Attendees : Jack Anderson (BMC), Liz Atwood (Baltimore Sun), Valerie Brennan, (GVC), Bill Bridgeland (BioTrek Naturalists), Charlie Conklin (GVC), Anneke Davis (MCC), Lou Ensor (BCFB), Randy Kerhin (DNR), George McCeney, (GS-GCC), Richard Ortt (DNR), Jo Owen (WPC), Rebecca Pitt (SOS), Pat Pudelkewicz (HCP&Z), Don Outen (DEPRM), Bill Stack (BCDPW), Steve Stewart (DEPRM), Rob Northrop, (DNR), Jim Dieter (MDE), William Smith Jr. (MDE), Jeff Wolinski (TU), Victoria Woodward (PRPA)

The purpose of the meeting was to learn about: (1) the preliminary stream water quality monitoring results; (2) The preliminary results of the reservoir bathymetry and coring investigations; (3) The status of the modeling efforts; and (4) The clearinghouse/conference project.

Steve Stewart (DEPRM) gave an informed forty-five minute presentation that updated the attendees on the progress of the countyís water quality monitoring in the Gunpowder Watershed. Steve described his methodology in detail while stressing the importance of understanding that his results were preliminary, requiring further analysis, comparison to other monitoring results and continued monitoring through the second year of the study. Specific results dealing with base flow and storm events, showing levels of fecal coliform and orthophosphorous were distributed.

The monitoring results covered a period from June 97 to April 98.

Randy Kerhin, assisted by Richard Ortt (MGS/DNR), gave an interesting analysis of the sedimentation in Loch Raven Reservoir. The main focus of the presentation was on the study objectives which were: (1) to establish a baseline surface; (2) to determine reservoir capacity; (3) to determine sedimentation rates; and (4) to compare results with previous studies. Specific techniques used were bathymetric surveying, seismic recordings and sediment corings. Further analysis of this data and completion of Prettyboy Reservoir will be performed to achieve the study objectives. A handout explaining the investigation specifics was distributed.

The computer modeling, specifically with respect to agriculture, was discussed. A draft report showing the agricultural inputs to the model was distributed to those interested attendees. The need for a more detailed presentation on the modeling project was identified and will be included in the next meeting.

The Small Watershed Grant Project involving the clearinghouse and the conference was discussed. Bill Smith, an intern working with MDE and a graduate student at Towson University, is working on the development of a Gunpowder Watershed web-site. (see information at the end of these minutes). Regarding the conference, a meeting of key watershed groups is being planned to be scheduled within the next two or three weeks. The purpose of this meeting, which will be facilitated, will be to identify conference objectives and participants. (NOTE: The conference planning meeting has been scheduled for August 19, 1998, 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM, to include a light dinner. Those organizations that have indicated a willingness to participate in this meeting will receive more specific details - agenda, thoughts to bring to the meeting, etc. The meeting will be facilitated by Elysabeth Bonar-Bouton of DNR assisted by Fran Flanigan of ACB)

Unfinished business items from the previous meeting were discussed:

1. Inclusion of historic and natural/living resources - The inclusion of living resources will be the subject of a special meeting with MDE/DNR/TU et al. (Elysabeth Bonar-Bouton to arrange). Historical resources will be a future project.

2. Watershed presentation - slides of water treatment plant were made available by Bill Stack.

3. Student involvement - Baltimore County Public Schools Science Dept has been invited and agreed to participate. A meeting is planned for the latter part of July.

4. Alternative means of outreach - A bus tour is being planned by the Sr. Box Ofc., Baltimore Co. Dept of Aging, as a first step. Community associations will be included in the conference.

Next Steps Identified in the Meeting:

· More education on modeling effort, inputs/ scenarios. (Rich)

· Schedule and conduct a conference planning meeting of key stakeholder groups (Charlie)

· Convene a meeting to include the living resource component in the project (Elysabeth B-B)

· Continue construction of the Gunpowder Clearinghouse/Web-Site (Bill).

· Develop a list of the community, environmental, educational organizations in the watershed as potential attendees at the conference. (Bill/Charlie)

· Next meeting of the Public Involvement Team ---NOVEMBER 11, 1998

Note 1: Those interested in viewing new and previously released meeting minutes, and those who would like to check on the continuing progress of the Gunpowder Web-Site can access both by going to the following URL ñ http://www.mde.state.md.us/gunpowder/ and press "return."

Those with suggestions can e-mail Bill (wjsmith@mde.state.md.us) . Your input is appreciated.

Note 2: Those PIT team members unable to attend the meeting can obtain handouts by contacting Bill Smith @ MDE (410-631-3602)

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