MAD ABOUT
MUD

The Facts (updated 04/21/2025)

  • The Problem

    The Problem

    Ridgely’s Reserve, a construction site in Harford County, MD, is responsible for excessive sediment runoff that is negatively impacting the Bird and Gunpowder Rivers.

  • Custom Additions icon

    Failed Inspections

    This site, owned by D.R. Horton, a Texas-based developer, has failed over 100 Maryland Department of the Environment inspections.

  • Failure rate

    Inspection Failure Rate

    This 200+ acre development in Harford County, MD, has been out of compliance with Maryland Law over 91% of the time.

  • Muddy Bird River

    Loss of Aquatic Vegetation

    We’ve suffered a devastating loss of over 87% of the Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) at the mouth of Fosters Branch.

Gunpowder River Volunteer

Ready to Help?

It takes many voices and many perspectives to enact change. Email our team at oliverbeachwater@gmail.com to learn how you can help! Whether it’s posting on Facebook, calling local government officials, taking water samples, there’s something for everyone.

Meetings:
First Monday of the Month

Location varies between Harewood’s Community Center, Oliver Beach’s Hall, and virtual.

Our Supporters

  • Bird River Watershed Restoration Campaign

    Bird River Restoration Campaign

  • Harewood Park Community League Ecological Team

    Harewood Park Community League Ecological Team

  • Joppa Development & Heritage Corp

    Joppa Development & Heritage Corp

  • Oliver Beach Improvement Association

    Oliver Beach Improvement Association

  • Essex Middle River Civic Council

    Essex Middle River Civic Council

  • Gunpowder Riverkeeper

    Gunpowder Riverkeeper

What Residents Are Saying…

  • "The mud in the [Gunpowder] river has become so bad I have to clean my soft crab table multiple times a day. My boat is being stained by the water and there's no more grass in the river. Just look at a satellite photo of the Gunpowder vs. Middle River or the Bush. There are obvious mud swirls."

    Brandon - Oliver Beach, Waterman

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