FAQ's
| Question |
Answer |
| How can I help? |
Become a member. The BHWA is a membership based organization that offers those interested in the beautification of the Baltimore Harbor, a place to learn and make a difference. |
| What are the responsibilities of membership? |
Our member's efforts range from a simple annual contribution, attending our monthly meetings, volunteering time on a committee or project, to serving on the board. There's plenty of ways to stay involved. |
| When was the BHWA founded? |
In late 2002, with the assistance of State Delegate Peter Hammen, the BHWA was started by a group of concerned Canton residents and businesses, who were disgusted with the condition of the Harbor. More. |
Health FAQ's
| Question |
Answer |
| How healthy and safe is the Baltimore Harbor? |
To better understand this question, it is important to point out that there is a) Health of the Chesapeake Bay, that includes the Patapsco River that feeds the Inner Harbor, and b) Health of the Public that comes into contact with the Baltimore Harbor. |
| What do we know about the health of the Bay? |
Based on a recent report, the Chesapeake Bay received a health grade of D+, with the Patapsco River and other Baltimore tributaries receiving an F (see home page article). The Chesapeake Bay Foundation monitors various indicators in compliance with the Clean Water Act. It recently concluded that the Bay is so polluted that over 30% represents "dead zone". This means little to zero oxygen content that results in almost no marine life. The Baltimore Harbor is part of the dead zone. |
| What do we know about health affects on humans who come into contact with the Inner Harbor? |
The Harbor is not swimmable or fishable, and you certainly wouldn't drink from it. Fish are contaminated with mercury and advisory warnings from the Maryland Department of the Environment are posted throughout the Harbor. Contact with marine life may bring about infection from pathogenic organisms found on the "slime" of the fish. Washing hands after contact with harbor water and before contact with food can help prevent infection.
It has been proposed that we start monitoring Public Health Indicators, very similar to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's State of the Bay Report. To do so, we will need more research to help in developing better indicators that measure the risks to human health. |
Baltimore Harbor Watershed Association
2700 Lighthouse Point East 501
Baltimore, MD 21224
Ph: 410-563-7300
Fx: 410-563-4330 |
