NOAA and co-Trustees restoring resources damaged from a 2000 oil spill at Chalk Point in Maryland have released a Draft Amendment to the 2002 Restoration Plan for public comment.

The draft amendment proposes a new project to replace two others which weren’t implemented after extensive consultation with local communities and government partners. The project involves construction of a boardwalk and pier at the Jefferson Patterson Park on the Patuxent River.

Along with impacts to habitat, fish, shellfish, birds and reptiles, the spill reduced the ability for the public to access the River for swimming, boating, fishing and other uses. To compensate for the lost recreational use as a result of the spill, the co-Trustees constructed several projects, including two new paddle-in campsites and improvements to boat launches and fishing piers.

The Jefferson Patterson Park boardwalk and pier will help wrap up the co-Trustees’ work by adding additional areas for the public to access and enjoy natural resources on the Patuxent River.

Co-Trustees on the Chalk Point oil spill case include NOAA, the U.S. Department of Interior, and Maryland’s Departments of Environment and Natural Resources.

The Draft Amendment can be viewed in person at the NOAA Restoration Center Offices at 177 Admiral Cochrane Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401, and the Calvert County Library in Prince Frederick, Maryland.

Please submit public comments on the proposed Draft Amendment via:

• U.S. Mail: Rich Takacs, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – National Marine Fisheries Service, 177 Admiral Cochrane Drive, Annapolis, Maryland 21401
• Email: rich.takacs@noaa.gov

Public comment will be accepted through November 23, 2018.