Lawmakers Announce Progress on Mallows Bay

The nomination process for the designation of Mallows Bay as a National Marine Sanctuary has moved a little more forward, according to a statement released by Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D- Md., 5th) and Maryland’s US Sens. Ben Cardin (D)  and Chris Van Hollen (D).

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has announced the release of a proposed rule and draft environmental impact statement on the coming designation, fulfilling another step in the process.

“Today, NOAA announced a proposed rule and draft environmental impact statement for the proposed Mallows Bay National Marine Sanctuary,” the lawmakers said in their joint statement. “We are encouraged that the nomination process continues to move forward.”

In the coming months, federal and state officials will be holding a series of public meetings and members of the community, leaders, and business owners are encouraged to attend. “We will be working with NOAA to make sure the public fully understands the need for and impact on the ground of this designation and has their questions addressed,” the lawmakers said in their statement.

Mallows Bay, located in Charles County on the Potomac River, was nominated in September 2014 for the designation with wide support from the community. NOAA will accept written public comment on this proposal from now until March 31, 2017, and will hold public meetings to collect comments and provide more information on March 7 in La Plata, Maryland, and on March 9 in Arnold, Maryland.

The site is the home of the Ghost Ships of Mallows Bay, a number of wooden Navy ships that were purposely sunk in the waters of the Potomac when they were no longer useful. NOAA has more information about the location and the upcoming meetings on its website.

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