Spa Creek was once known as Carroll's Creek, in reference to Charles Carroll, a signer of the Declaration of Independence who lived along the creek. The creek was also known as Todd's Creek and Acton's Creek, named after Thomas Todd and Richard Acton, respectively, who were amongst the first settlers in Annapolis. In 1904, the United States Board on Geographic Names made the name Spa Creek official for usage in federal publications. The current name purportedly originates “from the fact that an old pork barrel was placed in a spring on Primrose farm, and the deluded public, tasting the essence of the meat, concluded that the spring had medicinal qualities in it, and called the fountain Spa Spring. Hence, the name of the creek.” ('Maryland - The Pioneer of Religious Liberty: The Only Catholic Colony of the Thirteen and the First to Establish Civil and Religious Freedom' By Elihu Samuel Riley, 1917)
You read that right. Annapolis' premier creek is named in honor of BACON.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Impervious surfaces, including asphalt roads, concrete sidewalks and rooftops, impede the infiltration of water into the soil.
The construction of impervious surfaces increases the amount of surface stormwater runoff and decreases the rate of stormwater infiltration that is available for ground water recharge. This can cause depletion of ground water resources and increased downstream flooding of property, streams and rivers. Impervious surfaces also promote non-point source pollution which is transported directly to storm drains that empty to our local water bodies. Non-point source pollution includes trash, pet waste, vehicle fluids, road grit, sediment, fertilizers and pesticides.
The surrounding area is zoned 'Light Industrial' by the City of Annapolis and is almost 100% impervious. It was developed back when the term 'Stormwater Management' simply meant to dispose of it. Extensive networks of drains and pipes were constructed which efficiently whisk away large volumes of stormwater to destinations unknown and seldom contemplated.
Storm drain network - top of Spa Creek at lower left.
Various studies from around the country show that stream ecosystems and water quality degrade as the area of impervious surface increases. Significant impairment to streams often occurs when more than 10 percent of the land within a watershed is covered with impervious surface. When these levels exceed 25 percent, most watersheds experience severe ecosystem and water quality impairment.
Congrats to Fossil Fae and marylandramblers on FTF