Waterkeepers throughout Maryland have filed a nearly 60-page petition with the EPA. The petition asks the EPA to withdraw Maryland’s ability to administer the Clean Water Act and, instead, take over administration. Maryland. Riverkeepers, including the Chester River Association, believe Maryland has failed in its effort to keep pollution down and chronic offenders away from Maryland waterways. The organization is asking the EPA to impose mandatory minimum penalties and to be more aggressive in making MDE accountable for pollution and violators.