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Beach Management Corporationof Golden Beach

P.O. Box 142Charlotte Hall, Maryland 20622

March 12, 2002

Claims DepartmentPotomac Electric Power Company1900 Pennsylvania Avenue, NWWashington, DC 20068

To Whom it May Concern

BEMANCO submits this letter to request a status update to our claim number 150 givenus regarding the Chalk Point oil spill of7 April 2000. Mr. James Harris had previouslyrepresented us in the past but he is no longer a director of BEMAN CO. I am Earl Sage,the current President of BEMAN CO.

There was unusually rapid and significant erosion damage to BEMANCO communityproperty at Long Point after the oil spill and resultant clean up operations. A significantsection of marsh and shoreline located on the NW side of a recently installed revetmentwas washed away. We believe the oil spill and resultant cleanup operations caused amuch more rapid rate of erosion than is normal for that area. It did significant damage toMr. Glenn Elrod's adjoining property as well as ours.

On or about 7 June 2001 BEMANCO (James Harris and Earl Sage) and adjacent propertyowner (Glenn Elrod) met with PEPCO (Don Collison, Gary Beeson, and others) toreview the damages. PEPCO officials agreed to take action to remedy the erosion and getback with both BEMANCO and Mr. Elrod.

BEMANCO believes that fair compensation would be restoration of the area back to itsoriginal state before the oil spill. If that is environmentally forbidden by law, then anadequate extension to our existing revetment would be required. Its design would have tobe such that it would prevent future erosion from cutting through behind the existingrevetment and forming an inaccessible island to what is now the community's favoritefishing site.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at 301-274-3266.

Sincerely,

/'cLd/ ~.1Earl Sage, President

Beach Management Corporationof Golden Beach

P.O. Box 142Charlotte Hall, Maryland 20622

May 14, 2002

Mr. Jim HoffNOAA Damage Assessment Center1305 East-West Highway, Bldg. 4Silver Spring, Md. 22044

Dear Mr. Hoff:

In response to your request for input on the proposed Restoration Program, I amsubmitting this request to restore Long Point to its original state prior to the oil spill of7 April 2000.

Enclosed is a copy of our letter of 12 March 2002 to PEPCO detailing the loss to theLong Point area and our expectations of the restoration efforts. My understanding is thatthe federal Oil Pollution Act of 1990 mandates that this injured natural resource bereturned to pre-spill conditions.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at 301-274-3266

Earl Sage, President

BOARD OF

ST. MARY'S COUNTY COMMISSIONERSP. O. BOX 653 .GOVERNMENTAL CENTER. LEONARDTOWN, MARYLAND 20650

(301) 475-4461

May 28, 2002

Mr. Jim HoffNOAA Damage Assessment Center1305 East-West Highway, Bldg. 4Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

Dear Mr. Hoff:

The Broad of County Commissioners for St. Mary's County ar~ very appreciative of the Trusteesefforts to plan for the restoration of the Patuxent River following the oil spill in April of 2000. We thankthe Trustees for their obvious hard work and collaborative effort that was called for from the fourdepartments of government.

Commissioner Guazzo attended your briefing to the Patuxent River Commission on May 8 andJohn Norris, the County Attorney, attended the public hearing for the Draft Restoration Plan on May 15.Commissioner Guazzo briefed the other Commissioners at their meeting May 21. The Commissionerswould have preferred that the citizens of the affected counties had more time than one week to study andprepare comments for the public hearing.

At this time, the Commissioners are generally supportive of the draft plan as presented.However, we are very interested in the citizens' input on the draft Restoration Plan. In order to be keptinformed we respectfully request copies of the written comments as the Trustees receive them during the60-day comment period that is effective until July 8, 2002. We thank you in advance and trust that youwill be able to comply with our request.

Sincerely,BOARD OF COUNTY OMMISSIONERSST. COUNT",MARYLAND

1\ 17

, President

BOCC/JAS:jas

T: / AII/Consent/4203

JULIE B. RANDALL, President. JOSEPH F. ANDERSON. SHELBY P. GUAZZO .THOMAS A. MATTINGLY, SR. .DANIEL H. RALEY

blankinship commentssubject: Comments on chalk point/swanson Creek oil spillDate: Tue, 28 May 2002 17:46:05 EDTFrom: <Blankibr@aol.com>To: James.Hoff@noaa.govCC: Blankibr@aol.com

Mr. Hoff,

I consider myself an aggrieved party because the damage precluded me fromtaking pleasure in kayaking that portion of the patuxent River.

