Tom's Creek Watershed Assessment

-Submitted by Jeffrey Simmons, PhD
Associate Professor of Environmental Science
Mount St. Mary's University

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A Mount St. Mary's University researcher is assessing the health of Tom's Creek and its tributaries. Dr. Jeffrey Simmons, Associate Professor of Environmental Science, will be monitoring the water quality at several locations within Tom's Creek watershed during 2008. The main objective of this project is to determine the main sources of phosphorus and sediment pollution in Tom’s Creek Watershed, according to Dr. Simmons. "In addition, my students and I will be raising the awareness of local children through hands-on educational programs and presentations at two local elementary schools," said Dr. Simmons.

Tim Rosen, an MSMU student, measuring stream pH

Very little information is currently available on the chemistry of these streams located in and around Emmitsburg in northern Frederick County. The results will be summarized in a State of the Watershed Report and used for planning and prioritizing restoration activities. The plan should be available in December of 2008 and will be made available online. 

Funding and in-kind services for this project are being provided by the Chesapeake Bay Trust's Mini-Grants program, Mount St. Mary's University, the New Forest Society, and Frederick County Watershed Management Section.

For additional informaiton on this project, contact Jeffrey Simmons at simmons@msmary.edu.