Cleaning up the Sassafras River with Natural Treatment Wetlands

The Sassafras River, in Kent and Cecil Counties, flows directly to the Chesapeake Bay. The Sassafras River is stressed by excesses of suspended sediment and nutrients. Sediment erodes from developed and areas without vegetative cover. Excess nutrients come from sources including agricultural runoff. These nutrients cause blooms of algae and excessive aquatic plants which absorb oxygen and block sunlight in the water column.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) deemed efforts necessary to improve water quality in the Sassafras River, protecting the river ecosystem and the health of the Chesapeake downstream.

Wetlands naturally filter excess sediments and nutrients from water flows. Restoring and creating treatment wetlands can provide these benefits and target them to areas with high nutrient outflows, such as agricultural operations.

Ridge to Reefs participated in developing the new nutrient load limits for the Sassafras River, as well as efforts to design and monitor treatment wetlands. Improving the design of treatment wetlands helps maximize the benefits of future treatment efforts. Reducing sediment and nutrient loads lowers stress on the watershed and promotes greater ecosystem health and function. These include providing habitat for important fish and invertebrate species, safe clean water, and improved public health.