Stay Out of Cabin John Creek

Yesterday a bright orange sign appeared down by Cabin John Creek near Elwood Smith Park. I didn’t pay attention to it. When my boys saw the sign they insisted we stop and read every word. Good thing too, everyone needs to keep out of the Creek. If you see these signs, don’t be like me! Stop and read them!

Here’s the advisory from the City:

A sanitary sewer backup has caused sewage to flow into a storm drain leading to Cabin John Creek. It is believed that most if not all of the sewage will be contained by the stormwater management pond just north of Elwood Smith Park near the Richard Montgomery High School. However, warning signs have been placed downstream of the pond in Elwood Smith Park advising people and pets to stay out of the stream for 72 hours as a precaution.

The bacteria found in sewage do not typically survive in the environment for more than a couple of days; therefore, it is anticipated that the creek will be clear by Monday, July 14th.

My only concern is that the kids enter the stream through little paths cut through the weeds and many people in our neighborhood don’t read English or Spanish, so they might not be aware. Hopefully the pond will do its job.

While looking for the environmental advisory, I discovered some excellent information on the greening of Rockville - A Guide to Sustainability. It’s worth a look.