Each year I volunteer to take a group of kids from a local camp on anovernight kayaking trip on the patuxent. It would be a wonderful remedy ifthe agencies involved decided to build some car-top boat access sites,preferably on both sides of the river.

while I would also love to see primitive camping sites (say a flat piece ofground and a porta-potties and possibly a water source) I would be happywitha place we could legally park vehicles, carry boats to the water and eitherhave a beach, a ramp or simply a floating dock to launch from.

I request access to both sides of the river so paddlers can come from eitherAnne Arundel/calvert County or prince Georges/Charles county and enjoy theriver.

Thank you for your consideration,

Brian BlankinshipWest River, Maryland 20778-2101

page 1

CALVERT COUNTYBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Courthouse, 175 Main StreetPrince Frederick, Maryland 20678

Phone: (410) 535-1600 .(301) 855-1243

June 4, 2002

Board ofComm;ss;onersDavid F. HaleLinda L. KelleyJohn Douglas ParranBarbara A. StinnettRobert L. Swann

Ms. Cecelia Petro, DirectorInfonnation Resource CenterMaryland Department of Natural Resources580 Taylor Ave., B-3Annapolis, MD 21401

Dear Ms. Petro:

We have reviewed the Restoration Plan And Environmental Assessment For TheApril 7, 2000, Oil Spill At Chalk Point and are taking advantage of the public responseperiod to submit our comments on the proposed projects related to lost recreational use.The oil spill was a traumatic event.for those who live, recreate and work on the PatuxentRiver.

The Hallowing Point Boat Ramp, one of Calvert County's busiest boat ramps,served as the staging area for the clean-up effort, resulting in the loss of that facility's usefor its intended purpose for an entire season. The allocation of $453,500 for the loss ofrecreational use seems paltry compared to the cost of the clean-up and the loss to thosewhose livelihood is associated with the river. Our major concern is that of the fundsallocated for the recreational use projects, only 10% were proposed for projects in CalvertCounty. Again, given the high impact to the Calvert County shoreline and loss of the useof Hallowing Point Boat Ramp, this hardly seems equitable.

We are satisfied that the trustees placed the projects at King's Landing Park ontheir list of "preferted" projects to be funded. It is unfortunate, however, that th.e twoprojects proposed at Jefferson Patterson Park are listed as "non-preferred." Weparticularly question your rationale for not granting more consideration for the proposedBoardwalk and Foot Trail at this location. This project appears to be similar to the one atKings Landing Park and would complement our countywide goal to provide publicaccess to the water. We urge you to reconsider this decision.

Finally, we respectfully request that you consider another project in CalvertCounty. There is a small site known as Nans Cove at Broomes Island that we own andhave made improvements to, with support from the Department of Natural Resources.We believe that this location would make an excellent site to create access for canoe andkayak launching, which would appear to meet your criteria. An initial estimate for this

project'is $35,000.

Maryland Relay for Impaired Hearing or Speech 1-800-735-2258

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Ms. Cecelia PetroJune 4, 2002Page Two

We applaud the efforts of PEP CO and the Natural Resource Trustee Agencies torestore both the natural habitats and recreational use lost during this tragic event and lookforward to your timely response.

Very truly yours,

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERSOF CALVERT--

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crabill commentssubject: Comment on Restoration plan for Chalk PointDate:

wed, 29 May 2002 00:16:56 -0400From: <tcrabil13@netzero.net>To: James.Hoff@noaa.gov

Dear sir:when approving the restoration plan for Chalk point, please do not forgetto provide for the needs of kayakers and canoe owners. unlike powerboaters, we pose no threat to the environment, and we do not create noisethat ruins the natural setting for others.

I therefore request car top access for manually powered watercraft

Thank you,Thomas crabill

page 1

davis commentsSubject: Kayak/canoe facilities desiredDate:

Mon, 03 Jun 2002 11:45:34 +0000From: "SHONDA DAVIS" <shondLdavis@hotmail.com>To: James.Hoff@noaa.gov

Dear Mr. Hoff:

I've been following the news about the Chalk Point settlement and as an avidkayaker who enjoys paddling the waters in the area, want to express mysupport for the creation of canoe/kayak facilities on the patuxent River aspart of the chalk Point settlement project.

Best wishes.

shonda DavisAlexandria, VA

chat with friends onllne, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com

page 1

edmondson commentssubject: comment on Restoration planDate: Tue, 28 May 2002 15:00:43 -0400From: "Edmondson, Stephen" <sEdmondson@vts.edu>To: "'james.hoff@noaa.gov'" <james.hoff@noaa.gov>

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on your plan. Two brief thoughts:

1. The desi~nated locations for kayak and canoe camping--assuming that theyare approprlately spaced to leave room for a good days paddle betweenthem--are exciting and I would encourage them.

