$4.1 Million Settlement Reached Over Gunpowder River Pollution from Housing Development

A substantial $4.1 million settlement has been reached between Maryland officials and the developers of the Ridgely’s Reserve housing development to address significant water pollution that impacted the Gunpowder River. The agreement, announced by Attorney General Anthony G. Brown and Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) Secretary Serena McIlwain, aims to hold the responsible parties accountable and fund community-led efforts to remediate environmental damage.

The settlement resolves a lawsuit filed against D.R. Horton, Inc., Forestar (USA) Real Estate Group Inc., and Kinsley Construction, LLC. These entities faced allegations of allowing muddy construction runoff from their 121-acre development and associated sewer line project in Joppa, Harford County, to enter local waterways. The Maryland Attorney General’s office and the MDE initiated action following complaints from citizens and the Gunpowder Riverkeeper regarding sediment-laden water downstream from the construction site. The MDE had filed a lawsuit in September 2024, asserting that these unpermitted discharges of sediment into Foster Branch and the Gunpowder River caused detrimental effects on water quality, marine life, underwater grasses, and the physical topography of the river and its tributaries.

The financial resolution includes a $2 million civil penalty, which signifies a penalty for the environmental violations. Additionally, $2.1 million will be allocated to community-driven remediation projects. These funds are intended to improve water quality and restore aquatic habitats within the Foster Branch and Gunpowder River drainage basins. This will include a competitive grant process for non-profit organizations, community associations, and local governments to propose and implement projects focused on ecological restoration and water quality enhancement in the affected watersheds. The Gunpowder Riverkeeper, which had intervened as a co-plaintiff in the original lawsuit, is also a party to this settlement.

The investigation into the construction site began in 2022 after widespread concerns were raised about the environmental impact of the development’s operations. The settlement mandates that the involved companies implement enhanced measures to prevent future pollution and ensure compliance with state environmental laws. This action underscores the state’s commitment to protecting its natural resources and holding those responsible for environmental degradation accountable. Residents in the affected areas, particularly those who rely on the Gunpowder River for recreation or ecological well-being, can expect to see investments aimed at improving the health of these vital waterways.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland Attorney General’s Office and the Maryland Department of the Environment.

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