Restoration Spotlight- Southdown Shores

After heavy rain events, the residents of Southdown Shores in Edgewater were noticing something troubling. At their community property, a visible plume of sediment would spill into Beards Creek, clouding the water and signaling an opportunity for restoration.

For the community, that concern sparked action!

Arundel Rivers, in partnership with the Southdown Shores community, investigated the issue and uncovered that the source was a failing stormwater pipe. Designed to carry runoff safely to the creek, the pipe had begun to deteriorate, pouring sediment into the water and even causing sinkholes in the ground above it. What was once stormwater infrastructure had become a pollution source and a safety risk. 

Instead of replacing the failing pipe, Arundel Rivers and the community took the opportunity to transform this failing pipe into a more nature focused solution.

Construction is underway to “daylight” the pipe, removing the damaged stormwater pipe entirely and, in its place, constructing a series of step pools that mimic a natural stream system.

As stormwater flows downhill, it will move slowly from pool to pool. Along the way, sediment will settle out, pollutants will be filtered and the water will cool before reaching Beards Creek and the South River. So, what was once a direct pipeline for pollution will become a living system that cleans water naturally.

The step pools being created won’t just treat the stormwater, it will also create habitat! This project will transform a stretch of mowed lawn into a thriving corridor for wildlife. Native plants will be planted throughout the step pool system, bringing color, biodiversity, and ecological function back to the landscape. Frogs, birds, and pollinators will find new homes in and around the pools, while native plantings will provide food and shelter for many species of native wildlife throughout the seasons. 

This project delivers measurable improvements for water quality and community resilience. Once completed, around late May, this project will stop an estimated 40 lbs of nitrogen, 7lbs of phosphorus, and 10 tons of sediment from entering Beards Creek and the South River. Want to learn more about how these excess nutrients impact our waterways? Join us for our River Report Card presentation and debut on May 14th at 5:30pm! 

These efforts are a great example of what happens when a community pays attention, speaks up, and partners for solutions. Southdown Shores residents saw a problem, and together we’re turning it into a long-term investment in cleaner water, safer infrastructure, and nature based solutions.