Changes in development and building standards needed for health of Potomac River

The Potomac River’s health stands to suffer if the region does not change its development and building standards, according to the Potomac Conservancy. The conservancy’s sixth annual report found improvements to the river since the region has worked to reduce pollution at sources such as water treatment plants, but stormwater runoff stands to undo those gains. The conservancy urges Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia to get new development and redevelopment to cut back on nonporous pavement. Local planning and zoning that addresses the building practices and regulations that can prevent runoff are critical, the report says.