News Briefs: Environment Officials Warn Maryland's Back River Is Unsafe for Human Contact

Due to contaminants in Back River that can cause illness, the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Maryland Department of Health recently issued recommendations that citizens avoid contact with Back River water, advising against drinking, swimming or wading in the water. The departments also advised that people wash themselves with soap and water after coming into contact with the river’s water.The advisory was issued in consultation with the Baltimore County Department of Health and Baltimore City. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.“The health advisory is a necessary and protective step in our broader effort to stabilize the