35th Year for OPERATION CLEARWATER, SUMMER 2009

(This page is posted as a printable PDF file here)

When your association joins, or rejoins, OPERATION CLEARWATER this year, we will provide regular monitoring of the microbial water quality at your waterfront recreational area.  This program was recognized as excellent in 2003 by the local Sierra Club chapter.  Again this year we will monitor fecal enterococci, bacteria that are better indicators than fecal coliforms of contamination of swimming and recreational waters by fecal wastes of mammals and birds.  Further information about monitoring enterococci is at severnriver.org, click Operation Clearwater link, for the page of Dr. Sally Hornor, AACC Professor of Microbiology and SRA member, e-mail  clearwater@severnriver.org 

Samples will be collected on Wednesdays between 0700 and 1200 from land at your waterfront facilities by either Sally or one of her students.  If the analysis detects enterococci counts greater than 105/100 ml, Sally or her assistant will email your Operation Clearwater representative on Thursday afternoon so you can adjust your waterfront usage accordingly.  For a nominal cost per user/day, you may provide an early warning for your members and their children. 

Each week, data will be posted on the web at severnriver.org.  If your representative would like an email alert when counts are posted, please provide the email address in the form below.  There are two testing schedules:

  1. A fourteen-week weekly schedule, costing $378, May 20 through August 19; and
  2. a seven-week bimonthly schedule, costing $189, May 20 through Aug. 19.

These prices are based on $27/sample, which just covers the cost of testing.  Send the application below by mail by May 5, 2009.  Your prompt action will benefit your community.  Please Do It Now!

OPERATION CLEARWATER APPLICATION, 2009

Community__________________________ Designated Rep __________________________

Mail Address _________________________Rep’s Phone ____________________________

____________________________________ Rep’s Email _____________________________

Please let us know the exact location (using ADC map grids to locate) to sample and be sure that there are no locked gates.  If a gate must be locked, please provide a key or code.  Testing schedule desired:  14 weeks, $378 ______; 7 weeks, $189 _______.  Mail completed application, with check made payable to AACC Environmental Center, by May 5, 2008 to Sally Hornor, AACC Environmental Center, 101 College Parkway, Arnold MD 21012.  Questions?  Contact Sally at clearwater@severnriver.org or at 410 777 2842. 

Updated April 2009