Cold Water Preservation in Maryland

The issue of protecting the cold water streams and rivers that hold aquatic life that feed the fish and support their habitat continues in Maryland. Public comments were accepted (thanks to all wrote to MD Dept. of the Environment) and a Public Hearing was held in early December. Under consideration was an existing use change designation for the North Branch of the Potomac in Allegany County.

The recording and presentation slides for the MDE public hearing held on Monday December 2, 2024 for the proposed North Branch Potomac River (Allegany County) existing use determination are now available on the Department’s Existing Use Determinations webpage.

The links are also provided below for your convenience.

Link to YouTube public hearing recording
Link to public hearing presentation slides

Our contact for all information on this issue is Melinda Cutler. Please feel free to contact her if you have any questions.

Melinda Cutler (she/her)
Water Quality Standards and Analysis Division
Water and Science Administration
Maryland Department of the Environment
1800 Washington Boulevard
Baltimore, Maryland 21230
melinda.cutler@maryland.gov
410-537-3958 (O)