Groups seek review of MoCo stormwater permit

Environmentalists are asking for a court review of Montgomery County’s stormwater discharge permit, saying it doesn’t limit how much pollution can wash into the Potomac and other waterways.

They say the permit issued by the Department of the Environment lacks enforceable limits and deadlines required under the federal Clean Water Act.

The petition was filed Wednesday in Montgomery County Circuit Court by the Potomac Riverkeeper, Anacostia Riverkeeper, Waterkeeper Alliance, Friends of the Earth, and two individuals represented by the law firm Earthjustice.

MDE says it hasn’t seen the filing, but the permit is one of the nation’s most progressive and hopes court action won’t delay efforts to reduce stormwater pollution or restore the bay.

-- Associated Press