Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for Developers
The Special Protection Area (SPA) program requires that developers (of new construction) work closely with the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS), the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) from the onset of the regulatory review process to minimize impacts on stream conditions in the SPA and ensure the continued high quality of the County's environmental resources.
Performance Goals for Site Development Within SPAs
SPA permitting requirements guide the development of concept plans for site imperviousness, site layout, environmental buffers, forest conservation, sediment and erosion control, and stormwater management. The performance goals include:
- Stream/aquatic life habitat protection
- Maintaining stream base flow
- Protecting seeps, springs, and wetlands
- Maintaining natural on-site stream channels
- Minimizing storm flow runoff increases
- Identifying and protecting stream banks prone to erosion and slumping
- Minimizing increases in ambient water temperature
- Minimizing sediment loading into streams
- Minimizing nutrient loadings into streams
- Controlling insecticides, pesticides, and toxic substances.
Developers within SPAs must achieve certain goals through the site plan design process and accompanying permitting requirements for sediment, erosion, and stormwater management controls. The development process requires close coordination between the urban development project's design team and the County's environmental, regulatory, and planning agencies.
Annual Reports and Data
Annual reports and data are to be submitted to the developer/client, DEP, and the Department of Permitting Services (DPS). Questions on reporting requirements and data submissions can be directed to the Watershed Management Division by dialing 240-777-0311 or 3-1-1, or by emailing DEP