2.) as a kayaker, I would encourage the plan to consider making the river aswelcoming as possible for car top access for manually powered watercraft--acommitment that would, I believe, have little environmental impact andlittle cost.

Thank you,stephen Edmondson,Alexandria, virginia.

page 1

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1917 Chapparrall Court

Crownsville, MD 21032

June 2, 2002

Mr Jim HoffNOM Damage Assessment Center1305 East-West Highway, Bldg 4Silver S~[i.~g, MD 20910

Dear Mr. Hoff,

I am writing to express my support for the creation of canoe/kayak facilities on the PatuxentRiver as part of the Chalk J:>oint Settlement. I refer specifically to the two proposed

Kayak/Canoe Paddle-In Campsites (one near Golden Beach, the other at Milltown Landings),and the creation of a disat>led-accessible kayak/canoe landing at Greenwell State Park.

No doubt you are aware th,at access to the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries is quite limitedfor kayakers and canoeists. There are many rivers and creeks which are simply too far awayfrom any available facilities for a human powered craft to reach, and it is worthy of a reminderthat the paddler leaves the waterway unpolluted by noise, oil or exhaust fumes.

At eighty-one years of age, and a frequent paddler, I shall welcome all the help I can get inenjoying my favorite pastime.

Sincerely, 11 / A

~~ /...If1<A.£-:Jf:Spencer Gulick

R. Michael LaBelle7213ZBurtonwood DrAlexandria V A 22307

Jim HoffNOAA Damage Assessment Center1305 East-West Highway

Bldg4,Silver Spring, MD 20910

I am writing in support of the proposal to include canoe/kayak campsites on the PatuxentRiver as part of the oil spill settlement.

S~ely,/' G ;p;;z. ~-~~" R. Michael LaBelle

P. O. Box 2084Lusby, Maryland 20657May 11, 2002

Mr. Jim HoffNOAA Damage Assessment Center1305 East-West Highway, Bldg. 4Silver Spring, Maryland 22044

Dear Mr. Hoff,

I have read with great interest the PEPCO report on theOil Spill preparatory to a meeting May 15, 2002. I regret dueto conflicts I will not be able to attend that meeting.

Thus, my questions: 1) Over the next thirty years, whatis the likelihood of another such spill occuring? and 2) Whyis natural gas not a clear-cut option being planned for toprotect our Patuxent River and all its precious sea life andgrasses?

