County news

Friday, May 30, 2008

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today, Friday, May 30, NuStar is hosting an open house at its oil terminal facility in Piney Point. There, operations will be explained and their role in safety, environment and community programs. The public should park at the Valley Lee firehouse and bus tours will depart and return every 30 minutes. Refreshments will be served. Call the community call line at 301-994-1200.

Meeting for waterfront owners set

Starting July 1, several new regulations go into effect concerning the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area, areas within 1,000 feet of tidal waters. The regulations will be explained at a forum on Tuesday, June 10, at the College of Southern Maryland, Leonardtown campus, Building A, at 7 p.m.

To prevent houses from being built near the water, the updated law will require a 200-foot setback for all new subdivisions in the Resource Conservation Area. The legislation requires builders and home improvement contractors to comply with the critical area law, and imposes stiff penalties for violations of the law. Anyone who builds an illegal structure or illegally clears in the critical area will be responsible for restoration or fines.

Call the St. Mary’s County Department of Land Use and Growth Management at 301-475-4200, ext. 1500, for more information.