By Greg Ellison

(Nov. 5, 2020) The Ocean Pines Environment and Natural Assets Committee reviewed annual report details during its meeting last Wednesday, and slipped in under the deadline wire.

Committee member Marty Clarke said the group went on to vet the annual report just prior to the Oct. 31 deadline.

The review document highlights an array of limitations imposed during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

“We talk about suffering from covid-19 restrictions,” he said. “Bay Day was cancelled and we were unable to conduct regular meetings.”

Clarke said despite 2020 presenting many challenges, the committee managed to hit a few marks.

“In spite of that we still got a mailbox pavilion plan before the board,” he said. “We also saw Ocean Pines apply for and get awarded a state grant for maintaining and improving the community drainage program.”

After achieving initial progress in 2019, this year Director of Amenities and Operational Logistics Colby Phillips and Director of Public Works Eddie Wells revived the mailbox project, which is included among a number of long-range priorities General Manager John Viola and team members are considering.

Clarke said the committee also issued recommendations for 2021, including continuing to work in conjunction with the Maryland Coastal Bays Program and Assateague Coastal Trust on conservation projects and improving water quality in the St. Martin River.

“Work in conjunction with MCBP and ACT (Assateague Coastal Trust) to host the very best Bay Days ever in the coming year,” he said. “Continuing to work on the increased involvement with MCBP and ACT with their directives outlined in board resolution C-10 in the best interest of OP membership.”

Clarke also noted Environment and Natural Assets Committee Chairman Ken Wolf is focused on obtaining a stronger understanding of potential options for reducing water pollution in the St. Martin River stemming from effluent discharge form the Ocean Pines Waste Water Treatment Plant.