in Takoma Park's Public Works department of the problem. Ms. Braithwaite promised to follow up with the City's code inspector.