How to protect our drinking water during a snowstorm, staff adventures in the field, a ferry tale, and more, in this week’s Potomac News Reservoir – Jan. 4, 2024 > > >

The mixed blessing of snow

Snow is in the forecast. When you work in water resources in the Potomac River watershed, snow is a double-edged sword.

On one hand, slowly melting snow refills our depleted groundwater, which is especially important after our dry 2023.

On the other hand, salt added to roads and sidewalks will run into our waterways, putting our drinking water, aquatic life, and infrastructure at risk. Our long history of winter salt use has increased the chloride levels in the Potomac River by 10-fold over the past 80 years.

Public safety is always the number one priority. However, using smart winter salting practices will ensure safety and reduce the amount of salt that ends up in our waterways.

Here’s what you can do:

❄️ Shovel First

🧂 Use Less Salt

🧹 After the storm, sweep it up and reuse it next time!

Let’s reduce our winter salt use to protect our drinking water, fish, and infrastructure! MWCOG has more tips and tricks for being Winter Salt Smart. #saltsmart

A celebration of field work

In 2023, ICPRB staff accomplished a variety of field activities, including monitoring for microplastics in Washington, D.C., tracking underground streams in the Cacapon River, and tagging and tracking fish in the North Branch Potomac. Stay tuned in 2024 for the results of these studies!

Find more photos of staff adventures on our Facebook page > > >

Two ways to join our team

• Water Resources Spring/Summer Internships (closes January 12)
• Habitat and Living Resources Data Manager (closes January 10)

Resolution of Appreciation

After three decades of service to the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin, Robert “Bob” Bolle is retiring as General Counsel. We would like to thank him for his wise counsel through so many years.

At the December 15, 2023 business meeting, ICPRB Commissioners voted to honor Mr. Bolle with the following Resolution of Appreciation.

Resolution of Appreciation for Service of Robert L. Bolle

Let it be known, Robert L. Bolle held a distinguished legal career, including service as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the Georgetown University Law Center and as the Attorney-Advisor in the office of Legislative Counsel at the United States Department of the Treasury.

Whereas  Mr. Bolle served as General Counsel to the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin from April 1, 1992 through October 25, 2023; and

Whereas  Mr. Bolle, during his tenure, served as the Acting Executive Director in 1999; and

Whereas  Mr. Bolle brought to the Commission his skills as a knowledgeable, legal practitioner; and

Whereas  Mr. Bolle ensured the Commission stayed within proper and permissible legal boundaries; and

Whereas  Mr. Bolle instituted the parental leave allowance for the benefit of all Commission staff; and

Whereas  Mr. Bolle was an early and enthusiastic supporter of the Commission joining the Interstate Council on Water Policy where it continues to be a leading member; and

Whereas  Mr. Bolle promulgated and guided the passing of the 1996 Jennings Randolph Lake Project Compact, allowing for interstate management of Jenning Randolph Reservoir; and

Whereas  Mr. Bolle shared his passion for protecting and preserving the Potomac River and its related resources through sound legal advice, now therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that at its business meeting on December 15, 2023, the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin honors and commends Robert “Bob” Bolle for his outstanding service and expresses its appreciation for his many contributions to the success of the Commission.

Signed

Michael Nardolilli, Executive Director

Susan K. Weaver, Chairperson

We have extended the deadline to apply for our Habitat and Living Resources Data Manager position.  Applications are due January 10, 2024.

We are seeking an organized and motivated individual with strong attention to detail to serve as the Habitat and Living Resources Data Manager alongside ICPRB’s Water Quality Data Manager. This position will be offsite at the Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) offices in Annapolis, MD with occasional travel to ICPRB headquarters in Rockville, MD. The Habitat and Living Resources Data Manager is responsible for maintaining, designing, and building relational databases for the CBP, verifying and assuring data quality, and facilitating data analysis efforts of the CBP. Examples of datasets you will work with include plankton, benthic macroinvertebrates, fish, and wildlife.

Get more information and see how to apply on our Jobs page >>>

ICPRB internships and webinars in 2024, building metaphorical bridges, fishing news from the District, and more, in this week’s Potomac News Reservoir – December 14, 2023 >>>

The River Report – December rain is already above average, but is it enough?

Recent rain brought us 0.5 inches above our typical amount for this time in December. We are still a significant 7.2 inches below average for the past 12 months.

River levels are increasing. The flow is still below the 50th percentile. With fingers crossed it will stay above our drought monitoring threshold through the holidays.

On Monday, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality expanded the number of counties under drought watch advisory to 64, up from 55 a couple weeks earlier.

According to the recent U.S. Drought Monitor report, 89% of the basin is experiencing drought conditions. On the positive side, the area in “Severe Drought” has decreased since the previous report.

Some areas, but not all, are downgrading from mandatory to voluntary water restrictions. This jurisdiction-specific approach is sometimes due to the state of their water source or a planning document agreement.

WEBINAR: Agricultural Impacts on Water Quality and Funding Opportunities to Mitigate Those Impacts

Join ICPRB at noon on January 19 for our first webinar of 2024!

The webinar focuses on agricultural impacts on water quality in the Potomac basin and funding opportunities to mitigate these effects. Olivia Devereux, M.S. of Devereux Consulting will share water quality impacts from agriculture in the Potomac basin. Mark Masters and Annica McGuirk of the the National Association of Conservation Districts will share regional funding sources for agricultural practices. Pam Kenel of Loudoun Water will be moderating.

We are hiring for summer internship positions

ICPRB has openings for two interns for the spring and summer semesters of 2024. These are paid, part-time, temporary positions with flexible working hours. Applications are encouraged from any undergraduate juniors or seniors majoring in a relevant environmental science or engineering field and graduate students majoring in environmental science, environmental engineering, water resources or a related field. Applications are due by January 12, 2024.

Click here to learn more about the positions > > >

Do you fish in D.C. Waters?

The District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) will be publishing a weekly fishing report starting in the new year. They are on the look out for anglers who would like provide information about fishing conditions in the District. If interested, please contact Dillon Waters at DOEE. Additionally, you can submit fishing photos from the District to fishandwildlife.photos@dc.gov. A link to signup to receive the newsletter will be included in the Potomac News Reservoir as soon as it is available.