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Choptank River: 2009
Poor ecosystem health. Overall health improved slightly, but is still poor. Improvements in water clarity, and benthic and phytoplankton community conditions. |
The Eco Check Report Card gives the Choptank River the grade of D for the year 2009.
The rating has improved from 28% in 2008 to 34% in 2009. Water Quality indicators recieved a C rating (43%) while Biotic Indicators recieved an F rating (12%).
The Choptank River has been listed by the State as impaired by sediments, impaired by nutrients, and impaired by fecal coliform in the tidal portions of the river. TMDL reports indicate that livestock is the main source of fecal coliform bacteria. Nutrients from wastewater treatment plants in Trappe and Oxford are contributing to low oxygen levels in river segments downstream from these facilities.
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