Natural Gas from the Cove Point facility is a clear-cutsolution to the long term operation of that PEPCO plant!! Whyis not NOAA pressing for that conversion?~s sincerely,

~~~~:.(2 ~ ~?~~~~~Cu ver S. LadWb.

Subject: Patuxent River Restoration Plan Comments Date: Mon, 3 Jun 2002 10:54:53 -0400 From: "Debbie Nisson" <dnisson@ultrallc.com> To: <James.Hoff@noaa.gov> Mr. Hoff Please accept this email as my support of the increased recreational opportunities on the Patuxent River, particularly those items relating to kayak access. While the oil spill was devastating, recent studies have shown that even worse for the environment are the effects of motorboat usage. The efforts to encourage non-motorized sport should be wholeheartedly supported by all who appreciate and enjoy the beauty of the Patuxent River. I am a resident of Calvert County and my family and I kayak on the Patuxent River often. Thank you. Deborah C. Nisson 114 Delores Drive Owings, MD 20736

2 June 2002

Mr. Jim HoffNOAA Damage Assessment Center1305 East-West Highway, Bldg. 4Silver Spring, MD 20910

Subject: Comments on Chalk River Draft RP/EA

Mr. Hoff:

Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on the Chalk Point oil spill settlement

I primarily want to voice my support for the addition/improvement of kayak/canoe facilities onthe Patuxent River. In particular I'm very excited about the prospect of paddle-in campsites,which would provide excellent opportunities for the enjoyment and study of the Patuxent River,with very little visual, audible or other pollution.

Thanks again for taking the time to solicit opinions

Don Polakovics43971 White Cedar LaneCalifornia, MD 20619Doooobrd@erols.com

Ohio University Department of Biological Sciences

Ohio University Athens, Ohio 45701

Phone: 301 - 884 7467 Email: roosenbu@ohio.edu Dr. James Hoff NOAA Damabe Assement Center 1305 East-West Highway Bldg 4 Silver Spring MD 20910 Dr. Beth McGee U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 177 Admiral Cochrane Drive Annapolis MD 21401 Ms. Carolyn V. Watson Maryland Department of Natural resources Tawes State Office Building 580 Taylor Avenue C4 Annapolis, MD 21401 Dr. Bob Summers Maryland Department of the Environment 2500 Broening Hwy Baltimore, MD 21224 24 May 2002 Dear Trustees of the Patuxent River Oil Spill, I read with great pleasure that progress is being made in the oil spill restoration plans of the Patuxent River and that diamondback terrapins are to be affected by these plans. I would like to take this opportunity to make the following comments concerning the Preferred Restoration Project along the shoreline of the Patuxent River starting at the mouth of Washington Creek extending northeast to the point. It is my professional opinion that the project, while well intended, can be improved. I believe there are better sites or considerable modification of design and implementation will be required. I cite the following reasons and provide some suggestions. 1) The prevailing summer high winds in the Patuxent come from the southeast and because the proposed beach faces to the southeast it will be subject to extensive erosion. As a consequence, the two proposed bulkheads as identified on the map of the Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment, section 5.3.2.1 page 41, will have little if any affect in reducing the erosion. A bulkhead / breakwater system

similar to what has been constructed at Jefferson Patterson Park (JPP) is required to reduce the erosion causing wave action coming from the southeast,. It is my understanding that beaches that are at 0o - 45o angles to the prevailing winds are the ones best suited to a breakwater system similar to what has been built at JPP. This design allows for open areas in the breakwater that would provide the visual cue that will allow terrapins to locate nesting habitat 2) The success of the project is based on the assumption that terrapins will increase the use of this nesting habitat over that of other less suitable nesting beaches. First, terrapins show site fidelity to nesting areas. Because the preferred site is a low density nesting area, the number of females nesting there may remain low relative to other beaches where terrapins nest. Second, those terrapins that nest on the modify beach would have been nesting in other habitats in the area. Thus there is no net gain of terrapins in the area, only a shift of their nesting activity. If the project meets the suggested goal of increasing nesting density, then increased predation of nests also may offset any gains in nesting activity. 3) The soil used for the project will come from an agricultural field lying along the shore of Washington Creek. This concerns me for two reasons. Terrapins develop best in substrates with high sand content (sandy to sandy loam soils), and although I have not been to look at the proposed soil source I would assume that there is a high amount of organic material in the soil. Increasing organic matter changes the hydrodynamics of the nesting environment and increases the likelihood of fungal contamination of the eggs. Second, this land has been farmed by primarily no-till practices that depend heavily herbicides and pesticides. Many of these compounds are known endocrine disrupters with the potential to reverse sex during the temperate-dependent sex-determining stage of incubation and thereby reducing hatchling fitness. I would like to suggest the soil be tested for possible endocrine disrupting agents and, if positive, that clean sand be used to augment beach structure. . 4) The proposal includes transplanting hatchlings with the hope that they will imprint on the new beach. First this is a tremendous amount of work without using some protective measure to prevent the depredation of the transplanted nests. Second, although imprinting of turtles to nesting beaches is based on research of sea turtles, it has never been demonstrated in any other species of turtles and is questionable in terrapins. 5) Finally, it is true that the shoreline suggested in the proposal is eroding, nonetheless it is intact dynamic shoreline habitat and is unmodified, naturally occurring terrapin nesting habitat. There are other sites where the shoreline has been modified and nesting habitat has been destroyed or lost. I would like to suggest two alternative sites where terrapin nesting habitat has actually been destroyed by shoreline hardening and erosion control. The first site is the beach suggested in my original proposal at the southern mouth of Persimmon Creek. This beach has been modified with a stone revetment that either forces terrapins to nest below mean highwater or if they manage to traverse rocks, they nest in grassy field beyond the beach. This beach faces at a 0o to the southeast and is sheltered from northeast winds. Additionally, just yesterday we were excavating a terrapin nest and encountered oil remaining from the spill surrounding the nest. This beach received more oil than the Preferred Site and terrapin nests there are still exposed to oil. A second possible site is the northern entrance at the mouth of Buzzard’s Island Creek. This was a high density nesting area, however in recent years the use of rock jetties and shoreline hardening along with planting of beach grasses have

reduced the nesting density at this site. This site is not as well sheltered from the prevailing winds, however the previously high nesting density at this site would make it a good site to restore. I would be happy to help the trustees or other persons involved to develop a sound and productive (from the terrapin’s perspective) project. Please feel free to contact me. Sincerely, Willem M. Roosenburg Associate Professor

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