Information on Severn Conditions
Boating on the Severn
Sewage pump-out stations for boat holding tanks
Boating rules and their enforcement
Annapolis City Dock: Harbormaster (410) 263-7973 or HarborMaster@ci.annapolis.md.us
Fishing and Crabbing
Fishing and crabbing from shore is available to the public at Sandy Point State Park on the Chesapeake, or at Jonas Green State Park on the tidal Severn.
The latter park features a fishing pier composed of part of the old Route 2 bridge. Severn Run Natural Environmental Area has fishing for rainbow trout along its banks, but no amenities.
Information for Residents
The Critical Area Law restricts development within 1000 feet of tidewater in order to protect Chesapeake water quality, and provides for a natural buffer zone within 100 feet of tidewater.
Issues with piers, etc: MD Dept of the Environment, (410) 631-8075
The Anne Arundel County Health Department and Operation Clearwater monitor fecal bacterial levels in local waters in the summertime.
Living Shoreline Video Introduction to the importance of a living shoreline
Reporting Environmental Problems
The Department of Inspections and Permits is one of the most important local agencies in permitting, monitoring, and enforcing construction activities in the Severn watershed. Following are a few direct links:
Request for Investigation Form Report potential violations
Compliance Case Database View Building, Grading and Sediment Control, and Zoning Enforcement code compliance cases.
Monthly Litigation Report Report of court proceedings related to I&P
Issued Permits Search by date range for issued permits
Critical Area Activities Describes the Critical Area and details regulated activities.
Concerned citizens are the eyes and ears of government agencies responsible for enforcing environmental laws. The following agencies should be contacted when violations of these laws are suspected:
Erosion and sediment control problems (e.g., running muddy water): AA County Environmental Hotline: (410) 222-7777
Violations of Critical Areas Ordinance (e.g., cutting trees within 100 feet of tidewater): (410) 222-7777
Stormwater management device problems (e.g., clogged stormdrains): AA County Dept of Public Works, (410) 222-7045
Hazardous materials or oil spills: MD Dept of the Environment, (410) 333-2959; nights and weekends, (410) 974-3551
Water pollution violations: MD Dept of the Environment, (410) 631-3409; nights and weekends, (410) 974-3551
Air pollution violations: MD Dept of the Environment, (410) 631-3215; nights and weekends, (410) 243-8700
Fish kills, sick fish, or fish with skin lesions: MD Dept of Natural Resources fish health hotline, 1 (888) 584-3110
Algae blooms: MD Dept of Natural Resources, (410) 260-8630
Public sewer leaks/overflows: MD Dept of the Environment, (410) 631-3632; nights and weekends, (410) 243-8700
Local Government
Government Agencies
Environmental Organizations