Published March 21, 2008, The Capital, Arundel Report
EDITOR'S NOTE: Sources Say is a behind-the-scenes look at local newsmakers and events. If you have information to share, call 410-280-5912 or e-mail: capstaff@capitalgazette.com.
For years, environmentalists have tapped a constant drumbeat to politicians: fund major fixes to handle stormwater flowing into the Chesapeake Bay. On St. Patrick's day this week, that drumbeat gave way to a limerick, courtesy of Chris Trumbauer of the South River Federation.
In one of the most amusing testimonies given to the County Council this year, Mr. Trumbauer read his limerick aloud Monday night, earning smiles and then outright giggles when he managed to use the word 'poo' during a public meeting.
Whether his bouncing prose inspired our leaders to tax each resident to combat the array of environmental problems caused by uncontrolled storm water remains to be seen.
But here is his tale, just as he penned it:
"The South River in Anne Arundel County
was once full of nature's bounty,
With oysters and grasses,
And enough fish for the masses.
But now it is murky and cloudy
Years ago saw the creation
Of the South River Federation.
Volunteers and staff
Working on the River's behalf,
We aspire to be its salvation
This year we gave the River a Score.
Out of 100 it was only 34.
We graded ten criteria
From nutrients to bacteria
And most of them ranked very poor
The data in the Scorecard is real,
And we've analyzed it a great deal.
Southriverfederation.net
Is where you can get
All the data and methods revealed
Impervious surface is a major foe
As the county continues to grow.
More pavement and rooftop -
When will it stop?
There's nowhere for rainfall to go!
So the question is what can we do,
To keep our river from looking like stew?
If we really care
We must all do our share,
Including picking up dog poo
So to the honorable Council we say
We must fix this without delay.
Do what you ought'ta,
Let's fix the stormwater
And pass a dedicated fund right away!"
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Well said, Chris!
For more on the stormwater issue, please see this page.
