All,

Bill has explained the rules of access to Swan Creek well.  The rules are obviously there to maintain the facility's ability to operate safely, so cooperation is greatly appreciated.  MD Environmental Service, who operates the facility for the MD Port Administration have been incredibly gracious and helpful to myself, Sue Ricciardi and many other birders, so they deserve a lot of credit.  They run a top-notch facility and they are understandibly proud of it.  

The dredge cells are probably best observed from the area behind the office, as Bill stated.  With a scope you can see the cell basin very well.  

Beyond rules and regulations lies the issue of prudence among birders.  Most of a place like Swan Creek is able to be seen safely when one goes about the business of birding in a prudent and practical way.  

For example, when you are driving to Swan Creek, you come up Kembo Road. Kembo Road's pond areas are owned by CSX and not the MD Port Admin, so you run a very real risk of getting into trouble back there.  If someone gets hurt back there, who knows what could happen. So, when you bird Kembo, just stay on the shoulder of the road.  

Thanks to Stan and Bill for their postings.

Matt Grey
Pasadenali